Teresa LaFranca
Saginaw
Summary
Dedicated and licensed Occupational Therapist (OTRL) with three years of experience in evaluating and treating students aged 3 to 26. Proven ability to develop tailored therapeutic interventions that address the unique needs of each student, fostering growth and independence. Eager to contribute expertise in a dynamic school district that values innovation and collaboration while further honing skills to become an integral part of the educational team. Committed to enhancing student outcomes through compassionate care and evidence-based practices.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
Occupational Therapist
Saginaw Intermediate School District
Saginaw, MI
10.2022 - 09.2025
- Interprofessional collaboration between nurses, special-ed teachers, physical therapists, principals, paraprofessionals and CNA's to establish safe but least restrictive environment for all students ages 3-26 y/o.
- Evaluation sessions utilizing: Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency (BOT-2), Developmental Test of Visual Perception (DTVP-3), Beery VMI (Developmental Test of Visual Motor Integration), Hawaii Early Learning Profile, Sensory Profile School Companion, Professional Observation, Teacher Consultation, Functional Activity Interventions plans developed for feeding, developing self-help skills, manipulation and fine motor, exploration and play, sensory modulation, encouraging social interaction through group therapy, techniques to improve visual impairment Prepared multiple students Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings through collaboration with staff, interpretation of assessments, and appropriate documentation through EDPLAN program.
OTR
Triumph Rehabilitation Inc.
Clarkston, MI
06.2022 - Current
- Evaluation of clients with traumatic brain injury resulting of motor vehicle accidents.
- Assessment's given in home, with client and caregivers to facilitate intervention plans for improving performance with ADLs such as self-care, bed mobility, wheelchair management, and leisure pursuits.
- Consulted with direct-care staff to implement best methods to achieve therapy goals using implementation of splints/orthotics to reduce limitations secondary to contractures of UE's.
OTR
Selectcare-St. Francis Home
Saginaw, MI
01.2022 - 06.2022
- Performed evaluations and assessments to recommend best treatment for individual patients with use of adaptive equipment training to help them succeed in ADL's.
- Consulted with direct-care staff to implement best methods to achieve therapy goals for various diagnosis including: CVI, Parkinson's, Dementia, Amputation, COPD, MCI, etc; Polished multi-tasking skills by adhering to demands of SNF productivity levels.
Substitute Teacher for Special Education
Will-Sub
Lansing, MI
01.2021 - 04.2021
- Led activities that developed students' physical, emotional and social growth across various degrees of special needs.
- Communicated nonverbally with children to provide comfort, encouragement and positive reinforcement.
- Worked with students to improve feeding, toileting, transferring skills.
- Experienced working with dedicated staff members on proper positioning, adaptive equipment needs, and medical diagnosis information pertinent to each student.
Education
Master of Science - Occupational Therapy
Grand Valley State University
Allendale, MI08-2021
Bachelor of Fine Arts - undefined
Wayne State University
Detroit, MI06-1999
Skills
- Experience developing IEP's
- Polished skills with Edplan documentation system
- Rapport with SISD students and staff members
- Knowledge of various standardized assessments for school-based therapy
- Parenting skills that relate to understanding their unique needs and concerns
- Dedicated to maintaining the integrity the integrity and self-confidence of each student
- Punctual, hard-working, flexible and open-minded
Timeline
Occupational Therapist
Saginaw Intermediate School District
10.2022 - 09.2025
OTR
Triumph Rehabilitation Inc.
06.2022 - Current
OTR
Selectcare-St. Francis Home
01.2022 - 06.2022
Substitute Teacher for Special Education
Will-Sub
01.2021 - 04.2021
Bachelor of Fine Arts - undefined
Wayne State University
Master of Science - Occupational Therapy
Grand Valley State University