Dakotah Posthumus
Hudsonville
Summary
Highly motivated undergraduate student pursuing a career in physical therapy with a strong academic foundation and a passion for patient-centered care. Experienced in healthcare settings, leadership, and research, with excellent communication, organization, and teamwork skills. Dedicated to improving the quality of life for others through compassionate care and evidence-based practice while preparing for a Doctor of Physical Therapy program.
Overview
1
1
Certification
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
Rehabilitation Technician
Corewell Health
Grand Rapids, MI
01.2026 - Current
- Assisted in patient rehabilitation by implementing prescribed therapeutic exercises and monitoring progress.
- Evaluated equipment and therapy tools for safety compliance, ensuring optimal functioning for patient use.
- Enhanced patient comfort and safety by setting up equipment, preparing treatment areas, and positioning patients as needed.
- Supported physical and occupational therapists in administering treatments, leading to more efficient patient care.
- Assisted physical and occupational therapists with patient mobility exercises and rehabilitation protocols.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of therapy equipment and treatment areas.
Caregiver, Special Needs
Private In Home
East Grand Rapids, MI
11.2024 - Current
- Provided assistance to special needs individuals with daily activities such as feeding, bathing and dressing.
- Developed engaging activities to promote social interaction and cognitive skills.
- Ensured a safe and clean living environment through regular housekeeping tasks.
- Provided emotional support and companionship to enhance quality of life.
- Supported clients in community integration activities such as recreational outings, shopping trips and social gatherings.
- Developed positive relationships with families of special needs individuals.
- Administered medication when needed according to doctor's instructions.
- Assisted in the development of life skills such as communication and mobility.
- Transported clients to appointments or other destinations using a wheelchair accessible vehicle.
Community Living Supports Mentor
IKUS Life Enrichment Services
Grand Rapids, MI
06.2024 - 11.2025
- Mentored individuals on professional development topics such as communication skills, problem-solving, and goal setting.
- Maintained up-to-date records of mentor and mentee interactions in order to track progress over time.
- Monitored and evaluated mentees' progress, providing feedback and guidance to promote success.
- Met with assigned students individually or in small groups to provide intentional, structured, organizational support, and mentorship.
- Managed a diverse group of mentees, adapting mentoring approaches to accommodate different backgrounds, and learning styles.
Summer Day Camp Counselor, Special Needs
IKUS
Allendale, MI
06.2025 - 08.2025
- Supervised daily activities for children in a safe, engaging environment.
- Communicated effectively with parents about children's progress and behavior.
- Assisted in developing schedules and ensuring timely transitions between activities.
- Adapted recreational games, and arts and crafts projects, to fit the abilities of each individual child.
- Enforced rules and regulations related to camper conduct.
- Developed strategies to motivate campers who were struggling with certain tasks or skills.
Swim Lesson Instructor
Hudsonville Community Education
Hudsonville, Michigan
05.2021 - 06.2024
- Managed equipment inventory for use during swim lessons including kickboards, fins, noodles
- Demonstrated patience and empathy when teaching new swimmers
- Observed student behavior during class activities, intervening as needed when necessary
- Adapted instructional methods quickly to meet the changing needs of students with varying skill levels.
Lifeguard
Hudsonville Community Education
Hudsonville, Michigan
05.2021 - 06.2024
- Enforced pool rules among swimmers and patrons in order to maintain safe swimming conditions
- Conducted pool opening and closing duties
- Communicated effectively with fellow employees and patrons
- Remained alert and vigilant at all times while on duty observing swimmers closely for signs of distress or danger
- Enforced safety policies and rules to guests to prevent accidents
- Educated students about proper hygiene practices before entering the pool area.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Exercise Science: Pre-Physical Therapy
Grand Valley State University
Allendale, MI12-2027
High School Diploma -
Hudsonville High School
Hudsonville, MI05-2024
Skills
- Emergency response
- Equipment management
- Leadership qualities
- Problem-solving abilities
- Patience and empathy
- Attention to detail
- Effective communication
- Active listening
- Safety awareness
- Daily living assistance
- Compassionate care
- Patient mobility assistance
Certification
• CPR
• First Aid
Research Experience
Grand Valley State University | Jan. 2026 – Apr. 2026
- Assisted with research investigating a new exercise hydration product.
- Collected and analyzed data
- Collaborated with faculty and student researchers.
Accomplishments
- Dean's List (Fall '24, Winter '25, Winter '26)- Grand Valley State University
- President's List (Summer '25, Fall '25)- Grand Rapids Community College
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Rehabilitation Technician
Corewell Health
01.2026 - Current
Summer Day Camp Counselor, Special Needs
IKUS
06.2025 - 08.2025
Caregiver, Special Needs
Private In Home
11.2024 - Current
Community Living Supports Mentor
IKUS Life Enrichment Services
06.2024 - 11.2025
Swim Lesson Instructor
Hudsonville Community Education
05.2021 - 06.2024
Lifeguard
Hudsonville Community Education
05.2021 - 06.2024
Bachelor of Science - Exercise Science: Pre-Physical Therapy
Grand Valley State University
High School Diploma -
Hudsonville High School