Karolina Gawron OTD, OTR/L
Chicago,IL
Summary
Dedicated Occupational Therapist with a passion for ensuring equitable access for individuals with diverse abilities. Skilled in assessing barriers and implementing solutions to enhance inclusivity and usability. Committed to advocating for universal design principles and fostering environments that empower individuals to thrive. Seeking to leverage expertise in occupational therapy and accessibility to contribute effectively as an Accessibility Specialist, driving positive change and promoting accessibility initiatives within diverse settings.
Overview
2
2
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
School-based Occupational Therapist
Aya Healthcare
11.2023 - Current
- Managed a caseload of 40+ students with diverse needs, implementing tailored intervention plans to promote functional skills and participation while collaborating with educators and support staff.
- Conducted assessments and collaborated on IEP teams to align students' educational goals with their functional abilities, ensuring inclusive learning environments.
- Modified physical spaces, including classrooms, student workspaces, and sensory areas, to support the sensory processing needs of students and enhance their educational experience by incorporating adaptations that help foster student engagement and sensory regulation skills in the academic setting.
- Consulted with interdisciplinary teams and parents/caregivers, implementing evidence-based interventions to improve sensory processing and fine motor skills for academic success.
Occupational Therapy Doctoral Intern
Friedman Place
01.2023 - 04.2023
- Conducted comprehensive assessments on quality of life for visually impaired individuals in supportive housing, identifying strengths and barriers.
- Findings highlighted the effectiveness of assistive technology, environmental accessibility, and therapeutic connections, while noting obstacles to community engagement and physical health.
- Led educational sessions for interdisciplinary staff, equipping them with best practices to serve blind and visually impaired residents.
- Championed initiatives promoting accessible healthcare and educational resources for the low vision and blind population.
- Enhanced patient satisfaction and independence through thorough consultations and addressing barriers to daily activities.
Acute & ICU Care Occupational Therapy Intern
Cook County Stroger Hospital
09.2022 - 01.2023
- Conducted detailed assessments and develop tailored treatment plans to address patients' functional needs and goals.
- Delivered evidence-based occupational therapy interventions to improve patients' physical, cognitive, and psychosocial functioning.
- Worked closely with healthcare professionals to coordinate patient care and ensure holistic services.
- Advocated for accessible next level of care environments and services, promoting inclusive design principles and ensuring compliance with accessibility standards.
Outpatient Pediatric Occuppational Therapy Intern
Ascension Resurrection Medical Center
02.2022 - 06.2022
- Led assessments and devised customized treatment strategies for pediatric clients and their families with sensory processing disorders, cognitive, developmental and physical disabilities.
- Spearheaded initiatives to enhance environmental accessibility and championed inclusive design features in the clinic settings while promoting carryover of these initiatives in clients home context.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams, including doctors, speech therapists, physical therapists, and families, to ensure cohesive therapeutic strategies for promoting independence and safety.
- Maintained meticulous documentation and performance metrics to illustrate the efficacy of interventions in driving functional outcomes for pediatric clients.
Community-Based OCcupational Therapy Intern
Centro De Rehab. Educación Capacitación Estudios
12.2021 - 12.2021
- Implemented environmental modifications to enhance accessibility for pediatric and geriatric populations in community-based settings in Ecuador.
- Advocated for inclusive design features and collaborated with local stakeholders to ensure cultural sensitivity and relevance.
- Developed and executed tailored interventions to address the unique needs of children and older adults, promoting independence and safety.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to integrate occupational therapy strategies into community programs, emphasizing cultural competency and sensitivity.
- Provided education and training to caregivers and community members on adaptive techniques and environmental modifications to support functional independence.
Education
Doctorate of Occupational Therapy -
Rush University College of Health Sciences
Chicago, IL04.2023
Bachelors Degree of Psychology -
University of Illinois At Chicago
Chicago, IL05.2019
Skills
- Detail-Oriented
- Problem-Solving Capacity
- Communication and Collaboration skills
- Client-Centered Service Provider
- Empathy and Cultural Capacity
- Expertise in Sensory Processing Environmental Adaptations
Accomplishments
- Explored the application and effectiveness of UDL implementation in US allied health and medical education programs, highlighting its role in promoting inclusivity for students with disabilities across various educational levels. This review underscores the growing recognition of UDL's efficacy in fostering inclusive learning environments and advocates for further research to explore its impact within graduate-level programs in the allied health and medical fields.
"A Scoping Review of Universal Design for Learning in United States Allied Health & Medical Education"
The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy, 01/15/24
https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/ojot/vol12/iss1/7/
Languages
Polish
Native or Bilingual
Leadership Experience
Rush University Student Occupational Therapy Association, Treasurer, 10/20 - 04/23
- Led the management of the class budget, ensuring events were executed successfully within the allocated funds. Orchestrated collaborative efforts with peers to organize fundraisers, championing local community initiatives, and reinforcing our class's commitment to community service.
Certification
- National Board Certified Occupational Therapist
- Illinois License of Occupational Therapy
Timeline
School-based Occupational Therapist
Aya Healthcare
11.2023 - Current
Occupational Therapy Doctoral Intern
Friedman Place
01.2023 - 04.2023
Acute & ICU Care Occupational Therapy Intern
Cook County Stroger Hospital
09.2022 - 01.2023
Outpatient Pediatric Occuppational Therapy Intern
Ascension Resurrection Medical Center
02.2022 - 06.2022
Community-Based OCcupational Therapy Intern
Centro De Rehab. Educación Capacitación Estudios
12.2021 - 12.2021
Doctorate of Occupational Therapy -
Rush University College of Health Sciences
Bachelors Degree of Psychology -
University of Illinois At Chicago
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