Dedicated Occupational Therapy Assistant experienced in delivering holistic rehabilitation services to enhance independence and quality of life for patients. Managed a team of eight therapists while serving as Director of Rehab, fostering collaboration and promoting effective treatment strategies across diverse settings, including long-term care and specialized Alzheimer’s units. Committed to continuous professional development in geriatric care, dementia, and stroke rehabilitation to drive positive patient outcomes.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Staff COTA/L Back up Director OF Rehab
Restore Therapy Services
08.2024 - Current
Implemented occupational therapy treatment plans to improve patients' ADL performance and functional independence.
Assessed patient tolerance during therapeutic activities and adjusted interventions to maintain safety and engagement.
Instructed patients and caregivers on home exercise programs, transfer techniques, and adaptive strategies.
Documented patient progress accurately, supporting compliant care coordination and continuity across therapy sessions.
Collaborated with occupational therapists and interdisciplinary teams to align care goals with patient needs.
Built rapport with patients and families, fostering trust and open communication for optimal therapy outcomes.
Facilitated patient discharge planning, ensuring seamless transition to home or next phase of care.
Streamlined documentation processes for patient records, ensuring accuracy and compliance with healthcare regulations.
Advocated for patient needs with insurance companies, facilitating approval for necessary therapy services.
Supervised multidisciplinary staff, coaching therapists and support teams to maintain service consistency.
Coordinated scheduling, referrals, and caseload assignments to support timely patient treatment.
Collaborated with physicians, care teams, and families to support coordinated rehabilitation outcomes.
Managed staffing and resource planning to maintain coverage and continuity of patient care.
Cultivated a positive work environment that fostered employee engagement, increased retention rates, and boosted overall team morale.
Boosted client satisfaction rates through exceptional relationship management and prompt resolution of issues.
Staff COTA/L
Tri-Vista Rehab
03.2013 - 06.2024
Implemented occupational therapy treatment plans under supervising therapist guidance
Adjusted therapeutic activities to match patient tolerance and treatment goals
Enhanced patient well-being through therapeutic activities targeting physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges.
Promoted a culture of safety in the workplace by adhering to policies, procedures, and regulations regarding infection control measures and equipment usage protocols.
Served as a liaison between patients/families and other healthcare professionals involved in the care process, facilitating seamless communication channels throughout the treatment journey.
Participated in case conferences and presented patient progress updates, ensuring continuity of care throughout the rehabilitation process.
Assisted OTs in assessing client needs, leading to tailored interventions that addressed specific goals and objectives.
Staff COTA/L and Director of Rehab
Therapy Management Corporation
08.2010 - 03.2013
Collaborated with care teams to promote consistent, effective therapy delivery across caseloads.
Collaborated with supervising Occupational Therapists to evaluate treatment effectiveness, making necessary adjustments for optimal results.
Improved patient outcomes by implementing individualized treatment plans and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams.
Contributed to interdisciplinary case conferences, providing valuable input for comprehensive care planning.
Directed therapy operations, aligning staffing, scheduling, and patient flow with clinical goals.
Led compliance efforts for documentation, regulatory standards, and quality assurance reviews.
Coordinated interdisciplinary collaboration to support care plans and service consistency.
Oversaw performance management, coaching managers and staff on productivity and accountability.
Developed process improvements to streamline workflow, reduce delays, and strengthen service delivery.
Managed budgets and resource allocation to support operational efficiency and fiscal control.
Developed high-performing teams by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth.
Optimized staff performance by designing comprehensive training programs tailored to individual needs.
Established team priorities, maintained schedules and monitored performance.
Established performance goals for employees and provided feedback on methods for reaching those milestones.
Staff COTA
North Mississippi Medical Center
06.2002 - 08.2010
Provided inpatient rehabilitation services to patients recovering from surgery or illness. 5.5 years Administered skilled nursing care to patients with complex medical needs. and Provided acute care for patients with severe or urgent health conditions. 3 years
Assisted with transfer training, mobility activities, and functional task practice across treatment settings.
Collaborated with interdisciplinary care teams to coordinate individualized rehabilitation plans.
Continuously expanded knowledge base through professional development courses and industry workshops, enhancing clinical skills and expertise.
Ensured timely billing processes by accurately documenting therapy services provided according to insurance requirements.
Supported successful discharge planning by collaborating with healthcare providers on appropriate follow-up services for patients.
Provided comprehensive documentation of patient progress, supporting accurate evaluations and future treatment planning.
Empowered patients to achieve their highest level of functional independence by providing compassionate support, encouragement, and guidance throughout the treatment journey.
Education
Associates in Applied Science - COTA, Minor in Music
Wallace State College
Hanceville
01-1996
Skills
Geriatric rehabilitation
neuro rehab
therapeutic exercise
Functional mobility
Fine motor skills development
Fall prevention strategies
Activity analysis
Joint mobilization
splinting
Timeline
Staff COTA/L Back up Director OF Rehab
Restore Therapy Services
08.2024 - Current
Staff COTA/L
Tri-Vista Rehab
03.2013 - 06.2024
Staff COTA/L and Director of Rehab
Therapy Management Corporation
08.2010 - 03.2013
Staff COTA
North Mississippi Medical Center
06.2002 - 08.2010
Associates in Applied Science - COTA, Minor in Music