Meghan Caldwell
Fort Worth
Summary
Compassionate Occupational Therapist with background in providing patient-centered therapy in the pediatric acute care setting. Possess strong skills in developing individualized treatment plans, incorporating evidence-based practice and therapeutic interventions. Strengths include exceptional communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities. Previous work has made significant impact on improving patients' physical abilities, sensory processing and enhancing overall quality of life.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Occupational Therapist II
Children's Medical Center Dallas
Dallas
10.2018 - Current
- Delivered evidence-based occupational therapy interventions to infants, children, and adolescents in an acute care setting, optimizing functional outcomes, and reducing length of hospital stays.
- Conducted comprehensive evaluations of pediatric patients with diverse diagnoses (e.g., neurological, orthopedic, cardiopulmonary, oncology, NICU), developing individualized treatment plans in collaboration with interdisciplinary teams.
- Specializing in early developmental care for medically fragile infants in the Level IV NICU, promoting neurodevelopmental outcomes and parent-infant bonding through therapeutic positioning, sensory integration, and environmental modifications.
- Provided caregiver education and discharge planning to ensure safe transitions to home or rehabilitation settings, enhancing caregiver confidence, and continuity of care.
- Partnered with physicians, nurses, PTs, and SLPs in weekly rounds to advocate for OT services and contribute to holistic care plans in a fast-paced inpatient environment.
- Managed complex caseloads while adhering to documentation standards and hospital protocols, maintaining 100% compliance with regulatory and accreditation requirements.
- Initiated sensory-based interventions and neuroprotective strategies to reduce hospital-related stress, and promote state regulation.
- Participated in quality improvement initiatives to enhance OT participation in the NICU setting.
- Participated in the national PIVOTAL Research project by performing neurodevelopmental assessments and recording data as part of the study.
- Completed training for the HNNE and HINE, as part of the PIVOTAL Study at Emory University in Georgia.
Program Director
ACEing Autism
Fort Worth
01.2018 - Current
- Evaluated social, emotional, and motor skill levels to facilitate court assignments.
- Facilitated motor planning, social engagement, and fine motor activities to progress participants.
- Discussed goals and progress with participants' parents.
Occupational Therapist
Hope Pediatrics
Frisco
08.2018 - 02.2019
- Provided individualized, evidence-based occupational therapy services to children with sensory processing challenges, autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, and developmental delays in a sensory-integrative outpatient clinic.
- Conducted comprehensive evaluations using standardized tools (e.g., Sensory Profile, BOT-2, PDMS-2) to assess sensory integration, fine motor skills, gross motor skills, and functional performance.
- Designed and implemented client-centered treatment plans, focusing on sensory regulation, motor coordination, social participation, and age-appropriate ADL independence.
- Delivered therapy sessions in a dynamic sensory gym, incorporating play-based activities and equipment such as swings, crash pads, and tactile tools, to promote sensory modulation and engagement.
- Collaborated with families to develop home programs, provide caregiver coaching, and offer strategies to support functional carryover in home and community settings.
Level II Pediatric Fieldwork
Children's Medical Center - Dallas
Dallas
04.2018 - 06.2018
- Completed Level II Fieldwork in a pediatric acute care setting, gaining hands-on experience with medically complex children across the NICU, PICU, and general pediatric units.
- Assisted in evaluating and treating infants and children with a wide range of diagnoses, including prematurity, traumatic injuries, neurological conditions, and post-surgical recovery.
- Collaborated with supervising OTs to implement individualized treatment plans focused on developmental progression, sensory regulation, feeding, and ADL participation.
- I observed and participated in interdisciplinary rounds, learning to advocate for OT services and contribute to team-based decision-making in a fast-paced hospital environment.
- Delivered caregiver training and patient education under supervision, helping to facilitate safe discharges, and promote carryover of therapeutic strategies at home.
Level II Adult Fieldwork
Baylor Scott and White
01.2018 - 03.2018
- Completed Level II Fieldwork in an adult acute care hospital, focusing on post-surgical rehabilitation, including orthopedic, abdominal, and spinal procedures.
- Assisted in assessing patients' functional status and safety post-surgery, contributing to the development of individualized treatment plans under supervision.
- Provided therapeutic interventions to improve mobility, ADL performance, and overall independence, while adhering to post-operative precautions and protocols.
- Collaborated with physical therapists, nurses, and case managers to coordinate patient care and discharge planning in a high-acuity medical environment.
Education
Masters of Occupational Therapy -
University of Texas Medical Branch At Galveston
Galveston, TX08.2018
Bachelor of Arts - Biology/Exercise and Sports Science
Austin College
Sherman, TX05.2016
Skills
- Interdisciplinary collaboration
- Care plan development
- Documentation compliance
- Collaboration with caregivers
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Time management
Honors And Awards
- UTMB Dean's List, Fall 2016, Spring 2017, Summer 2017, Fall 2017
- Scholarship recipient of the Student of Health Professions Silver Anniversary Scholarship - OT, Summer 2017
- Selected to present research poster at TOTA Conference, Fall 2017, "Executive Function Interventions for Children with ASD"
Professional And School Organizations
- Assessor and Recorder, PIVOTAL Study, 2023-Present
- Clinical Instructor, 2021 - Present
- Employee Preceptor, 2022 - Present
- Secretary, Pi Theta Epsilon, Nu Chapter, Summer 2017
- President, Alpha Delta Chi Sorority, 2015 - 2016
- Captain, Women's Austin College Tennis Team, 2014 - 2016
Other Therapy Experience
- Children's Medical Center - Dallas, Level II Pediatric Fieldwork, 04/18 - 06/18
- Baylor Scott and White, Level II Adult Fieldwork, 01/18 - 03/18
- Carrus Specialty Hospital, Sherman, TX, 30, Fall 2015, Interacted at a long term acute care facility with adults and geriatrics
- TOP Pediatric Clinic, Frisco, TX, 75, Summer 2015, Actively participated in group and individual therapy sessions of children ages 3-16, Gained insight into ASD, CHARGE Syndrome and ADHD diagnoses
- Steps2Stride Therapy Center, Denison, TX, 30, Fall 2014, Watched individual sessions with children ages 3-16 with MS, CP, and ADHD
- Village Physical Therapy, Plano, TX, 10, Summer 2013, Witnessed the rehabilitation process in sports and post-surgical patients ages 13-76
Certification
- OTR/L
- CPR/BLS
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Occupational Therapist II
Children's Medical Center Dallas
10.2018 - Current
Occupational Therapist
Hope Pediatrics
08.2018 - 02.2019
Level II Pediatric Fieldwork
Children's Medical Center - Dallas
04.2018 - 06.2018
Program Director
ACEing Autism
01.2018 - Current
Level II Adult Fieldwork
Baylor Scott and White
01.2018 - 03.2018
Masters of Occupational Therapy -
University of Texas Medical Branch At Galveston
Bachelor of Arts - Biology/Exercise and Sports Science
Austin College
Similar Profiles
CONNOR KIRKPATRICKCONNOR KIRKPATRICK
Peri-Anesthesia Clinical Coordinator at Children's Health - Children's Medical Center DallasPeri-Anesthesia Clinical Coordinator at Children's Health - Children's Medical Center Dallas
Dawn HartmanDawn Hartman
Peri Anesthesia Nurse at Children's Health - Children's Medical Center DallasPeri Anesthesia Nurse at Children's Health - Children's Medical Center Dallas
Karla DavisKarla Davis
Patient Care Technician at Children's Health - Children's Medical Center DallasPatient Care Technician at Children's Health - Children's Medical Center Dallas
Cierra DavisCierra Davis
Ambulatory Float Pool Registered Nurse at Children's Health - Children's Medical Center DallasAmbulatory Float Pool Registered Nurse at Children's Health - Children's Medical Center Dallas
Abdulla ShafieAbdulla Shafie
Front Desk Personal at Plant fitnessFront Desk Personal at Plant fitness