Denise Smith
Walden,N.Y.
Summary
Experienced occupational therapy assistant with a passion for helping individuals regain independence and improve their quality of life. Seeking a role in a pediatric/geriatric inpatient or outpatient setting to utilize extensive knowledge and skills in providing exceptional care and support. Dedicated to collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to develop personalized treatment plans and implement evidence-based interventions. Committed to staying updated on the latest advancements in occupational therapy practices for optimal patient outcomes.
Overview
2025
2025
years of professional experience
Work History
Level 1 Clinical
Ridgewood Pediatrics
- Worked with children with sensory processing disorders, CP, Autism, ADD and Asperger’s
Level 1 Clinical
Helen Hayes Hospital
- Worked with patients in Acute Care with orthopedic problems as well as knee and hip replacements
Level 1 Clinical
Dynamic Hand Therapy
- Worked with patients who needed hand rehabilitation and neuropathy care
- Observed PAMS therapy and practiced deep tissue massage therapy
Level 2 Clinical
Helen Hayes Hospital
- Interned on the CARDIO/PULMONARY Sub-Acute floor, doing extensive hands on therapy
- Knowledge in films assessments, monitoring vital signs, educating patients on precautions, badl interventions, administered mini mental assessments, documented daily progress notes and participated in a weekly conference meeting providing cardiologist updates and outcomes
Level 2 Clinical
Ridgewood Pediatrics
- Worked with children with sensory processing disorders hands on
- Assisted Occupational Therapist with setups for the bot-2, beery vmi, peabody and sensory profile assessments
- Created obstacle courses and interventions to improve hand writing, grasping, visual motor and perception, tactile defensiveness, proprioception, and vestibular skills
COTA-L
Valley Central School District
Montgomery, NY
11.2021 - Current
- Improved patient outcomes by developing customized treatment plans and setting achievable goals.
- Participated in continuing education workshops to stay current on emerging trends in occupational therapy practice.
- Performed assessments during treatment to determine progress according to goals.
- Conducted thorough evaluations to assess patient needs, functional limitations, and potential for improvement.
- Developed strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues by maintaining open lines of communication and fostering a supportive learning environment.
- Enhanced classroom engagement through the use of interactive teaching methods, such as group projects and hands-on activities.
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant
Fishkill Center of Rehabilitation and Nursing
09.2017 - 03.2020
- Worked with geriatrics providing rehabilitation and therapy through activities of daily living that promoted independence and purposeful meaning
- Weekly staff meetings collaborating with nursing, physical therapists and speech therapists
- Daily documentation and progress notes for each patient
- Provided home evaluations upon discharge
Education
Associate Degree - Applied Science Occupational Therapy
Eastwick College
05.2015
Skills
- SUB-ACUTE REHABILITATION
- GERIATRICS EXPERIENCE
- ACTIVE LISTENERSHIP
- EXCELLENT COMMUNICATION SKILLS
- MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY KNOWLEDGE
- SKILLED in THERAPY PROCEDURES
- CPR TRAINING
- Fine motor skills development
- Sensory integration techniques
- Documentation and reporting
Accomplishments
- Volunteer experience and leadership: member of the national honor society
- Special acknowledgement at school for helping other classmates to succeed.
- Treasurer of SOTA club at Eastwick College
- Volunteered at special needs convention promoting and educating about Occupational Therapy
- Honor Student - Received award Alpha Beta Kappa with a 3.86 GPA
Timeline
COTA-L
Valley Central School District
11.2021 - Current
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant
Fishkill Center of Rehabilitation and Nursing
09.2017 - 03.2020
Associate Degree - Applied Science Occupational Therapy
Eastwick College
Level 1 Clinical
Ridgewood Pediatrics
Level 1 Clinical
Helen Hayes Hospital
Level 1 Clinical
Dynamic Hand Therapy
Level 2 Clinical
Helen Hayes Hospital
Level 2 Clinical
Ridgewood Pediatrics