Debra Deluca
Millville,MA
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)
Northwest Special Education Region
Scituate, RI
08.1998 - 06.2026
- Prepared concise progress reports for IEP meetings that clarified functional gains and next-step recommendations.
- Created step-by-step visual schedules for transitions, reducing refusal behaviors during classroom changes.
- Trained teachers on positioning strategies and adaptive seating plans that improved classroom engagement.
- Evaluated students' motor and sensory profiles using standardized assessments to inform IEP goals.
- Piloted simple assistive technologies for communication which enabled nonverbal students to indicate choices.
- Assessed students' fine motor deficits and implemented targeted hand-strengthening activities that improved classroom participation.
- Adapted classroom materials with tactile cues and high-contrast visuals to increase independent task completion.
- Conducted in-school seating assessments and prescribed adaptive seating adjustments that reduced off-task behaviors.
- Designed small-group therapeutic activities using common classroom supplies to practice bilateral coordination and handwriting skills.
- Compiled concise progress summaries for IEP meetings highlighting functional gains and recommended next-step interventions.
- Developed individualized hand-strengthening programs using classroom supplies to improve pencil grasp.
- Collaborated with teachers to modify classroom tasks and increase students' on-task participation.
- Introduced low-tech communication aids and trained staff to create choice-making opportunities for nonverbal students.
- Conducted in-class seating trials and recommended adjustments that reduced student distraction during lessons.
- Modified classroom tools and handwriting supports to increase students' legibility and task completion.
- Administered standardized motor assessments and translated into clear, functional IEP goals.
- Ran weekly sensory strategies check-ins with teachers to adjust activity timing and reduce meltdown frequency.
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)
The Holiday Skilled Nursing Facility
01.2015 - 12.2020
- Skilled Rehabilitation- COTA/L
- Treatment of patients with neurological conditions, CVA, MS, TBI injuries.
- Total knee/hip, shoulder replacements, spinal injuries, bilateral amputees, cervical stenosis, cardiac and COPD conditions.
- Devised adaptive equipment and new equipment.
- Conducted COPD, ROM, functional mobility/balance groups.
- Cooking standing and relaxation groups.
- Functional based therapy to improve independence with ADLs and home management skills.
- Participation with family and staff education.
- Care plan meeting and documentation for DC planning.
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)
Genesis Rehab Services
01.2004 - 12.2016
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)
Lydia Taft Skilled Nursing and Rehab center
01.2002 - 12.2005
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)
Roger Williams Medical Center
01.2000 - 12.2004
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)
Norton and Associates
01.1998 - 12.2000
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Occupational Therapy
Becker College
Worcester, MA06.1998
Timeline
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)
The Holiday Skilled Nursing Facility
01.2015 - 12.2020
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)
Genesis Rehab Services
01.2004 - 12.2016
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)
Lydia Taft Skilled Nursing and Rehab center
01.2002 - 12.2005
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)
Roger Williams Medical Center
01.2000 - 12.2004
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)
Northwest Special Education Region
08.1998 - 06.2026
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)
Norton and Associates
01.1998 - 12.2000
Associate of Applied Science - Occupational Therapy
Becker College