Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic
Nicole Howard

Nicole Howard

Delphi,United States

Summary

With 25 years of experience in Cosmetology and 8 years in Occupational Therapy, I possess a unique blend of life and technical skills that align perfectly with the requirements of this role. My proficiency in customer service, interdisciplinary communication, and computer proficiency has been demonstrated through my achievements in both Cosmetology and as a COTA/L, where I have successfully demonstrated empathy and compassion, all while doing my due diligence by propelling the company forward by documenting thoroughly and accurately for billing/insurance purposes. In addition to my technical skills and industry knowledge, I bring a strong work ethic, excellent communication skills, and a proven ability to work effectively in team environments. I'm confident that my unique blend of skills, experience, and passion for the industry make me an ideal candidate for this role. I'm excited about the opportunity to contribute to your company and look forward to discussing my application further.

Dynamic COTA/L with extensive experience in providing client-centered occupational therapy services to diverse caseloads. Skilled in conducting detailed assessments, creating customized treatment plans, and administering evidence-based interventions to enhance functional abilities. Proficient in mobility training, fall prevention techniques, and recommending assistive tools for elderly individuals. Collaborative team player with a strong focus on improving safety, autonomy, and quality of life for clients.

Overview

26
26
years of professional experience

Work History

COTA/L

Ernest Health
03.2025 - Current
  • Served as an advocate for patients within the healthcare system by communicating their needs effectively with other professionals involved in their care plan.
  • Worked collaboratively with interdisciplinary team members to develop and implement comprehensive patient care plans.
  • Provided ongoing support to patients during their recovery journey by addressing any concerns or barriers they may face during the rehabilitation process.
  • Ensured adherence to facility policies, procedures, regulations as well as compliance with state licensing requirements for COTALs.
  • Participated in team meetings to discuss patient progress, address concerns, and develop collaborative approaches for optimal care.
  • Educated families and caregivers on strategies to support sustained improvement in daily living activities.
  • Coordinated schedules with therapy staff for seamless patient transitions between sessions or appointments.
  • Developed personalized home programs for patients to promote continued skill development outside of therapy sessions.
  • Delivered high-quality care by continuously refining treatment methods based on evidence-based practice principles.
  • Enhanced patient outcomes by implementing individualized therapeutic interventions and techniques.
  • Utilized effective communication skills to present recommendations to patients, families, and other healthcare professionals in a clear and concise manner.
  • Utilized standardized assessments within scope of practice to measure baseline functioning levels of patients before initiating therapy services.
  • Contributed to a positive rehabilitation environment by fostering strong relationships with patients, families, staff members, and referring providers.
  • Participated in continuing education opportunities to stay up-to-date on advancements within the field of occupational therapy.
  • Collaborated with supervising occupational therapists for improved treatment planning and intervention strategies.
  • Evaluated patient progress regularly, adjusting treatment plans based on changing needs and goals.
  • Assisted patients in achieving greater independence through adaptive equipment training and environmental modifications.
  • Maintained thorough documentation of patient treatments, assessments, and progress for accurate record keeping and communication with interdisciplinary team members.
  • Prioritized patient safety by adhering to proper body mechanics, infection control protocols, and other facility guidelines during all therapy sessions.

COTA/L

IU Health White Memorial Hospital
11.2023 - Current
  • Created and implemented goal focused treatment sessions for pediatric, out patient, and in patient acute rehabilitation.
  • Provided patient and family education on health care topics and resources for continued care
  • Developed and implemented patient-centered care plans that included short- and long-term objectives for care and treatment
  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to coordinate care for clients with complex needs
  • Participated in interdisciplinary meetings to coordinate care for patients and ensure effective communication between providers and patients

Cosmetologist & Salon Owner

NHD Studio & Gypsy Bridal
08.1999 - Current
  • Maintained a clean and hygienic work environment by following strict sanitation guidelines and procedures.
  • Booked appointments, answered phones, greeted clients, handled payments, and created client service tickets.
  • Demonstrated high level of customer service to increase retention and satisfaction.
  • Processed payments, entering sales in register for prompt customer service.
  • Demonstrated exceptional time management skills by efficiently scheduling appointments and managing multiple clients simultaneously.
  • Kept work areas, tools, and equipment clean and properly sanitized to minimize disease transfer and health risk of shared environment.
  • Enhanced client satisfaction by providing personalized cosmetology services based on individual needs and preferences.
  • Educated clients on proper hair care techniques to promote healthier hair between appointments.
  • Contributed to the salon''s positive reputation through excellent customer service, attention to detail, and commitment to client satisfaction.
  • Increased salon revenue by upselling additional treatments, products, and services to clients during appointments.
  • Developed strong rapport with clientele through consistent high-quality service, resulting in repeat business and referrals.
  • Answered phone calls and emails to schedule client appointments.
  • Assisted in inventory management by tracking product usage, reordering supplies as needed, and maintaining an organized workspace.
  • Maintained client treatment records and designed long-term care programs for return customers.
  • Grew sales with great work ethic, individualized beauty care plans and positive attitude.
  • Researched latest trends in hair and makeup to stay updated on color, style, and technique.
  • Implemented creative marketing strategies that attracted new clients while retaining existing ones.
  • Conducted thorough consultations with clients to assess their desired outcomes and develop customized treatment plans accordingly.
  • Expanded the salon''s service offerings by mastering new techniques in hairstyling, coloring, cutting, extensions application among others.
  • Utilized social media platforms effectively for promoting the salon''s services which led to increased foot traffic into the establishment.
  • Skillfully executed various color applications including balayage techniques for natural-looking results that met client expectations.
  • Streamlined appointment scheduling, reducing wait times and improving overall client experience.

PRN COTA/L

Ageility
02.2023 - 02.2025
  • Conduct client-centered occupational therapy services on an as-needed basis, adapting to diverse caseloads and individual requirements.
  • Perform detailed assessments to assess functional limitations and create customized treatment plans for elderly clients.
  • Administer evidence-based interventions targeting ADLs, IADLs, and fall prevention techniques.
  • Provide mobility training and suggest assistive tools to improve safety and autonomy in daily activities for elderly individuals.

COTA/L

Intrepid Home Health
03.2018 - 02.2025
  • Administer client-centered therapy in home setting, focusing on goal achievement and functional enhancement.
  • Instruct patients and caregivers on Home Exercise Programs and safe transfer techniques.
  • Provide comprehensive caregiver education to support progress outside of therapy sessions.
  • Conduct assessments, develop tailored treatment plans, and enhance patient safety in the home environment by recommending Durable Medical Equipment and adaptive devices.

PRN COTA/L

Indy Lymphedema
11.2017 - 03.2018
  • Administer lymphedema wrapping techniques to patients in their home environment.
  • Conduct comprehensive education sessions and instruct patients on prescribed Home Exercise Programs.
  • Deliver specialized instruction on post-therapy maintenance techniques.
  • Equip patients with skills and knowledge to sustain reduced extremity size and manage lymphatic conditions effectively.
  • Enhance lymphatic drainage and alleviate edema through evidence-based strategies.

COTA

HTS
04.2016 - 03.2018
  • Manage client caseload, providing individual therapy sessions
  • Conduct group therapy sessions for clients with diverse needs
  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary team for comprehensive care
  • Develop treatment plans and goals for client progress
  • Maintain accurate documentation of therapy sessions and client progress

Education

AAS - Occupational Therapy Asst.

Brown-Mackie College
Indianapolis
03.2016

Indiana Cosmetology Licensure - Cosmetology

A Cut Above Beauty College
Indianapolis, IN
07.1999

Skills

  • Self-motivation
  • Interpersonal Skills
  • Critical thinking and problem solving
  • Problem Solving
  • Decision Making
  • Creativity
  • Communication
  • Microsoft Office
  • Ability to Work Under Pressure
  • Customer Service
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Effective Time Management
  • Ability to Multitask
  • Computer Skills
  • Fast Learner
  • Ability to Work in a Team
  • Adaptability
  • Occupational Therapy Services
  • Client-centered Therapy
  • Assessment
  • Treatment Planning
  • Mobility Training
  • Fall Prevention
  • Assistive Tools Recommendation
  • Collaboration
  • Documentation

Timeline

COTA/L

Ernest Health
03.2025 - Current

COTA/L

IU Health White Memorial Hospital
11.2023 - Current

PRN COTA/L

Ageility
02.2023 - 02.2025

COTA/L

Intrepid Home Health
03.2018 - 02.2025

PRN COTA/L

Indy Lymphedema
11.2017 - 03.2018

COTA

HTS
04.2016 - 03.2018

Cosmetologist & Salon Owner

NHD Studio & Gypsy Bridal
08.1999 - Current

AAS - Occupational Therapy Asst.

Brown-Mackie College

Indiana Cosmetology Licensure - Cosmetology

A Cut Above Beauty College
Nicole Howard