Debra Deluca
Millville,MA
Summary
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant with a track record of improving student engagement and independence through targeted multisensory interventions. Developed adaptive seating solutions and visual schedules that significantly reduced off-task behaviors, while collaborating effectively with educators and delivering clear progress reports for IEP meetings.
Overview
2
2
Certification
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)
Northwest Special Education Region
Scituate, USA
08.1998 - 08.2026
- Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant with 28+ years working with students ages 3-22, delivering classroom-based multisensory interventions that increase independence and on-task engagement.
- Designs and implements adaptive seating, visual schedules, sensory strategies, and fine/visual motor programs based on standardized assessments.
- Evaluated students' motor and sensory profiles using standardized assessments to inform IEP goals.
- Assessed students' fine motor deficits and implemented targeted hand-strengthening activities that improved classroom participation.
- Conducted in-school seating assessments and prescribed adaptive seating adjustments that reduced off-task behaviors.
- Conducted in-class seating trials and recommended adjustments that reduced student distraction during lessons.
- Trained teachers on positioning strategies and adaptive seating plans that improved classroom engagement.
- Collaborated with educators across multiple buildings and settings and managed time effectively.
- Collaborated with teachers to modify classroom tasks and increase students' on-task participation.
- Coordinated weekly sensory strategy sessions with teachers to optimize activity scheduling.
- Introduced low-tech communication aids and trained staff to create choice-making opportunities for nonverbal students.
- Piloted simple assistive technologies for communication which enabled nonverbal students to indicate choices.
- Designed small-group therapeutic activities using common classroom supplies to practice bilateral coordination and handwriting skills.
- Modified classroom tools and handwriting supports to increase students' legibility and task completion.
- Prepared progress reports for IEP meetings that outlined functional gains and actionable next steps.
- 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.
COTA
The Holiday Skilled Nursing Facility
01.2015 - 01.2020
- Delivered functional-based therapy to increase independence with ADLs and enhance home management skills.
- Devised adaptive and new equipment to enhance patient engagement and support therapy goals.
- Conducted COPD, ROM, functional mobility/balance groups.
- Facilitated cooking classes that promoted standing techniques and relaxation methods, improving participants' confidence and skills.
- Participation with family and staff education.
- Care plan meeting and documentation for DC planning.
COTA
Genesis Rehab Services
01.2004 - 01.2016
COTA
Lydia Taft Skilled Nursing and Rehab center
01.2002 - 01.2005
COTA
Roger Williams Medical Center
01.2000 - 01.2004
COTA
Norton and Associates
01.1998 - 01.2000
Education
Associate Degree with honors - Applied Science (OT)
Becker College
Worcester, Ma05-1998
Skills
- Sensory Integration Techniques
- Therapeutic Play Techniques
- Motor Skills Assessment
- Fine Motor Development
- Assistive Device Training
- Visual Impairment Strategies
- Neuromuscular Facilitation
- Data Analysis
- Team Collaboration
- Time management
- Adaptability
- Flexibility
- Critical Thinking
- Creative Problem Solving
- Conflict Resolution
- Active Listening
- Interpersonal Skills
- Strong work ethic
Certification
- RI OTA License
- Mass OTA License
Timeline
COTA
The Holiday Skilled Nursing Facility
01.2015 - 01.2020
COTA
Genesis Rehab Services
01.2004 - 01.2016
COTA
Lydia Taft Skilled Nursing and Rehab center
01.2002 - 01.2005
COTA
Roger Williams Medical Center
01.2000 - 01.2004
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)
Northwest Special Education Region
08.1998 - 08.2026
COTA
Norton and Associates
01.1998 - 01.2000
Associate Degree with honors - Applied Science (OT)
Becker College