Amber Walker
Naples
Summary
Compassionate occupational therapist with extensive experience working with children, and specializing in school based therapy. Skilled in developing individualized treatment plans, utilizing different therapeutic techniques, and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
School Based Occupational Therapist
Dorchester School District II, Office of Special Services
01.2018 - 06.2023
- Conducted comprehensive evaluations and screenings to accurately identify students' strengths and areas for improvement by using professional diagnostic assessments and clinical observations in toddlers through young adults.
- Attended and participated in meetings with interdisciplinary school-based teams to orally discuss written evaluation results, while providing parents and school staff with feedback from specialized evaluation as needed.
- Coordinated closely with special education teachers and other school personnel to integrate therapeutic strategies and interventions into lesson plans for a cohesive approach to learning and to improve participation in the student’s school curriculum,
- Developed customized short- and long-term goals for the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) and further adapted goals and intervention strategies to enhance student motor and sensory development and benefit.
- Maintained contact with families to provide guidance on student’s home status and reinforce therapeutic strategies at home, as well as detect and respond to any potential changes to maximally benefit the student.
- Regularly collaborated with interdisciplinary teams for optimal student success and growth in their educational journey, while supporting successful transitions from elementary school through high school.
- Developed and implemented classroom accommodations to ensure equal access to educational opportunities for students with disabilities, while promoting inclusive learning environments.
- Mentored new occupational therapists by sharing best practices and expertise in school-based settings,.
- Participated in professional development opportunities, staying current on best practices within the field of occupational therapy.
- Participating in school level Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), providing insight to motor/sensory aspect of development, and assisting educators in provide academic and behavioral strategies for students with various needs.
School Based Occupational Therapist
Berkeley County School District, Office of Special Education
08.2011 - 12.2017
- Conducted comprehensive evaluations and screenings to accurately identify students' strengths and areas for improvement by using professional diagnostic assessments and clinical observations in toddlers through young adults.
- Attended and participated in meetings with interdisciplinary school-based teams to orally discuss written evaluation results, while providing parents and school staff with feedback from specialized evaluation as needed.
- Coordinated closely with special education teachers and other school personnel to integrate therapeutic strategies and interventions into lesson plans for a cohesive approach to learning and to improve participation in the student’s school curriculum,
- Developed customized short- and long-term goals for the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) and further adapted goals and intervention strategies to enhance student motor and sensory development and benefit.
- Maintained contact with families to provide guidance on student’s home status and reinforce therapeutic strategies at home, as well as detect and respond to any potential changes to maximally benefit the student.
- Regularly collaborated with interdisciplinary teams for optimal student success and growth in their educational journey, while supporting successful transitions from elementary school through high school.
- Developed and implemented classroom accommodations to ensure equal access to educational opportunities for students with disabilities, while promoting inclusive learning environments.
- Supervised and mentored Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants and new occupational therapists by sharing best practices and expertise in school-based settings, while monitoring and collaborating with practitioners to ensure adequate treatment was being provided.
- Participated in professional development opportunities, staying current on best practices within the field of occupational therapy.
Staff Occupational Therapist
Clarendon Health System, Rehabilitation Services
09.2008 - 08.2011
- Conducted comprehensive evaluations to include diagnostic testing and clinical observations to determine individual needs, developing treatment plan, and then actively providing therapeutic treatment to outpatient patients, home health patients, and acute care hospital inpatients of all ages (infancy through adult) with orthopedic, neurological, and self-care deficits
- Educated patients and families with home exercise programs and/or strategies to ensure maximal benefit of their rehabilitation program
- Conducted evaluations and screenings using both professional diagnostic assessments and clinical observations to identify and determine individual student needs for educational relevant therapy for motor and sensory functioning of toddlers to children in high school
- Attended and participated in meetings with interdisciplinary school-based teams to orally discuss written evaluation results, while providing parents and school staff with feedback from specialized evaluation as needed.
- Coordinated closely with special education teachers and other school personnel to integrate therapeutic strategies and interventions into lesson plans for a cohesive approach to learning and to improve participation in the student’s school curriculum,
- Developed customized short- and long-term goals for the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) and further adapted goals and intervention strategies to enhance student motor and sensory development and benefit.
- Maintained contact with families to provide guidance on student’s home status and reinforce therapeutic strategies at home, as well as detect and respond to any potential changes to maximally benefit the student.
- Regularly collaborated with interdisciplinary teams for optimal student success and growth in their educational journey, while supporting successful transitions from elementary school through high school.
- Developed and implemented classroom accommodations to ensure equal access to educational opportunities for students with disabilities, while promoting inclusive learning environments.
- Participated in professional development opportunities, staying current on best practices within the field of occupational therapy.
Education
Master of Science - Rehabilitation Science in Occupational Therapy
Medical University of South Carolina
Charleston, South Carolina08.2008
Bachelor of Science - Exercise Science
University of South Carolina
Columbia, South Carolina05.2006
Skills
- Fine Motor Skills
- Visual Perception
- Sensory Integration
- Progress Monitoring
- Handwriting Intervention
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration
- Parent Education
- Environmental Modifications
References
Available upon request
Timeline
School Based Occupational Therapist
Dorchester School District II, Office of Special Services
01.2018 - 06.2023
School Based Occupational Therapist
Berkeley County School District, Office of Special Education
08.2011 - 12.2017
Staff Occupational Therapist
Clarendon Health System, Rehabilitation Services
09.2008 - 08.2011
Master of Science - Rehabilitation Science in Occupational Therapy
Medical University of South Carolina
Bachelor of Science - Exercise Science
University of South Carolina
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