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.
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.
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.