Ashley Whittaker
Chalfont
Summary
Compassionate and knowledgeable Pediatric Occupational Therapist with a strong background in delivering therapeutic interventions that enhance patient well-being. Expertise in developing and implementing customized treatment plans that address individual needs, ensuring optimal outcomes for each child. Proven skills in patient assessment, fostering collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, and providing essential education to parents and families to support ongoing development. Committed to creating a nurturing environment that empowers children to achieve their fullest potential.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Occupational Therapist OTD, OTR/L
A Total Approach
Glen Mills, PA
08.2024 - Current
- Conducted assessments and wrote comprehensive evaluations to identify children's developmental needs and create tailored intervention plans.
- Utilized standardized assessments to evaluate client progress, informing adjustments to treatment plans accordingly for optimal outcomes.
- Executed independent educational evaluations in clinical settings to enhance support services for schools.
- Developed individualized therapy plans to enhance gross and fine motor skills in pediatric patients.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive patient care and progress tracking.
- Implemented therapeutic activities to enhance fine motor skills, sensory processing, and cognitive development in pediatric patients.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to coordinate care strategies for children with diverse needs, ensuring holistic support.
- Educated families on therapeutic techniques and home exercises to reinforce progress and promote independence in daily activities.
- Utilized adaptive equipment and technology to facilitate engagement and participation during therapy sessions.
- Maintained accurate documentation of patient records, treatment plans, and progress notes in compliance with regulatory standards.
- Advanced social skills development in group settings through engaging play-based activities that fostered peer interaction and cooperation.
- Increased children''s participation in daily activities by addressing sensory processing challenges through tailored sensory integration strategies.
- Navigated diverse family situations sensitively, incorporating cultural considerations into treatment plans when appropriate to optimize results.
- Developed a strong rapport with clients, fostering a positive therapeutic environment conducive to growth and progress in treatment objectives.
Doctoral Capstone Project- Occupational Therapy Student
A Total Approach
Glen Mills, PA
01.2024 - 05.2024
- Developed and implemented client-centered, occupation-based therapy strategies to enhance therapeutic value and effectiveness.
- Engaged in research efforts to implement effective and scientifically informed interventions in occupational therapy practice.
- Executed comprehensive literature review and needs assessment to identify perceptions of play among parents and therapists.
- Designed and implemented an educational initiative focused on equipping parents and caregivers with effective strategies to foster play-based support for children with disabilities.
- Developed and delivered a targeted four-week training initiative aimed at equipping parents with effective strategies to support their children's playful development.
- Facilitated educational sessions to empower parents and caregivers in engaging play activities with children.
- Executed comprehensive assessments utilizing a criterion-referenced observation tool to evaluate program effectiveness.
- Employed a mixed-method approach to gather research and assess project outcomes.
Level IIB Fieldwork- Occupational Therapy Student
A Total Approach
Glen Mills, PA
04.2023 - 06.2023
- Executed comprehensive evaluations to identify children's developmental needs and formulate tailored treatment plans.
- Conducted standardized assessments to assess client progress, facilitating informed modifications to treatment plans for enhanced outcomes.
- Collaborated with families and multidisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive care for pediatric patients.
- Implemented therapeutic interventions using play-based strategies to enhance motor skills and sensory processing.
- Employed a client-centered approach to integrate patient values and priorities into therapeutic processes.
- Monitored progress of clients, adjusting treatment plans as necessary to achieve optimal outcomes.
- Educated parents on at-home exercises and activities to reinforce therapy goals outside clinical settings.
- Optimized clinic efficiency by maintaining accurate documentation, managing caseloads effectively, and adhering to regulatory guidelines.
- Developed strong rapport with patients and families through empathetic communication, fostering trust and collaboration in the therapeutic process.
Level IIA Fieldwork- Occupational Therapy Student
RHD PIER Program, LTSR
Quakertown, PA
01.2023 - 03.2023
- Performed detailed evaluations of resident charts to enhance patient care quality and accuracy.
- Conducted thorough research to create detailed lifestyle performance and occupational profiles for residents, enhancing understanding of individual backgrounds.
- Administered cognitive assessments to enhance understanding of resident development and inform tailored care plans.
- Established and maintained supportive connections with residents to promote mental health.
- Designed and conducted group therapy sessions to enhance residents' emotional well-being and interpersonal skills.
- Facilitated therapeutic engagement with residents to achieve specific treatment objectives and enhance personal development.
- Designed and implemented CBT group sessions to enhance participants' coping skills and promote positive thinking.
- Designed and implemented baking and cooking groups to enhance residents' practical life skills.
- Facilitated educational sessions on the role of occupational therapy in mental health care to enhance team collaboration and patient outcomes.
- Conducted analysis and grading of activities to align with resident performance skills and task demands.
- Utilized online billing system to facilitate seamless transactions and enhance customer interactions.
- Maintained accurate and detailed records of daily group and individual therapy sessions to support therapeutic outcomes.
- Assisted multidisciplinary teams alongside art therapy directors, RBTs, psychologists, and psychiatrists. Collaborated with diverse professionals to support art therapy initiatives. Contributed to team efforts with art therapy directors and mental health specialists.
- Engaged in team and treatment meetings to evaluate level system and monitor advancement towards therapy objectives.
Occupational Therapy Intern
Advanced Therapy Solutions Internship
Clarksville, TN
01.2021 - 05.2021
- Supported and participated in targeted interventions aimed at enhancing children's well-being.
- Supported children's learning by organizing and implementing interactive educational activities.
- Supported therapist by facilitating individual therapy sessions and ensuring client engagement.
- Developed and organized engaging group projects for children to enhance learning experiences based on weekly themes.
- Collaborated with occupational and speech therapists to enhance patient feeding experiences in the kitchen.
- Oversaw the cleaning and organization of toy storage areas to enhance accessibility. Managed the sanitization of toys post-session to ensure hygiene and safety standards were met.
- Designed and organized engaging activities and games for therapist implementation during sessions.
- Supported therapeutic processes by observing and assisting therapists during integrated treatment sessions.
Education
Doctorate of Occupational Therapy -
Cedar Crest College
Allentown, PA05-2024
Bachelor of Science in Health and Human Performance - Applied Exercise Science, Minor in Psychology
Austin Peay State University
Clarksville, TN05-2021
Skills
- Comprehensive patient evaluations
- Developmental therapy for children
- Certified in CPR
- Patient and family education
- Evidence-based clinical reasoning
- Interdisciplinary collaboration
- Direct patient care
- Effective goal development
- Targeted intervention development
- Sensory integration
- Activity analysis
- Effective documentation practices
- Creative
- Compassionate
- Adaptable
Certification
- OTR - Occupational Therapist Registered (December 2024-March 2028)
- Pennsylvania Licensed Occupational therapist (August 2024-June 2027)
Timeline
Occupational Therapist OTD, OTR/L
A Total Approach
08.2024 - Current
Doctoral Capstone Project- Occupational Therapy Student
A Total Approach
01.2024 - 05.2024
Level IIB Fieldwork- Occupational Therapy Student
A Total Approach
04.2023 - 06.2023
Level IIA Fieldwork- Occupational Therapy Student
RHD PIER Program, LTSR
01.2023 - 03.2023
Occupational Therapy Intern
Advanced Therapy Solutions Internship
01.2021 - 05.2021
Doctorate of Occupational Therapy -
Cedar Crest College
Bachelor of Science in Health and Human Performance - Applied Exercise Science, Minor in Psychology
Austin Peay State University
LEADERSHIP ROLES AND COMMUNITY SERVICE
Athlete and Captain on the Austin Peay State University Women’s Soccer Team: Fall of 2017 – Spring of 2021, Young life Leader for high school students in the Clarksville Community: Fall of 2018- Spring of 2021
Standardized Assessments
- Pediatric: BOT-3, PDMS-2, DeGangi-Berk Test of Sensory Integration, WOLD Sentence Copy Test, FRTVMI, Jordan Left-Right Test of Reversals, Sensory Profile, COPM, SCAN-3, RightEye™ Dynamic Vision Assessment, SOSI-M, COPR, Heart Drawing, Comprehensive Assessment for Interoceptive Awareness, Interactive Metronome (IM) Long Form Assessment, BADS-C
- Adult/Mental Health: MoCA, ACLS-5, COPM, MMSE