ALLIE DESKO
Occupational Therapist, OTR/L
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Hello!
Welcome to my online portfolio. I a recent graduate of Chatham University where I obtained my Master of Occupational Therapy degree. This portfolio highlights some of my clinical experiences, relevant work, and other types of involvement that have helped me develop and strengthen my professional identity. If you have any questions, please contact me using the information provided.
Level IIB: Outpatient Pediatrics
Richmond Hope Therapy Center
Richmond, VA
April 2019- June 2019
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Conducted intensive therapy with children for 1-2 hours sessions 5 times per week during 3-week boosts.
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Administered and interpreted a variety of developmental screening and evaluation tools.
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Applied manual therapy, sensory integration, reflex integration, CIMT, and other relevant techniques.
Level IIA: Acute Care
Chippenham Hospital
Richmond, VA
January 2019- March 2019
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Evaluated, treated, and discharged patients in an efficient and flexible manner based on their functional status.
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Adopted an interdisciplinary approach involving relevant hospital staff to meet individual needs of patients.
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Collaborated with a COTA daily and delegated appropriate tasks.
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Level IC: Community-based
The Woodland's Foundation
Wexford, PA
September 2018- December 2018
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Created a program to facilitate socialization, physical activity, and goal-setting for adult participants diagnosed with a range of physical and intellectual disabilities.
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Constructed transfer training video modules to ensure the safety of all employees and program participants.
Level IB: Adult
Western Pennsylvania Hospital
Pittsburgh, PA
May 2018-July 2018
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Engaged in OT evaluations and interventions for clients hospitalized with a critical or acute medical condition.
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Assisted with documenting patient evaluation and treatment results.
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Learned how to navigate typical hospital equipment, read vitals, maintain flexibility, and work efficiently.
Level IA: Pediatrics
DePaul School for Hearing and Speech
Pittsburgh PA
January 2018- April 2018
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Developed and implemented interventions for students ages 4-6 diagnosed with developmental delays and sensory processing disorder.
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Assisted supervisory OT in providing accurate and client-centered treatment.
2017-2019
CHATHAM UNIVERSITY
Master of Occupational Therapy
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2012-2016
THE PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY
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Bachelor of Science
Human Development & Family Studies
Minor
Psychology
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I took an additional course to study the culture of Ecuador alongside Chatham's PT students in efforts to understand current health care issues, the function of OT and PT in Ecuador, and my unique role in service provision internationally.
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During my travels in Ecuador, I assisted in treating patients across the lifespan in need of OT at four different locations. I also collaborated with several classmates to deliver an inservice presentation about important treatment considerations when working with a client who experiences a stroke.
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This experience helped me develop my therapeutic skills, engage in interprofessional practice, overcome the challenge of a language barrier, cultivate cultural competence, and help less fortunate individuals in a meaningful way.
April-August 2018
Chatham University & Ibarra, Ecuador
Global Health Perspectives Elective Course
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I had the opportunity to work 12 hours per week with a 14-year-old boy diagnosed with severe autism.
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Implemented behavioral interventions developed by a behavioral specialist consultant (BSC) in pursuit of reaching my clients individual goals.
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Joined forces with my clients family, aid, and teacher to provide support to the best of my abilities.
July-February 2017
Bucks County, PA
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Therapeutic Staff Support (TSS)
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Worked full-time in the Multiple Disabilities Support (MDS) Classroom at Perkiomen High School.
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Engaged one-on-one with students to help them reach their IEP goals.
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Provided assistance as needed during activities of daily living and personal care tasks while promoting the highest level of independence.
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Helped with transferring, positioning, and ambulating students with severe physical disability.
September 2016- January 2017 Pennsburg, PA
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Personal Care Assistant
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Worked alongside a certified hand therapist (CHT) for 480 hours.
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Assisted patients through their physical therapy by demonstrating exercises as directed by my supervisor.
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Prepared iontophoresis, electrical stimulation, ultrasound, and traction.
January- April 2016
State College, PA
Physical Therapy Intern
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Contributed to an evidence-based capstone poster presentation with three peers regarding an emerging area of practice within the OT domain.
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Educated current OT practitioners and educators about our findings regarding Kinesiotape.
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Desko, A., Horan, A., Massari, L., Winter, J., Schreiber, J. (2018). Stick it: Kinesiotaping to improve functionality post-stroke, presented at Pennsylvania Occupational Therapy Association Annual Conference, Pittsburgh, PA, 2018
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Poster handout available upon request
October 2018
Pittsburgh, PA
Pennsylvania Occupational Therapy Association Conference
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Conducted an interactive presentation with several classmates at Bethel Park Retirement Home in Bethel Park, PA.
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Provided information and resources to...
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help residents identify fall risks within their environment.
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appropriately use adaptive equipment.
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conserve energy.
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navigate floor transfers after a fall.
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October 2018
Pittsburgh, PA
Falls Prevention Presentation
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Travelled to Washington, D.C. amongst 16 of my classmates and our program director to advocate for current issues affecting occupational therapy.
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Attended several meetings and spoke with state legislators to educate them and ask for their support.
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Discussed the following: OT in non-pharmacological treatment for the opioid crisis, robust funding for IDEA, and the Home Health Flexibility Act.
October 2018
Washington, D.C
Occupational Therapy Capitol Hill Day
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As the AOTA student representative for my class, I had the opportunity to travel to the AOTA national conference at the Salt Palace Convention Center.
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Attended over 20 educational sessions covering a multitude of topics related to occupational therapy.
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Networked with many rehab professionals and Chatham alumni.
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Delivered a presentation to my classmates on the insight I gained and the many benefits of attending the conference.
April 2018
Salt Lake City, UT
American Occupational Therapy Association National Conference
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Collaborated with interior design students to provide evidence-based recommendations for specific and realistic sensory elements to be included in their project.
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Certificate available upon request
April 2018
Chatham University
Autism Sensory Room Consultant
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Contributed to a discussion amongst several of my classmates and the interior architecture students of Chatham to learn how our professions can collaborate with one another to provide more meaningful services to our clients.
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Met on an individual basis with interior architecture students to provide house design recommendations for their hypothetical client who was diagnosed with a C6 spinal cord injury.
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Certificate available upon request
March 2018
Chatham University
Interprofessional Interior Architechture Collaborative Project
Leadership Highlights
Academic Integrity Committee Member (September 2018- June 2019)
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Chatham University
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Trained to partake in the hearing process after a student has committed an Act of Academic Misconduct..
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American Occupational Therapy Association Student (AOTA) Representative (October 2017- June 2019)
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Chatham University
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Keep classmates informed about current events happening within the occupational therapy profession.
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Highlight the benefits of being an AOTA member and draw attention to the resources a membership offers.
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Attend the AOTA conference on behalf of the MOT Class of 2019.
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Student Occupational Therapy Association Member (September 2017- June 2019)
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Chatham University
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Collaborate with classmates to raise money for the POTA Political Action Committee (POTPAC) and AOTA Political Action Committee (AOTAPAC).
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Dedicate time to volunteering around the Pittsburgh community.
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Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education Student Panel (September 2018)
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Chatham University
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Selected by Chatham's MOT faculty to collaborate with ACOTE representatives during their visit to Chatham.
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Described the curriculum and values of Chatham's MOT program along with my personal experiences as a student.
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Out of the Darkness Suicide Prevention Walk Committee (February- April 2018)
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​Chatham University
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American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP)
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Worked alongside professors and classmates to plan, implement, and support a 5K AFSP walk at Chatham University.
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The Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance MaraTHON (September 2012- March 2016)
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Pennsylvania State University
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Hospitality committee member
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Volunteered over 440 hours in the worlds largest student-run philanthropy during its fight against pediatric cancer.
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Teaching Assistant (September- December 2014)
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Pennsylvania State University
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Introduction to Sociology
Certifications, Licenses & Trainings
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National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (August 2019-Present)
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Expires: March 31, 2022
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Virginia Occupational Therapy License, Department of Health Professions (August 2019-Present)
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CPR/AED Certification, American Heart Association (May 2019-Present)
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Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) Training (September 2018)
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Certificate available upon request
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Interprofessional Education Program (April 2018)
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Certificate available upon request
Professional Affiliations
American Occupational Therapy Association Member (August 2017-Present)
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ID: 00004540284
Pennsylvania Occupational Therapy Association Member (August 2017- Present)
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ID: 50111336
