DEKARLA HARPER
Gainesville
Summary
Detail-oriented Occupational Therapy Assistant with a proven track record of enhancing patient recovery through tailored treatment plans, and effective interdisciplinary collaboration. Expertise in ADLs and patient education, complemented by exceptional skills in documentation and caseload management. Committed to fostering patient independence and improving the quality of life for diverse populations.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Occupational Therapy Assistant
Terrace Health & Rehabilitation Center
Gainesville
01.2025 - Current
- Treated patients using an established treatment plan under the supervision of occupational therapists.
- Implemented therapeutic interventions, such as exercises, stretching, and functional activities.
- Participated in weekly team meetings to discuss current cases and develop new strategies for treatment plans.
- Observed and documented patient progress during treatments, including changes in physical or mental status.
- Maintained accurate patient care records, including daily notes, evaluations, and reports.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary team members regarding patient care plans.
- Implemented post-discharge plans and outpatient care plans.
- Educated family members about proper care techniques so they can assist at home.
- Attended conferences and continuing education courses related to occupational therapy practices.
- Organized group activities that promote socialization among participants while reinforcing motor skills development.
- Provided educational materials and training to patients regarding self-care techniques.
- Provided instruction on the use of adaptive equipment and assistive devices to maximize independence.
- Prioritized and organized tasks to efficiently accomplish service goals.
- Demonstrated strong problem-solving skills, resolving issues efficiently and effectively.
- Operated equipment according to safety guidelines.
Occupational Therapy Assistant
The Plaza Health & Rehab
Gainesville
10.2023 - 12.2024
- Assisted patients with completing ADLs such as grooming, dressing, and self-feeding, as well as functional mobility, to increase comfort and quality of life.
- Provided direct occupational therapy services in a SNF setting.
- Collaborated with supervising Occupational Therapists to evaluate treatment effectiveness, making necessary adjustments for optimal results.
- Improved patient outcomes by implementing individualized treatment plans and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams.
- Enhanced patient recovery through the development and implementation of therapeutic interventions.
- Built rapport with patients and families, fostering trust and open communication for optimal therapy outcomes.
- Educated patients and caregivers on home exercises and self-care techniques, promoting independence and long-term success.
- Provided adaptive equipment recommendations based on individual patient needs, enhancing daily living skills.
- Maintained accurate records of patient progress, facilitating decision-making for treatment plan adjustments.
- Contributed to interdisciplinary care plan conferences, providing valuable input for comprehensive care planning.
- Managed caseloads effectively while maintaining focus on quality care delivery for each patient served.
- Adapted treatment approaches according to individual patient preferences, ensuring engagement in the therapeutic process.
- Conducted group sessions focused on topics like Energy Conservation and Home Safety, aiming to ensure a secure transition back to home environments.
- Provided support and encouragement to clients during individual and group therapy sessions.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Student
Select Medical
Gainesville
10.2021 - 12.2021
- Assisted patients with completing basic activities of daily living, such as grooming, dressing, and self-feeding.
- Helped improve fine motor, visual perception, and sensory processing skills.
- Implemented treatment interventions to support individual objectives in daily living, educational, and vocational areas.
- Documented patients' progress and communicated with the multidisciplinary healthcare team regarding treatment plans.
- Provided support to help patients adjust to new physical or cognitive limitations.
- Provided direct occupational therapy services in inpatient critical care illness recovery setting.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness, and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Managed time efficiently to complete all tasks within deadlines.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Student
Fundamental Therapy Solutions
Gainesville
08.2021 - 10.2021
- Delivered direct occupational therapy services through treatment plan execution in a pediatric outpatient environment.
- Monitored client progress and documented observations.
- Assisted clients with completing basic daily living activities, such as dressing, self-feeding, and toileting.
- Facilitated client participation in occupational tasks through play activities.
- Provided support and encouragement to clients during individual and group therapy sessions.
- Worked alongside a diverse team to create personalized treatment plans for clients.
- Supported the organization and cleanliness of therapy equipment and treatment spaces.
- Adapted quickly to demanding and fast-moving workplaces.
Education
Associate of Science - Occupational Therapy
St. Catherine University
Saint Paul, MN12.2021
Master of Science - Health Administration
Saint Joseph's University
Philadelphia, PA04.2016
Bachelor of Science - Health Services Administration
University of Central Florida
Orlando, FLSkills
- Strong organizational and time-management skills
- Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)
- Clinical team collaboration
- Accurately monitor patient performance and document changes
- Patient and family education
- Pediatric therapy
- Fine motor skills
- Gross motor skills
- Wheelchair assessments
- Activity analysis
- Sensory integration
- Patient positioning
- EMR / EHR
- Interpersonal communication skills
- Daily maintenance of accurate, comprehensive, and professional written and electronic documentation
- Interdisciplinary collaboration
- Group therapy facilitation
- Caseload management
- Progress evaluations
- Discharge planning
- Treatment implementation
Certification
- COTA/L - Licensed Occupational Therapy Assistant, Florida
- BLS, American Heart Association
Accomplishments
- Created an evidence-based project for the pediatric clinic consisting of 4 activities targeting various skills, including scissors skills, visual motor, motor planning, bilateral hand coordination, and sequencing.
- Created a Client Education Carryover Kit consisting of 4 activities targeting various skills and techniques, including fine motor, mindfulness, shoulder flexion/extension, awareness, and anxiety reduction.
Timeline
Occupational Therapy Assistant
Terrace Health & Rehabilitation Center
01.2025 - Current
Occupational Therapy Assistant
The Plaza Health & Rehab
10.2023 - 12.2024
Occupational Therapy Assistant Student
Select Medical
10.2021 - 12.2021
Occupational Therapy Assistant Student
Fundamental Therapy Solutions
08.2021 - 10.2021
Associate of Science - Occupational Therapy
St. Catherine University
Master of Science - Health Administration
Saint Joseph's University
Bachelor of Science - Health Services Administration
University of Central Florida