Rocio Thomas
St. Louis
Summary
Compassionate, understanding, and patient occupational therapist with strong interpersonal skills and proficiency in patient assessment, time management, therapy-program design, and execution. Holds a Master's degree in Occupational Therapy and has 17 years of experience in the educational/school setting. Possesses full state and national licenses to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Occupational Therapist
Missouri School for the Blind
09.2024 - Current
- Utilized creative problem-solving skills to address barriers affecting student performance within the classroom environment.
- Worked closely with special education teachers, integrating therapeutic strategies into lesson plans for a cohesive approach to learning support services.
- Enhanced student motor skills by implementing customized therapy plans tailored to individual needs.
- Conducted comprehensive evaluations to accurately identify students'' strengths and areas for improvement.
- Addressed visual-perceptual deficits through targeted intervention techniques designed to enhance academic performance across subject areas.
- Implemented evidence-based therapeutic interventions to improve fine motor skills necessary for daily living tasks such as writing or using utensils during meals.
- Consulted with direct-care staff to implement best methods to achieve therapy goals.
Occupational Therapist
Special School District
09.2016 - 05.2024
- Evaluated students for physical limitations, developmental delays, sensory-motor dysfunction, perceptual-motor abilities, self-help skills, functional daily living skills and adaptive equipment needs
- Developed and administered educational programs based on evaluation results
- Interpreted test and diagnostic findings to parents, teachers, and other entitled parties
- Provided training for educational staff
- Recommended or fabricated adaptive equipment for ADL needs and for individualized classroom seating
- Participated in district and/or special interest meetings as appropriate
- Participated in continuing education and professional conferences and workshops to keep abreast of current treatment methods and to disseminate information to other disciplines
- Assisted with orientation of new staff members
- Maintained student records and prepared end-of-the-year reports on student performance
- Attended IEPs and other student conferences and developed individualized goals and objectives for assigned students
Occupational Therapist
Alhambra Unified School District
02.2008 - 05.2014
- Assessed children's developmental progress, specializing in perceptual/sensory motor skills, fine motor skills and activities of daily living
- Communicated effectively with other service providers (school psychologists, speech and language therapists, teachers, para educators, adapted physical education teachers, physical therapists) to provide for continuity of student's IEP goals and progress
- Collaborated closely with the IEP team
- Directly supervised clinical students and support staff, including certified and licensed assistants and volunteers
- Evaluated and treated a wide range of diagnosis and eligibilities, including autism, intellectual disability, speech and language pathologies, orthopaedic conditions, emotional disturbance, genetic conditions, etc
- Accurately documented treatment sessions
- Created progress reports, annual reports and triannual reports based on assessments
- Planned individually designed treatment programs based on evaluations and assessments
- Effectively managed a complex case load by being productive, time efficient, and organized
Education
Master of Arts - Occupational Therapy
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA01.2007
Bachelor of Arts - Human Development
California State University
Long Beach, CA01.2002
Skills
- Adaptive to changing environments
- IEP experience
- Student-focused therapy
- Empathetic
- Compassionate
- Patient
- MVPT-3 proficiency
- VMI proficiency
- BOT-2 proficiency
- Extensive knowledge in Sensory integration
- Bilingual in Spanish
- Works well with children and families
- Strong understanding of variety of school related IEP eligibilities/diagnosis
- Respectful of cultural differences
- Respectful of others
- Family and patient education
- Activity analysis
Certification
- NBCOT Certified, 2008-Present
- Licensed Occupational Therapist, Missouri, 2015-Present
- Licensed Occupational Therapist, California, 2008-2015
- CPR and First Aid Certified
Languages
English
Native language
Spanish
Proficient
C2
Timeline
Occupational Therapist
Missouri School for the Blind
09.2024 - Current
Occupational Therapist
Special School District
09.2016 - 05.2024
Occupational Therapist
Alhambra Unified School District
02.2008 - 05.2014
Bachelor of Arts - Human Development
California State University
Master of Arts - Occupational Therapy
University of Southern California
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