Taylor Thurell
Billerica,Massachusetts
Summary
Skilled Occupational Therapist (OTR/L) with comprehensive clinical expertise in outpatient hand therapy, holistic rehabilitation, and early intervention. Experience includes transitioning from COTA/L to OTR/L, enhancing evaluation and individualized intervention strategies. Background in school-based services fosters strong interdisciplinary collaboration and systems insight, delivering client-centered, evidence-based care that promotes functional independence and meaningful participation.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Waitress, Host, and Bartender
99 Restaurants
2021.12 - Current
- Present menu, answer questions, and make menu recommendations
- Apply positive suggestive sales approach to guide guests
- Ensured guests felt important and welcomed in the restaurant
- Provide responsible service of alcoholic beverages
- Deliver checks and collect payments
- Adhere to all relevant health department rules/regulations and all customer service guidelines
- Ensure proper food quality and temperature
- Adhered to timing standards to enhance service efficiency
- Identify methods to streamline service processes, improving table turnover
- Coordinate with kitchen staff to deliver accurate food orders
- Cooperate and communicate with all serving and kitchen staff
- Followed all cash handling policies and procedures
- Mixed beverages according to standard recipes and customer preferences.
Occupational Therapy Student (Level II)
Holistic Therapies 4 Life
Beverly, Massachusetts
2025.07 - 2025.10
- Conducted comprehensive evaluations across all ages to identify functional limitations and develop individualized, client-centered treatment plans integrating holistic and evidence-based approaches.
- Implemented individualized, integrative interventions in clinic, via telehealth, in patients’ homes, and in community settings, incorporating meditation, yoga, sound healing, adaptive equipment, ergonomic adaptations, nutrition guidance, ADL/IADL training, lifestyle modifications, and nature-based activities, promoting functional independence and meaningful engagement tailored to client goals.
- Monitored patient progress through ongoing reassessments, using findings to guide clinical reasoning and modify treatment plans for optimal outcomes.
- Educated clients and families on home strategies and adaptive techniques, promoting independence and long-term well-being.
- Facilitated community-based activities, including nature walks and Tai Chi at local YMCA, enhancing functional performance and social engagement in real-world contexts.
- Maintained accurate documentation of evaluations, interventions, progress, and discharge plans in compliance with professional, legal, and regulatory standards.
- Collaborated with marketing personnel to develop promotional materials and flyers, supporting business growth and community engagement.
Occupational Therapy Student (Level II)
TheraFit by OSA
Lowell, Massachusetts
2025.03 - 2025.06
- Conducted comprehensive evaluations to assess upper extremity functional limitations and develop individualized, patient-centered treatment plans for patients, including those on workers’ compensation.
- Delivered skilled interventions including manual therapy, splinting, therapeutic exercise, and modalities to enhance strength, range of motion, and functional independence for diverse patient populations.
- Applied evidence-based guidelines and functional rehabilitation strategies to facilitate recovery and achieve return-to-work objectives.
- Performed ongoing re-evaluations to monitor progress and guide treatment modifications based on clinical reasoning and patient outcomes.
- Educated patients on home exercise programs and self-care strategies to promote long-term functional gains and prevent future injuries.
- Maintained accurate documentation of evaluations, treatments, progress, and discharge summaries in compliance with legal, regulatory, and workers’ compensation requirements, ensuring a safe and organized treatment environment.
- Scheduled client appointments and coordinated care to optimize service delivery and support smooth clinic operations.
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA/L)
Edu-Aids LLC
Billerica, MA
2024.09 - 2025.03
- Provided occupational therapy services to a caseload of 30 students, with 8 additional students on a consult basis, addressing fine motor, visual-motor, visual-perceptual, sensory processing, range of motion, gross motor, and functional skills to support classroom participation and academic success.
- Facilitated 1:1, small group, and classroom-based interventions targeting fine motor, visual-motor, visual-perceptual, sensory integration, self-regulation, range of motion, and gross motor skills to support safe and functional participation in academic and social activities.
- Implemented individualized intervention plans, including accommodations, adaptive strategies, skill-building exercises, and range of motion exercises, and co-treated with physical therapy to support students’ overall functional performance.
- Assisted in administering standardized assessments and collaborated with supervising OT to develop individualized treatment plans that addressed specific student needs.
- Participated in IEP meetings and prepared session notes and progress documentation to support student goals and ensure compliance with school and legal standards.
- Collaborated with teachers, special educators, parents, and multidisciplinary teams to promote student engagement, school navigation, inclusion, and meaningful participation across academic and social activities.
- Conducted classroom observations and consults to recommend environmental modifications and adaptive tools that enhanced student performance and accessibility.
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA/L)
The Stepping Stones Group
Everett, Massachusetts
2023.10 - 2024.06
- Managed a caseload of 45 students across two schools within the district, delivering school-based occupational therapy services in alignment with IEP goals.
- Carried a caseload of 45 students at 2 schools within the district.
- Implemented individualized intervention plans in individual, group, and classroom-based settings, adapting strategies to support student engagement and functional progress.
- Collaborated with supervising occupational therapists to assess treatment effectiveness and adjust interventions to enhance student outcomes.
- Co-treated with the speech-language pathology team to address interdisciplinary goals and promote comprehensive student outcomes.
- Partnered with teachers to seamlessly integrate therapy goals into educational programs, promoting skill carryover across various school environments.
- Addressed fine motor, visual-motor, ADL, and sensory processing skills to enhance students’ academic participation and independence.
- Incorporated evidence-based practices and pursued continuous professional development to ensure effective service delivery and maintain high standards of care.
Occupational Therapy Student (Level I)
Sensation Station
Warwick, Rhode Island
2024.01 - 2024.03
- Facilitated play-based groups in sensory-gym environment, enhancing children's engagement and development.
- Implemented sensory-based activities and interventions, promoting skill acquisition and participation.
- Educated children and families on strategies for daily living, increasing independence and quality of life.
- Developed strong relationships with clinical supervisors, leveraging feedback to enhance skills and competencies as an emerging practitioner.
- Developed strong rapport with patients and families through empathetic communication, fostering trust and collaboration in the therapeutic process.
- Facilitated group therapy sessions to foster social, sensory, and motor skills development.
- Utilized a client-centered approach when working with participants, ensuring their values and priorities were integrated into the therapeutic process.
- Developed effective time management strategies to balance academic coursework, fieldwork placements, and extracurricular commitments while maintaining high levels of performance in all areas.
- Implemented evidence-based practices in intervention planning to promote optimal patient outcomes.
Occupational Therapy Student (Level I)
Empower Spinal Cord Injury
Missoula, Montana
2023.06 - 2023.06
- Assisted participants with activities of daily living, promoting independence and improving overall well-being.
- Assisted participants with wheelchair transfers to/from various surfaces and settings.
- Supported participants during catheterization procedures and proper positioning to ensure comfort and safety.
- Educated participants on strategies for daily living, increasing independence and quality of life.
- Supported participants' mental and emotional needs, contributing to improved physical outcomes and enhancing overall quality of life.
- Supported participant mobility in various group and community activities to encourage social involvement.
- Coordinated group activities, outings, and events to enhance social engagement among residents and foster community connections.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient care, improving overall health and well-being.
- Demonstrated professionalism, adaptability, and resilience when faced with challenging situations during occupational therapy student experiences, contributing to personal growth and development as a future clinician.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Student (Level II)
Methuen Public Schools
2022.03 - 2022.05
- Collaborated with occupational therapy team to develop IEP goals tailored to individual student needs.
- Analyzed and reported student behaviors to inform treatment strategies.
- Conducted treatment sessions in and out of classrooms based on IEP services.
- Maintained accurate records of students' progress throughout the course of treatment.
- Collected and documented data on client interventions.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to achieve OT goals.
- Presented data on clients' progress at various IEP meetings.
- Facilitated client engagement in play activities to enhance social skills.
- Provided student and/or caregiver education on the proper use of adaptive equipment/devices.
- Implemented education-based treatment plans.
- Employed problem-solving techniques when faced with challenging situations.
- Demonstrated strong communication skills when interacting with students, families, and other healthcare professionals.
- Assisted Occupational Therapists in developing treatment plans for students.
- Utilized critical thinking skills to evaluate student responses to interventions.
- Created engaging activities to motivate students during therapeutic exercises.
- Incorporated evidence-based practices into daily routines.
- Ensured compliance with applicable laws, regulations, standards, policies and procedures.
- Carried a caseload of 57 students at 2 schools within the district.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Student (Level II)
United Cerebral Palsy Of MetroBoston
2022.01 - 2022.03
- Motivated patients to engage in therapeutic activities, enhancing their participation and sense of achievement.
- Collaborated with the occupational therapist on goal development based on clients' current status.
- Led and adapted group sessions to each client to increase community independence.
- Assisted and collaborated with clients in activities of daily living such as dressing, ambulating,transferring, toileting, and feeding.
- Supported clients in instrumental activities of daily living, fostering independence in areas like community mobility, financial management, and meal preparation.
- Facilitated community outings for clients to enhance social engagement.
- Adapted and facilitated virtual interventions, ensuring continuity of care and client engagement during remote sessions.
- Educated patients on adaptive equipment, work simplification/energy conservation techniques, and safety.
- Presented at meetings to advocate for clients needs.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Student (Level I)
TLC Autism Parent Community
2021.09 - 2021.11
- Provided targeted resources and activities to develop and maintain essential developmental skills in children
- Supported parents of children diagnosed with Autism by providing guidance and resources to enhance their understanding and engagement
- Observed and documented on interventions developed and implemented by OTRs
- Collaborated with students to create educational videos and flyers that increased awareness of therapy techniques
Occupational Therapy Assistant (Level I)
Gateway To College
2021.09 - 2021.11
- Created and led group sessions for adolescents
- Supported students in earning credits for high school graduation, GED, or college
- Facilitated achievement of client academic success goals
- Delivered resources and conducted sessions on effective coping strategies
- Gathered and analyzed information to determine client needs
Certified Nursing Assistant
New England Pediatric Care
2018.10 - 2021.11
- Delegated patient care duties to CNAs, ensuring efficient workflow and consistent care.
- Ensured patients received optimal care and comfort to enhance their overall experience.
- Observed and documented clients' status accurately.
- Read and recorded temperature, respiration, pulse, blood pressure and oxygen levels.
- Charted daily client information such as eating percentages, ambulation status, and daily inputs and outputs.
- Communicated any changes in client status to nursing staff for appropriate action.
- Assisted and collaborated with clients in activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing,ambulating, transferring, toileting, and feeding.
- Utilized therapeutic communication and active listening to build trusting relationships and enhance patient comfort.
- Assisted with feeding and monitored intake to help patients achieve nutritional objectives.
- Provided care to patients throughout lifespan with consideration of aging processes, human development stages and culture.
Education
Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) - Occupational Therapy
New England Institute of Technology
East Greenwich, RI10.2025
Associates Degree in Occupational Therapy - Occupational Therapy
North Shore Community College
Danvers, MA2022-05
Skills
- Patient & Family Education
- Documentation & Electronic Charting
- Discharge Planning
- Complex problem-solving
- Functional skills training
- Holistic approaches
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration
- OT evaluation planning
- Sensory processing strategies
- Autism and mental health
- Assistive devices
- Ergonomic assessment
- Therapeutic interventions
- Lifespan care
Certification
Certified Nursing Assistant [January 2018 - 2022]
CPR Certified [September 2020 - Present]
Basic Life Support [September 2020 - Present]
NBCOT certification as a COTA [October 2022]
MA license as an OTA [2023]
NBCOT certification as a OTR [February 2026]
MA license as an OTR/L [2026]
CPR Certified [September 2020 - Present]
Basic Life Support [September 2020 - Present]
NBCOT certification as a COTA [October 2022]
MA license as an OTA [2023]
NBCOT certification as a OTR [February 2026]
MA license as an OTR/L [2026]
Timeline
Occupational Therapy Student (Level II)
Holistic Therapies 4 Life
2025.07 - 2025.10
Occupational Therapy Student (Level II)
TheraFit by OSA
2025.03 - 2025.06
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA/L)
Edu-Aids LLC
2024.09 - 2025.03
Occupational Therapy Student (Level I)
Sensation Station
2024.01 - 2024.03
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA/L)
The Stepping Stones Group
2023.10 - 2024.06
Occupational Therapy Student (Level I)
Empower Spinal Cord Injury
2023.06 - 2023.06
Occupational Therapy Assistant Student (Level II)
Methuen Public Schools
2022.03 - 2022.05
Occupational Therapy Assistant Student (Level II)
United Cerebral Palsy Of MetroBoston
2022.01 - 2022.03
Waitress, Host, and Bartender
99 Restaurants
2021.12 - Current
Occupational Therapy Assistant Student (Level I)
TLC Autism Parent Community
2021.09 - 2021.11
Occupational Therapy Assistant (Level I)
Gateway To College
2021.09 - 2021.11
Certified Nursing Assistant
New England Pediatric Care
2018.10 - 2021.11
Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) - Occupational Therapy
New England Institute of Technology
Associates Degree in Occupational Therapy - Occupational Therapy
North Shore Community College