Sara Carlson
Citrus Heights,CA
Summary
Experienced pediatric occupational therapy assistant specializing in neurodiversity affirming care and sensory integration techniques. Committed to helping children thrive in their home and school environments. Known for exceptional communication skills and ability to form meaningful connections with families and educational teams.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Pediatric Systems Lead
Easter Seals Superior California
Sacramento, CA
09.2015 - Current
- Assisted in developing and implementing new electronic health record documentation tools
- Led successful integration of virtual therapy platforms companywide
- Performed quality assurance reviews of medical records for completeness, accuracy and compliance with regulatory standards.
- Educated staff on best practices regarding EMR system usage and other health information technology tools.
- Identified opportunities for process improvements related to the storage, retrieval and maintenance of health information documents.
- Implemented optimized workflow strategies for the use of electronic health records through collaboration with leadership teams
- Collaborated with Director of Pediatrics, Adult Programs, Finance, and Administration to establish efficient workflows and execute medical record system implementation
Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant
Easter Seals Superior California
Sacramento
05.2013 - Current
- Executed therapeutic strategies for children across various environments including schools, clinics, and homes.
- Managed multiple caseloads simultaneously while maintaining high quality care standards for all clients.
- Collaborated effectively with professionals from various fields and agencies to ensure the provision of comprehensive services for children and families.
- Adapted treatment plans according to changing goals or objectives set by families or other members of the interdisciplinary team.
- Assisted in evaluating students and clients alongside an occupational therapist during assessments.
- Analyzed student performance during observations to determine specific needs
- Designed therapeutic activities to improve physical strength, coordination, balance, posture, sensory integration skills.
- Advised parents on strategies they can use at home to support their child's development.
- Used play therapy techniques to encourage developmentally appropriate behaviors in children with special needs.
- Implemented therapeutic interventions to improve fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
- Participated in and supported in-service education and other departmental programs.
- Maintained accuracy of client health records through proper documentation
Occupational Therapy Assistant Intern
UC Davis Medical Center
Sacramento
12.2012 - 02.2013
- Communicated effectively with other healthcare professionals regarding patient care plans.
- Encouraged patients to achieve their maximum level of independence while performing ADLs or leisure activities.
- Supported family members through guidance related to injury prevention strategies and adaptation techniques for home environment modification.
- Demonstrated techniques for using therapeutic exercises and activities to help restore functional abilities.
- Adapted therapeutic approaches based on individual needs and preferences of clients and patients.
- Instructed patients on proper use of adaptive equipment to improve mobility or performance of activities of daily living.
- Gave instructions on home exercise programs prescribed by occupational therapist.
- Documented assessments, treatment goals and patient's progress using standardized note writing format.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Intern
Davis Joint Unified School District
Davis, CA
09.2012 - 11.2012
- Assisted Occupational Therapists in administering patient assessments and evaluations.
- Provided therapeutic treatments to patients under the direction of a licensed Occupational Therapist.
- Used play therapy techniques to encourage developmentally appropriate behaviors in children with special needs.
- Collaborated with teachers, administrators, parents, and other professionals to develop and implement appropriate interventions for students facing social or academic difficulties.
Education
Some College (No Degree) - Human Development and Family Studies
Western Kentucky University
Bowling Green, KY01-2020
Associate of Science - Occupational Therapy Assistant
Sacramento City College
Sacramento, CA12-2013
Skills
- Professionalism
- Treatment Plan Development
- Medical Records Maintenance
- Relationship Building
- Team Collaboration
- Problem-Solving
- Written Communication
- Adaptability and Flexibility
Certification
- Certified in the Assessment and Integration of Primitive Reflexes for Improved Independence in Daily Activities
- Positive Behavior Intervention training
- Learn Play Thrive Neurodiversity CE Summit
- Learning Without Tears trained
- Certified in Vital Links Therapeutic Listening Program
- Certified in SOS Approach to Feeding
Affiliations
- Music (maker, listener, concert goer)
- "Green Thumb" Gardener (thanks to my newly acquired 1/3 acre lot)
- River explorer (if there is water, my children will play in it)
- Sourdough aficionado
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Pediatric Systems Lead
Easter Seals Superior California
09.2015 - Current
Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant
Easter Seals Superior California
05.2013 - Current
Occupational Therapy Assistant Intern
UC Davis Medical Center
12.2012 - 02.2013
Occupational Therapy Assistant Intern
Davis Joint Unified School District
09.2012 - 11.2012
Some College (No Degree) - Human Development and Family Studies
Western Kentucky University
Associate of Science - Occupational Therapy Assistant
Sacramento City College
- Certified in the Assessment and Integration of Primitive Reflexes for Improved Independence in Daily Activities
- Positive Behavior Intervention training
- Learn Play Thrive Neurodiversity CE Summit
- Learning Without Tears trained
- Certified in Vital Links Therapeutic Listening Program
- Certified in SOS Approach to Feeding
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