Javier Gonzalez

Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) student with a prior double Bachelor’s in Psychology and Biological Sciences and a strong foundation in evidence-based practice, activity analysis, and group-based interventions. Experience spans acute care observation, pediatric and community-based OT projects, community mobility (CarFit), and assistive technology design. Brings six+ years of military leadership as a U.S. Navy Master-at-Arms, including supervision, mentoring, and high-stakes decision-making.

Inclusive Playground Analysis – Claremont Park Infographic
UIC OTD Program | Academic Artifact

• Conducted an on-site occupational therapy analysis of a neighborhood playground using a structured assessment tool to evaluate universal and inclusive design.
• Designed a two-page, health-literate infographic for families, caregivers, and healthcare professionals outlining accessibility, safety, and recommendations to support motor, process, and social interaction skills for children of all abilities.

Occupation-Based Treatment Plan for Post-Stroke Dressing
UIC OTD Program | Academic Artifact

• Collaborated on a 60-minute, occupation-based treatment plan for an adult post-stroke client with dressing difficulties, guided by the PEOP and motor control models.
• Integrated preparatory activities, adaptive equipment, graded task practice, and caregiver education with clearly defined short-term goals and appropriate CPT/ICD-10 coding.

Acute Stress Disorder Scale (ASDS) – Rehabilitation Measures Database Summary
UIC OTD Program | Academic Artifact

• Co-authored a detailed summary of the Acute Stress Disorder Scale (ASDS), synthesizing psychometric data across earthquake survivors and Hurricane Katrina evacuees.
• Critically appraised reliability and validity to determine clinical utility for trauma-focused mental health and rehabilitation practice.

Low-Tech Adapted DJ Controls for Early-Onset Osteoarthritis
OT 632 – Low-Tech Assistive Technology Project, UIC

• Designed and tested 3D-printed joystick-style fader and knob attachments to support an aspiring DJ with early-onset bilateral osteoarthritis.
• Used TinkerCAD and 3D-printing resources to iteratively refine ergonomic design, reducing precision pinch demands and neck flexion while maintaining performance control and identity as a DJ.

Evidence-Based Practice Project – Task-Oriented and Visual Feedback-Based OT for Post-Stroke Hemiparesis
OT 636 – Evidence-Based Practice, UIC

• Collaborated on a systematic search and critical appraisal of randomized trials evaluating task-oriented, visual feedback, and neuromuscular activation-based OT interventions for adults with post-stroke hemiparesis.
• Synthesized findings into a written report and poster focused on upper-extremity outcomes (e.g., FMA-UE, Box and Block Test, ADL/participation measures) and the overall strength of evidence for these interventions.

Master-at-Arms (Military Police)
United States Navy – Washington, DC | Jun 2015 – Dec 2021

• Supervised approximately 130 personnel across three shifts, prepared annual performance evaluations, and enforced compliance with security protocols and standard operating procedures.
• Mentored over 25 junior sailors in professional growth, including college enrollment, financial independence, and advancement goals (awards, promotions).
• Helped establish a high-performing security culture; local procedures for waterfront security were recognized as a model at the command level.
• Led biweekly production/operations meetings, assigned tasks, tracked performance, and supported forecasting of staffing and equipment needs within quarterly budgets.