Cari Mestas
Beaverton,OR
Summary
Dedicated Physical Therapist Assistant with expertise in geriatric rehabilitation and adaptive equipment/durable medical equipment needs. Skilled in compassionate patient care, effective communication, and collaborative teamwork to enhance patient outcomes.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Physical Therapist Assistant
Providence PACE Tanasbourne
Hillsboro, OR
12.2015 - Current
- Assisted in implementing treatment plans under supervision of licensed physical therapists.
- Developed strong patient rapport and trust through empathetic listening and consistent encouragement during the rehabilitation process.
- Provided administrative support, including scheduling of appointments and ordering DME/healthcare supplies.
- Collaborated with healthcare team members to ensure comprehensive patient care strategies.
- Provided compassionate care for geriatric patients in the community and in the clinic, focusing on improving strength, balance, and overall quality of life.
Physical Therapist Assistant
Premise Health
Hillsboro, OR
12.2014 - 11.2015
- Collaborated with physical therapists to develop comprehensive treatment plans addressing individual patient needs and goals.
- Improved patient mobility by implementing personalized therapeutic exercise programs and manual therapy techniques.
- Performed therapeutic massage, hot-cold packs placement, or electrical stimulation under direction of physical therapist.
Physical Therapist Assistant
Therapists Unlimited
Wilsonville, OR
01.2009 - 11.2015
- Educated patients on proper body mechanics, posture correction, and home exercise routines to prevent future injuries.
- Adapted exercises to suit varied ages and abilities for personalized patient care.
- Assisted in reducing patient pain levels through targeted massage therapy, heat/cold treatments, and electrical stimulation.
- Promoted faster recovery for post-surgical patients with tailored stretching and strengthening exercises.
Physical Therapist Assistant
Infinity Rehab
Tualatin, OR
11.2014 - 03.2015
- Engaged with patients to foster a positive therapeutic environment.
- Developed effective communication skills while working with diverse populations of patients presenting various conditions such as neurological disorders or orthopedic issues.
- Ensured accurate documentation of all patient interventions, progress notes, and billing information in electronic medical records.
- Provided compassionate care for geriatric patients in skilled nursing facilities, focusing on improving strength, balance, and overall quality of life.
Physical Therapist Assistant
Trinity Mission Health and Rehabilitation
Portland, OR
09.2009 - 08.2010
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of treatment areas and equipment.
- Contributed to interdisciplinary team meetings for better coordination of care among healthcare professionals involved in the patients'' recovery process.
- Advocated for patient needs, ensuring that all therapy sessions were patient-centered and goal-oriented.
Physical Therapist Assistant
Stempniak Physical Therapy/Physiotherapy Associates
Anaheim, CA
08.2004 - 09.2007
- Provided administrative support, including transcribing progress reports and managing patient records.
- Increased patient compliance with home exercise programs by providing clear instructions, demonstrations, and printed materials for reference.
- Supported optimal patient care by maintaining a clean, safe, and organized treatment environment.
- Adapted therapy techniques to meet unique needs of pediatric and elderly patients, enhancing patient trust and comfort.
Physical Therapist Assistant
Citrus Valley Health Partners
West Covina, CA
08.2004 - 06.2006
- Implemented patient safety protocols and infection control practices for hygienic, compliant care.
- Maintained care continuity through multidisciplinary teamwork and collaboration.
- Supported physical therapists in complex procedures, contributing to successful patient rehabilitations.
- Demonstrated proper body mechanics and patient handling techniques for patient transfers and positioning.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Physical Therapist Assistant
Cerritos College
Norwalk, California, CA05-2004
Bachelor of Science - Kinesiology
California State University, Fullerton
Fullerton, CA05-2002
Skills
- Post-surgical rehabilitation
- Geriatric physical therapy
- Orthopedic rehabilitation
- Functional mobility training
- Neuromuscular Re-education
- Adaptive equipment training
- Wheelchair mobility training
- Prosthetic training
Timeline
Physical Therapist Assistant
Providence PACE Tanasbourne
12.2015 - Current
Physical Therapist Assistant
Premise Health
12.2014 - 11.2015
Physical Therapist Assistant
Infinity Rehab
11.2014 - 03.2015
Physical Therapist Assistant
Trinity Mission Health and Rehabilitation
09.2009 - 08.2010
Physical Therapist Assistant
Therapists Unlimited
01.2009 - 11.2015
Physical Therapist Assistant
Stempniak Physical Therapy/Physiotherapy Associates
08.2004 - 09.2007
Physical Therapist Assistant
Citrus Valley Health Partners
08.2004 - 06.2006
Bachelor of Science - Physical Therapist Assistant
Cerritos College
Bachelor of Science - Kinesiology
California State University, Fullerton