ALICIA BERGEN
NEW MILFORD,NJ
Summary
Dedicated and compassionate Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA) with 8+ years of experience delivering therapeutic services to children with developmental, physical, and cognitive challenges. Licensed in New York and certified in DIR 201, specialized training in sensory processing, emotional regulation, executive functioning skills, and fine and gross motor skills. Awaiting NJ license approval to expand impact on young patients. Dynamic individual with hands-on experience in pediatrics and talent for navigating challenges. Brings strong problem-solving skills and proactive approach to new tasks. Known for adaptability, creativity, and results-oriented mindset. Committed to making meaningful contributions and advancing organizational goals.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant
WildWorks Therapy, PLLC
06.2021 - Current
- Educated patients and families on conditions, treatments and home exercises.
- Assisted patients with completing basic daily living activities such as grooming, dressing and self-feeding.
- Provided direct occupational therapy services in pediatric settings
- Maintained accurate records of patient progress, facilitating data-driven decision-making for treatment plan adjustments.
- Assisted in evaluation of patient progress, contributing to adjustment of therapy plans for optimized outcomes.
- Supported and built caring relationships with patients with developmental and cognitive disorders, such as Autism Spectrum Disorders, Down Syndrome, and developmental delay
- Managed caseloads effectively while maintaining a focus on quality care delivery for each patient served.
- Helped improve fine motor, visual perception and sensory processing skills.
- Improved, designed and led activities to promote sensory-motor development among pediatric patients.
- Facilitated patient discharge planning, ensuring seamless transition to home or next phase of care.
- Trained new Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants, resulting in improved team performance and productivity.
- Developed resource materials for patient education, enhancing understanding of therapeutic goals and processes.
- Built rapport with patients and families, fostering trust and open communication for optimal therapy outcomes.
- Served as a resource within the occupational therapy community by mentoring students completing fieldwork experiences.
- Participated in professional development workshops, staying current with advancements in occupational therapy practices.
- Advocated for patient needs with insurance companies, facilitating approval for necessary therapy services.
- Supported, maintained, and calibrated therapeutic equipment, ensuring optimal functionality for patient treatments.
- Advocated for all patients' health, safety, and rights.
- Assisted patients with activities of daily living (ADL) and functional mobility to increase comfort and quality of life.
- Maintained and promoted positive attitude toward clients and treatment programs.
- Supported facility with administrative tasks such as scheduling appointments, mailing correspondence and answering telephone calls.
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant
Debbie's Playce (Deborah Sussman, OTR)
02.2016 - 06.2021
- Educated patients and families on conditions, treatments and home exercises.
- Assisted patients with completing basic daily living activities such as grooming, dressing and self-feeding.
- Provided direct occupational therapy services in Pediatic setting.
- Improved patient outcomes with application of therapeutic techniques tailored to individual needs and conditions.
- Trained new Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants, resulting in improved team performance and productivity.
- Helped improve fine motor, visual perception and sensory processing skills.
- Built rapport with patients and families, fostering trust and open communication for optimal therapy outcomes.
- Served as a resource within the occupational therapy community by mentoring students completing fieldwork experiences.
- Advocated for patient needs with insurance companies, facilitating approval for necessary therapy services.
- Improved patient comfort and therapy participation by establishing rapport and trust through empathetic communication.
- Supported facility with administrative tasks such as scheduling appointments, mailing correspondence and answering telephone calls.
- Provided adaptive equipment recommendations based on individual patient needs, enhancing daily living skills.
- Participated in continuous professional development to stay current on best practices and maintain high-quality patient care standards.
- Supported and built caring relationships with patients with developmental and cognitive disorders, such as Autism Spectrum Disorders, Down Syndrome, and varying developmental delays.
- Helped determine realistic treatment goals and adjusted steps based on patient progress.
- Educated patients and caregivers on home exercises and self-care techniques, promoting independence and long-term success.
- Improved, designed and led activities to promote sensory-motor development among pediatric patients.
Occupational Therapy Assistant
Debbie's Playce
10.2015 - 12.2015
- Planned sessions, Carried out sessions with pediatric clients, Completed notes, Carried out interviews with parents, Administered assessments (BOT 2, Peabody, PEDI), Conducted evaluations
Occupational Therapy Assistant
Dynamic Physical Therapy
10.2014 - 11.2015
- Greeting clients, Setting up equipment, Assisting with sessions, Cleaning up
Occupational Therapy Assistant
Thrive Occupational Therapy
08.2015 - 09.2015
- Planned sessions, Carried out sessions with pediatric clients, Completed notes, Completed a "Social Thinking" curriculum, Completed progress notes for insurance companies
Occupational Therapy Assistant
Asperger's Skill Building Network
04.2015 - 05.2015
- Setting up before sessions, Observing group sessions, Assisting on group outings, Leading yoga groups
Occupational Therapy Assistant
Boonton Public School
02.2015 - 04.2015
- Setting up equipment, Assisting children in group sessions, Assisting OTR with private sessions, Cleaning up after sessions, Observing and performing kindergarten screenings
Education
AAS, Associate Degree in Applied Science, OTA, Occupational Therapy Assistant Program - Occupational Therapy
Eastwick College
Ramsey, United States01.2015
BA, Bachelors of Art, Sociology -
William Paterson
Wayne, United States01.2011
Skills
- Proficient in managing administrative tasks and scheduling, ensuring efficient clinic operations and exceptional patient care
- Social Skills Development
- Documentation And Reporting, including daily notes, progress note and discharge
- Autism spectrum understanding
- Handwriting Improvement and Fine motor skills development
- Sensory integration strategies
- Experienced with DIR Floortime
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Problem-Solving
- Time Management and Organizational Skills
- Adaptability and Flexibility
- Professionalism
Certification
- NBCOT-The National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy, Inc., Gaithersburg, Maryland
- COTA, Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant, 02/10/2016 - 03/31/2025, 353998
- COTA, Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant License, NY
- DIR Floortime 101: Introductory, Spring 2016
- DIR Floortime 201: Promoting Basic Functional Emotional Development, 10/10/2023 - 01/2024
Certificates and registries
HIPAA Privacy Regulations Training Certificate
Employmentverification
- Deborah Sussman, OTR and Owner (Formerly), Debbie's Playce, 6 Melnick Drive, Suite 108, Monsey NY 10952, Phone: 914-325-9041, Email: debgradschool@gmail.com
- Courtney StGermain, OTR/L and Owner, WildWorks Therapy, OTR and Owner, Debbie's Playce, 6 Melnick Drive, Suite 108, Monsey NY 10952 Phone: 203-927-1072 Email: Courtney@wildworkstherapy.com, Info@wildworkstherapy.com
References
- Deborah Sussman, OTR and Owner (Formerly), Debbie's Playce, 6 Melnick Drive, Suite 108, Monsey NY 10952, Phone: 914-325-9041, Email: debgradschool@gmail.com
- Courtney StGermain, OTR/L and Owner, WildWorks Therapy, OTR and Owner, Debbie's Playce, 6 Melnick Drive, Suite 108, Monsey NY 10952 Phone: 203-927-1072 Email: Courtney@wildworkstherapy.com, Info@wildworkstherapy.com
Occupation
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY ASSISTANT
Languages
Yiddish
Limited Working
Timeline
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant
WildWorks Therapy, PLLC
06.2021 - Current
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant
Debbie's Playce (Deborah Sussman, OTR)
02.2016 - 06.2021
Occupational Therapy Assistant
Debbie's Playce
10.2015 - 12.2015
Occupational Therapy Assistant
Thrive Occupational Therapy
08.2015 - 09.2015
Occupational Therapy Assistant
Asperger's Skill Building Network
04.2015 - 05.2015
Occupational Therapy Assistant
Boonton Public School
02.2015 - 04.2015
Occupational Therapy Assistant
Dynamic Physical Therapy
10.2014 - 11.2015
AAS, Associate Degree in Applied Science, OTA, Occupational Therapy Assistant Program - Occupational Therapy
Eastwick College
BA, Bachelors of Art, Sociology -
William Paterson