Christine Karelsen
Kingston,Ontario
Summary
Caring Occupational with versatility in adapting to diverse needs of clients, developing targeted treatment plans to support individual needs. Well-trained occupational therapist with 10 years expertise in supporting patients through tailored therapy plans. Skilled in patient assessment, therapeutic interventions, and progress evaluation. Strong focus on collaboration and achieving results, adaptable to changing needs. Known for empathy, effective communication, and problem-solving in clinical settings. Equipped with strong problem-solving abilities, willingness to learn, and excellent communication skills. Poised to contribute to team success and achieve positive results. Ready to tackle new challenges and advance organizational objectives with dedication and enthusiasm.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Occupational Therapist
ModernOT Occupational Therapy Services
08.2016 - Current
- Provided clinical services to clients with various physical, mental and emotional impairments.
- Provided assessment and treatment to clients with musculoskeletal injuries, chronic pain, complex spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, mild traumatic brain injuries and cognitive dysfunction.
- Conducted assessments of clients' mental health functioning, identifying areas for targeted therapeutic interventions and provided interventions related to anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.
- Work collaboratively to set goals to direct occupational therapy intervention to assist individuals return to engagement in activities of daily living, work and leisure activities
- Coordinated discharge planning efforts alongside case managers to ensure seamless transitions between care providers upon leaving facility.
- Provide in-home functional assessments, attendant care need assessments, assistive device assessments, cognitive assessments and in home safety assessments
- Documented patient progress accurately and efficiently, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
- Performed assessments during treatment to determine progress according to goals.
- Enhanced overall quality of life for patients with chronic conditions by addressing physical, cognitive, psychosocial, and sensory impairments.
- Adapted environments by making changes to patient homes, workplaces and school environments to promote safety, independence and participation.
- Supported clients returning to work through development, implementation and adaptation of gradual return to work plans. Collaboratively worked with employers, clients and return to work specialists to optimize successful return to work.
- Enhanced patient functionality through evidence-based therapeutic interventions and exercises.
- Established compassionate and caring relationships with patients.
- Helped patients with cognitive and mental health conditions to improve ability to think, learn and memorize.
- Facilitated patient independence in daily living activities, employing adaptive equipment and environmental modifications.
- Coordinated interventions with multidisciplinary treatment team.
- Provide mobility device assessment and prescription for walkers, manual and power wheelchairs and mobility scooters to individuals who range in mobility needs and levels
- Assigned and led occupational therapy assistants, overseeing their work and facilitating professional development through mentoring.
- Advocated for patients' needs, securing necessary resources and support services to aid in their rehabilitation.
- Provided education to empower patients and families to understand conditions, treatments and treatment options for managing symptoms.
- Enhanced communication with healthcare providers, sharing patient progress and adjusting treatment plans as necessary.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to ensure cohesive approach to patient care, optimizing overall outcomes.
- Increased patient engagement in therapeutic activities by incorporating innovative occupational therapy techniques.
- Mentored occupational therapy students and newly hired occupational therapist during clinical rotations and training, fostering professional growth and development.
- Participated in professional development seminars and workshops, staying abreast of advancements in occupational therapy.
- Provided occupational therapy services within the framework of motor vehicle accidents (Statutory Accident Benefits-SABs), Workplace Insurance Board (WSIB), Long term disability, Veterans Affairs (VAC), private occupational therapy services and the Crime Victim Assistance Program.
School Health and Community Occupational Therapist
Kaymar Rehabilitation
01.2016 - 07.2017
- Provided consultative client-centered occupational therapy services to adults in the community to enable clients to maintain independence and safety in their homes.
- Worked with children from ages 5-13 who have difficulty with fine/gross motor, visual perceptual, executive functioning, coordination skills, and written output.
- Administered standardized assessments, develop goal-oriented occupational therapy intervention plans and implement occupational therapy intervention to a pediatric population.
- Consulted and collaborate with school teachers, resource teachers, and parents to develop a well-rounded intervention for children to progress towards goals across school and home environments.
- Effectively managed a case load of 40 children.
- Demonstrated an ability to effectively and efficiently write reports, plan sessions and complete necessary documentation.
Community Occupational Therapist
CommuniCare Therapy
09.2015 - 02.2016
- Provided occupational therapy services (assessment, intervention, and outcome measures) to adults in the community in a client-centered manner to enable clients to maintain independence in their homes
- Work with clients on a goal-oriented consultative model to develop strategies and provide resources and equipment to facilitate independent functioning at home and in the community
- Provide fall prevention, home safety, and energy conservation education and links to community programs to clients and their families
- Demonstrate organizational skills through caseload management, documentation, and report writing in a timely and efficient manner
- Effectively communicate and interact with community organizations, medical equipment vendors, care coordinators, personal support workers, and other occupational therapists
Education
Master of Science - Occupational Therapy
Queen’s University
Kingston, Ontario01.2015
Bachelor of Arts, Honours - Kinesiology
University of Western Ontario
London, Ontario01.2013
Skills
- Clinical reasoning
- Interdisciplinary collaboration
- Direct patient care
- Therapeutic techniques
- Treatment implementation
- Orthopedic rehabilitation
- Home modifications
- Wheelchair seating
Continuing Education
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (level 1), 04/01/20
- Using Work-focused CBT and In-Vivo Exposure, 02/01/20
- Ramps, Grab Bars and Handrails, 11/01/18
- Optimizing Functional Cognition and Executive Functioning, 10/01/18
- Progressive Goal Attainment Program Provider, 04/01/18
- Action-Packed Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), 10/01/17
- Challenges Around Sex and Sexuality with a Physical and/or Cognitive Impairment, 06/01/17
- Handwriting Without Tears, 05/01/16
- Action Over Inertia Workshop, 04/01/15
- Car Fit Technician and Coordinator, 06/01/15
Professional Registrations
- Member, Ontario Association of Occupational Therapists (OSOT)
- Member, College of Occupational Therapist of Ontario (COTO)
- Assistive Device Program Authorizer (3000004607)
Languages
English
Certification
- Cognitive Processing Therapy of Post-traumatic stress disorder certification, November, 2023
- Prolonged Exposure Therapy fo PTSD certification, November, 2023
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (level 1), April, 2020
- Using Work-focused CBT and In-Vivo Exposure, February 2020
- Ramps, Grab Bars and Handrails, November 2018
- Optimizing Functional Cognition and Executive Functioning, October 2018
- Progressive Goal Attainment Program Provider, April 2018
- Action-Packed Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), October 2017
- Challenges Around Sex and Sexuality with a Physical and/or Cognitive Impairment, June 2017
- Handwriting Without Tears, May 2016
- Action Over Inertia Workshop, April 2015
- Car Fit Technician and Coordinator, June 2015
Timeline
Occupational Therapist
ModernOT Occupational Therapy Services
08.2016 - Current
School Health and Community Occupational Therapist
Kaymar Rehabilitation
01.2016 - 07.2017
Community Occupational Therapist
CommuniCare Therapy
09.2015 - 02.2016
Bachelor of Arts, Honours - Kinesiology
University of Western Ontario
- Cognitive Processing Therapy of Post-traumatic stress disorder certification, November, 2023
- Prolonged Exposure Therapy fo PTSD certification, November, 2023
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (level 1), April, 2020
- Using Work-focused CBT and In-Vivo Exposure, February 2020
- Ramps, Grab Bars and Handrails, November 2018
- Optimizing Functional Cognition and Executive Functioning, October 2018
- Progressive Goal Attainment Program Provider, April 2018
- Action-Packed Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), October 2017
- Challenges Around Sex and Sexuality with a Physical and/or Cognitive Impairment, June 2017
- Handwriting Without Tears, May 2016
- Action Over Inertia Workshop, April 2015
- Car Fit Technician and Coordinator, June 2015
Master of Science - Occupational Therapy
Queen’s University
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