JENNIFER GUNDERMAN, OTR/L-CHT, COMT-UL
Summary
Experienced licensed Occupational Therapist/Certified Hand Therapist with strong interpersonal and communication skills. Extensive background in diverse practice settings, including pediatric, adolescent, adult, and geriatric clients. Committed to delivering specialized quality patient care as part of a collaborative team. Dedicated to achieving excellent post-rehabilitative outcomes for individuals seeking rehabilitation services.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Rock Steady Boxing Head Coach
YMCA Of The Chesapeake
01.2023 - Current
- Group fitness instructor for Rock Steady Boxing (RSB), a non-contact boxing based fitness program designed specifically for individuals who have been diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease (PD) and atypical PD diagnoses, including progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), multisystem atrophy (MSA), and dementia with lewey bodies (DLB).
- Coordinate scheduling for and perform comprehensive evaluations inclusive of standardized balance testing, and perform ongoing assessments of individual boxers following guidelines established by Rock Steady Boxing, Inc.
- lead 2 of 3 classes and assist other coaches in 60, and 75 minute classes offered bi-weekly for PD levels 1-4.
- Create challenging, and engaging class content designed to assist boxers with speed, agility, endurance, muscular strength, hand-eye coordination, and foot work, as well as activities to challenge cognition and promote vocal phonation to combat effects/symptoms of PD.
- Provide one to one and group instruction to participants and provide modifications for all levels of boxers in technical boxing skills, dynamic flexibility exercises, gross and fine motor exercises, exercises to challenge balance, cognitive dual tasking, and vocalization.
- Assist with equipments management and maintenance of boxing equipment to ensure a safe environment for boxers/staff/volunteers.
- Foster a energetic, positive team environment with clear communication and motivational techniques.
- Provide mentorship to junior coaches, and volunteers of RSB program to ensure competency, promote learning, and effective delivery of services.
- Assist with follow up communication with boxers prior to and outside of class to assist in improvement of class delivery.
OT Clinical Liaison
Ochsner Rehabilitation Hospital/Select Medical
06.2020 - 07.2021
- OT Clinical Liaison, OSR/Select Medical Corporation, a 56 bed acute care rehabilitation hospital.
- Worked in collaboration with physiatrists, advanced practice clinicians (APC), hospital physicians, admission coordinators, transitional navigators, staff nurse case managers, and therapists in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of patients for acute inpatient rehabilitation.
- Conducted thorough assessments of patients diagnoses, medical histories, prognoses, medications, lab values, providing meticulous documentation for preadmission screens (PAS), met with prospective patients and families educating them on rehabilitation processes for sub acute and acute care rehabilitation, obtained insurance verification/justification of post acute care rehabilitation.
- Facilitated seamless transitions of care for patients entering rehabilitation services, resulting in reduced anxiety and improved healing environment.
- Evaluated patient satisfaction and made suggestions for changes or improvements throughout preadmission process and post admission.
- Cultivated productive relationships with referral sources, leading to increased admissions for the facility.
- Met established monthly admission goals set by BDM.
Occupational Therapist/Certified Hand Therapist
Select Medical
02.2015 - 06.2020
- PRN Occupational Therapist/Certified Hand Therapist for Select Physical Therapy outpatient clinic, Slidell, LA while establishing satellite location.
- Established Occupational Therapy services and developed hand therapy program for Select Medical outpatient practice in Metairie, LA, increasing growth in services by 75% with in first year.
- Served as sole OT/CHT provider for pediatric through geriatric populations, evaluating, developing, and carrying out treatment plans for post operative and non operative care for patients with diagnoses that included, but were not limited to fractures of the upper extremity, flexor and extensor tendon injuries, crush injuries, CRPS, peripheral nerve injuries, amputations, arthritis/rheumatic disease management, Parkinson's disease.
- Provided interventions, performed specialized skills/treatments, and fabricated adaptive equipment to improve patient abilities to perform daily functional activities, manage symptoms and prevent injury.
- Specialized skills included, post-operative, post-injury orthopedic hand and upper extremity wound care, splinting, rheumatic splinting, sports bracing, Kinesio Taping, and IASTM
- Performed work conditioning, functional capacity evaluations, and ergonomic ergonomic car evaluations as a part of Select's WorkStrategies program aimed at work injury prevention and providing skilled therapeutic treatment for the the injured worker.
- Certified as a provider for LSVT BIG treatment, Handwriting Without Tears training, orthopedic manual therapy, and prosthetic I-limb training.
- Developed/fostered relationships with local area orthopedic hand surgeons, plastic surgeons, neurologists, rheumatologists, and occupational medicine physicians to further cultivate the occupational therapy practice for the Metairie clinic.
- Provided upper extremity continuing medical education seminars to workers compensation RN case managers, and adjusters on diagnoses, disease processes, and rehabilitative treatment associated with work related orthopedic, neurological injuries, cumulative trauma, multi trauma cases, and complex cases, including CRPS.
- Served as therapy representative for Select Medical outpatient clinic in sponsored community events for PD.
- Volunteered and participated in local area community events raising awareness and funding, including Louisiana Walks benefitting the Davis Phinney Foundation For Parkinson's; served as partner walker.
- Completed Orthopedic Manual Therapy Program through Select Medical's continuing education program for clinicians and received certification designation COMT-UE.
Occupational Therapist/Certified Hand Therapist
Hands ON OT
09.2012 - 09.2014
- Specializing in Rheumatic splinting/treatment using FCT and SRS, RSI, and pre/post-operative treatment/rehabilitation following orthopedic/neurological injuries.
Occupational Therapist/Certified Hand Therapist
Hand therapy Center of the South Bay
11.2009 - 09.2014
- Conducted comprehensive patient evaluations, devised appropriate and client centered treatment plans utilizing best evidenced based practice for post operative and non operative upper extremity conditions/injuries including, tendon injuries, nerve injuries, fractures, multi trauma, and cumulative trauma or RSI disorders.
- Performed ongoing clinical assessments, modified treatment, and treatment plans accordingly to meet ST/LT goals to promote restoration of function and promote greater independence for patients in all areas of ADLS/IADLS.
- Developed and cultivated occupational therapy/hand therapy programming and services for fast paced outpatient satellite clinic location in Manhattan Beach, CA and served as sole provider from 2010-2012.
- Consulted with onsite orthopedists to implement best methods to achieve therapy goals.
- Collaborated with onsite orthopedic hand surgeon in the development of medical staff education manual, and pre/post operative education materials for patients, and caregivers.
- Introduced FCT/FRC splinting to local Orthopedists/Rheumatologists and trained local therapists in FCT use for post-operative splinting, fracture bracing, cumulative trauma injuries, sport related injuries, and Rheumatic diseases/conditions.
- Assisted in coordination of Touch Bionics training sessions and became certified provider of I-limb Ultra Revolution and I-limb digits upper extremity prosthetic devices.
Occupational Therapist/Certified Hand Therapist
Park Sports Physical Therapy and Park Slope Occupational Therapy, PLLC
04.2008 - 09.2009
- Occupational Therapist/Certified Hand Therapist/Vice President/Partner of PLLC.
- Partnered with established Physical Therapy practice to establish Occupational Therapy services in the Brooklyn burrow.
- Developed new relationships with Brooklyn area physicians and fostered existed relationships with NYC orthopedic hand surgeons to further cultivate Occupational Therapy services in our practice.
- Established occupational therapy services managing high volume caseload, and provided evaluation and treatment for pediatric children and adolescents ages 6-17, and young adult-geriatric ages 18-95 years with varying diagnoses related congenital, developmental, orthopedic and neurological injury and /or disease, rheumatic/arthritic disease processes; provided both non operative and post operative treatment.
- Responsible for procurement of occupational therapy and hand therapy assessment tools, treatment equipment, and supplies; management of therapy budget, and responsible for new hire interview hire and training for therapy department.
- Established hand therapy assessments for computerized documentation, supervised/trained therapists in orthotic assessments/fabrication and introduced use of FRC for post-op splinting.
- Performed adaptive equipment assessment and fabrication, DME assessment, assessment and fitting for seating and powered wheelchair/motorized scooter evaluations.
- Performed handwriting assessment and retraining for pediatric population using Handwriting Without Tears program.
- Established hand therapy assessment templates, and pediatric assessment templates to streamline computerized documentation.
- Fabricated custom static and dynamic splints, and performed serial casting treatment as a part of daily scheduled visits, and for walk-in clientele and supervised/trained therapists in orthotic assessments/fabrication and introduced use of FRC for post-op splinting.
- Regularly attended AOTA/HTCC approved continuing education seminars for the advancement of clinical practice and stay current on best evidence-based practices to improve patient outcomes.
Occupational Therapist/Certified Hand Therapist
Empire State Orthopedics, PLLC (Formerly NYCONN)
09.2004 - 04.2008
- OTR/CHT coordinator and sole provider for multiple site hand therapy services for a multi-specialty orthopedic practice with 90% client caseload from two orthopedic hand surgeons.
- Completed evaluation, treatment planning, and implementation of non-surgical and post surgical therapeutic services for patients with upper extremity injuries of the elbow, wrist, and hand, including but not limited to traumatic, cumulative trauma, congenital malformation, neurological, rheumatic/arthritic, and orthopedic conditions.
- Fabricated custom static and dynamic orthotics during scheduled therapy visits, on post operative clinic days, and for walk-in clientele.
- Worked in a one-on-one setting to restore or function and promote independence in ADLS, relieve pain, prevent disability and promote safe return to occupational roles.
- Consulted weekly with hand surgeons to discuss planned surgical procedures and post operatively to discuss findings, indications/contraindications to allow therapist to devise individualized treatment plans to promote optimal patient recovery outcomes.
- Collaborated with hand surgeons during preoperative visits on the role of hand therapy following post operative procedures, and developed pre/post operative printable hand outs with customizable templates to compliment training.
- Developed diagnosis specific therapy pre/post-operative protocols for patient home instruction manuals
- Coordinated onsite medical inservices for medical staff and assisted physicians in training medical assistants in orthopedic splinting and casting.
Level III Occupational Therapist
The Hand Center at Kaweah Delta District Hospital
08.2002 - 07.2004
- Responsible for the evaluation and treatment of outpatients with cumulative traumas, upper extremity fractures, amputations, crush injuries, vascular repairs, replants and post-surgical repairs, including nerve, tendon, ligament, and bone.
- Performed specialized skills such as, wound care/debridement, static and dynamic splinting, serial/mobilization casting, and A/E fabrication.
- Conducted pre-employment/post offer assessments, job site ergonomic assessment/training, and implemented individual work-hardening programs to prepare patients for safe returns to work.
- Certified Pilates Mat Instructor in 'The Method' for both outpatients and general public performed in community gym setting.
Per-Diem Occupational Therapist
Kaweah Delta District Hospital
05.2001 - 08.2002
- Level IIII Occupational Therapist who performed evaluation and treatment of inpatients and outpatients (pediatric through adult); performed specialized skills such as serial/inhibitory casting, behavior modification, coma management, Myofascial Release, Neuro-developmental treatment strategies, and sensory integration.
- Supported the Occupational Therapy department during periods of high demand or staff shortage, ensuring continuity of care for all patients.
- Evaluated patient progress regularly, adjusting treatment plans as needed to maximize patients independence in ADLS/IADLS.
- Demonstrated adaptability by coverage various clinical settings as needed, including acute, subacute, and outpatient settings, providing seamless care to patients regardless of location or diagnosis.
Primary Level III Occupational Therapist
Memorial Hospital of Exeter (KDDH)
06.2000 - 05.2002
- Level III Occupational Therapist for 16 bed sub-acute unit (ventilator dependent), 16 bed long term care unit, and outpatient clinic
- In conjunction with multidisciplinary team, assisted with appropriate referrals to subacute unit and with discharge planning
- Provided specialized skills training/in-services to multidisciplinary staff members and arranged for vendor in-services for hospital staff including, seating and positioning, ADL training with emphasis on A/E and assistive technology
- Participated in Community Outreach Programs- addressing community issues regarding DME/ equipment needs, educating community regarding O.T services offered in valley regions
- Assisted with specialized seating evaluations, DME assessment/purchase, and justification documentation.
- Coordinated discharge planning efforts alongside case managers to ensure seamless transitions between care providers upon leaving facility.
- Provided education to patients and families on coping strategies, adaptive equipment, and safety modifications.
Level III Occupational Therapist
Drake Center, Inc.
01.1999 - 01.2000
- Lead Level III Occupational Therapist for traumatic brain injury unit and Occupational therapy float for spinal cord injury unit in 77 bed acute care rehabilitation hospital treating pediatric through geriatric patients.
- Assisted in development of education training manual for direct care staff of TBI team, and assisted in program development for multi disciplinary treatment.
- Provided interventions and treatments to improve overall independence in daily activities and instrumental activities of daily living skills to promote return toward PLOF, including but not limited to manual therapy, static and dynamic splinting, A/E fabrication and training, DME evalaution and training.
- Provided specialized skills training/in-services to multidisciplinary team members including neuro-developmental treatment skills training, serial/inhibitory casting, adaptive feeding strategies and other ADL training with emphasis on A/E, and assistive technology.
- Coordinated with RN clinical liaisons from local area hospitals by providing evaluative services/occupational therapy screening of rehabilitative candidates from acute care units.
- Supervised COTAs, rehabilitation technicians providing treatment or assistance on units.
- Supervised Level I, Level II students through completion of fieldwork rotation.
- Represented occupational therapy staff during CARF and TJC re-accreditation interviews.
Level III Occupational Therapist
HealthSouth Regional Rehabilitation Hospital
09.1997 - 12.1998
- Level III Lead Occupational Therapist for For Traumatic Brain Injury Team; provided supervision and collaboration of
- Restructured and directed multi-disciplinary therapeutic feeding team program. Coordinated patient family education for critical pathways/protocols
- Assisted with the development of a brain injury educational manual for staff members and assisted in program development for multidisciplinary treatment
- Educated (level I and II) occupational therapy students through clinical instruction for completion of fieldwork rotation
- Represented occupational therapy clinician staff during CARF/JCAHO re-accreditation interviews.
Level II Occupational Therapist
HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Nevada
09.1994 - 01.1997
- Level II therapist for comprehensive inpatient rehabilitation unit providing occupational therapy services
- Progressed to lead occupational therapist for TBI unit performed evaluation and treatment for clients in an acute care rehabilitation setting; specialized in providing occupational therapy rehabilitation for patients with traumatic brain injury, post stroke, and specialized rehabilitation for spinal cord injured population and patients that suffered multi-trauma related injuries.
- Provided onsite inservice training for new hires and ongoing training for medical staff, including RN, and CNA personnel providing direct patient care.
- Trained above personnel in client specific orthotic schedule and application of custom splints/orthoses, types of adaptive equipment and assistance with set up or application prior to patient use during feeding and dressing activities, transfer training with device specific instruction/return demonstration, and safe body mechanics practices to promote patient independence, and prevent injury to client/staff.
- Coordinated interventions with multidisciplinary treatment team to promote restoration of patient function.
- Performed return to home assessments in conjunction with with patient, caregiver, and interdisciplinary team members. Provided discharge recommendations including, durable medical equipment, installation of environmental controls to promote barrier free environments; adapted environments by making changes to patient home set up to promote safety,and independence in ADL/IADL skills.
- Assisted medical case managers and social workers with the evaluation of patients in local acute care hospitals for appropriate admission to acute rehabilitation at RHNLV.
- Led bi-weekly aquatic therapy, and adaptive living skills training group sessions, assisted with community re-integration programs and day treatment programs for patients discharging from acute care rehabilitation.
- Supervised and delegated responsibilities to occupational therapy assistants and supportive personnel to promote continuity of patient care.
Education
Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy -
San Jose State University
San Jose, California06.1994
Undergraduate Course Work -
Xavier University
Cincinnati, Ohio05.1991
Skills
- EMR / EHR (Therapy Source, Web PT, Epic)
- Effective Written and Verbal documentation and reporting skills
- Hand Therapy/CHT
- Activity Analysis
- Clinical Reasoning
- IASTM-Hawk grips, I-Limb Certified
- A/E fabrication/advanced splinting skills
- Neurological Rehabilitation
- Orthopedic Rehabilitation
- Pediatric Therapy
- Pain Management
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration
- Family and patient education
Certification
- MBOT license #09882
- Hand Therapy Certification Commission, Inc. (HTCC), #1051100055
- National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT), #995765
- Certified Orthopedic Manual Therapist-Upper Limb
- LSVT BIG Certified
- NDTA Certification/trained
Personal Information
Title: OTR/L-CHT, COMT-UL
Community volunteer, avid runner/walker, travel adventure seeker.
Committed volunteer for local YMCA, churches, and community fundraising events for charitable donations
Additional Information
Memeberships
AOTA
MOTA
ASHT
NDTA
MAPD
Languages
Spanish
Limited Working
Timeline
Rock Steady Boxing Head Coach
YMCA Of The Chesapeake
01.2023 - Current
OT Clinical Liaison
Ochsner Rehabilitation Hospital/Select Medical
06.2020 - 07.2021
Occupational Therapist/Certified Hand Therapist
Select Medical
02.2015 - 06.2020
Occupational Therapist/Certified Hand Therapist
Hands ON OT
09.2012 - 09.2014
Occupational Therapist/Certified Hand Therapist
Hand therapy Center of the South Bay
11.2009 - 09.2014
Occupational Therapist/Certified Hand Therapist
Park Sports Physical Therapy and Park Slope Occupational Therapy, PLLC
04.2008 - 09.2009
Occupational Therapist/Certified Hand Therapist
Empire State Orthopedics, PLLC (Formerly NYCONN)
09.2004 - 04.2008
Level III Occupational Therapist
The Hand Center at Kaweah Delta District Hospital
08.2002 - 07.2004
Per-Diem Occupational Therapist
Kaweah Delta District Hospital
05.2001 - 08.2002
Primary Level III Occupational Therapist
Memorial Hospital of Exeter (KDDH)
06.2000 - 05.2002
Level III Occupational Therapist
Drake Center, Inc.
01.1999 - 01.2000
Level III Occupational Therapist
HealthSouth Regional Rehabilitation Hospital
09.1997 - 12.1998
Level II Occupational Therapist
HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Nevada
09.1994 - 01.1997
Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy -
San Jose State University
Undergraduate Course Work -
Xavier University