Cheryl colantonio
Dover,FL
Summary
Dynamic Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant with proven expertise in geriatric rehabilitation and assistive technology use, honed at James A. Haley Veterans Hospital SCI. Excelled in enhancing patient outcomes through innovative treatment plans and interdisciplinary collaboration. Renowned for adaptability and fostering patient independence, significantly contributing to the occupational therapy community through mentorship and continuous professional development.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant
James A. Haley Veterans Hospital SCI
08.2003 - 12.2023
- Improved patient outcomes by implementing individualized treatment plans and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams.
- Built rapport with patients and families, fostering trust and open communication for optimal therapy outcomes.
- Contributed to interdisciplinary case conferences, providing valuable input for comprehensive care planning.
- Maintained and promoted positive attitude toward clients and treatment programs.
- Provided direct occupational therapy services in Spinal Cord Injury, LTC areas.
- Assisted patients with completing basic daily living activities such as grooming, dressing and self-feeding.
- Helped improve fine motor, visual perception and sensory processing skills.
- Participated in continuous professional development to stay current on best practices and maintain high-quality patient care standards.
- Supported patients during transitions from hospitalization to outpatient or home-based rehabilitation settings.
- Educated patients and caregivers on home exercises and self-care techniques, promoting independence and long-term success.
- Evaluated treatment progress and adjusted to achieve maximum benefit.
- Assisted patients with activities of daily living (ADL) and functional mobility to increase comfort and quality of life.
- Served as a resource within the occupational therapy community by mentoring students completing fieldwork experiences.
- Enhanced team knowledge by sharing insights and techniques from continuing education in occupational therapy.
- Addressed any concerns or questions from both patients and family members, demonstrating a strong commitment to compassionate care provision.
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Occupational Therapy Assistant
Genesee Community College
Batavia05-2000
Skills
- Assistive technology use
- Range of Motion Improvement
- Therapeutic exercise programming
- Geriatric Rehabilitation
- Adaptive equipment expertise
- Wheelchair positioning
- Feeding Intervention
- Patient-centered care
- Equipment Use Instruction
- Independent living evaluation
- Range of motion exercises
- Modality modification
- CPR/AED
- Medical Records Maintenance
Certification
State of Florida OTA 9894
NBCOT 1046965
Functional Independense Measure since 2004
2022 FLOTEC Award of Excellence for Fieldwork Education
This award given to me for the years of fieldwork OTA education for students of Polk State College.
2023 PVA Clinical Excellence Award at Healthcare Summit- This award given to me for the years of innovations that I developed for the veterans.
Timeline
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant
James A. Haley Veterans Hospital SCI
08.2003 - 12.2023
State of Florida OTA 9894
NBCOT 1046965
Functional Independense Measure since 2004
Associate of Applied Science - Occupational Therapy Assistant
Genesee Community College
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