Lilliana P. Zimmerman
Cleveland
Summary
Compassionate Home Health Aide and Caregiver with hands-on experience in patient care implementation, task modification, and adaptive equipment. Driven by a lifelong passion—inspired by supporting my older sister with non-speaking autism and motor/verbal apraxia—to pursue occupational therapy and advocate for greater occupational participation for individuals with disabilities. Dedicated to enhancing quality of life across the lifespan (pediatric to end-of-life) through individualized support and adaptive techniques.
Overview
1
1
Certification
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Home Health Aide
JFSA Cleveland
Beachwood
07.2020 - Current
- Delivered continuous, 1-to-1 home healthcare and 24-hour support, enhancing quality of life for pediatric client with microcephaly.
- Administer scheduled daily medications, including strict time-sensitive seizure management and emergency protocols.
- Assist with all essential Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), including bathing, personal hygiene, dressing, and safe transfers.
- Facilitated adaptive movement therapy and executed range of motion exercises to improve mobility, flexibility, and overall physical comfort.
- Execute home and community therapy plans—utilizing OT and ABA techniques—to build sensory processing, positive behavior, and functional skills.
Occupational Therapy Level II Fieldwork Student –
University Hospitals, Ahuja Medical Center
Beachwood
03.2026 - 07.2026
- Conducted evaluations and evidence-based interventions in acute care memory care ICU and ED settings.
- Monitored and documented patient progress in electronic health records to inform treatment adjustments.
- Developed meaningful goals with patients based on their individual needs.
- Engaged in continuous study to maintain current knowledge of terminology and treatment strategies.
- Tracked patient progress in electronic health records to ensure accurate updates.
- Analyzed failed treatment sessions to identify areas for improvement and enhance future interventions.
- Collaborated with OTs to develop and implement personalized home programs that support patient recovery.
- Educated family members on techniques to support at-home care.
In-Home Nanny
Self-employed
Ithaca
03.2024 - 04.2026
- Delivered trauma-informed 1-on-1 care for children adopted from foster care, managing diverse behavioral and emotional needs across infant, elementary, and middle school stages.
- Facilitated sensory-rich play and regulation activities to support motor skills, self-regulation, and developmental milestones.
- Guided emotional regulation and daily routine transitions through behavior management techniques.
- Supported household daily living routines by maintaining home organization and hygiene standards.
Caregiver, Special Needs
Self-employed
Ithaca
08.2024 - 03.2026
- Delivered comprehensive 1-on-1 home care, assisting with core Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) including bathing, hygiene, and adaptive toileting routines.
- Ensured mealtime safety and reduced aspiration risk for pediatric client with cerebral palsy through preparation of pureed diets and implementation of safe feeding protocols.
- Applied manual handling techniques and wheelchair positioning, including custom cushioning and body alignment, to maintain optimal posture, prevent skin breakdown, and enhance functional engagement.
- Conducted daily passive range of motion (PROM) exercises to support joint integrity, decrease spasticity, and sustain functional movement patterns.
Occupational Therapy Level II Fieldwork Student –
Galvin Therapy Center
Cleveland
05.2025 - 08.2025
- Delivered comprehensive pediatric OT care across diverse diagnoses, including autism, developmental delays, and sensory processing differences.
- Administered standardized assessments (PDMS-2, BOT-2) to evaluate motor coordination, visual integration, and functional performance.
- Implemented Ayres Sensory Integration® and feeding therapies using oral-motor, sensory, and behavioral strategies.
- Built individualized, play-based treatment plans focused on fine motor skills and activities of daily living (ADLs).
- Partnered with families and caregivers to establish home exercise programs and drive goal carryover.
- Completed all clinical documentation (evaluations, progress reports, goals) adhering to outpatient standards.
Behavioral Technician
Thrive Early Learning Center
Cleveland
05.2023 - 09.2023
- Delivered 1-on-1 ABA therapy under BCBA supervision, implementing individualized behavior reduction and skill acquisition plans.
- Collaborated with BCBAs and occupational therapists to enhance daily behavioral programming with OT-recommended sensory strategies.
- Facilitated play-based interventions that promoted peer interaction, emotional regulation, fine motor coordination, and functional communication.
- Assisted clients with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)—including self-care routines, toileting, and mealtime skills—to foster functional independence.
- Collected real-time behavioral data and assisted with clinical assessments, drafting progress updates and SOAP notes that tracked client goals and informed treatment adjustments.
Senior Volunteer
Friendship Circle of Cleveland
Cleveland
11.2014 - 07.2020
- Facilitated workshops and orientation sessions to equip volunteers for inclusive community programming.
- Led teen leadership board, mentoring incoming volunteers on best practices to enhance support for individuals with diverse abilities.
- Promoted peer volunteer engagement, fostering empathy and advocacy to strengthen community support for individuals with diverse abilities.
- Guided children with diverse diagnoses in engaging daily activities, promoting development through arts and crafts and sensory play.
Education
Master of Science - Occupational Therapy
Ithaca College
Ithaca, NY07-2026
Bachelor of Science - Occupational Therapy
Ithaca College
Ithaca, NY05-2025
High School Diploma -
Andrews Osborne Academy
Cleveland 05-2020
Skills
- Patient care planning
- Occupational therapy assessment
- Evidence-based interventions
- Behavioral management
- Behavioral therapy techniques
- Treatment planning
- Progress documentation
- Adaptive techniques
- Living skills training
- Toileting strategies
- Behavioral support plans
- Sensory integration support
- Emotional regulation strategies
- Communication support tools
- Reinforcement techniques
- Activity schedules implementation
- Social skills training
- Team collaboration
- Organizational management
- Behavior modification
- Environment training
- Developmental psychology
Certification
- Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) Certified
Accomplishments
- Senator Volunteer Award Recipient | Friendship Circle | 2016–2020
- Presidential Award Recipient | Friendship Circle | 2017–2018
Timeline
Occupational Therapy Level II Fieldwork Student –
University Hospitals, Ahuja Medical Center
03.2026 - 07.2026
Occupational Therapy Level II Fieldwork Student –
Galvin Therapy Center
05.2025 - 08.2025
Caregiver, Special Needs
Self-employed
08.2024 - 03.2026
In-Home Nanny
Self-employed
03.2024 - 04.2026
Behavioral Technician
Thrive Early Learning Center
05.2023 - 09.2023
Home Health Aide
JFSA Cleveland
07.2020 - Current
Senior Volunteer
Friendship Circle of Cleveland
11.2014 - 07.2020
Master of Science - Occupational Therapy
Ithaca College
Bachelor of Science - Occupational Therapy
Ithaca College
High School Diploma -
Andrews Osborne Academy