Samantha Shea Lemoins, BHS, COTA/L, Ph.D. Student
About Me
My Story
In May of 2012 I graduated from the University of Missouri with a bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences. In December of 2014, I began as a student with the Missouri Health Professions Consortium, Occupational Therapy Assistant Program.
I have had extensive experience within the healthcare field, providing outpatient coverage, as well as “short-stay” rehab and long term care therapy.
I am driven to provide support and promote independence to those with disabilities, overcoming medical issues, or post elective surgeries.
Currently, I serve as a Senior Research Associate & an Assistant Clinical Professor for the University of Missouri, Department of Occupational Therapy. I assist in assessing the positive impact of functional interventions for those requiring skilled occupational therapy and help shape future Occupational Therapy practitioners through my unique experience and skill set.
Additionally, I am currently working towards my Ph.D. in Health & Rehabilitation Science.
October 2019 - Present
Senior Research Associate
University of Missouri, Department of Occupational Therapy
Assists in the recruitment and implementation of the Efficacy of Metacognitive-Strategy Training to Improve Performance and reduce Motor Impairment in Sub-Acute Stroke research project in conjunction with Dr. Tim Wolf, OTD, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA.
Drafts and finalizes Manual of Operations components, as well as all necessary forms and logs for successful implementation of the project, including collaborating with an updating the Institutional Review Board (IRB).
Meets with potential participants for recruitment purposes, schedules future meetings/treatment sessions and implements necessary assessments to determine eligibility.
Responsible for the support and training of the grad students/blind raters and will serve as a blind rater as needed prior to randomization of participants.
Assists in overseeing outcome assessments as proposed in the study.
May 2021 - Present
BHS- Occupational Therapy Assistant Instructor
University of Missouri, Department of Occupational Therapy
Course development and implementation of content delivery for Fundamentals of Activity Analysis for the University of Missouri, Department of Occupational Therapy OTA program. Utilizes unique practice skillset, as well as effective and professional communication to increase student learning and engagement for optimal outcomes.
September 2019 - Present
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant, COTA/L
Missouri Orthopedic Institute, PRN
Treatment of populations ranging from young adults to the geriatric population. Primary areas consisted of inpatient rehabilitation and inpatient orthopedic surgery.
Role on the inpatient rehabilitation unit involved direct patient care, family training, and participation in interdisciplinary team meetings as needed.
Works with the healthcare team, including physicians, nurses, physical therapists, physical therapy assistants, occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistant, speech language pathologists, etc.
Assisted with other dynamics of the Therapy Department including daily scheduling updates of inpatient caseload, communication with immediate supervisors, etc.
September 2019 - March 2020
Assistant Director
Adaptive Soccer Program
The MAC- Columbia, MO
Created an inclusive setting in which the game of soccer was adapted to meet the needs of all participants/team members.
June 2018 - August 2019
Clinical Instructor
Missouri Health Professions Consortium Occupational Therapy Assistant Program
Provided the students of the Missouri Health Professions Consortium Occupational Therapy Assistant program with the knowledge and skills required to meet the standards of the state of Missouri and the National Board Exam. Offered advisement and supervision, as well as instruction during skilled labs and lectures, while upholding and demonstrating superior ethical and professional morals. Provided knowledge and unique experiences to enhance understanding of evidence based and best practice methods.
May 2015 - June 2018
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant, COTA/L
Physical Performance Systems
Promoted health and independent living through creativity, passion, and drive, developed increased leadership and communication skills, while providing client centered care to the patients at The Bluff’s. Aides in neurological re-education, orthopedic postoperative treatments, and safety awareness to promote increased functional performance. Utilized the ability to communicate effectively, provide continuous support, and attention to detail to assist in the success of the rehab department, including performing Director of Therapy duties when necessary. Other duties included thorough documentation and communication with medical doctors and surgeons of Columbia, Missouri.
January 2015 - July 2017
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant, COTA/L
Boone Hospital Center
Provided weekend coverage to the patient’s of Boone Hospital Center to ensure thorough treatments and discharge planning, including general safety training, car transfer training, Activities of Daily Living retraining with the use of adaptive equipment, and required education for successful return to most independent environment. Miscellaneous duties include scheduling of patient’s for increased efficiency and success within the therapy department for all weekend staff. Also communicated efficiently and effectively with Boone Medical doctors and surgeons for optimal client-centered care.
Education
My education has not only provided the foundation for the rest of my experiences, but has also made me a lifelong learner who is eager to gain more skills and knowledge.
Take a look at my academics below.
August 2008 - May 2012
University of Missouri
School of Health Professions
Bachelor's of Health Science
Cum Laude, University of Missouri, School of Health Professions
Deans List, School of Health Professions
January 2014 - December 2014
Moberly Area Community College
Associate's of Applied Science in Occupational Therapy
President’s List, 2014
GPA: 3.9/4.0
August 2020- Present
University of Missouri
School of Health Professions
Health & Rehabilitation Science
Ph.D. Student
GPA: 4.0/4.0
Minor in College Teaching
(MICT)
In addition to pursuing a Ph.D. in Health & Rehabilitation Science, I also completed a Minor in College Teaching (MICT).
Gained meaningful experience through a mentored teaching practicum
Increased knowledge about learning and pedagogy
Engaged in careful reflection about teaching philosophy and strategies
Extended understanding of current issues in higher education
Mission
To be a compassionate, innovative, reliable Occupational Therapy Assistant that motivates clients towards increased independence, acts as a positive addition to any patient-care team, and works as a morally and ethically sound employee that is effective and efficient.
As a clinical instructor for the University of Missouri, Bachelor's of Health Science-Occupational Therapy Assistant program, I hope to help shape future occupational therapy practitioners to be well equipped clinicians with a adequate clinical competence. I aim to do this by demonstrating a high moral, ethical and professional character, emphasizing the importance of client-centered, evidence based care.
As a Ph.D. Student, I will strive to contribute to the field of Occupational Therapy through research and life-long learning, while representing the University of Missouri and the School of Health Professions, Health and Rehabilitation Science department in a positive light through exceptional work, effective communication, and professional presentation of self and institution.
Contact information
Interested in learning more about me, my work or how we can collaborate on an upcoming project?
Feel free to reach out anytime, I would be more than happy to chat.
