Highly skilled career professional with more than 25 years practical experience in hospital, home health, clinic and pre-school and school environments.
Continued Education in Yoga Certification for the Special Needs Child and YogaKids, NeuroNet, and Kinesio Taping.
Computer skilled, managing heavy daily patient volume including creating Sensory Diets for children with ASD, sensory dysfunction, created and implemented various groups for Preschool children, appointment scheduling, and patient referral. Proficient in all documentation/record maintenance/paperwork to ensure accuracy and patient confidentiality.
Prosthetic Training and Splint Fabrication Training/ experience.
Provided mentorship to COTA and OTS students at various levels in their career path.
Developmental Specialist/Early Intervention
Provided NICU therapists with relief when they were on vacation.
Experienced with pediatric therapeutic techniques to support children's development and independence. Knowledge of family collaboration and interdisciplinary teamwork to enhance patient outcomes.
Overview
32
32
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Pediatric Occupational Therapist
AdventHealth Sports Med and Rehab at Palm Coast
Palm Coast, FL
11.2022 - Current
Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive rehabilitation plans for patients.
Developed engaging, evidence-based therapy activities that promote fine motor skills and sensory integration.
Conducted comprehensive assessments to identify children's developmental needs and create tailored intervention plans.
Spearheaded community outreach programs to promote health awareness and increase clinic visibility.
Developed a strong company culture focused on employee engagement, collaboration, and continuous learning opportunities.
Therapeutic ages include NICU graduates to 15 years old.
Mentored junior therapists in best practices for pediatric assessments and therapeutic interventions.
Facilitated successful transition of clients from therapy services into community programs or extracurricular activities by connecting families with relevant resources and supports.
Navigated diverse family situations sensitively, incorporating cultural considerations into treatment plans when appropriate to optimize results.
Supervision and mentorship for students and Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants.
Pediatric Occupational Therapist
Brooks Rehabilitation St Augustine, Pediatrics
St. Augustine, Fl
11.2018 - 11.2022
Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to enhance therapeutic strategies and improve care delivery.
Implemented modifications to therapy programs based on ongoing evaluations of child progress and feedback from families.
Advocated for children's needs within educational environments, ensuring appropriate accommodations are provided.
Streamlined documentation processes to enhance efficiency in tracking patient progress and outcomes.
Prioritized client safety at all times, adhering to best practices for infection control and maintaining a clean, organized therapy space.
Supported the transition from early intervention services to school-based services by collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and families throughout the process.
Provided clinical mentorship and supervision to Fieldwork II Students and Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant
Pediatric Occupational Therapist
MG Therapy
Davie, FL
08.2013 - 11.2018
Utilized standardized assessments to evaluate client progress, informing adjustments to treatment plans accordingly for optimal outcomes.
Enhanced overall clinic reputation by consistently providing high-quality, evidence-based interventions that yielded positive outcomes for clients.
Pediatric Occupational Outpatient and Inpatient
Memorial Healthcare System Miramar
Miramar, FL
02.2013 - 11.2018
Led workshops for parents and caregivers on effective home strategies to support children's occupational development.
Continuously expanded professional knowledge through attending conferences, workshops, and webinars to stay current on the latest advancements in pediatric occupational therapy.
Optimized clinic efficiency by maintaining accurate documentation, managing caseloads effectively, and adhering to regulatory guidelines.
Strengthened parent involvement in therapy sessions by offering education on techniques to support their child''s development at home.
Promoted greater independence for children with special needs by teaching self-care tasks such as dressing, eating, and grooming.
Elevated student engagement during therapy sessions using innovative approaches like virtual reality tools or animal-assisted therapies.
Provided interventions and treatments to improve patient abilities to perform daily activities, manage symptoms and prevent injury.
Provided education to empower patients and families to understand conditions, treatments and treatment options for managing symptoms.
Coordinated interventions with multidisciplinary treatment team.
Mentored junior therapists in best practices for pediatric assessments and therapeutic interventions.
Enhanced overall clinic reputation by consistently providing high-quality, evidence-based interventions that yielded positive outcomes for clients.
Facilitated relief for therapist in NICU on as needed basis
Pediatric Occupational Therapist
Broward Children’s Center
Davie, FL
12.2010 - 02.2013
Directed curriculum development to enhance early childhood education programs.
Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
Developmental Preschool
Provided mentorship/supervision to Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant and Fieldwork II students.
School Occupational Therapist
Kindred People First Rehab Services
Fort Lauderdale, FL
08.2007 - 12.2010
Boosted success rates for achieving therapy goals by developing customized home exercise programs for each child.
Reduced classroom barriers for students with disabilities by collaborating with teachers to modify materials or implement accommodations.
Facilitated improved handwriting skills for students through targeted interventions and adaptive equipment recommendations.
Increased children''s participation in daily activities by addressing sensory processing challenges through tailored sensory integration strategies.
Implemented creative problem-solving methods to address complex cases involving multiple diagnoses or comorbid conditions in pediatric clients.
Enhanced communication between parents and school staff by providing detailed progress reports and collaborating in IEP meetings.
Rehab Occupational Therapy
Mt.Sinai and Miami Heart Hospital
Miami Beach, FL
02.2002 - 12.2008
Developed individualized treatment plans to enhance patient recovery and functional independence.
Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to optimize patient care and rehabilitation strategies.
Conducted assessments to evaluate patient progress and adjust therapy techniques accordingly.
Facilitated therapeutic activities to improve patients' physical, cognitive, and emotional skills.
Implemented evidence-based practices to ensure high-quality occupational therapy services.
Piloted a program on the weekend to support post surgical rehab in short term stay. ( Chair Yoga)
Occupational Therapist
Sunrise Health and Rehab
Sunrise, FL
05.2005 - 10.2007
Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
Demonstrated respect, friendliness, and willingness to help wherever needed.
Evaluated Geriatric Population
School Occupational Therapist
Interim Therapy Services
Sunrise, FL
08.2002 - 07.2007
Developed individualized treatment plans to enhance patient mobility and daily living skills.
Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to optimize patient rehabilitation outcomes and care strategies.
Assessed patient needs using standardized evaluation tools to determine appropriate therapy interventions.
Implemented evidence-based practices to improve functional independence in diverse patient populations.
Mentored junior therapists on best practices for patient assessment and treatment execution.
Occupational Therapy Residential Facility
Landmark Learning Center
Miami Lakes, FL
08.2000 - 08.2002
Conducted comprehensive assessments to develop tailored treatment plans for diverse patient populations.
Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to optimize patient care and rehabilitation outcomes.
Implemented therapeutic interventions that enhanced daily living skills and functional independence.
Provided supervision to a Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant
Tech
Kendall Speech and Language Center
Miami, FL
06.1994 - 09.2000
Assisted in patient rehabilitation exercises to enhance mobility and strength.
Monitored patient progress and documented improvements in treatment plans.
Collaborated with healthcare professionals to develop individualized rehabilitation strategies.
Maintained equipment and ensured a safe, clean working environment for patients.
Educated patients on exercise techniques and post-treatment care protocols.
Outpatient speech clinic with a population of only ASD children.
Education
Doctor Of Occupational Therapy - Occupational Therapy
Nova Southeastern University
Fort Lauderdale, FL
06-2027
Master of Arts - Occupational Therapy
New York University
Manhattan, NY
01-2000
Skills
Play-based therapy
Collaborative teamwork
Early intervention techniques
Clinical reasoning
Feeding therapy
Assistive technology
Neuromuscular training
Autism spectrum expertise
Visual perception training
Therapeutic listening
Patient positioning
Clinical training
Interdisciplinary collaboration
Acute and rehabilitative care
Problem-solving
Time management
Affiliations
American Occupational Therapy Association 2008
Certification
Board Examination 2000
License, State of Florida and New York City 2000
Yoga for the Special Needs Child Certification 2004
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Interests
Crafting and DIY Projects
I have a passion for photography and editing photos
Training
Green Lock Therapeutic Riding Center, Rehoboth, MA. 05/99
Three-day workshop in classic Hippotherapy.
Education Resources, Inc., Coral Springs, FL. 05/99
Two-day workshop in sensory defensiveness and related social/emotional and neurological problems.
PPD: 1st Florida Symposium on Intervention for Persons with Special Needs, Ft. Lauderdale, FL. 11/00
Two-day workshop on combining approaches when treating children with autism/related disabilities.
Electrical Stimulation and Ultrasound for Occupational and Physical Therapists, Pompano Beach, FL. 05/01
Two-day workshop exploring modalities to implement in the clinic setting.
Pediatric Early Intervention Treatment, Orlando, FL 07/01
An integrative approach treating children birth-5 years old.
Sensory Integration and Children, Davie, FL. 12/03
Activity based training to provide a multi-disciplinary approach to learning.
First Strokes Handwriting Program, Miami, FL. 02/04
Multisensory based approach to teaching Handwriting.
Yoga for The Special Needs Child, Manhattan, NY. 07/04
One week certification course for Yoga/Infant massage based treatment. Hatha method.
Radiant Child Yoga Program, North Miami, FL. 08/06
Three-day certification program for children 2-12 years of age. Kundalini Method
Positioning, Davie, FL. 09/06
One day course to emphasize the importance of positioning and adaptations involved.
Is it Sensory or Is It Behavior? Orlando, FL. 02/07
A two-day course discriminating the differences and similarities between sensory and Behavioral characteristics when treating Autism, and other related disabilities.
Sensory Solutions for the School Based Therapist, Margate, FL. 10/07
One-day course on sensory strategies for the school based population.
NeuroNet, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 01/08
A three-day course on bilateral hemisphere integration and temporal timing.
Visual Vestibular Treatment, Tampa, FL 3/2012
Two-day course on the impact of vision on the vestibular system.
KinesioTaping I and II, Miami, FL 12/2012
Two-day course in effective Taping Treatment Method
Creating and Implementing Effecting Sensory Diets, Ft. Lauderdale FL 6/2013
Creating sensory diets utilizing Brain works computer program
Yogakids Foundations, Orange Park, FL 10/2013
First course to embark on a one-year journey into Yoga with children.
Yogakids Transformations, St. Augustine, FL 9/2014
Certification Course