Hi, I am Carla, She/Her/Hers
I started my first private practice in 2012. I have been growing as a professional and entrepreneur ever since. This practice offers in person, virtual, consultation and support, I appreciate you taking the time to review my background. I look forward to hearing from you. Please reach out if you have questions and/or are looking for some empowering support!
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Curriculum Vitae
EDUCATION
Master of Science in Occupational Therapy
Grand Valley State University, 2010, Magna Cum Laude
Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy
Grand Valley State University, 2007, Psi Chi Honor Society, Pre-Occupational Therapy
EXPERIENCE
Empowering the Best, PLLC
Demmer Wellness Pavillion - Outpatient
School Virtual School Based Therapy
Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital, Grand Rapids, Michigan
McLaren Northern Michigan - Inpatient and Acute Rehab Services
Rehab Without Walls - Home and Community Based Rehab
Munson Healthcare Charlevoix Hospital - Inpatient, Swing Bed, Outpatient
Charlevoix, Michigan
SPECIALTY TRAINING / CERTIFICATIONS
Pediatric
Certified Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist
Sensory Strategies: Sanity Restoration for Family Life, 2019
Maternal Health and Occupational Therapy: Exploring our Role
with new Mother’s, 2018
The Three C’s to Being an A+ School Based Occupational
Therapist: Communication, Collaboration, and Consultation, 2018
Motor-vation - Using an Evidence-based Motor Program to Support
Fine and Visual Motor Development in Kindergarten, 2018
Therapeutic Art Interventions for Challenging Children Who Act Out,
Melt Down or Shut Down, 2018
Power of Play, 2018
Coaching: An Evidence Based Practice that Supports Participation and
Efficacy, 2018
Attachment and Mental Health of Infants and Toddlers, 2018
Occupation-centered Practice with Children and Families, 2018
Pediatric Astronaut Training: A Sound Activated Vestibular - Visual
Protocol Certification, 2016
Pragmatic Organization Dynamic Display (PODD) -Certification, 2016
Brain Rules for Pediatric Treatment: Neuroscience Meets
Evidence-Based Practice, 2016
Pediatric Training Exploring the Core’s Developmental Roots, 2015
Developmental Coordination Disorder (CDC): Hints and Tips for
Activities of Daily Living, 2010
Vision
A Conceptual Model for Vision Rehab
Occupational Therapy’s Role in Managing Functional Implications of
Visual and Cognitive Impairments
Understanding and Managing Visual Deficits: Theory, Screening
Procedures, Intervention Techniques
Astronaut Training: A Sound Activated Vestibular - Visual
Protocol Certification
Vision Specialists of Michigan: Symptoms of Vertical Heterophoria
Vision Therapy: The Impact of Vision Problems on Developmental,
Learning, Behavior and the Rehabilitation Process
Neurological:
Succeeding at Life's Occupations Following a Brain Injury
Motor Learning in Neurological Occupational Therapy: Concepts and Applications
Assessment and Treatment for Stroke Recovery
Functional Cognitive Activities for Adults with Brain Injury or Stroke
Evidence-Based Assessment and Treatment for Stroke Recovery
Plan, Organize, Work, Evaluate, Reward, Finish! A Multifaceted
Occupational Therapy Program to POWER! Executive Function Skills
Saebo Certification
Aging
Geriatric Rehab
Dementia Outside the Box: Staging/Goals/Interventions
Alzheimer’s Training
Allen Cognitive Level Skills
Home Safety Assessments
Evidence-Based Interventions for Balance and Fall Prevention
Team Development
Rehab Team Development Training at Camp Dagget, 2017
Kolbe Staff Development Team Training, 2012
Fieldwork Education
Fieldwork Educator Certification, 2016
Fieldwork Educator, Level II Student, June - August 2016
PROFESSIONAL INVOLVEMENT
American Occupational Therapy Association
Member, 2008 - Present
Michigan Occupational Therapy Association
Member, 2011 - Present
Northern Michigan Occupational Therapy Community of Practice
Member, 2011 - Present
Brain Injury Association of Michigan
Member, 2018 - Present
Student Occupational Therapy Association President, Graduate School Chapter, 2008 - 2009
PRESENTATIONS
Pediatric
Community Presentation - The Power of Play: Raising Healthy, Resilient, Confident, and
Capable Kids, Co-lead Presentation, 2019
Community Presentation - Developing Superbabies: Occupational Therapists’ Ideas on
Play for the First Year, Co-lead Presentation, 2017
Community
Sustainability and Local Civic Engagement, 2018
Project Connect, Charlevoix Area Hospital, 2013
Adult
Fall Prevention Education, Charlevoix Area Hospital, 2010
& Cheboygan Memorial Hospital, 2012
Community Senior Expo’s, 2008-2018
RESEARCH
Adolescents’ Value of Children and its relation with their Future Family Planning, GVSU
2005 - 2007 Presentations
Grand Valley State University April 2007 & Midwestern Psychological Association
Conference, May 2007
Master of Science Thesis, The Reliability of the Reality Comprehension Clock Test with Non-English Speaking Population, 2008 - 2010
“I’ve learned a lot from mentors who were
instrumental in shaping me,
and I want to share what I’ve learned.” —
Herbie Hancock