TERA THORESON
Costa Mesa
Summary
Dedicated Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant with a decade of experience in adult and geriatric rehabilitation, including two years in home health settings and extensive facility-based expertise. Proficient in activities of daily living (ADL) retraining, functional mobility enhancement, fall prevention strategies, and therapeutic interventions that facilitate safe patient discharges and enhance daily functioning. Recognized for building strong patient rapport, fostering clear communication, and collaborating effectively with interdisciplinary teams while maintaining accurate and compliant documentation in dynamic clinical environments. Committed to delivering high-quality care that promotes optimal recovery and independence for patients.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant
Green Meadows Home Health
01.2023 - Current
- Deliver skilled OT interventions in the home setting with focus on safety, ADL independence, and energy conservation.
- Train patients and caregivers on adaptive equipment, joint protection, and fall prevention strategies.
- Document patient progress in EMR systems and collaborate with supervising OT to adjust treatment plans.
- Assisted patients with completing basic daily living activities such as grooming, dressing and self-feeding.
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant
Newport Subacute Healthcare Center
02.2019 - 03.2024
- Manage daily caseload of 8–10 patients in post-acute and sub-acute rehab settings.
- Provide therapy for patients with neurological and orthopedic conditions, including stroke, fractures, and Parkinson’s disease.
- Create individualized home exercise programs to support functional carryover post-discharge.
- Advocated for all patients' health, safety, and rights.
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant
Palm Terrace Health & Rehabilitation
02.2016 - 12.2021
- Instructed patients in energy conservation and adaptive strategies to increase independence in ADLs.
- Delivered therapy sessions evenings and weekends to accommodate patient needs.
- Helped improve fine motor, visual perception and sensory processing skills.
- Educated patients and families on conditions, treatments and home exercises.
Travel Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant
Redwoods Post Acute
01.2018 - 03.2019
- Supported multiple facilities with OT interventions targeting ADLs, mobility, fine motor skills, and sensory processing.
- Educated patients and families on home exercise programs, adaptive equipment use, and condition management.
- Provided compassionate care to patients with debilitating conditions.
- Administered tests to assess nature of disabilities and limits of function and personal capacities.
Travel Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant
The Terraces at Los Altos
11.2018 - 01.2019
- Supported multiple facilities with OT interventions targeting ADLs, mobility, fine motor skills, and sensory processing.
- Educated patients and families on home exercise programs, adaptive equipment use, and condition management.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Occupational Studies
Santa Ana College
Santa Ana, CA06-2022
Associate of Science - Occupational Therapy Assistant Program
Santa Ana College
Santa Ana, CA12-2014
Skills
- Home health occupational therapy
- ADL retraining
- Functional mobility
- Patient/caregiver education
- Fall prevention
- Adaptive equipment training
- EMR documentation
- Time management
- Patient rapport
- Safety awareness
Certification
- Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA/L)
- CPR/BLS
Timeline
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant
Green Meadows Home Health
01.2023 - Current
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant
Newport Subacute Healthcare Center
02.2019 - 03.2024
Travel Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant
The Terraces at Los Altos
11.2018 - 01.2019
Travel Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant
Redwoods Post Acute
01.2018 - 03.2019
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant
Palm Terrace Health & Rehabilitation
02.2016 - 12.2021
Bachelor of Science - Occupational Studies
Santa Ana College
Associate of Science - Occupational Therapy Assistant Program
Santa Ana College