Melissa Taylor
Annapolis,MD
Summary
Compassionate Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant who served developmental disability population the last 4 years. Knowledge of teaching people with different learning styles. Managed clients with varied diagnosis including Autism spectrum disorder, Sensory processing disorders, Down syndrome, Cerebral palsy, delays and neurodiversity. Preformed individualized intervention plans and lead group therapy outings. Committed to creating safe, supportive environment for all participants.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Developmental Disabilities Attendant Counselor
Washington State Department Of Social And Health Services
01.2019 - 12.2023
- Teaching, supervision and individual support to persons with intellectual disabilities.
- Implemented active treatment programs programs designed by interdisciplinary team, rcorded data, and wrote S.O.A.P notes.
- Taught independent living skills, hygiene, dressing, grooming, meal preparation. leisure activities, community awareness, safety, money management, and routine house hold duties.
- Taught and assisted clients with choices/self-determination in all areas in their live.
- Provided protective interventions to clients with challenging behaviors when necessary.
- Observe, documented and reported physical, medical or behavioral changes.
School Bus Driver
Harlows Bus Service
10.2017 - 12.2017
- Improved on-time performance with efficient route planning, taking into consideration traffic patterns and weather conditions.
- Provided a positive environment for students during transportation, fostering respectful interactions and promoting good behavior.
- Supported special needs students by accommodating individual requirements and ensuring their comfort throughout the journey.
- Collaborated with school administrators to address any behavioral issues arising during transportation effectively.
- Kept parents informed of schedule changes or other relevant updates through clear communication channels.
Registered Behavior Technician
L.E.A.P And Beyond, Inc.
05.2016 - 07.2017
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary team members for comprehensive treatment planning and optimal outcomes.
- Enhanced client''s communication skills through the use of visual aids, social stories, and roleplaying activities.
- Developed rapport with clients and families, fostering trust and open communication essential to successful treatment outcomes.
- Maintained detailed records of client progress, enabling data-driven decision making for intervention adjustments and goal development.
- Increased client independence through the teaching of daily living skills such as self-care routines, meal preparation, and household chores.
- Assisted in mainstreaming in public schools, how to get alone with others, emotional coping skills, social skills, homework, independent living skills.
- Shadowing after school jobs, and navigating customer service skills.
Applied Behavior Analysis Technician
South Carolina Early Autism Project
01.2010 - 02.2010
- Increased clients'' communication skills through the use of visual and verbal prompts.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to create comprehensive treatment plans tailored to each client''s needs.
- Tracked client progress through detailed data collection and analysis, ensuring timely adjustments to interventions as needed.
- Supported clients in achieving self-help goals, including toileting, dressing, and hygiene tasks.
- Maintained accurate documentation of session notes, treatment plan updates, and relevant correspondence with team members.
- Assisted clients in generalizing learned skills across various environments, promoting overall functional independence.
Education
High School Diploma -
Annapolis High School
Annapolis, MD06.1989
Associate of Arts - Art
Anne Arundel Community College
Arnold, MDAssociate of Science - Occupational Therapy Assistant
Bates Technical College
Tacoma, WA03.2021
Skills
Proficient in developing and implementing Occupational therapy treatment plans
Skilled in conducting assessments and documenting patient progress
Knowledgeable in using adaptive equipment and assistive technology
Ability to collaborated effectively with occupational therapists and healthcare teams
Strong inter personal and communication skills
Knowledgeable teaching people with different learning styles
Ability to work with phychiatric populations and comfortable doing it
Certification
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA/L)
CPR and First Aid Certification
Volunteer work in Hippo-therapy
As a volunteer side walker I followed the direction of the Occupational and physical therapist in maintaining the safety of the individual during a treatment session when a client is positioned on the horse and assist the therapist with other therapeutic actives such as; balance, encourage patients to throw a ball to a target, or catch while maintaining upright posture, fishing games with a rod, fine motor skills putting on and taking off clips from the horses tail and mane, Range of motion, normalizing muscle tone, gross motor skills, proprioception and vestibular input. Trained in and adhere to regulations regarding confidentiality and safety.
Timeline
Developmental Disabilities Attendant Counselor
Washington State Department Of Social And Health Services
01.2019 - 12.2023
School Bus Driver
Harlows Bus Service
10.2017 - 12.2017
Registered Behavior Technician
L.E.A.P And Beyond, Inc.
05.2016 - 07.2017
Applied Behavior Analysis Technician
South Carolina Early Autism Project
01.2010 - 02.2010
High School Diploma -
Annapolis High School
Associate of Arts - Art
Anne Arundel Community College
Associate of Science - Occupational Therapy Assistant
Bates Technical College
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA/L)
CPR and First Aid Certification
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