Melinda Szynalski
Noblesville,IN
Summary
Dedicated Occupational Therapist with over 30 years of experience in creating and implementing targeted treatment plans for diverse client needs. Expertise in fostering personal growth and confidence among individuals facing various disorders and social challenges. Skilled in systematic rehabilitation planning and organization, effectively setting benchmarks across multiple therapeutic environments.
Overview
36
36
years of professional experience
Work History
Mental Health Occupational Therapist
Mayo Clinic-Rochester
Rochester, MN
10.2008 - 08.2026
- Evaluated patient needs through comprehensive assessments to develop tailored treatment plans.
- Coordinated multidisciplinary interventions to enhance patient care and treatment outcomes.
- Developed individualized treatment plans based on patient assessments and clinical guidelines.
- Coordinated interventions with multidisciplinary treatment team.
- Mentored 1 occupational therapy student per year for the last 12 years during clinical rotations, fostering professional growth and development.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to ensure coordinated care and optimal patient progress.
- Built strong, trusting relationships with patients to enhance their comfort and engagement during therapy.
- Customized therapy interventions to align with patient preferences and goals, resulting in improved satisfaction.
- Incorporated innovative occupational therapy techniques to boost patient engagement in therapeutic activities.
- Mentored occupational therapy students during clinical rotations, fostering professional growth and development.
- Co-Presented workshop at Minnesota State Occupational Therapy association on best practices in Occupational Therapy.
Occupational Therapist
Skiff Medical Center
Newton, IA
12.2007 - 10.2008
- Developed individualized treatment plans to enhance patient recovery and functional independence.
- Implemented evidence-based therapeutic interventions to improve patient outcomes and satisfaction.
- Conducted thorough evaluations to assess patient needs, functional limitations, and potential for improvement.
- Recommended equipment to use in-home to maximize opportunities for wellness.
- Advocated for occupational therapy services within the healthcare system, highlighting the value of occupational therapy in the hospitals home health care as well as on the nursing units.
Occupational Therapist
OSF John W Albright -St James Hospital
Pontiac, IL
11.1993 - 05.2007
- Evaluated patient needs to develop individualized treatment plans.
- Implemented therapeutic activities that improved patient mobility and ensured safety in ADLs and IADLs.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to optimize patient care needs.
- Promoted independence in activities of daily living through task analysis, environmental adaptations, and compensatory techniques.
- Recommended equipment to use in-home to maximize opportunities for wellness.
- Developed customized home exercise programs, enabling patients to maintain progress outside of therapy sessions.
- Adapted environments by recommending changes to patient home environments, workplaces and school environments to promote safety, independence and participation.
- Developed customized home exercise programs that supported patients in maintaining progress outside of therapy sessions.
- Advocated for patients' access to necessary resources and support services.
Occupational Therapist
Riverside Medical Center, Inc.
Kankakee, IL
06.1993 - 09.1993
- Coordinated comprehensive care for diverse patient populations through collaboration with multidisciplinary teams.
- Assessed treatment effectiveness, adjusting strategies based on patient progress and feedback.
- Advocated for patients' needs, ensuring access to necessary resources and support services within the healthcare system.
Occupational Therapist
Mercy Medical Center
Mason City, IA
02.1991 - 05.1993
- Implemented therapeutic interventions utilizing evidence-based practices to improve patient mobility and function.
- Evaluated patient needs and developed individualized treatment plans to enhance recovery outcomes.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to coordinate comprehensive care for rural patient populations, focusing on neurological, cardiac, general acute, outpatient, and home care.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
Iowa State University
Ames, IA1987
Occupational Therapy - Occupational Therapy
College of Saint Catherine's
Saint Paul, MN1990
Skills
- Family and patient education
- Clinical reasoning
- Interdisciplinary collaboration
- Direct patient care
- New employee Mentor/Educator
- Clinical Fieldwork Instructor
- Strong Communication Skills
Timeline
Mental Health Occupational Therapist
Mayo Clinic-Rochester
10.2008 - 08.2026
Occupational Therapist
Skiff Medical Center
12.2007 - 10.2008
Occupational Therapist
OSF John W Albright -St James Hospital
11.1993 - 05.2007
Occupational Therapist
Riverside Medical Center, Inc.
06.1993 - 09.1993
Occupational Therapist
Mercy Medical Center
02.1991 - 05.1993
Occupational Therapy - Occupational Therapy
College of Saint Catherine's
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
Iowa State University