Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Affiliations
Certification
Additional Information
Timeline
Generic

Machelle Gliori

Surprise,AZ

Summary

Dedicated occupational therapist with a passion for holistic treatment and education, embodying empathy, compassion, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion. Proficient in fostering therapeutic relationships with clients and colleagues alike, utilizing effective communication skills to facilitate understanding and collaboration. Recognized for adaptability and flexibility in tailoring treatment plans to meet individual learners, while maintaining a steadfast commitment to continuous learning and growth. Possessing expertise in occupational therapy principles and practices, dedicated to making ethical decisions that prioritize the well-being and autonomy of clients, and ensuring the highest standards of care and integrity are upheld in all aspects of practice.

Overview

21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Lead Occupational Therapist - Motor Department

Arizona Autism Charter Schools
2023.01 - Current
  • Lead motor department in providing direction, guidance, and support to Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists, and support staff across multiple locations, including those in different cities, telehealth, and on-site.
  • Oversee recruitment and onboarding of new therapists, ensuring alignment with departmental goals and values. Conduct regular performance evaluations and provide feedback for professional growth.
  • Ensure compliance with regulatory standards, accreditation requirements, and best practices in occupational therapy. Implement quality assurance measures to maintain high standards of care.
  • Professional development and management speaker for therapists and staff to enhance collaboration, understanding, and support for students with diverse needs as well as regulatory compliance.
  • Clinical supervision and mentorship to entry-level therapists, certified occupational therapy assistants, and fieldwork students. Professional growth and development through ongoing feedback and coaching.
  • Budgeting, ordering, and inventory for therapy department's tools, equipment, and assessments.
  • Lead monthly department meetings focusing on support, guidance, compliance, training, and collaboration.
  • Participate in bi-weekly organization leadership meetings to align organization and department goals and objectives.
  • Occupational Therapy caseload management of identifying needs through assessment and evaluation, individualized intervention planning, direct therapy service delivery, consultation and collaboration with stakeholders, educational planning and support, data collection and progress monitoring, caregiver education, advocacy, documentation, ethical practice, and crisis response.

Lead Occupational Therapist - Motor Department

Saddle Mountain Unified School District
2019.07 - 2023.06
  • Clinical supervision and mentorship to entry-level therapists and certified occupational therapy assistants. Professional growth and development through ongoing feedback and coaching.
  • Participated in annual Arizona Department of Education (ADE) audits for special education compliance.
  • Professional development and management speaker for therapists and staff relating to topics of interest and improvement to enhance collaboration, understanding, and support for students with diverse needs as well as regulatory compliance.
  • Occupational Therapy caseload management of identifying needs through assessment and evaluation, individualized intervention planning, direct therapy service delivery, consultation and collaboration with stakeholders, educational planning and support, data collection and progress monitoring, caregiver education, advocacy, documentation, ethical practice, and crisis response.
  • Member of Preschool Evaluation Team for identification and determination of children in need of school-based occupational therapy and transitioning from Division of Developmental Disabilities.
  • Specialty focus and program implementation for students identified with Emotional Disability. Focusing on behavior modification and sensory integration integrated into a positive behavior support intervention framework model.
  • Specialty focus and program implementation of functional daily living skills and sensory integration strategies for students identified with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Levels 1 and 2.

Occupational Therapist

Dysart Unified School District
2003.08 - 2019.07
  • Improved patient outcomes by implementing individualized treatment plans and monitoring progress.
  • Enhanced patient functionality through evidence-based therapeutic interventions and exercises.
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary team members for comprehensive patient care and optimal results.
  • Developed customized home exercise programs, enabling patients to maintain progress outside of therapy sessions.
  • Provided education to patients and families on coping strategies, adaptive equipment, and safety modifications.
  • Documented student progress accurately and efficiently, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
  • Participated in continuing education opportunities to stay current with industry trends and best practices in occupational therapy.
  • Advocated for profession by participating in community events promoting awareness of occupational therapy services available locally.
  • Development and implementation of school-wide motor movement program targeting development of motor skills necessary for learning readiness and functioning within school environment.

Education

MBA - Emphasis in Leadership

Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, AZ
02.2026

Bachelor of Science - Occupational Therapy

Midwestern University
Glendale
05.2001

Skills

  • Clinical Expertise
  • Teaching and Instruction
  • Technology Proficiency
  • Program Development
  • Evidence-Based Practice
  • Assessment and Evaluation
  • Interdisciplinary Collaboration
  • Professional Development
  • Leadership with Empathy and Compassion
  • Community Engagement
  • Adaptability and Flexibility
  • Integrity and Ethical Practices

Accomplishments

OT 4 KIDZ, LLC, Founder, and Owner: Successful occupational therapy service that delivers comprehensive services to schools, families, and communities. Development and implementation of innovative programs and interventions tailored to individual needs interventions promoting optimal functioning, participation, and well-being across the lifespan.

Sensory Integration Program: Recognizing the diverse sensory needs of students, I initiated the development of a comprehensive Sensory Integration Program. Through collaboration with teachers and administrators, I designed sensory-friendly classrooms and provided training on sensory strategies to support students with sensory processing difficulties. This program resulted in improved attention, engagement, and self-regulation among students, leading to better academic and social outcomes.

Fine Motor Skills Development Initiative: Understanding the crucial role of fine motor skills in academic achievement, I implemented a targeted Fine Motor Skills Development Initiative. Through individual and group interventions, I addressed fine motor deficits among students, equipping them with the necessary skills for handwriting, cutting, and other school-related tasks. As a result, students demonstrated increased independence in classroom activities and greater confidence in their abilities.

Transition Planning and Support Program: Recognizing the importance of smooth transitions for students with special needs, I developed a Transition Planning and Support Program in collaboration with the school's special education team. This program focused on functional skills targeting increased independence in skills such as community integration, safety, self-care, and pre-vocational skills for students transitioning between grade levels or from school to post-secondary settings. By addressing their unique needs and facilitating continuity of services, we ensured a more seamless transition process, promoting student success and well-being.

Integrated Executive Functioning (EF), Sensory, and Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Curriculum: I developed a comprehensive program integrating EF strategies, sensory integration techniques, and SEL principles into classroom and small group activities. By embedding EF skills such as organization, time management, and task initiation within sensory-rich and emotionally supportive contexts, students receive holistic support that addresses their diverse needs and promotes overall well-being.

Fieldwork Educator Facility Program: I developed a fieldwork educator program integrating the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) guidelines and university requirements to make meaningful contributions to the profession, support the development of future practitioners, and positively impact the lives of the clients and communities.

Workload Transition Study and Proposal: Thorough investigation of current practices, gathering of empirical data, analysis of findings, and development of actionable recommendations to support the transition from a caseload to a workload model. This resulted in improved efficiency, increased adaptability, enhanced collaboration, increased alignment with educational goals, the ability to focus on early intervention, and a positive impact on job satisfaction.

Special Education Handbook:

Collaborative development and implementation of a comprehensive Special Education Handbook. Ensuring alignment with district policies, federal mandates, and state regulations. This initiative involved coordinating with multidisciplinary teams, including administrators, educators, and legal experts, to synthesize complex legal requirements into accessible guidelines for educators, parents, and stakeholders. By meticulously aligning the handbook with legal frameworks and best practices, we provided invaluable support to educators in navigating special education processes, fostering compliance, consistency, and student-centered practices across the district.

Occupational and Physical Therapy Website: Created and maintained the motor department section of the website to provide comprehensive information and resources for therapists and stakeholders. Implemented user-friendly navigation and interactive features to facilitate easy access to services, program details, and educational materials. Developed engaging content to highlight the benefits of therapy services, showcase therapist expertise, and promote awareness of available programs and treatment options. By optimizing the website section, we increased visibility, accessibility, and engagement, ultimately improving the user experience and supporting the organization's mission to enhance health and well-being.

Social Skills Group and Caregiver Support: Worked in collaboration with psychologists, speech pathologists, and teachers to develop and implement a social and support group for children of autism. The program was designed to provide education and support while empowering individuals and families impacted by autism spectrum disorders. We aimed to promote inclusion, diversity, and acceptance, and add to the quality of life for individuals on the autism spectrum and their families.

Community Outreach: Member of leadership team responsible for leading a community-wide fundraising campaign with big box stores, local clubs, and organizations, community members, the educational community, and prominent local music celebrities to support a student battling a terminal illness and their family. Through strategic outreach and engagement events, which included fair-type events, charity concerts, bake sales, and donation drives, generous donations allowed for much-needed financial ease for the family’s medical expenses.


Affiliations

  • National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy
  • American Occupational Therapy Association
  • Arizona Occupational Therapy Association
  • Specialty Practice Sections (SPS): Work and Industry, Developmental Delays, Mental Health

Certification

  • Nationally Licensed Occupational Therapist - 1055578
  • AZ State Licensed Occupational Therapist - OTH-002902
  • AOTA Mindful Path to Leadership, Level II - 000004293398

Additional Information

An altruistic individual dedicated to embodying the principles of conscious capitalism with servant leadership qualities. I am currently pursuing an MBA with an emphasis in leadership at Grand Canyon University, highlighting a commitment to continuous growth and leadership development. Business owner and operator of OT 4 Kidz, LLC, serving individuals and families in the greater Phoenix area. Proficient in various technical platforms, including Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Adobe, facilitating effective virtual communication, collaboration, and creative content creation. Advanced skillsets in the Microsoft 365 software suite, Google Workplace tools, PowerPoint, and Zoom ensure seamless presentations, document management, and remote team engagement. Familiarity with the software platforms utilized by GCU from a student perspective. I am committed to fostering a culture of empathy, diversity, sustainability, and social responsibility while empowering teams to thrive in purpose-driven environments.

Timeline

Lead Occupational Therapist - Motor Department

Arizona Autism Charter Schools
2023.01 - Current

Lead Occupational Therapist - Motor Department

Saddle Mountain Unified School District
2019.07 - 2023.06

Occupational Therapist

Dysart Unified School District
2003.08 - 2019.07

MBA - Emphasis in Leadership

Grand Canyon University

Bachelor of Science - Occupational Therapy

Midwestern University
  • Nationally Licensed Occupational Therapist - 1055578
  • AZ State Licensed Occupational Therapist - OTH-002902
  • AOTA Mindful Path to Leadership, Level II - 000004293398
Machelle Gliori