Professional Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Languages
Volunteer & Community Involvement
Timeline

Paola Serrano Mercado

First Step Therapy
Haines City
2
Languages
1
Certification
5
years of professional experience

Compassionate Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant with five years of experience delivering pediatric therapy to children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, ADHD, and developmental delays. Focused on enhancing functional skills and fostering independence through collaboration with families and interdisciplinary teams to achieve impactful therapeutic outcomes.

Work History

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)

5 Years 6 Months
First Step Therapy | 02.2021 - Current
  • Provide occupational therapy services to pediatric clients under the supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapist.
  • Deliver individualized interventions for children diagnosed with ASD, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, ADHD, and developmental delays.
  • Facilitate individual and group therapy sessions.
  • Implement fine motor development activities, balance training, sensory integration techniques, and school readiness programs.
  • Provide therapeutic interventions for medically fragile pediatric patients with complex medical conditions, adapting treatment plans to ensure safety while promoting functional independence.
  • Educate and collaborate with parents and caregivers to reinforce therapy goals.
  • Document patient daily treatment sessions, progress notes, and goal achievement accurately.
  • Collaborate with occupational therapists and other healthcare professionals.

Education

Associate of Science - Occupational Therapy Assistant

Keiser University | Orlando, Florida | 01-2021

Bachelor's Degree - Athletic Therapy

University of Puerto Rico | Ponce, Puerto Rico | 01-2018

Skills

Pediatric Occupational Therapy
Fine Motor Skill Development
Sensory Integration
School Readiness Training
Treatment Planning
Pediatric documentation
Therapeutic Play Techniques
Team collaboration
Time Management
Strong Verbal and Written Communication
Family education

Certification

Certified Autism-Informed Professional (CAIP) – 2024

Languages

English (Professional Proficiency)
Spanish (Native)

Volunteer & Community Involvement

Autism Walk 2024 – Participated in a community event supporting autism awareness, advocacy, and inclusion., Nathaniel's Hope Make 'm Smile Event 2025 – Volunteered supporting children with special needs and their families.

Timeline

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)

First Step Therapy
02.2021 - CurrentRead More

University of Puerto Rico

Bachelor's Degree from Athletic Therapy
Read More

Keiser University

Associate of Science from Occupational Therapy Assistant
Read More

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Paola Serrano Mercado