JO-ANN T. DELA CRUZ
Maywood,NJ
Summary
Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant with a strong background in patient care, documentation, and progress monitoring across outpatient and school-based settings. Supports individualized treatment plans, prepares therapy areas and equipment, and collaborates with PTs, teachers, and related service providers to help students improve mobility and gross motor skills.
Overview
1
1
Certification
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Physical Therapist Assistant
A Starting Place Preschool
Pearl River, New York
02.2025 - Current
- Assist the supervising PT in providing direct physical therapy interventions according to individualized education programs (IEPs).
- Implement therapeutic activities to improve gross motor skills such as walking, climbing stairs, jumping, balancing, and coordination.
- Collaborate with teachers, occupational/speech therapists, and other related service providers to integrate therapy goals into classroom activities
- Facilitated student access to school environments, enhancing participation in activities across playgrounds, classrooms, and hallways.
- Organized treatment areas with mats and adaptive equipment, ensuring readiness for effective therapy sessions.
- Conduct 20-minute classroom-based motor group activities for preschool students ages 3–5.
- Communicated regularly with parents or guardians to provide updates on child's progress in physical therapy, fostering collaborative support.
Physical Therapist Assistant
HeartShare Human Services Of New York - First Step Early Childhood Center
11.2023 - Current
- Assist the supervising PT in providing direct physical therapy interventions according to individualized education programs (IEPs).
- Implement therapeutic activities to improve gross motor skills such as walking, climbing stairs, jumping, balancing, and coordination.
- Follow established treatment plans and adapt activities to the student’s abilities and comfort level.
- Promote safe mobility and positioning for students who use adaptive equipment (e.g., walkers, wheelchairs, standers).
- Document student performance and progress; communicate updates to the supervising PT.
- Maintained regular communication with parents about their child's therapy progress and needs.
- Coordinated with teachers, aides, and occupational therapists to align therapy goals with classroom activities.
- Facilitated student access to school environments, enhancing participation in daily activities.
- Maintain confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA and FERPA regulations.
PHYSICAL THERAPY ASSISTANT
ACTIVE UNITED CARE PHYSICAL THERAPY
07.2021 - 09.2022
- Implement treatment component plans under the directive of the Physical Therapist.
- Provide necessary instructions to patients in therapeutic exercise and proper use of the devices/equipment.
- Provided exercises, including range of motion, resistance, aerobic, stretching, and peripheral joint mobilization to enhance strength, endurance, and coordination.
- Observe patients before, while and after the treatment and noting patients' status.
- Monitored and documented patient progress to evaluate treatment effectiveness and communicated updates to the Physical Therapist.
- Completed all documentation accurately and on time to maintain compliance and support patient care.
PHYSICAL THERAPY ASSISTANT
CITIMEDICAL BRONX & CRYSTAL RAY MEDICAL, P.C.
06.2020 - 06.2021
- Instructed, motivated, safeguarded, and assisted patients in performing exercises and functional activities to support recovery.
- Exercised professional judgment to assess and address patient needs, ensuring safety of self and patients.
- Enhanced Physical Therapist effectiveness by identifying patient care issues, providing information, recommending options, and implementing action plans.
- Implement treatment programs including Home Instructions.
- Records treatment daily notes and completes in a timely and complete manner.
PHYSICAL THERAPY ASSISTANT
REHABWORLD MANHATTAN
03.2016 - 03.2020
- Administer active, passive manual therapeutic exercises, heat, light and electrical modality treatments such as ultrasound.
- Treated patients with various techniques, including strengthening and stretching exercises, to enhance recovery.
- Improved patient mobility and reduced pain, contributing to injury prevention.
- Assist Physical Therapist in developing treatment plans.
- Recorded and documented patient progress and treatment, ensuring continuity of care.
- Measured and tracked intervention effectiveness during treatment sessions.
PHYSICAL THERAPY ASSISTANT
CENTRAL PARK PHYSICAL MEDICINE
01.2015 - 03.2016
- Administer active, passive manual therapeutic exercises, heat, light and electrical modality treatments such as ultrasound.
- Administered diverse treatment techniques, including strengthening and stretching exercises, to support recovery.
- Enhanced patient mobility and alleviated pain, contributing to injury prevention.
- Assist Physical Therapist in developing treatment plans.
- Record and document patient’s progress and treatment given.
- Monitored and documented intervention effectiveness to facilitate patient progress.
PHYSICAL THERAPY ASSISTANT
CURETOUCH REHABILITATION
08.2012 - 12.2014
- Administer active, passive manual therapeutic exercises, heat, light and electrical modality treatments such as ultrasound.
- Treated patients with various techniques, including strengthening and stretching exercises to enhance recovery.
- Improved patient mobility and reduced pain, preventing further injuries.
- Assist Physical Therapist in developing treatment plans.
- Record and document patient’s progress and treatment given.
- Measured and tracked effectiveness of interventions to inform treatment adjustments.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Physical Therapy
Our Lady of Fatima University
01-1999
Skills
- Organizational skills
- Communication skills
- Team collaboration
- Multitasking ability
Certification
- NY Lic. no. 008404-01
- August 01, 2012–present
References
- Sherry Rumbaoa, DPT, Supervising PT, 347-608-6482, First Step Early Childhood Center, Richmond Hill, NY
- April S. Palacio, DPT, 347-827-7636, Parsons Preschool, Queens Village, NY
- Lew Vykka, Suico, Chief PT, 929-548-2692, Active United Care Physical Therapy, Hillside, NY
- Anjie Ace, Zozobrado, Chief PT, 646-628-7450, Citimedical, Bronx, NY
Timeline
Physical Therapist Assistant
A Starting Place Preschool
02.2025 - Current
Physical Therapist Assistant
HeartShare Human Services Of New York - First Step Early Childhood Center
11.2023 - Current
PHYSICAL THERAPY ASSISTANT
ACTIVE UNITED CARE PHYSICAL THERAPY
07.2021 - 09.2022
PHYSICAL THERAPY ASSISTANT
CITIMEDICAL BRONX & CRYSTAL RAY MEDICAL, P.C.
06.2020 - 06.2021
PHYSICAL THERAPY ASSISTANT
REHABWORLD MANHATTAN
03.2016 - 03.2020
PHYSICAL THERAPY ASSISTANT
CENTRAL PARK PHYSICAL MEDICINE
01.2015 - 03.2016
PHYSICAL THERAPY ASSISTANT
CURETOUCH REHABILITATION
08.2012 - 12.2014
Bachelor of Science - Physical Therapy
Our Lady of Fatima University