Karen Arias
New Caney
Summary
Accomplished occupational therapist empowering clients to achieve their highest level of independence by delivering evidence-based occupational therapy tailored to individual needs and fostering a collaborative approach with clients and families for optimal outcomes. Prioritizes holistic care and client-focused goals to enhance quality of life and promote sustained well-being.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
2
2
Certifications
Work History
Occupational Therapist
Cortica
8 2022 - Current
- Played a key role in opening new facilities and expanding access to therapy services for more families
- Facilitated better mobility and community access through Praxis interventions
- Demonstrated crisis management through adherence to emergency procedures and effective communication
- Provided direct patient care with a focus on achieving over 26 hours per week
- Enhanced visual-motor integration skills by administering the Beery VMI test and tailoring interventions for optimal outcomes
- Boosted children's motor proficiency through PDMS-2 and BOT-2 assessments, while delivering targeted therapy sessions
- Improved sensory processing and regulation of patients through play-based interventions, while facilitating daily activities
- Optimized therapy plans and ensured comprehensive patient care through collaboration with multi-disciplinary teams
- Advanced therapy outcomes by designing activities aligned with individual goals, resulting in measurable progress
- Ensured high-quality patient care by maintaining records and documentation in line with regulations.
Occupational Therapist
Crow Therapies
11.2021 - 08.2022
- Leveraged community and research resources to deliver cutting-edge pediatric occupational therapy
- Ensured safety and compliance during therapy sessions through vigilance and regular equipment checks
- Stayed updated with industry best practices through active participation in professional organizations, such as AOTA and NBCOT
- Developed individualized treatment plans by conducting assessments using standardized tools, including the Peabody Developmental Motor Scales and Box assessments, ensuring targeted and effective therapeutic interventions
- Achieved measurable progress towards therapy goals by tracking progress against clearly defined objectives, such as the ability to pick up Cheerios using a refined pincer pinch, and documenting outcomes for continued improvement
- Developed individualized treatment plans through in-depth evaluation with assessment tools, including PDMS-2 and PEDI
- Achieved significant improvements in fine and gross motor skills for patients by employing targeted interventions based on insights gained from BOT-2 and Beery VMI assessments, leading to increased independence in daily activities
- Enhanced parent engagement by actively involving them in the care plan process, incorporating their input to tailor therapy goals and interventions in alignment with the child's needs and family cultural background.
Occupational Therapy Supervisor and Interim Physical Therapy Supervisor
Aveanna Healthcare
04.2020 - 08.2021
- Ensured a safe environment for patients and staff, and handled emergencies
- Provided constructive feedback by conducting daily performance evaluations and offering support and resources to help team members grow and improve their practice
- Led a team of 16 OTs/COTAs and 8 PTs/PTAs by overseeing their schedules, treatment logs, daily notes, and evaluations to ensure compliance with regulatory standards and efficient patient care
- Improved team performance and morale through active listening and collaboration, addressing employees' concerns regarding caseload and scheduling to optimize resource allocation and client satisfaction
- Enhanced family engagement in pediatric therapy by ensuring therapists provided home exercise programs and maintained consistent communication with families to support progress and continuity of care
- Ensured regulatory compliance and safety by monitoring therapists' documentation and adherence to Aviana's standards.
Occupational Therapist
Center of Developmental Pediatrics
09.2019 - 02.2020
- Improved functional outcomes by closely monitoring progress and modifying therapy goals as needed, leading to either achieving more challenging goals or graduating from therapy services for pediatric clients
- Promoted regulation and engagement by incorporating sensory-based activities, including jumping on trampolines and swinging on therapeutic swings, which facilitated improved balance and coordination in pediatric clients
- Adapted therapy approaches to meet pediatric patients' developmental needs and learning styles, modifying goals based on individual progress and guiding children through appropriate sensory input
- Empowered families in the therapy process by involving them in sessions, providing education on their child's challenges and progress, and supplying home exercise programs to support the continuation of therapy at home
- Ensured thorough documentation and progress tracking through detailed hand-written notes on therapy sessions and outcomes, providing families with evaluation reports, progress notes, and session summaries to keep them informed.
Occupational Therapist
Cole Pediatric Therapy
07.2016 - 09.2019
- Achieved measurable progress in therapy goals for pediatric patients aged 1-18 by conducting assessments, monitoring progress, and adjusting interventions
- Collaborated with other healthcare professionals, including speech and physical therapists
- Enhanced pediatric patients' daily living skills by developing treatment plans tailored to children with various disabilities
- Improved sensory integration for children by employing evidence-based interventions such as sensory-based therapies
- Empowered families by providing them with education, support, and home exercise programs to continue therapy at home
- Optimized therapy outcomes through the effective use of tools, such as the Peabody Developmental Motor Scales and Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency to accurately assess and address each child's specific needs
- Built strong relationships with pediatric clients and families by fostering an inclusive and supportive environment, encouraging open communication and collaboration to facilitate a more effective therapy experience.
Occupational Therapist
Occupational Therapy Services
06.2014 - 07.2016
- Guided families in the therapy process by providing guidance and support to reinforce therapy goals at home, leading to improved consistency and greater overall outcomes for pediatric clients
- Improved functional independence by creating tailored therapy plans for ADLs and IADLs
- Facilitated progress in fine and gross motor skills and sensory processing through targeted interventions
- Achieved measurable health improvements by assessing and monitoring pediatric progress, and adjusting strategies as needed
- Optimized therapeutic outcomes through evidence-based practices such as sensory integration and motor planning interventions.
Education
Master of Science in Occupational Therapy -
University of Southern Indiana
Skills
Treatment Planning & Implementation
Adaptive Equipment & Assistive Technology
Sensory Integration
Cognitive Rehabilitation
Mental Health and Psychosocial Interventions
Evidence-Based Practice
Collaboration & Teamwork
Leadership
- Therapeutic Techniques
- Intervention Planning
- Goal setting experience
- Treatment implementation
- Pediatric Therapy
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration
- Clinical reasoning
- Clinical Training
- Staff education and training
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Adaptability and Flexibility
Certification
Occupational Therapy License
Previous Experience
- Occupational Therapist, Occupational Therapy Services
- Occupational Therapist, Aldine ISD
- Occupational Therapist, Liberty Healthcare
- Occupational Therapist, School District
- Occupational Therapist, Good Samaritan Hospital
Timeline
Occupational Therapist
Crow Therapies
11.2021 - 08.2022
Occupational Therapy Supervisor and Interim Physical Therapy Supervisor
Aveanna Healthcare
04.2020 - 08.2021
Occupational Therapist
Center of Developmental Pediatrics
09.2019 - 02.2020
Occupational Therapist
Cole Pediatric Therapy
07.2016 - 09.2019
Occupational Therapist
Occupational Therapy Services
06.2014 - 07.2016
Occupational Therapist
Cortica
8 2022 - Current
Master of Science in Occupational Therapy -
University of Southern Indiana
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