Marie A. Chatriand
Portales,NM
Summary
Experienced Occupational Therapist with over 10 years in rehabilitation services, excelling in clinical care, departmental leadership, and operational management. Delivers evidence-based care across diverse populations, including trauma and pediatrics, and supports high-acuity patient needs in Level II Trauma and Level 1 ICU settings. Expertise in therapy documentation, staff development, and patient-centered treatment planning. Bilingual in English and Spanish, enhancing communication with varied patient groups.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Occupational Therapist
Presbyterian Health Systems
Clovis, New Mexico
10.2025 - Current
- Evaluated patients' needs to develop personalized therapy plans.
- Implemented therapeutic interventions to enhance patients' functional abilities.
- Monitored patient progress and adjusted treatment plans to optimize therapeutic outcomes.
- Conducted regular assessments of patient progress to adjust treatment plans accordingly.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive patient care.
- Utilized evidence-based practices to guide clinical decision-making and intervention strategies.
- Educated patients and families on rehabilitation techniques and home exercises to promote independent recovery.
- Recommended environmental modifications to align with patients' needs and capabilities for improved daily functioning.
- Advocated for patient needs within the healthcare system for optimal outcomes.
Occupational Therapist
Ensign Services
Pocatello, US
01.2025 - Current
- Optimized patient functionality and skills by directing therapy services, screening residents, and assessing and treating patients referred by state-approved sources.
- Facilitated patient access to necessary treatments to enhance rehabilitation outcomes.
- Built strong rehabilitation practices by supervising occupational therapy staff, fostering courteous interactions with staff, patients, and families, and integrating therapy into interdisciplinary treatment teams.
- Direct COTA(s) and Rehab Aide(s) in skilled tasks during group and individual treatment in a manner that promotes efficient and effective utilization of resources as well as facilitate the ongoing development of clinical skills in accordance with State Practice Acts, Omnibus Reconciliation Act (OBRA).
- Thoroughly document progress toward identified objectives as well as communicating patient status and needs to the patient, family, and other involved professionals.
- Followed Minimum Data Set (MDS) procedures to ensure compliance with care standards.
- Contribute to facility patient care, utilization review, case management, administrative staff/department head meetings, and family conference activities/communications.
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant
TD Therapy Services
Blackfoot, US
06.2021 - 05.2025
- Delivered individualized occupational therapy interventions under the direction of a licensed Occupational Therapist, targeting functional independence, mobility, and quality of life for patients across a range of diagnoses and age groups.
- Collaborated on developing and adjusting treatment plans through performance assessments and communication with supervising therapists, enhancing patient-centered care.
- Provided therapeutic activities addressing ADLs, fine motor skills, neuromuscular re-education, cognitive retraining, and sensory integration techniques tailored to patient needs.
- Educated patients, families, and caregivers on home exercise programs, adaptive strategies, and safety modifications, improving functional outcomes in home and community settings.
- Maintained meticulous and timely documentation using electronic medical records (EMRs), accurately coding interventions in compliance with Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance billing standards.
- Coordinated with interdisciplinary team members, including nurses, physical therapists, and social workers, to ensure continuity of care and achieve consistent treatment goals.
- Contributed to patient case discussions and discharge planning, supporting safe transitions to home or alternative care environments.
- Adapted interventions to accommodate patient fatigue, cognitive limitations, or psychosocial barriers, ensuring treatment remained patient-centered and effective.
- Maintained high productivity standards while preserving ethical and evidence-based care practices.
Director of Rehabilitation/On call Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant
Consonus Health
Astoria, US
09.2018 - 08.2021
- Directed daily operations of the rehabilitation department, overseeing occupational, physical, and speech therapy services across multiple units within a skilled nursing facility.
- Supervised a multidisciplinary team of therapists and therapy assistants, managing schedules, evaluating performance, and promoting evidence-based treatment delivery.
- Ensured regulatory compliance with Medicare Part A/B, Medicaid, and private insurance requirements through ongoing monitoring of clinical documentation, billing practices, and productivity metrics.
- Functioned as a lead liaison between therapy, nursing, and administration, facilitating care conferences, discharge planning, and interdepartmental communication to support cohesive patient care.
- Fostered high staff morale and team cohesion through supportive leadership, transparent communication, and targeted mentoring of new clinicians, resulting in a positive work environment.
- Identified and addressed operational inefficiencies, improving workflow, staffing flexibility, and clinical throughput without compromising quality of care.
- Delivered hands-on patient care as an on-call Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant during staff shortages or high-census periods, ensuring continuity of care for patients.
- Provided skilled therapeutic interventions to patients with complex medical conditions, including post-surgical rehab, neurological impairments, orthopedic injuries, and chronic disease management.
- Advocated for functional outcomes and patient autonomy by integrating patient goals into individualized treatment plans and supporting family education initiatives.
- Led department through audits and annual surveys with zero deficiencies, reflecting comprehensive understanding of clinical standards and state/federal regulations.
Director of Rehabilitation-Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant
Halcyon Rehabilitation
Farmville, US
11.2017 - 05.2018
- Led a multidisciplinary therapy team, ensuring delivery of high-quality, patient-centered care aligned with best practice standards and regulatory requirements.
- Provided direct occupational therapy services while managing the rehabilitation department in a fast-paced skilled nursing facility setting.
- Collaborated closely with nursing, social work, and medical staff to develop comprehensive, interdisciplinary care plans tailored to patient-specific goals and functional needs.
- Played a key role in patient care coordination, including case management, discharge planning, and family education to ensure smooth transitions across the continuum of care.
- Oversaw clinical documentation accuracy and compliance with Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance guidelines, enhancing reimbursement and minimizing audit risks.
- Developed and implemented rehabilitation schedules, optimizing staff allocation to meet patient care demands and maximize resource efficiency.
- Identified workflow inefficiencies and implemented process improvements that enhanced departmental productivity and patient satisfaction.
- Championed staff development initiatives by conducting training sessions on clinical skills, documentation, and patient engagement, fostering a more capable team.
- Managed departmental budgets and resource allocation to maintain effective therapeutic services while ensuring cost containment.
- Fostered a positive work environment that promoted staff retention and morale through effective communication, recognition programs, and responsive leadership.
Director of OperationsCertified Occupational Therapy Assistant
Lifeworks Unlimited PTS
Lewisville, US
10.2014 - 11.2017
- Led daily operations of a pediatric therapy practice specializing in occupational therapy services for children with developmental, sensory, and motor challenges.
- Delivered direct occupational therapy interventions using biomechanical and sensory integration techniques to improve functional outcomes in pediatric patients.
- Developed and implemented individualized care plans that addressed physical, cognitive, and psychosocial needs, promoting developmental progress and independence.
- Coordinated multidisciplinary care by collaborating with physical therapists, speech therapists, physicians, educators, and families to ensure holistic treatment approaches.
- Managed staff recruitment, training, and performance evaluation, resulting in a skilled, motivated team delivering high-quality patient care.
- Oversaw scheduling, resource allocation, and caseload management to enhance clinical efficiency and increase patient access to therapy services.
- Monitored regulatory compliance and maintained thorough documentation in accordance with state licensing requirements and payer standards.
- Enhanced patient and family engagement through education and counseling, empowering caregivers to support therapeutic goals at home and in community settings.
- Implemented quality improvement initiatives, leading to improved therapy outcomes and higher patient satisfaction.
- Managed budgets, billing processes, and insurance authorizations to ensure financial stability and sustainability of the practice.
- Fostered a supportive and inclusive work environment that prioritized professional development, staff retention, and positive workplace culture.
Education
Doctor of Science - Occupational Therapy
George Washington University
Washington, D.C.05.2025
Bachelor of Science - Occupational Science
Muskingum University
New Concord, Ohio06.2022
Associate of Science - Occupational Therapy Assistant
Keiser University
Miami, Florida04.2014
Skills
- Financial Analysis
- Recruitment Strategy
- Operational Leadership
- Managed Care
- Negotiation
- Credentialing Management
- Performance Improvement
- Staff Training
- Conflict Resolution
- Regulatory Compliance
- HR Policy Compliance
- Microsoft Office
- Electronic Medical Records
- Therapy Documentation
- Disease Management
- Occupational Therapy
- Treatment planning
- Evidence-based practices
- Rehabilitation techniques
- Acute and rehabilitative care
- Neurological rehabilitation
- Sensory integration
- Handwriting intervention
- Wheelchair seating
- Medical records management
- Mental health interventions
- Geriatric treatment
- Orthopedic rehabilitation
- Outcome planning
- Pediatric therapy
Certification
• Registered Occupational Therapist, Idaho and New Mexico
• BLS (CPR/AED) certified, American Heart Association, 06/26
• Certified Lymphedema Therapist (CLT)
• BLS (CPR/AED) certified, American Heart Association, 06/26
• Certified Lymphedema Therapist (CLT)
Professional Memberships
- National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy, 2014 - Present
- American Occupational Therapy Association, 2014 - Present
- American Society of Hand Therapists, 2023 - Present
Research And Publications
Impact of Social Media on Occupational Therapy Practice – A Quantitative Survey Study, In Press, George Washington University, 2025, Conducted an original quantitative research study examining the influence of social media usage on occupational therapy professionals' clinical practices, ethical decision-making, and patient engagement strategies. Surveyed a diverse sample of occupational therapists across various practice settings to assess patterns of social media use, perceived benefits, and potential risks. Analyzed data using advanced statistical methods to identify correlations between social media engagement and changes in professional behavior, communication, and knowledge dissemination. Explored the role of social media in continuing education, peer networking, and public health advocacy within the occupational therapy community. Addressed ethical considerations, including patient confidentiality, professional boundaries, and misinformation, providing recommendations for best practices in digital professionalism. Manuscript accepted for publication in a peer-reviewed occupational therapy journal, contributing to the emerging discourse on technology’s impact on healthcare professions. Presented findings at academic conferences and professional workshops to raise awareness and foster discussion on integrating social media responsibly in occupational therapy practice.
Professional Development
- Lymphedema Intervention Certification Course (CLT), 2025
- Beckman Oral Motor, 2016
Languages
Spanish
Professional
Timeline
Occupational Therapist
Presbyterian Health Systems
10.2025 - Current
Occupational Therapist
Ensign Services
01.2025 - Current
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant
TD Therapy Services
06.2021 - 05.2025
Director of Rehabilitation/On call Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant
Consonus Health
09.2018 - 08.2021
Director of Rehabilitation-Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant
Halcyon Rehabilitation
11.2017 - 05.2018
Director of OperationsCertified Occupational Therapy Assistant
Lifeworks Unlimited PTS
10.2014 - 11.2017
Doctor of Science - Occupational Therapy
George Washington University
Bachelor of Science - Occupational Science
Muskingum University
Associate of Science - Occupational Therapy Assistant
Keiser University