Palin Bendele
Kalamazoo,MI
Summary
Dynamic educator and pediatric occupational therapist with a proven track record in Kalamazoo. Expert in lesson planning and relationship building, I have successfully implemented individualized strategies to enhance learning and therapeutic outcomes for both students and clients. Passionate about neurodiversity, I foster collaborative teamwork to support diverse needs in all.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Basegroup Teacher
The Kazoo School
08.2023 - Current
- Primary school teacher for 1st-3rd grades with a progressive education focus.
- Designed and implemented engaging lesson plans to enhance student learning experiences.
- Facilitated classroom discussions, encouraging critical thinking and collaboration among students.
- Developed individualized educational strategies to support diverse learning needs within the classroom.
Pediatric Occupational Therapist, Owner
Jupiter OT
02.2021 - 03.2024
- Owner of small private practice
- Evaluate, establish goals, and implement individualized treatment plans for children 0-18 with varying diagnoses and syndromes.
- Implemented evidence-based therapeutic techniques to improve functional outcomes for pediatric clients.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams, including SLP, PT, social work, teachers, and doctors, to coordinate holistic care strategies for children with varying needs
- Supervised master and doctorate level student therapists, providing guidance on best practices and innovative therapy approaches.
Student Supervisor
Western Michigan University
01.2021 - 07.2022
- Supervised level I masters and doctorate level students to provide occupational therapy services to patients in an outpatient setting.
- Taught students about current evaluation tools, how to complete treatment plans, and provide therapeutic occupational therapy services.
- Supervised students evaluation and daily documentation writing.
- Encouraged teamwork and collaborative care among students.
Occupational Therapist
Santosha Wellness
03.2019 - 11.2020
- Evaluate, establish goals, implement therapy, and monitor
progress for children 0-18 with varying diagnoses and syndromes. - Collaborate and co-treat with other disciplines such as SLP, PT,
Early On therapists, teachers, and mental health therapists. - Fluent in EMR and documentation writing, documenting patient progress accurately and efficiently, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
-
Occupational Therapist
Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services
01.2018 - 05.2021
- Developed individualized treatment plans to address clients' mental health needs, with diagnoses such as major depressive disorder, anxiety, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, and personality disorders
- Implemented therapeutic interventions to enhance daily living skills, coping skills, and social interactions.
- Conducted assessments to evaluate patients' functional abilities and progress.
- Collaborated with other inpatient providers to provide collaborative services.
Education
Master of Science - Occupational Therapy
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo, MI12-2017
Bachelor of Science - Interdisciplinary Health Services: OT
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo, MI12-2016
Associate of General Studies - General Studies
Kellogg Community College
Battle Creek, MI05-2014
Skills
- Classroom management
- Relationship building
- Critical thinking
- Lesson planning
- Play-based therapy
- Collaborative teamwork
- Clinical reasoning
- Feeding therapy
- Sensory integration
- Motor skills development
- Neurodiversity affirming
- Training and mentoring
Certification
- OTR - Occupational Therapist Registered
- Licensed occupational therapist in the state of Michigan
- SOS approach to feeding
- DIR Floortime 101
- HSI CPR/First Aid
Timeline
Basegroup Teacher
The Kazoo School
08.2023 - Current
Pediatric Occupational Therapist, Owner
Jupiter OT
02.2021 - 03.2024
Student Supervisor
Western Michigan University
01.2021 - 07.2022
Occupational Therapist
Santosha Wellness
03.2019 - 11.2020
Occupational Therapist
Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services
01.2018 - 05.2021
Master of Science - Occupational Therapy
Western Michigan University
Bachelor of Science - Interdisciplinary Health Services: OT
Western Michigan University
Associate of General Studies - General Studies
Kellogg Community College