Yolanda Justice
Pueblo,CO
Summary
Dedicated Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant-Licensed (COTA-L) with expertise in fine motor skills and sensory integration. Enhanced student outcomes through collaborative care and innovative therapy techniques. Contributed to interdisciplinary teamwork and documentation for Individualized Education Plans. Skilled in adapting therapeutic activities to meet diverse patient needs and improve daily living skills.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
Work History
COTA/L
Las Cruces Public Schools,
Las Cruces, NM
10.2024 - 05.2026
- Collaborated with occupational therapists to implement therapy sessions effectively.
- Assisted in developing individualized therapy plans for students with diverse needs.
- Monitored student progress and documented outcomes for ongoing assessments.
- Facilitated adaptive equipment training to enhance student participation in activities.
- Integrated therapeutic strategies into daily routines, enhancing support for classroom teachers and improving student engagement.
- Facilitated group therapy sessions to develop social skills and promote positive peer interactions among students.
- Provided individualized interventions to promote functional independence and optimize the quality of life.
- Instructed families on home exercises to reinforce therapeutic goals and improve continuity of care.
- Completed comprehensive assessments to evaluate and identify patient needs, goals, and objectives.
- Participated in case conferences and staffings with other healthcare professionals to discuss patient progress and plan for future treatments.
- Offered feedback and recommendations during interdisciplinary team meetings.
- Treated patients to improve fine motor and movement skills.
COTA-L
District 60 Pueblo
Pueblo, Colorado
11.2014 - 06.2024
- Assisted OTs with implementing 500 individual treatment plans to help students be successful in their education plan.
- Monitored patients' performance in therapy activities by providing instruction and encouragement.
- Collaborated with occupational rehabilitation therapists, teachers, paraprofessionals, parents, and students to enhance treatment outcomes.
- Used Google Docs, EzEdMed, Google drive, Infinite Campus. These were used to maintain accurate documentation of patient progress toward goals, collaborate with Team members
- Implemented prescribed treatments to improve sensory, cognitive, and physical function in adults and children with various disabilities.
- Assessed effectiveness of interventions and made timely adjustments for improved outcomes.
- Collaborated with supervising occupational therapists to develop comprehensive care plans, enhancing patient progress through tailored interventions.
- Contributed to interdisciplinary team meetings by sharing insights related to patients' occupational therapy needs and progress updates.
- Developed strong rapport with patients and families through compassionate care and clear communication about treatment objectives.
- Maintained current knowledge of industry trends and best practices through ongoing professional development opportunities.
- Adhered to ethical guidelines and legal requirements set forth by regulatory bodies, ensuring high-quality patient care.
- Implemented group therapy sessions focused on social skills development or specific functional tasks relevant to participants'' shared goals.
- Served diverse populations with varying diagnoses such as developmental disabilities, neurological disorders, orthopedic injuries, and mental health issues.
- Provided evidence-based treatments within the school environment.
COTA-L
Colorado Mental Health Institute Of Pueblo (CMHIP)
09.2012 - 11.2014
- Ensured adherence to facility policies, procedures, regulations as well as compliance with state licensing requirements for COTALs.
- Promoted professional growth by attending conferences, workshops, seminars, and maintaining currency on industry trends and best practices.
- Assisted patients in achieving greater independence .
- Collaborated with supervising occupational therapists for improved treatment planning and intervention strategies.
- Evaluated patient progress regularly, adjusting treatment plans based on changing needs and goals.
- Monitored patients' performance in therapy activities by providing instruction and encouragement.
- Maintain accurate documentation of patient progress toward goals.
- Led groups for Cooking, Sensory Integration, Recreation, Cognitive, and Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)
COTA-L
Albuquerque Public Schools
11.1997 - 09.2010
- Ensured adherence to facility policies, procedures, regulations as well as compliance with state licensing requirements for COTALs.
- Delivered high-quality care by continuously refining treatment methods based on evidence-based practice principles.
- Utilized standardized assessments within scope of practice to measure baseline functioning levels of patients before initiating therapy services.
- Developed personalized home programs for patients to promote continued skill development outside of therapy sessions.
- Maintained thorough documentation of patient treatments, assessments, and progress for accurate record keeping and communication with interdisciplinary team members.
- Worked collaboratively with interdisciplinary team members to develop and implement comprehensive student education plans.
- Collaborated with supervising occupational therapists for improved treatment planning and intervention strategies.
- Participated in continuing education opportunities to stay up-to-date on advancements within the field of occupational therapy.
- Monitored patients' performance in therapy activities by providing instruction and encouragement.
- Aided in improvement of sensory, cognitive and physical function for adults and children with various disabilities by implementing prescribed treatments.
- Helped improve fine motor, visual perception and sensory processing skills.
- Helped determine realistic treatment goals and adjusted steps based on patient progress.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop patient-centered treatment plans.
- Assisted in implementing therapeutic activities to enhance patients' daily living skills.
- Conducted assessments to evaluate patients' functional abilities and progress.
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Occupational Therapy Assistant
Pueblo Community College
Pueblo Co05.1995
Skills
- Group facilitation
- Assistive technology
- Documentation reporting
- Upper extremity training
- Fine motor skills development
- Sensory integration techniques
- Sensory techniques
- Community reintegration
- Community integration
- Group therapy
- Group facilitation
- Activity assessment
- Activity analysis
- Documentation reporting
- Progress Documentation
- Records maintenance
- Patient care planning
- Care planning
- Family education
- Mental health care
- Mental Health Support
- Environmental modification
- Leisure skill development
- CPR certification
- CPR/AED
- Interdisciplinary collaboration
- Clinical collaboration
- Appointment scheduling
- Documentation
- Upper Extremity Strengthening
- CPR certification
- CPR certification
- Care planning
- Appointment scheduling
- Progress Documentation
- Records maintenance
Affiliations
- NBCOT
- AOTA
Languages
ASL in College
Limited
Timeline
COTA/L
Las Cruces Public Schools,
10.2024 - 05.2026
COTA-L
District 60 Pueblo
11.2014 - 06.2024
COTA-L
Colorado Mental Health Institute Of Pueblo (CMHIP)
09.2012 - 11.2014
COTA-L
Albuquerque Public Schools
11.1997 - 09.2010
Associate of Applied Science - Occupational Therapy Assistant
Pueblo Community College