Occupational Therapist

References provided upon request

DANA LYNN PFLUGRADT

Occupational Therapist

Email: *************@*****.***

Cellphone: 847-***-****

Profile

A current registered and Indiana/Illinois licensed occupational therapist providing skilled therapy services in subacute rehab to home, long- term care, memory care, assisted living and independent living. Seeking a full-time position in skilled nursing with specialty areas of interest in geriatrics, neurorehabilitation, orthopedic injuries, and dementia. Strong clinical skill set in problem-solving, critical thinking, and interpersonal communication to work effectively with patients, families, and interdisciplinary teams and address complex patient needs. Passionate about providing services to underserved populations and integrating mental health and trauma-informed perspectives into treatment for client-centered and empathetic care. Skilled in providing therapeutic interventions to improve functional abilities for optimal safety and independence with self care tasks and mobility performance. Relevant Work Experience

CarDon & Associates, Hamilton Trace Senior Living – OTR with Lifespan Therapy August 2023-Present

● Skilled in conducting comprehensive initial patient evaluations, determining patient functional limitations and goals, developing individualized treatment plans, monitoring patient progress, and updating plans of care as appropriate

● Proficient in implementing therapeutic interventions to address specific patient needs, including but not limited to: utilization of various modalities such as ultrasound, electrical stimulation, and shortwave diathermy, collaboration with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care, and facilitation of patient/caregiver education

● Appropriately document patient assessments, interactions, and treatment plans, and possess knowledge of Medicare regulations and facility documentation guidelines

● Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings to discuss patient progress and develop discharge plans Self-Employed Care Provider – Specialized Caregiver May 2020-January 2023

● Provided relief to parents of an autistic adult by assisting with activities of daily living, including toileting, bathing, grooming, dressing, feeding, transportation, and medication management

● Encouraged engagement in leisure, play, and community participation activities

● Fostered companionship, promoted independence, and supported positive client-centered behaviors and social skills

● Communicated with parents in a professional and reliable manner to best meet the family’s needs Exceptional Learners Collaborative – Paraprofessional Special Education Aide June 2019-May 2020

● Provided one:one assistance for special education high school students with daily school routines including academic responsibilities, transitions, community engagement, mobility, and medical and safety needs for equitable access to the curriculum

● Supported teacher implementation of classroom programming to address individualized educational plan (IEP) goals

● Collaborated with the academic team including administration, certified staff, and student families to promote independence in school, work, and self-care tasks within an educational life skills class

● Observed and worked alongside an occupational therapist in addressing classroom needs, daily living, and pre-vocational skills Northwest Special Recreation Association – Inclusion Aide May-August 2018

● Supervised, encouraged, and advocated for children with disabilities to participate in recreational programs, and assisted the park district program in succeeding to create an inclusive environment that meets the needs of the participants with disabilities

● Built rapport with the participants and parents, in addition to promoting good relations with coworkers and the community in order to foster independence and promote positive social interactions

● Ensured safety and appropriately managed behaviors among the participants in a supportive manner

● Provided modifications and adaptations to ensure participant inclusion Education

Indiana University Doctor of Occupational Therapy May 2023 IU School of Health and Human Sciences at IUPUI

Cumulative GPA: 3.983

University of Dayton Bachelor of Science in Psychology May 2019 Minors: Biology and Medical Humanities

References provided upon request

Overall GPA: 3.934

Major GPA: 4.000

Fieldwork Experience

Riley Hospital for Children – Indiana University Health, Outpatient Burn Unit May-August 2022

● Applied a trauma-informed lens and translated a holistic perspective from the classroom into practice to address physical, emotional, mental, and social well-being

● Gained extensive knowledge on the burn process, management, and care, expanding my clinical skills with orthotic making, the use of physical agent modalities, and at large, the evaluation and treatment for upper extremity injuries

● Updated upper extremity home exercise program for outpatient burn patients and created a Hawaii Early Learning Profile (HELP) assessment checklist for increased efficiency during primary care follow-ups and promote continuum of care following neonatal care for infants and toddlers

University Heights Health & Living Community– CarDon & Associates, Skilled Nursing Facility May-August 2021

● Gained flexibility with large, complex caseloads and consistently met high productivity rates

● Effectively communicated with other disciplines in order to advocate for therapy services and promote optimal patient health and quality of life within long-term care

● Experienced goal writing and intervention planning for individuals experiencing advanced stages of dementia, in addition to having created an in-service project on sensory integration within skilled nursing based on theoretical underpinnings Doctoral Capstone Experience + Project

Flanner House – Non-Profit Organization, Community-Based Practice January-April 2023

● Built rapport and meaningful relationships, and provided client-centered, inclusive, and equitable care

● Facilitated storytelling as both an evaluation and intervention tool to explore the culture and lived experiences of older adults

● Applied principles of evidence-based and evidence-informed decision making as it relates to aging, community living, and social injustices to expand the delivery and quality of OT services

● Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate the role of OT and advocate for community-dwelling older adults to promote health, well- being, and quality of life

Honors + Awards

Iota Chapter of Pi Theta Epsilon, Occupational Therapy Honor Society, Inductee – Indiana University September 2021-Current Highest Bachelor’s Degree Distinction, Summa Cum Laude – University of Dayton May 2019 Materials Grant for the Behavioral Activation Project – University of Dayton March 2019 Executive Dean's List – University of Dayton August 2015-May 2019 Licenses + Certifications Valid until:

BLS (CPR/AED) for Health Care Professionals – American Heart Association 10/04/2023 HIPAA Privacy & Security – Indiana University

01/02/2024

Paraprofessional Educator License – Illinois State Board of Education 06/30/2024 Suicide Prevention Gatekeeper Training & Certificate – QPR Institute 03/10/2025 Volunteer + Observation

Indiana University Student Outreach Clinic – Student Volunteer and Education Co-Chair August 2020-May 2022 Building Block Pediatric Therapies -- Observer May-December 2019 Maria Joseph Nursing and Rehabilitation Center – Observer October 2018-March 2019 Horsefeathers Therapeutic Riding: Hippotherapy – Observer and Side Walker May-August 2018 St. Vincent’s de Paul Homeless Shelters – Student Researcher and Volunteer August 2017-May 2019 Organizations

Pi Theta Epsilon – Member of the Honor Society for Occupational Therapy Students September 2021-Current Student Occupational Therapy Association –Treasurer and Member for Indiana University May 2020-May 2022

Psi Chi – Member of the International Honor Society in Psychology at the University of Dayton August 2017-May 2019 Alpha Phi Omega Service Fraternity – Member at the University of Dayton January 2016-May 2018

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