Robin Kahan-Berman
New York
Summary
Dynamic, innovative leader with a proven track record in strategic planning and program implementation. Expertise in enhancing occupational therapy services across diverse behavioral health settings and advocating for equitable access to care.
Overview
36
36
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Vice President of Occupational Therapy
Project Renewal, Inc.
New York, NY
04.2024 - Current
- Expanded departmental scope to integrate 25 occupational therapy positions across all shelter housing programs, crisis intervention, re-entry services, and workforce development initiatives.
- Led efforts to expand infrastructure, ensuring effective supervision and promoting professional development pathways for the OT team.
- Championed cross-agency initiatives to promote occupational therapy's impact within supportive housing sectors in NYC and beyond.
- Advised nonprofit organizations on best practices for implementing occupational therapy services.
- Collaborated with government funders and private foundations to drive strategic initiatives for developing a comprehensive behavioral health occupational therapy pipeline.
Vice President of Behavioral Health and OT
Project Renewal, Inc.
New York, NY
04.2023 - Current
- Crafted and executed comprehensive training initiatives to embed trauma-informed care principles within agency operations.
- Collaborated with PEQA to develop an integration logic model for the agency, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives.
- Facilitated cross-functional teamwork through strategic integration initiatives aimed at delivering innovative solutions for client needs.
- Collaborated with CHSO and Director of Psychiatry to design and execute high-risk meetings for improved care coordination of high-acuity clients.
- Collaborated with HR to revamp new hire orientation and enhance training programs in trauma-informed care, cultural humility, de-escalation strategies, and harm reduction practices.
Director of Occupational Therapy
Project Renewal, Inc.
New York, NY
06.2016 - Current
- Led development of a comprehensive behavioral health occupational therapy department and training program for students.
- Educated stakeholders on the impact of occupational therapy in improving outcomes for individuals in homeless services and supportive housing.
- Successfully advocated for budget allocations for OT lines in shelter, housing, and DUH programs.
- Oversaw the recruitment process and provided supervision for new hires to enhance workforce effectiveness.
- Created a structured mentorship program for junior therapists, focusing on best practices in supervision to promote professional development.
- Directed daily operations and data collection initiatives to uphold regulatory compliance and enhance outcome tracking and efficiency.
- Designed and executed two innovative HOPE (Helping Older People Engage) programs, establishing benchmarks for occupational therapy-driven initiatives.
Occupational Therapy Consultant
Project Renewal, Inc.
New York, NY
05.2009 - Current
- Provided trainings and consultations to small groups and individuals in program leadership and front-line positions to facilitate an understanding of the role and value of occupational therapy in behavioral health settings.
- Established affiliation agreements with academic programs across the nation to bring OT Interns to Project Renewal and introduce OT services to the agency.
- Supervised full-time Level II OT Interns across multiple program sites.
- Utilized outcome measures from student-led services to advocate for hiring of licensed OTs.
Clinical Instructor
Columbia University Programs in Occupational Therapy
New York, NY
03.2009 - Current
- Collaborated with Project Renewal to create and oversee behavioral health Level II fieldwork placements, ensuring comprehensive training for students.
- Guided students in applying theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios in behavioral health and geriatric settings.
- Developed and presented comprehensive lectures and practical labs focused on harm reduction strategies, trauma-informed care principles, community-based practices, and mental health assessment techniques.
- Collaborated in teaching clinical conditions I - psychopathology course to deepen knowledge of psychological principles among students.
- Facilitated annual six-week behavioral health fieldwork seminar, enhancing participant knowledge and skills.
Coordinator of Therapeutic Activities
Brookdale Hospital, Depart of Psychiatry
Brooklyn, NY
08.1993 - 04.2006
- Supervised development, implementation, and evaluation of occupational recreational art and music therapy initiatives across department of psychiatry.
- Coordinated the OT Student Training Program.
- Managed adult continuing day treatment program from May 1994 to April 1998 and child day treatment program from October 1994 to April 1996.
Supervisor of Therapeutic Activities
New York Hospital-Cornell Medical Center, Westchester Division
White Plains, NY
09.1991 - 07.1992
Occupational Therapist
New York Hospital-Cornell Medical Center, Wetchester Division
White Plains, NY
02.1990 - 07.1992
Education
Master of Science - Children And Adolescents At Risk
Harvard University
Cambridge, MA06-1993
Bachelor of Science - Occupational Therapy
Tufts University
Medford, MA05-1989
Skills
- Strategic Planning
- Critical Thinking and Decision-Making
- Program Implementation
- Team Building and Leadership
- Coaching and Mentoring
- Training and Presentations
- Trauma Informed
- Equity Focused
Certification
- New York State Licensed and Board Certified Occupational Therapist 1989-Present
Timeline
Vice President of Occupational Therapy
Project Renewal, Inc.
04.2024 - Current
Vice President of Behavioral Health and OT
Project Renewal, Inc.
04.2023 - Current
Director of Occupational Therapy
Project Renewal, Inc.
06.2016 - Current
Occupational Therapy Consultant
Project Renewal, Inc.
05.2009 - Current
Clinical Instructor
Columbia University Programs in Occupational Therapy
03.2009 - Current
Coordinator of Therapeutic Activities
Brookdale Hospital, Depart of Psychiatry
08.1993 - 04.2006
Supervisor of Therapeutic Activities
New York Hospital-Cornell Medical Center, Westchester Division
09.1991 - 07.1992
Occupational Therapist
New York Hospital-Cornell Medical Center, Wetchester Division
02.1990 - 07.1992
Master of Science - Children And Adolescents At Risk
Harvard University
Bachelor of Science - Occupational Therapy
Tufts University