Music- classical piano, guitar, ukulele
Hi, I’m
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
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Growing Healthy SeasonsRescue, CA
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant
10.2025 - Current
Job overview
- Implemented therapeutic interventions to improve fine motor skills and daily living activities.
- Provided direct instruction in activities of daily living skills such as self-care, fine motor coordination, sensory processing, handwriting and visual perception skills.
- Trained school staff on strategies to support students with sensory processing challenges.
- Collaborated with teachers and parents to ensure holistic support for students.
- Monitored progress and adjusted treatment plans as necessary for effectiveness.
- Maintained accurate documentation of therapy sessions and student progress reports.
- Advocated for students' needs within multidisciplinary teams to enhance educational outcomes.
- Monitored student progress by collecting data and providing feedback to staff members.
- Developed and implemented treatment plans based on assessments of student needs and goals.
- Engaged in professional development opportunities related to new techniques or approaches within the field.
- Collaborated with Pediatric Clinic Director to develop standard operating procedures for early intervention services
Developmental Therapy Services of Sacramento Sacramento, CA
Electronic Medical Record Specialist and Educator
01.2025 - 10.2025
Job overview
- Assisted in developing workflow processes that integrate multiple systems used by different departments.
Resolved discrepancies between paper-based documents and EMRs as needed. - Documented user feedback regarding current issues or problems with existing EMR systems.
- Collaborated with department leads to formulate strategies that enhance efficiency in EMR operations for therapists and administration.
- Provided technical support to staff members on proper use of Electronic Medical Record systems.
- Maintained positive working relationship with fellow staff and management.
- Partnered with EMR product engineers to address operational challenges and propose innovative optimization strategies.
- Developed training materials for staff on usage of EMR software applications.
- Educated onboarding therapists on EMR system utilization.
Developmental Therapy Services of SacramentoSacramento, CA
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant
09.2024 - 10.2025
Job overview
- Designed therapeutic activities to improve physical strength, coordination, balance, posture, sensory integration skills
- Delivered direct occupational therapy services to clients across diverse settings, including the clinic, school, home, and their community.
- Developed customized home exercise programs in collaboration with family, addressing each client's unique needs.
- Tracked progress over time and adjusted treatment plans as necessary.
- Collaborated with other members of the interdisciplinary team to coordinate care plans.
- Advised families on strategies they can use at home to support the client's development.
Provided families with community resources, benefiting client quality of life. - Collaborated with other medical professionals regarding client care plans and progress.
- Documented assessments, treatment goals and patient's progress using standardized note writing format.
- Participated in and supported in-service education and other departmental programs.
Easter Seals Superior CaliforniaSacramento, CA
Pediatric Systems Lead
09.2015 - 08.2024
Job overview
- 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
Easter Seals Superior CaliforniaSacramento
Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant
05.2013 - 08.2024
Job overview
- 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
UC Davis Medical CenterSacramento
Occupational Therapy Assistant Intern
12.2012 - 02.2013
Job overview
- 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.
Davis Joint Unified School DistrictDavis, CA
Occupational Therapy Assistant Intern
09.2012 - 11.2012
Job overview
- 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
Western Kentucky UniversityBowling Green, KY
Some College (No Degree) from Human Development and Family Studies
01-2020
Sacramento City CollegeSacramento, CA
Associate of Science from Occupational Therapy Assistant
12-2013
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
- Sensory Integrative Intensive training
- Positive Behavior Intervention training
- Learn Play Thrive Neurodiversity CE Summit
- Learning Without Tears trained
- Certified in Vital Links Therapeutic Listening Program and Quickshifts
- Certified in SOS Approach to Feeding
References
References available upon request.
Work Preference
Work Type
Full TimeInterests
Sourdough aficionado
"Greenish" thumb gardener
Heavy lifter (Peloton "Pelobuddy" strength training)
Timeline
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant
Growing Healthy Seasons
10.2025 - Current
Electronic Medical Record Specialist and Educator
Developmental Therapy Services of Sacramento
01.2025 - 10.2025
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant
Developmental Therapy Services of Sacramento
09.2024 - 10.2025
Pediatric Systems Lead
Easter Seals Superior California
09.2015 - 08.2024
Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant
Easter Seals Superior California
05.2013 - 08.2024
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
Western Kentucky University
Some College (No Degree) from Human Development and Family Studies
Sacramento City College
Associate of Science from Occupational Therapy Assistant