Sarah Mezher
San Diego,CA
Summary
Motivated entry-level occupational therapist with a strong academic foundation and passion for enhancing the lives of individuals across the lifespan. Equipped with practical clinical experience in diverse settings. Proficient in conducting assessments, developing client-centered treatment plans, and collaborating effectively within interdisciplinary teams. Adept at fostering positive therapeutic relationships and tailoring interventions to meet individual needs.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Level II OT Fieldwork Student
Urban Street Angels
09.2022 - 11.2022
- Provided individual and group-based occupational therapy services to youth aged 18-25 experiencing homelessness and significant mental health challenges
- Supported youth with engaging in meaningful occupation to promote mental health and achieve personalized goals involving higher education, employment, permanent housing, and self-care
- Collaborated with staff and case managers daily to communicate status of client goals
- Provided in-service presentation on sensory regulation
- Led weekly occupational therapy groups focused on nutrition education and cooking
Level II OT Fieldwork Student
Sharp Grossmont Hospital
06.2022 - 08.2022
- Conducted detailed medical history review, evaluations and assessments to develop & implement appropriate treatment plans
- Completed required documentation daily
- Primarily treated patients in the acute inpatient rehab department; floated to acute care or outpatient floors as needed
- Treated wide range of conditions including CVA, TBI, spinal cord injury, chronic heart disease, neurodegenerative disorders, chronic and acute pain
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary team members daily/weekly to communicate patient status and discharge plans
- Educated and trained patient/caregivers regarding diagnosis, home exercise programs, safety, positioning, and medical equipment prior to discharge
- Provided in-service presentation on scapular alignment and function in stroke rehabilitation
Office Manager & Clinical Support
SoCal Hand Therapy
07.2017 - 12.2018
- Primary point of contact for patients, medical professionals, and insurance; responded to all phone/fax/e-mail inquiries in timely manner
- Organized, processed, and managed patient medical records
- Managed billing/finance duties including submitting claims, processing payments/EOBs, account collections; conducted timely billing research for outstanding claims and appeals; reviewed claims for accurate CPT codes and information; followed proper billing protocols for variety of insurances (Private, Medicare, Workers' Compensation)
- Managed inventory and reordering of supplies
- Provided clinical support to staff including scribing, assisting patient exercise/treatments, sanitizing equipment
ABA Therapist
Xcite Steps
10.2014 - 08.2016
- Provided one-on-one Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy for neurodivergent clients in home, community, and other natural settings.
- Implemented individualized behavior intervention plans and managed behavior escalations/crises safely and appropriately
- Ensured professionalism and effective communication between all support team members and parents/families
- Monitored and documented client progress using data collection techniques
Education
Master of Science - Occupational Therapy
San Jose State University
San Jose, CA12.2022
Bachelor of Science - Cognitive Neuroscience
University of California - San Diego
La Jolla, CA06.2014
Skills
- Client-centered therapy
- Patient management
- Strong verbal and communication skills
- Flexible and adaptable
- Self-motivated, fast learner
- Compassionate and empathetic
- Creativity and problem-solving
- HIPAA compliant
Certification
- OTR - Occupational Therapist Registered
- BLS - Basic Life Support
Timeline
Level II OT Fieldwork Student
Urban Street Angels
09.2022 - 11.2022
Level II OT Fieldwork Student
Sharp Grossmont Hospital
06.2022 - 08.2022
Office Manager & Clinical Support
SoCal Hand Therapy
07.2017 - 12.2018
ABA Therapist
Xcite Steps
10.2014 - 08.2016
Master of Science - Occupational Therapy
San Jose State University
Bachelor of Science - Cognitive Neuroscience
University of California - San Diego
- OTR - Occupational Therapist Registered
- BLS - Basic Life Support
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