Kelsey Paternoster
Chicago,IL
Summary
Dedicated healthcare professional with extensive experience in developing and implementing personalized therapy plans that achieve measurable patient outcomes. Expertise in conducting comprehensive assessments, delivering evidence-based interventions, and monitoring progress to ensure optimal results for patients. Passionate about building meaningful relationships and leveraging exceptional interpersonal communication to inspire trust, strengthen patient engagement, and drive clinical growth. Committed to collaboration and adaptability in dynamic healthcare environments, consistently applying creative problem-solving and emotional intelligence to enhance patient experience, therapeutic effectiveness, and overall clinical performance.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Occupational Therapist
Chicago Public Schools
08.2021 - Current
- Facilitate evaluations and treatment sessions across PreK-8th grade students in special education programs and specialty schools.
- Assess student's strengths with evaluation methods including: Peabody, Beery's VMI, M-FUN & Sensory Profile.
- Design and implement engaging treatment plans for fine/visual motor development, bilateral coordination, sensory regulation, postural control, and access to assistive technology.
- Collaborate with special education teachers, parents, paraprofessionals, SLPs, Psychologists, Social workers, case managers, etc to coordinate care and develop individual plan of care.
- Participate in annual Individualized Education Plan, consent and assessment and eligibility meetings with multidisciplinary team members.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
Occupational Therapist
Northwestern Memorial Hospital
01.2018 - 08.2021
- Facilitated evaluation and treatment sessions across adult acute care service lines including: Neurology, Oncology, Cardiology, Transplant, Orthopedics, Medicine and all ICUs.
- Collaborated with COTAs, PT/PTAs, rehab aides, MDs, surgeons, nurses and multidisciplinary hospital staff to coordinate quality care, promote patient outcomes and develop individual plan of care.
- Educated patients, families, and caregivers on improving participation in daily occupations and implementing prevention strategies to promote long-term wellness and independence.
- Advocated for patient wellness and a holistic approach to patient care to foster trust, collaboration, and continuity across the care team.
- Educated, supervised, and mentored occupational therapy students during 12-week clinical rotations in oncology, cardiac, and surgical service lines, fostering professional growth, critical thinking, skill development and clinical independence.
- Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions in fast-paced environments.
Occupational Therapist
Renewal Rehab
01.2017 - 12.2017
- SNF Rehab Facility
- Contracted Therapist with Advanced Travel Therapy/PRN staff
- Conducted comprehensive occupational therapy evaluations to determine patients' functional abilities, rehabilitation potential, and individualized treatment goals.
- Planned and implemented evidence-based therapeutic interventions to enhance patients' independence in activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs).
- Facilitated one-on-one and group therapy sessions targeting strength, coordination, cognition, and safety to support return to prior level of function.
- Monitored and adjusted treatment plans based on ongoing patient progress, medical status, and interdisciplinary team input.
- Provided education to patients, families, and caregivers on adaptive strategies, equipment use, and home safety to promote long-term wellness and prevent readmission.
Occupational Therapist
RehabCare
07.2017 - 10.2017
- Outpatient Pediatrics/Adult Neurology
- Contracted Therapist with Advanced Travel Therapy
- Led evaluation and treatment sessions for children with Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Autism, Development Coordination Disorder, Sensory Processing Disorder, intrinsic hand weakness and Rett syndrome
- Designed and implemented engaging treatment plans for handwriting development, sensory regulation, bilateral coordination/strengthening and social anxiety
- Assessed children's strengths with Peabody, Beery's VMI, BOT-2, The Print Tool and Sensory Profile
- Conduct comprehensive evaluations for adults with neurological diagnoses including stroke, traumatic brain injury (TBI), ALS, MS, and cancer-related impairments, to identify functional deficits and guide individualized treatment planning.
- Designed and implemented neurorehabilitation programs focusing on improving upper extremity function, cognitive retraining, visual–perceptual skills, and functional independence.
- Provided adaptive equipment recommendations and environmental modifications to enhance safety and participation in home and community settings.
- Addressed fatigue management, energy conservation, and compensatory strategy training for patients with progressive neurological conditions such as MS and ALS.
- Collaborated with a multidisciplinary team of neurologists, physical therapists, speech-language pathologists, neuropsychologists, and social workers to coordinate holistic, patient-centered care.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
Education
Masters of Occupational Therapy - Occupational Therapy
Wayne State University
Detroit, MI12.2015
Bachelor of Health Science - Health Sciences
Wayne State University
Detroit, MI12.2014
Bachelor of Science - Interdisciplinary Health Sciences
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo, MI12.2012
Skills
- Clinical Reasoning
- Interpersonal Communication
- Relationship Building
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration
- Supervisory Management
- Active Listening
- Family and Patient Education
- Mentoring
- Easily Adaptable
- Direct Patient Care
- Medical Case Management
- Data Analysis
Accomplishments
- Related Service Provider of the Year: Chicago Public Schools - Recognized for outstanding dedication and excellence in delivering therapeutic services that advance student outcomes.
- Partner in Care Award (Hospital-Wide Winner): Northwestern Memorial Hospital - Honored for exemplary collaboration and patient-centered care.
- Leadership Award: Rehabilitation Department, Northwestern Memorial Hospital - Celebrated for exceptional leadership, mentorship, and contributions to team performance.
- Magnet Champion: Northwestern Memorial Hospital - Promoted evidence-based practice and accreditation excellence through advocacy and clinical innovation.
- Board Member: Grind with Purpose (Non-Profit Organization) - Advocating for and supporting the neurodivergent community by creating opportunities and providing mentorship.
- Volunteer (10+ Years): Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure - Dedicated service supporting breast cancer awareness and fundraising efforts.
Certification
- Licensed Occupational Therapist, State of Illinois
- NBCOT Certified
Timeline
Occupational Therapist
Chicago Public Schools
08.2021 - Current
Occupational Therapist
Northwestern Memorial Hospital
01.2018 - 08.2021
Occupational Therapist
RehabCare
07.2017 - 10.2017
Occupational Therapist
Renewal Rehab
01.2017 - 12.2017
Masters of Occupational Therapy - Occupational Therapy
Wayne State University
Bachelor of Health Science - Health Sciences
Wayne State University
Bachelor of Science - Interdisciplinary Health Sciences
Western Michigan University