Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Languages
Timeline
Generic

Diana DiPersio

St. Petersburg,FL

Summary

Experienced Pediatric Occupational Therapist with emphasis on treating the whole child. I have worked specially with the 3-5 year old population, as well as elementary students.

Strengths include patient communication and problem solving abilities in the areas of child education, attention, focus, fine motor, and sensory processing disorder.

Manual therapy skills include Myofascial Release, and Craniosacral Therapy -These techniques have helped regulate the child from colic, to sleep better, digest, suck and swallow better specially the infant. Also improves Focus and attention with children. As well as help with posture and muscle tightness.

Overview

25
25
years of professional experience

Work History

Co-op Teacher

Remnant Co-op
St. Petersburg, FL
08.2022 - 05.2023
  • Developed and implemented lesson plans based on curriculum objectives.
  • Maintained a safe and orderly learning environment for all students.
  • Encouraged critical thinking skills and problem solving strategies among students.
  • Created meaningful projects that allowed students to apply their knowledge in real world situations.
  • Developed specific speeches for students to be able to use public speaking skills in front of various audiences, including the end-of-the-year celebration (audience of over 100).
  • Read and discussed classical literature, including Homer's Odyssey, with 8th and 9th graders in light of God's word.

Homeschool Teacher

Self Employed Web
St. Petersburg, FL
02.2011 - 05.2022
  • Created lesson plans, activities, and assessments to assess student progress in their learning journey.
  • Assisted students in developing critical thinking skills by encouraging them to ask questions and explore solutions independently.
  • Planned field trips to various educational institutions to enhance the classroom experience.
  • Implemented a structured daily schedule to promote discipline and time management skills.
  • Kept detailed records of student progress, attendance, and educational milestones.
  • Adapted to various educational philosophies and methodologies to best serve the student's educational needs.
  • Fostered critical thinking and problem-solving skills through project-based learning activities.
  • Encouraged critical thinking skills by facilitating discussions about current events and topics relevant to the course material.

Elementary and Middle School Lead Learner

Independent Contractor Classical Conversations
St. Petersburg, FL
08.2012 - 05.2020
  • I worked in a classical classroom setting both as a substitute teacher/tutor and as a lead teacher for children in 1st grade to 6th grade.
  • Studied and reviewed English, Math, Science, History (American, Middle Ages, Ancient World), Latin, and Geography with children of various ages and development.
  • Performed science experiments and labs using the scientific method ( included astronomy, biology, chemistry, earth science and physics) Emphasis of solving problems and discovering answers.
  • Instructed art classes—classical artists as well as famous classical composers for 1st to 6th graders.
  • Participated and collaborated in lesson plans with other tutors, parents, and teachers every 6 weeks.

Consulting Occupational Therapist

self
St. Petersburg, FL
08.2011 - 05.2020
  • Screened children mostly ages 3-5 some 6-9 for Sensory Processing Disorders
  • Screened children for fine motor difficulties
  • Consulted with parents and issued at home activities to improve their children's performance in reading, writing and attention skills
  • Helped parents modify current curriculums for their children's success.

Pediatric Occupational Therapist

Pcsb
St. Petersburg, FL
08.1998 - 05.2008
  • Advised teachers and school personnel on classroom modifications or accommodations for students with special needs.
  • Instructed parents and caregivers in strategies to support their child's therapy goals at home.
  • Conducted assessments including formal standardized testing, informal assessment tools and parent and caregiver interviews.
  • Monitored patients' progress closely during treatments; adjusted treatments accordingly based on response.
  • Developed individualized treatment plans to meet the needs of pediatric patients.
  • Maintained close contact with other healthcare professionals involved in patient care, such as physicians, nurses, psychologists and speech therapists.
  • Provided therapeutic interventions, such as sensory integration, fine motor skills development and activities of daily living training.
  • Attended conferences related to pediatric occupational therapy topics for professional growth opportunities.
  • Educated families about developmental milestones and how to promote positive behavior change in children.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Occupational Therapy

Florida International University
Miami, FL
05-1992

Skills

  • Parent education
  • Classroom modifications
  • Fine Motor Skills Enhancement
  • Sensory processing assessment
  • Individualized treatment plans
  • Specialized in CranioSacral and MyoFascial Techniques

  • Motor skills development
  • Proficient in Spanish Communication

Languages

Spanish
Professional

Timeline

Co-op Teacher

Remnant Co-op
08.2022 - 05.2023

Elementary and Middle School Lead Learner

Independent Contractor Classical Conversations
08.2012 - 05.2020

Consulting Occupational Therapist

self
08.2011 - 05.2020

Homeschool Teacher

Self Employed Web
02.2011 - 05.2022

Pediatric Occupational Therapist

Pcsb
08.1998 - 05.2008

Bachelor of Science - Occupational Therapy

Florida International University
Diana DiPersio