Marisa Palacios, COTA/L

My professional objective is to become a caring COTA with extensive experience working with all populations to promote health and functionality. I am compassionate, with gentle demeanor and have well-developed communication skills to support patients' progress. I am detail-oriented with critical problem-solving skills to create adaptations for patient activities.

Fieldwork Level 1 (April 2023)

• GAMA- Miami Lakes, FL

      While at GAMA had the opportunity to observe OT treatment in a pediatric settings with children who are living with autism spectrum disorder, developmental delays, learning disabilities and more. I was exposed to home health sessions where I visited local schools to , as well able to witness treatments within the clinical setting.

• SouthernWinds Hospital - Hialeah, FL

     SouthernWinds Hospital is a psychiatric facility treating patients who suffer from a wide range of mental health conditions such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, personality disorders, and depression. While working with the recreational therapy team, I was able to interact with patients as they attended group therapy activities that consisted of games, crafts and leisure exploration opportunities.

• Bit-By-Bit Medical Therapeutic Riding Center - Davie, FL

     While at Bit-By-Bit, I was exposed to hippotherapy. Clients were receiving treatment while seated on top of a horse. The horse provides both vestibular and proprioceptive input for the patient as well as mimic the normal hip movement.

• Associates Rehab- Hialeah, FL

     Associates Rehab is an outpatient rehabilitation facility who sees clients who are post CVA, fractures, carpal tunnel syndrome, or who have any other orthopedic conditions. They offer OT and PT services to clients. I was able to observe a COTA provide PAMs such as paraffin and ultrasound to clients as well as give the patient retrograde massage and joint compression treatment to alleviate pain and improve range of motion to improve independence in daily activities 

Fieldwork Level 2 (August - December 2023)

• GAMA- Miami Lakes, FL

     While at GAMA I was given the opportunity to work with children from ages 1-21 with varying diagnosis in their home or their school/daycare. Some diagnosis include: autism spectrum disorder, developmental delay, macrocephaly, encephalopathy, and DiGeorge Syndrome. I worked with these children building a tolerance to table top activities allowing them to succeed in the classroom. Children receive occupation based treatement while working on specific goals in visual motor, visual perception, attention, sensory stimulation, fine and gross motor control.

I become versed on the use of Clinic Source system where the facility completes scheduling and documentation. I became comfortable giving feedback to family members about the progress after each session and reminded them of goals to continue working towards.

• Select Specialty Hospital- Miami Lakes, FL

      Select Specialty Hospital is an acute care hospital in Miami Lakes. While there, I was given the opportunity to independently and co-treat patients with other disciplines such as speech and physical therapy. I was exposed to diagnosis such as: acute respiratory failure, post stroke, undiagnosed neurological disorders, congestive heart failure, COPD, psychological disorders, renal failure, and vegetative state. I worked with patients on transfers, ADLs, range of motion, and improving their quality of life through treatment sessions that were centered around personal goals for improvement with their condition. 

      I became versed with using EPIC for patient documentation and charting.

Certifications

• Bloodborne Pathogens
• OSHA BBP/HIV
• HIPPA Awareness
• Medical Errors and Patient Safety
• Domestic Violence
• Human Trafficking

Accomplishments

• Student Occupational Therapy Association (SOTA) member- August 2022-December 2022
• SOTA President- January 2023-August 2023