Experience
Behavior Consultant for the State, Counties and Brokerages-2015- present
Behavior Assessment and Plan are developed to teach adults and children with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their parents and providers how to support them in managing their behaviors. Positive Behavior Supports are used after the cause of the behaviors are found. A sensory processing approach (The Ready Approach) is used along with psychology, self-esteem and quality of life approaches.
Living Skills Instructor -2014 to present
Teaching cooking, cleaning, social skills and other skills to adults with an Intellectual and Developmental Disability.
Job Coaching, Portland Metro area-2014 to present
Teaching skills to support independence in employment with people with I/DD.
Occupational Therapist, Raindance Occupational Therapy; Portland Metro area homes-2000 to present
As an independent contractor, I use Sensory Processing Evaluations and parent training done within the culture of the family. Living Skills Assessments provide the family with a document of strengths, limitations and recommendations for skills training and living independently. Skills training may follow. Specializing in Autism and challenging behaviors. I have also been involved with creating a living skills assessment process for the “Independent Living Program” of Washington County and worked for Housing Independence doing Living Skills Assessments.
Occupational Therapist, Vancouver School District; Vancouver, WA-2009-2012
School Occupational Therapist responsible for large case loads and assessments, direct 1:1 therapy, consultation with teachers, writing IEPs, attending and presenting at meetings with parents, teachers and administrators and motor team meetings. IEP On-line and EasyTRAC software used for IEP writing and billing.
Skills Trainer and Social Recreational Companion, The Companion Program; Washington County community and homes -2001-2011
Provided support to people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities for Social Recreational opportunities and taught social and leisure skills. Administered Living Skills Assessments and provided living skills instruction to customers and sometimes consultation to parents.
Occupational Therapist, Mentor Oregon ABI; Portland, OR-2009
Occupational Therapist in group home for adults with a brain injury assessing and teaching daily life skills.
Occupational Therapist, Independent Living Program; homes in Washington County, OR-2008-2009
Volunteered to help develop the Independent Living Program then worked doing pre and post living skills assessments before and after the customer took living skills classes.
Occupational Therapist, NeuroTherapeutics; Oregon City, OR-2002
On-call sensory integration therapist in sensory clinic setting.
Teacher, Little Angels Center; Milwaukee, OR-2001
Fill in head teacher for toddler room for integrated day care program.
Case Manager, Garlington Center; Portland, OR-1996-1998
Case Manager, therapeutic group leader, vocational team leader for Secretarial team at vocational center for people with a persistent and chronic mental illness. Responsible for writing Mental Health Assessments, progress notes, providing emotional support, skills training for daily life skills and supporting them in advocating for themselves with psychiatrist and others.
Residential Treatment Counselor, Parry Center for Children, Portland, OR-1993-1994
Direct care with emotionally disturbed children in residential program, including performing full body restraints when child was a danger to self or to others.
Respite Care Provider, Hillsboro, OR-1992-1995
Worked with a child with Autism and severe behavior problems in his home including teaching his parents behavior management techniques.
Client Supervisor, Edwards Center, Aloha, OR- 1992-1994
Worked in a small apartment complex teaching living skills and supervising day to day activities of adults with a developmental disability.
Living Skills Trainer, Straight Ahead Shelter, Cornelius, OR-1991-1992
Working with adolescents that fell through the cracks of the system and also had emotional disturbance.
Education
Washington University School of Occupational Therapy, St. Louis, MO- M.S. O.T., 2000
Pacific University, Forest Grove, OR- B.A. Psychology 1992
“Occupational Therapy Refresher Course” in July of 2016 at the University of Minnesota.
