Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Military Service
Timeline
Intern
Daniel Dunlap
Open To Work

Daniel Dunlap

El Cajon,CA

Summary

Dedicated Occupational Therapy Assistant with a strong background in personal training and hands-on experience in occupational therapy. Possesses a comprehensive skill set in group instruction, leadership, management, health coaching, and patient education, aligning seamlessly with facility needs. Proven strengths in leadership, motivation, accountability, and client engagement consistently drive high levels of client satisfaction and treatment effectiveness. Licensed COTA in California with an Associate of Applied Science from Grossmont College, committed to enhancing therapeutic outcomes and fostering patient success through expertise and dedication.

Overview

7
7
years of professional experience
5
5
Certification

Work History

Intern

Senior Behavioral Health UCSD
03.2025 - 05.2025

Under the supervision of assigned OTR/L I:

  • Performed occupational performance assessments and interest profiles.
  • Planned occupational therapy (OT) treatment sessions.
  • Executed OT treatment sessions as they related to client's therapy goals.
  • Documented client’s status and progress towards their goals.
  • Utilized non-pharmacological techniques to reduce stress and help with pain management
  • Promoted a safe and supportive environment during therapy sessions by adhering to established safety protocols and guidelines.
  • Established rapport with diverse patients by demonstrating compassion, empathy, patience, active listening skills during interactions.
  • Assisted with discharge planning by providing recommendations for appropriate home modifications or community resources that could enhance continued progress posttreatment.

Intern

Victoria Post Acute Care
01.2025 - 03.2025

Under the supervision of assigned COTA/L I

  • Performed occupational performance assessments and interest profiles.
  • Planned occupational therapy (OT) treatment sessions.
  • Executed OT treatment sessions as they related to client's therapy goals.
  • Documented client’s status and progress towards their goals.
  • Utilized adaptive equipment effectively in order to maximize functional independence for patients.
  • Improved patient engagement by incorporating creative activities tailored to their specific interests and preferences.

Personal Trainer

Crunch
08.2019 - 03.2020
  • Designed individualized fitness plans, achieving notable strength and endurance improvements.
  • Set and tracked client fitness goals, enhancing motivation and accountability.
  • Collaborated with clients to develop realistic health objectives, fostering sustained commitment.

Group Fitness Instructor

Fit-X Fitness
01.2017 - 05.2019
  • Led group fitness sessions across San Diego, enhancing client engagement and satisfaction.
  • Adapted fitness programs to diverse environments, ensuring accessibility and effectiveness.

Group Fitness Instructor

Evolution Fitness Coaching
03.2018 - 03.2019
  • Led group fitness sessions, enhancing member engagement and retention.
  • Boosted full-time membership sales by 20% within a year.

CEO

Dunlap Fitness Inc
12.2016 - 03.2019
  • Delivered personalized in-home training for weight loss and corrective exercise.
  • Helped develop lifestyle habits resulting in noticeable client health improvements.

Personal Trainer

Anytime Fitness
09.2016 - 11.2016
  • Guided fitness routines, improved member health, shared nutrition tips, enhanced gym atmosphere.

Master Trainer

Crunch
08.2016 - 09.2016
  • Led training sessions, achieving top 4% national sales.
  • Ranked highest in monthly sales, boosting gym revenue through expert training techniques.
  • Certified master trainer, excelled in session hours and sales, driving gym's success.

Personal Trainer

Crunch
05.2014 - 09.2016
  • Guided clients in fitness, achieving noticeable health improvements and skill enhancement.
  • Led martial arts sessions, significantly boosting client skills and confidence.
  • Conducted boot camps, increasing member engagement and fitness levels measurably.

Assistant Fitness Manager

Crunch
01.2016 - 08.2016
  • Guided 7 trainers to boost membership and sales, hitting sales goals for 3 straight months for the first time in 1.5 years.
  • Mentored trainers, enhancing trainer professional development which improved client goal outcomes.

Education

Associates of Applied Science - Occupational Therapy Assistant

Grossmont College
El Cajon, CA
06.2025

Diploma - Advanced Personal Training

National Personal Training Institute
San Diego, CA
01.2014

Skills

  • Group instruction (Experienced)
  • Manual therapy (Skillful)
  • Leadership (Experienced)
  • Management (Experienced)
  • Health Coaching (Experienced)
  • Patient Education (Beginner)

Certification

  • Certified and licensed Occupational Therapy Assistant August 2025
  • National Academy of Sports Medicine Group Training Specialist April 2020
  • National Academy of Sports Medicine Weight Loss Specialist Feb 2017
  • National Academy of Sports Medicine Performance Enhancement Specialist July 2014
  • National Academy of Sports Medicine Corrective Exercise Specialist April 2014
  • National Academy of Sports Medicine Certified Personal Trainer Feb 2014
  • Total Resistance Exercise Suspension Trainer L1 Instructor Oct 2013

Military Service

Veteran, US Navy. Held numerous leadership and management positions in highly stressful environments, including Operation Iraqi Freedom, during 14 years of active duty service.

Timeline

Intern

Senior Behavioral Health UCSD
03.2025 - 05.2025

Intern

Victoria Post Acute Care
01.2025 - 03.2025

Personal Trainer

Crunch
08.2019 - 03.2020

Group Fitness Instructor

Evolution Fitness Coaching
03.2018 - 03.2019

Group Fitness Instructor

Fit-X Fitness
01.2017 - 05.2019

CEO

Dunlap Fitness Inc
12.2016 - 03.2019

Personal Trainer

Anytime Fitness
09.2016 - 11.2016

Master Trainer

Crunch
08.2016 - 09.2016

Assistant Fitness Manager

Crunch
01.2016 - 08.2016

Personal Trainer

Crunch
05.2014 - 09.2016

Associates of Applied Science - Occupational Therapy Assistant

Grossmont College

Diploma - Advanced Personal Training

National Personal Training Institute