Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Affiliations
Timeline
Generic

Amber Flachs

Summary

Motivated and compassionate Occupational Therapy Assistant student with clinical experience across acute care, pediatrics, mental health, and rehabilitation settings. Committed to client-centered, holistic care that fosters independence and improves quality of life. Backed by over 15 years in the hospitality industry, bringing strong communication, problem-solving, and adaptability skills to every client interaction. Expected NBCOT test date: Sept 2025

Overview

8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Manager, Lead, Team Member

Crafts and Vines
08.2017 - Current
  • Guest-Centered Service: Built strong rapport with diverse clientele, tailoring recommendations and experiences to individual preferences, parallel to patient-centered care in healthcare.
  • Team Leadership & Communication: Supervised, trained, and motivated a multidisciplinary team to ensure efficient workflow and excellent service, mirroring the collaboration required in interdisciplinary medical teams.
  • Education & Training: Educated staff and guests on wine profiles and pairings, honing the ability to translate technical information into accessible, engaging formats, similar to caregiver to patient education in clinical settings.
  • Crisis & Conflict Management: Navigated high-stress situations, resolved customer and team issues with professionalism and empathy, and maintained emotional regulation—skills vital when managing sensitive patient scenarios.
  • Operational & Time Management: Balanced multiple priorities, including scheduling, inventory, compliance, and budgeting—demonstrating strong organizational and executive functioning abilities applicable to managing caseloads and treatment plans.
  • Environmental Modifications: Designed floor plans and seating arrangements for optimal flow and comfort, aligning with OT principles of creating functional and accessible environments.

Level II OTA Student

St. Elizabeth Healthcare
05.2025 - 07.2025
  • Delivered OT services to adults with acute and medically complex conditions under COTA/L supervision.
  • Managed caseload with increasing independence, focusing on ADLs, early mobilization, discharge readiness, and safety.
  • Treated diagnoses including TBI, CVA, SCI, orthopedic trauma, cardiovascular and renal conditions, and cognitive impairments.
  • Executed occupation-based interventions targeting functional mobility, positioning, adaptive equipment, and UE rehab.
  • Educated patients and caregivers on discharge plans to home or post-acute care settings.
  • Documented services in Epic EMR.
  • Collaborated with an interdisciplinary team to ensure patient-centered care.
  • NICU Experience (30 hrs): Observed and co-treated in the NICU, focusing on positioning, ROM, and therapeutic touch to support feeding, sleep, and environmental interaction. Participated in caregiver education to promote bonding and neurodevelopment.

Level II OTA Student

Hogg Therapy Pediatrics
03.2025 - 05.2025
  • Assisted with developing and implementing individualized therapy plans for pediatric clients under the supervision of an OTR/L.
  • Supported sensory and play-based interventions to promote regulation, engagement, and functional participation.
  • Documented client progress and collaborated with caregivers and therapists to ensure holistic care through Ensora Rehab Therapy Suite.
  • Treated diagnoses including ASD, ADHD, ODD, OCD, Cornelia de Lange Syndrome, CVA, Dyslexia, trauma-related defects, and retained reflexes.
  • Promoted family and caregiver involvement in sessions to educate and facilitate caregiver and home program adherence.

Level I OTA Student (Physical Dysfunction)

Gateway at Florence Rehabilitation Hospital
09.2024 - 11.2024
  • Engaged in hands-on clinical learning in a rehabilitation setting focused on physical dysfunction under COTA/L supervision.
  • Applied foundational skills in assessments, treatment planning, and therapeutic interventions.

Level I OTA Student (Mental Health)

UC Health
06.2024 - 07.2024
  • Facilitated group and 1:1 intervention.
  • Designed client-centered activities.
  • Documented services in Epic EMR.
  • Strengthened therapeutic use of self and understanding of mental health OT practice.

Level I OTA Student (Pediatrics)

Cincinnati Public Schools
02.2024 - 03.2024
  • Participated in IEP and school board meetings to understand interdisciplinary care.
  • Facilitated pediatric OT interventions and observed/conducted standardized assessments.
  • Collaborated with OTs and Speech teams to support student goals in educational settings.

Education

Associate of Science - Occupational Therapy Assistant

Cincinnati State Technical And Community College
Cincinnati, OH
08.2025

Skills

  • Effective interpersonal communication
  • Prioritization and scheduling
  • Proficient in AOTA ethical standards
  • Patient transition management
  • Effective team collaborator
  • Innovative thinking
  • Ensora Rehab and EPIC EMR
  • Complex Problem-solving
  • Goal setting
  • Documentation and reporting
  • Safety procedures
  • Flexible problem-solving

Certification

  • Adult and Pediatric CPR/AED
  • CarFit Certified
  • Kentucky COTA licensure pending

Affiliations

  • American Occupational Therapy Association
  • Student Occupational Therapy Association: ASD Representative and Professional Development Chair
  • Ohio Occupational Therapy Association
  • Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society

Timeline

Level II OTA Student

St. Elizabeth Healthcare
05.2025 - 07.2025

Level II OTA Student

Hogg Therapy Pediatrics
03.2025 - 05.2025

Level I OTA Student (Physical Dysfunction)

Gateway at Florence Rehabilitation Hospital
09.2024 - 11.2024

Level I OTA Student (Mental Health)

UC Health
06.2024 - 07.2024

Level I OTA Student (Pediatrics)

Cincinnati Public Schools
02.2024 - 03.2024

Manager, Lead, Team Member

Crafts and Vines
08.2017 - Current

Associate of Science - Occupational Therapy Assistant

Cincinnati State Technical And Community College
Amber Flachs