ERIN JOHNSTON
Timberlea,Canada
Summary
Compassionate and client-centered Occupational Therapist with 12 years of experience. Highly skilled in case management, functional assessment, and mental health care. Enjoys collaborative, interdisciplinary environments and complex clinical challenges.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Consultant
Cornerstone Occupational Therapy Consultants
03.2025 - Current
- Conduct private in-home functional assessments for physical and mental health conditions
- Perform workplace ergonomic assessments
- Complete standardized assessments for VAC clients, including Berg Balance Scale, Montreal Cognitive Assessment, the 7 - Item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, and Kessler Psychological Distress Scale
- Developed tailored therapy plans to enhance client outcomes and promote functional independence.
- Provide ongoing mental health treatment for private and VAC clients
Continuing Care Coordinator
Nova Scotia Health Authority
09.2016 - Current
- Conduct comprehensive standardized assessments of physical, mental, emotional, and social functioning
- Educate clients and families regarding home care and nursing services
- Determine eligibility for provincially funded programs and home support services
- Develop detailed care plans and coordinate services with contracted home care agencies
- Provide ongoing case management to ensure continuity of care
- Maintain timely communication with home care agencies and VON
- Work across acute care environments including geriatrics, inpatient mental health, surgery, and neurology
- Consult with physicians regarding health changes and cognitive capacity determinations
Independent Contractor
Veterans Affairs Canada
06.2019 - 06.2021
- Completed comprehensive in-home assessments of physical and mental functioning
- Collaborated with VAC case managers to support veteran care planning
- Administered standardized assessments as requested
- Provided ongoing mental health treatment, equipment recommendations and prescriptions
- Utilized the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure to establish SMART goals and treatment plans
Occupational Therapist
Nova Scotia Health Authority
01.2014 - 08.2016
- Conducted initial mental health assessments and developed individualized treatment plans
- Provided ongoing supportive counseling for diverse mental health conditions
- Co-facilitated psychotherapy groups with a psychiatrist
- Referred clients for psychiatric consultation, medication management, and psychological services
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary team members to enhance care planning
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to ensure cohesive care delivery and improved outcomes.
- Mentored junior therapists, fostering professional development and enhancing team performance.
- Documented patient progress accurately and efficiently, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
Occupational Therapist
Orion Health
05.2012 - 08.2014
- Delivered occupational therapy interventions to improve daily function and symptom management
- Developed occupational rehabilitation and return-to-work plans
- Conducted environmental and physical job demands analyses
- Collaborated with psychologists to support PTSD return-to-work programs using exposure-based therapy
- Prepared detailed assessment reports for Workers’ Compensation claims
Inpatient Occupational Therapist
Pictou County Health Authority
08.2011 - 02.2012
- Provided inpatient OT services in orthopedics, transitional care, and palliative care
- Assessed discharge needs in collaboration with clients and families
- Prescribed adaptive equipment and completed wheelchair assessments
- Participated in wound care prevention initiatives
- Recommended appropriate bed and seating solutions
- Educated clients undergoing elective hip and knee replacement surgeries through a prehabilitation program
Education
Master of Science - Occupational Therapy
Dalhousie University
Halifax, NS06.2011
Bachelor of Science - Kinesiology
Dalhousie University
Halifax, NS06.2008
Skills
- Care coordination
- Mental health intervention
- Effective problem-solving
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration
- Skilled in resolving conflicts
- Records & Documentation Management
- Program Eligibility & Resource Navigation
- Workplace Ergonomic Assessment
- Microsoft Office
- Client relationships & Goal Setting
Accomplishments
- Supervised and mentored new care coordinators
- Certified training in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Co-facilitated psychotherapy groups with a psychiatrist
- Experienced in exposure-based therapy for PTSD
- Proficient with standardized assessments including MoCA, GDS, MMSE, Berg Balance Scale, Nova Scotia Suicide Risk Assessment Form, and pain assessments
- Certified in Cognitive Functional Capacity Evaluation
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Certification
Foundational CBT certification - Psychwire
Cognitive Functional Capacity Evaluation Certification - Matheson
Timeline
Consultant
Cornerstone Occupational Therapy Consultants
03.2025 - Current
Independent Contractor
Veterans Affairs Canada
06.2019 - 06.2021
Continuing Care Coordinator
Nova Scotia Health Authority
09.2016 - Current
Occupational Therapist
Nova Scotia Health Authority
01.2014 - 08.2016
Occupational Therapist
Orion Health
05.2012 - 08.2014
Inpatient Occupational Therapist
Pictou County Health Authority
08.2011 - 02.2012
Master of Science - Occupational Therapy
Dalhousie University
Bachelor of Science - Kinesiology
Dalhousie University