Ilene Klass
New York City Department of Education
Brooklyn
1
Certification
34
years of professional experience
Dedicated, compassionate, and highly skilled Pediatric Occupational Therapist with extensive experience providing Early Intervention and school-based services to children with developmental, sensory, motor, and learning challenges. Demonstrated expertise in conducting comprehensive evaluations, developing individualized treatment plans, and implementing engaging, evidence-based interventions that foster independence, participation, and functional success. Adept at collaborating with families, educators, and multidisciplinary teams to create meaningful, child-centered outcomes through a family-centered and strengths-based approach. Recognized for exceptional clinical reasoning, creative problem-solving, and strong therapeutic rapport with children and families. Possesses advanced knowledge of child development, activity analysis, therapeutic grading, environmental adaptations, and classroom accommodations. Known for outstanding communication, collaboration, and clinical documentation skills, with a commitment to empowering children to reach their fullest potential across home, school, and community environments. Advocates for children and families by connecting them with appropriate resources, supports, and community services. Contributed to the creation, content development, writing, and publication of a special needs magazine. Committed to making meaningful contributions and advancing organizational goals.
Work History
Early Intervention Occupational Therapist
20 Years 1 Month- Developed and delivered individualized treatment plans for children birth-3yrs with developmental delays using a family-centered Early Intervention model.
- Conducted evaluations, and assessments to identify developmental needs and develop individualized treatment plans.
- Provided evidence-based intervention to support motor, sensory, developmental, and social-emotional skill acquisition.
- Educated, coached, and collaborated with families to promote skill development and carryover within daily routines and natural environments.
- Maintained compliance with Early Intervention regulations, policies, and standards governing services for children with disabilities.
- Prepared timely quarterly progress reports, and all required clinical documentation.
- Provided Early Intervention services through Eis Laasos Early Intervention Center (formerly SBS Development), Challenge Early Intervention Center, Hamaspik and Hand in Hand Development.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to optimize patient care strategies and carryover to other disciplines .
- Mentored junior therapists/students on assessment techniques and intervention strategies.
- Recommended and implemented environmental modifications within the home to promote independence, participation, and functional skill development.
Occupational Therapist
20 Years 5 Months- Provide occupational therapy services to students with a variety of developmental, physical, sensory, and neurological disabilities in accordance with their IEPs.
- Conduct screenings and comprehensive evaluations to determine eligibility and service needs.
- Develop individualized goals and treatment plans that support students' educational participation and functional performance.
- Deliver individual and group therapy sessions in and out of the classroom, targeting fine motor, visual-motor, sensory processing, self-regulation, handwriting, self-care, and school participation skills.
- Develop and Implement evidence-based interventions to improve school function and increase independence
- Collaborate with multi-disciplinary team including teachers, providers, administrators, and families to support student success across educational environments.
- Participate in IEP meetings and contribute to the development, and goals, accommodations, and recommendations.
- Recommend and implement classroom accommodations, environmental modifications, and adaptive equipment to facilitate access to the curriculum.
- Assess and address seating, positioning, and assistive technology needs to maximize participation and independence.
- Advocated for resources and support services to enhance student accessibility and engagement.
Special Therapist on Computer for Multiple Agencie
7 Years 9 Months- Provided computer-based instruction to children and young adults with a variety of developmental disabilities, including autism, Down syndrome, and cerebral palsy.
- Taught computer literacy skills, including keyboarding, word processing, internet navigation, and educational technology use.
- Assessed individual needs and recommended appropriate assistive technology and adaptive equipment to support computer access and participation.
- Utilized educational and therapeutic software to enhance learning, attention, academic skills, and ability to follow directions.
- Identified and recommended specialized computer programs tailored to address individual developmental, cognitive, and functional needs.
Special Therapist on Computer
2 Years 2 Months- Worked with children with a wide range of disabilities including autism, Downs syndrome and Cerebral Palsy on a computer.
- Teaching developmentally disabled children and young adults how to use a computer, do word processing, typing and internet use.
- Recommended necessary assistive devices to aid in the use of computer and programs
- Utilized educational and recreational computer software to facilitate learning of academic concepts, following directions.
- Suggested specialized computer programs that specifically geared to address the child’s deficits
Special Therapist on Computer
2 Years 1 Month- Worked with children with a wide range of disabilities including autism, Downs syndrome and Cerebral Palsy on a computer.
- Teaching developmentally disabled children and young adults how to use a computer, do word processing, typing and internet use.
- Recommended necessary assistive devices to aid in the use of computer and programs
- Utilized educational and recreational computer software to facilitate learning of academic concepts, following directions.
- Suggested specialized computer programs that specifically geared to address the child’s deficits
Special Therapist on Computer
2 Years- Worked with children with a wide range of disabilities including autism, Downs syndrome and Cerebral Palsy on a computer.
- Teaching developmentally disabled children and young adults how to use a computer, do word processing, typing and internet use.
- Recommended necessary assistive devices to aid in the use of computer and programs
- Utilized educational and recreational computer software to facilitate learning of academic concepts, following directions.
- Suggested specialized computer programs that specifically geared to address the child’s deficits
Teacher
1 Year- Cared for the social, emotional, physical and educational needs of children aged 5-6 years old
- Created and implemented educational, cultural and social activities
- Assessed children’s social, personal and educational development
- Instructed children in customs and rituals of all Jewish holidays
- Taught educational concepts such as numbers, math, letter recognition, reading etc.
- Maintained documentation on academic achievement for each student
- Conducted Parent teacher meetings to inform parents of their child’s progress
Teacher
1 Year- Cared for the social, emotional, physical and educational needs of children aged 5-6 years old
- Created and implemented educational, cultural and social activities
- Assessed children’s social, personal and educational development
- Instructed children in customs and rituals of all Jewish holidays
- Taught educational concepts such as numbers, math, letter recognition, reading etc.
- Maintained documentation on academic achievement for each student
- Conducted Parent teacher meetings to inform parents of their child’s progress
Education
Bachelors/Masters of science - Occupational Therapy
- Candidate for Bachelors/Masters of science in occupational therapy
- GPA: 4.00
Associate in arts - Psych/Ed
GPA: 3.975
Skills
Extensive knowledge of child development and age-appropriate therapeutic interventions
Activity analysis and therapeutic grading of interventions
Adaptation and modification of materials
equipment
and environments
Strong teaching
consultation
collaboration
and communication abilities
Advanced clinical documentation and professional writing skills
Creative clinical reasoning and problem-solving abilities
Strong family- centered approach to service delivery
Excellent organizational and time-management skills
Proficient computer and technology skills
Artistic and creative abilities
Certification
- D.O.H Certification for independent providers
- Peabody – Certification for evaluation using the Peabody Developmental Motor Scales 2
- Eyesight to Insight – Visual/Vestibular Assessment and Treatment
- Therapeutic Intervention in the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit)
- Handwriting without Tears
- The Print Tool
- Reflex Development testing and integration techniques
- Bal-A-Vis-X
- S'cool Moves
- FAP training
Languages
Knowledge of Hebrew & Yiddish
Timeline
Early Intervention Occupational Therapist
Multiple Early Intervention Agencies
05.2006 - CurrentRead More
Occupational Therapist
New York City Department of Education
01.2006 - CurrentRead More
Special Therapist on Computer
Mishkon JBCFS
08.1999 - 10.2001Read More
Special Therapist on Computer
Women’s league
05.1999 - 06.2001Read More
Special Therapist on Computer
Pesach Tikvah
05.1999 - 05.2001Read More
Special Therapist on Computer for Multiple Agencie
Human Care Services, Pesach Tikvah, Mishkon JBCFS, and Women's League
03.1999 - 12.2006Read More
Teacher
Yeshiva Torah Academy for Girls
01.1993 - 01.1994Read More
Teacher
Yeshiva Ateres Yisroel
01.1992 - 01.1993Read More
Touro College
Associate in arts from Psych/Ed
Read More
Long Island University
Bachelors/Masters of science from Occupational Therapy
Read More
Fieldwork Level I Experience
- Metropolitan Jewish Geriatric, Brooklyn, NY September 2003 – November 2003
- Brookdale Hospital - mental health January 2004 – March 2004
- New York Pain Center, Brooklyn, June 2004 – August 2004
- NY PS 33 @ IS 88, Brooklyn, NY September 2004 – November 2004
Fieldwork Level II Experience
Brooklyn Hospital Center, Brooklyn, NY November 2004 – February 2005
Honors and Awards
Long Island University Presidential Scholarship Fall 2002 -present, William Pfeffer Award Spring 2003 -Present, Nerkin Scholarship Fall 2002 -present, Long Island University Deans List Award Fall 2002-Present, Touro College Deans List Award Spring 1999 – Summer 2002