Jessica Zurhaar
Perth,WA
Summary
Compassionate Pediatric Occupational Therapist with extensive experience providing both individual and group therapy in school-based and clinical settings. Skilled in client assessments, developing individualized intervention plans, and implementing adaptive strategies to enhance daily living skills. Excels in communication, empathy, critical thinking, and problem-solving to deliver family-centered care and achieve positive outcomes. Committed to ongoing professional development in pediatric therapy practices.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Occupational Therapist
TSH (Formerly Telethon Speech and Hearing)
Wembley, WA
01.2018 - Current
- Conducted comprehensive assessments using standardized tools, clinical observations, and caregiver interviews to inform treatment planning, applying clinical reasoning and evidence-based frameworks to design individualized intervention strategies.
- Delivered occupational therapy services to a diverse pediatric population presenting with a range of developmental and neurological conditions, including Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, ADD, Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), Global Developmental Delay (GDD), Ehlers–Danlos syndrome and muscular myopathy
- Provided both individual therapy and group-based interventions, including school-based sessions with group ratios of 1:12 and smaller targeted groups (1:3 or 1:4) for motor development in kindergarten and pre-primary students.
- Designed and implemented therapy targeting fine and gross motor development, sensory processing, emotional regulation, executive functioning, visual perceptual skills, handwriting and self-care routines, including toileting.
- Collaborated with school staff through consultations, visits, and early screenings, while advising on classroom accommodations and modifications to support student engagement and developmental needs.
- Co-led presentations and training workshops for caregivers and educators, promoting a shared understanding of therapy goals, techniques, and strategies to support development across various environments.
- Contributed to internal research projects by collecting assessment data and presenting findings on the correlation between speech delays and motor development to the multidisciplinary team.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Occupational Therapy
Curtin University
Perth, WA01-2017
Skills
- Assessments & Clinical Observations: Conducting thorough assessments to guide treatment decisions
- Evidence-Based Practices: Applying research-driven methodologies and integrating professional development to inform effective interventions
- Motor Skill Development: Assessing and enhancing fine and gross motor abilities
- Sensory Integration & Emotional Regulation: Supporting sensory processing and emotional development
- Visual Perception, Executive Functioning & Handwriting: Improving visual, cognitive, and handwriting skills
- Multidisciplinary Collaboration: Coordinating and working collaboratively with a variety of professionals to ensure family-centered and holistic care
- Individual & Group Therapy: Delivering tailored therapy for individuals and group interventions
- NDIS Knowledge: In-depth understanding of NDIS requirements for therapy delivery and coordination
- Report Writing: Composing clear, concise progress reports and detailed assessment reports to inform treatment plans
References
Di McLean - Deputy Principal of Talkabout School Based program
number
Janene Hall - Former Principal of TSH
Timeline
Occupational Therapist
TSH (Formerly Telethon Speech and Hearing)
01.2018 - Current
Bachelor of Science - Occupational Therapy
Curtin University
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