Nicole R. Albanese, MS, OTR/L
Wantagh,USA
Summary
Experienced and dedicated school-based Occupational Therapist with a strong background in school-based settings, committed to fostering student independence and academic success. Proven ability to assess, plan, and implement individualized therapy programs for diverse student populations, addressing fine motor, gross motor, sensory processing, visual-perceptual, and self-care needs. Collaborative team player skilled in working with educators, parents, and support staff to achieve optimal outcomes. Passionate about empowering students to access and thrive within their educational environment.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Occupational Therapist
The Henry Viscardi School
01.2021 - Current
- Delivered comprehensive school-based occupational therapy services to K-12 students with diverse physical disabilities, including Cerebral Palsy, Duchenne’s Muscular Dystrophy, Spina Bifida, Traumatic Brain Injuries, Orthopedic Impairments, and various neurological and chromosomal disorders.
- Provided targeted academic support within both classroom and therapy settings, improving upper extremity function, fine motor coordination, visual perceptual/tracking skills, and addressing sensory processing needs.
- Facilitated independent use of educational technology, including applications and adaptive devices, to ensure curriculum access and implement necessary modifications for students.
- Collaborated directly with teachers and administration to effectively implement special education services, encompassing IEP development, placement decisions, transition planning, classroom instruction, and related service delivery.
- Served as Head Cheerleading Coach, fostering teamwork and leadership skills, and acted as Lead Chairperson for the Professional Development Committee, contributing to staff growth initiatives.
Occupational Therapist
St. Mary’s Children’s Hospital
11.2020 - 06.2023
- Delivered comprehensive home-based occupational therapy services to children with special needs and life-limiting conditions, strictly adhering to established plans of care.
- Provided expert instruction and guidance to patients and families on the proper use of durable medical equipment, safe transferring techniques, and essential modifications/adaptations to facilitate independence in Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs).
- Maintained continuous, effective communication with interdisciplinary team members to conduct ongoing evaluations and assessments of patient functional levels, contributing directly to the development and adaptive continuation of individualized service plans.
Occupational Therapist
EBS Healthcare
10.2020 - 12.2020
- Delivered comprehensive, agency-based occupational therapy services to K-6 students within the Department of Education system, supporting diverse learning needs.
- Partnered extensively with parents, teachers, and school staff to collaboratively establish and refine Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals.
- Designed and implemented engaging, age-appropriate therapeutic activities and sessions to foster academic success and functional skill development within the classroom setting.
Education
Masters of Science - Occupational Therapy
Stony Brook University
Stony Brook, New York06.2020
Bachelors - Biological Science
SUNY Old Westbury
Old Westbury, New York05.2017
Advanced Regents Diploma -
MacArthur High School
Levittown, NY06-2013
Skills
- Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) development and implementation
- Assessment and Evaluation (standardized and non-standardized)
- Adaptive Equipment Training & Assistive Technology Integration
- Fine Motor Skill Development (handwriting, cutting, grasping)
- Gross Motor Skill Development (balance, coordination, motor planning)
- Sensory Processing Integration
- Visual-Perceptual & Ocular-Motor Skills
- Self-Care Skills (dressing, feeding, hygiene)
- Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) & Play-Based Therapy
- Interdisciplinary Team Collaboration
- Parent/Guardian Education and Training
- Teacher Consultation and Collaboration
- Report Writing and Documentation (Frontline)
- Advocacy for Students
- Caseload Management
- Professional Development (attending and leading)
Accomplishments
Leadership Experience
Professional Development Chairperson of the Henry Viscardi School
Head Cheerleading Coach for Junior & Varsity Team
President of Stony Brook’s Student Occupational Therapy Association
President/Founder of Disabilities Education for Awareness and Leadership club of SUNY Old Westbury
Honors/Scholarships
Carol M. Bailey Humanitarian Award
Dr. Magdy Shady STEM Scholarship
Biological Science Academic Excellence Award
Certification
- Functional Vision Rehabilitation Specialist for Pediatrics
Publications
- Stony Brook University: Presentation: The Promotion of Successful Animal Adoption for Individuals with Physical, Visual, & Hearing Disabilities in Suffolk County, New York
- SUNY Old Westbury Psychology Department: Presentation: Characterizing Visual Eye Tracking Differences in Students with and Without Disabilities.
Fieldwork Experience
- New York City Department of Education: Collaborated with supervisors to deliver school-based pediatric services to students with diagnoses of Autism, Cerebral Palsy, and various intellectual disabilities.Implemented classroom activities and individual sessions to assist students with life skills, ADL participation, coping skills, and community integration.
Timeline
Occupational Therapist
The Henry Viscardi School
01.2021 - Current
Occupational Therapist
St. Mary’s Children’s Hospital
11.2020 - 06.2023
Occupational Therapist
EBS Healthcare
10.2020 - 12.2020
Bachelors - Biological Science
SUNY Old Westbury
Masters of Science - Occupational Therapy
Stony Brook University
Advanced Regents Diploma -
MacArthur High School
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