Kayla Waters
Darien,IL
Summary
Compassionate Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant skilled in patient engagement, therapeutic exercise programming, and utilizing therapeutic use of self. Committed to enhancing daily living skills, maximizing quality of life and improving patient health and wellness through individualized treatment plans.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant
Fox Rehabilitation Services
Joliet, IL
04.2026 - Current
- Assisted in implementing individualized therapy plans for diverse patient needs.
- Supported occupational therapists in conducting evaluations and assessments.
- Organized therapeutic activities to promote patient engagement and progress.
- Maintained accurate documentation of patient treatments and outcomes.
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant
Strive Therapy
Schaumburg, IL
05.2025 - Current
- Collaborated with healthcare team members to enhance patient care strategies.
- Adapted therapeutic exercises based on patient feedback and performance.
- Educated patients and families on home exercise programs and safety measures.
- Participated in ongoing training to stay current with best practices in therapy techniques.
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant
Oasis Therapy Services
Burr Ridge, IL
04.2025 - Current
- Collaborated with supervising Occupational Therapists to evaluate treatment effectiveness, making necessary adjustments for optimal results.
- Adapted treatment approaches according to individual patient preferences, ensuring engagement in the therapeutic process.
- Improved patient outcomes by implementing individualized treatment plans and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams.
- Assisted patients with completing basic daily living activities such as grooming, dressing and self-feeding.
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant
In Home Therapy
Burr Ridge, IL
04.2024 - Current
- Managed caseloads effectively while maintaining a focus on quality care delivery for each patient served.
- Implemented evidence-based practices into daily clinical work, staying abreast of current research and trends in the field.
- Provided direct occupational therapy services in home health settings.
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant
Lifepoint Health
Joliet, IL
11.2024 - 04.2025
- Provided direct occupational therapy services in acute care settings.
- Participated in continuous professional development to stay current on best practices and maintain high-quality patient care standards.
- Built rapport with patients and families, fostering trust and open communication for optimal therapy outcomes.
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant
UChicago Medicine Advent Health
Bolingbrook, IL
11.2023 - 04.2024
- Provided adaptive equipment recommendations based on individual patient needs, enhancing daily living skills.
- Contributed to interdisciplinary case conferences, providing valuable input for comprehensive care planning.
- Maintained accurate records of patient progress, facilitating data-driven decision-making for treatment plan adjustments.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to ensure holistic care, enhancing patient rehabilitation and recovery.
Patient Care Technician
UChicago Medicine AdventHealth Glen Oaks
Glendale Heights, IL
06.2023 - 11.2023
- Provided direct patient care, assisting with activities of daily living and ensuring comfort.
- Monitored vital signs and reported changes to nursing staff for timely interventions.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of patient rooms, enhancing overall safety and hygiene standards.
- Collaborated with healthcare team to implement patient care plans effectively and efficiently.
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant Student
School Setting, Mental Health Setting, Assisted Living Setting
Illinois Area
07.2022 - 04.2023
- Implemented individualized therapy plans to enhance patient mobility and daily living skills.
- Advocated for patient needs within the therapeutic setting, enhancing care coordination efforts.
- Helped improve fine motor, visual perception and sensory processing skills.
- Educated patients and families on conditions, treatments and home exercises.
Certified Nursing Assistant
Oak Trace Care and Rehabilitation
Downers Grove, IL
01.2016 - 11.2021
- Provided compassionate patient care and support in daily living activities.
- Assisted nursing staff with monitoring vital signs and documenting patient progress.
- Implemented infection control protocols to enhance patient safety and hygiene standards.
- Provided high-quality personal care services such as bathing, grooming, dressing, and feeding to ensure patient dignity.
- Maintained a clean, safe environment by sanitizing surfaces, changing linens, and disposing of waste properly.
- Answered call lights and supported patient comfort and safety by adjusting bed rails and equipment.
Education
Associate of Science - Occupational Therapy
Fox College
IL04-2023
GED -
College of DuPage
Glen Ellyn, IL06-2021
Skills
- Fall prevention strategies
- Activity analysis
- Documentation and reporting
- Collaborative teamwork
- Functional mobility training
- Group therapy facilitation
- Schedule management
- Therapeutic exercise programming
- Upper extremity strengthening
- Patient-centered care
- CPR/AED certified
- Active listening
Timeline
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant
Fox Rehabilitation Services
04.2026 - Current
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant
Strive Therapy
05.2025 - Current
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant
Oasis Therapy Services
04.2025 - Current
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant
Lifepoint Health
11.2024 - 04.2025
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant
In Home Therapy
04.2024 - Current
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant
UChicago Medicine Advent Health
11.2023 - 04.2024
Patient Care Technician
UChicago Medicine AdventHealth Glen Oaks
06.2023 - 11.2023
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant Student
School Setting, Mental Health Setting, Assisted Living Setting
07.2022 - 04.2023
Certified Nursing Assistant
Oak Trace Care and Rehabilitation
01.2016 - 11.2021
Associate of Science - Occupational Therapy
Fox College
GED -
College of DuPage