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Portrait of Mary Grace Hall

Honor Society® member

Mary Grace Hall

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant at LHC Group/ Home Health Desoto County, MS

  • University of Louisiana at Monroe
  • occupational therapy
  • Class of 2022
  • Hernando, Mississippi

Member since February 2021

About

I am a graduate student in a hybrid program to transition from a certified occupational therapy assistant (COTA) to an occupational therapist (OT). This program at ULM is mostly completed online, and allows working COTAs to continue to work with patients. We will eventually have to complete clinical fieldwork assignments during which we will not be able to work, while still paying tuition. Any and all scholarship opportunities are welcome!
As a COTA, I work with patients, who have been evaluated by an OT. As a home health practitioner, I see them in their home, and teach them and their caregivers to safely and effectively complete self care and home exercise after an illness, injury, or to adapt to a neurological disorder. Sometimes the best solution may be to adapt the home environment or recommend equipment to make life easier. My previous experience as a massage therapist has been a wonderful tool to help with patients with pain, limited range of motion, and/or edema when appropriate. It is such a rewarding experience to see them become more independent and resume their meaningful activities!

Education

  • University of Louisiana at Monroe

    occupational therapy

    2020 – 2022

  • Jefferson Community and Technical College

    occupational therapy assistant- associate's level

    2012 – 2013

  • Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College

    general studies/prerequisites for OTA program/associate's degree

    2007 – 2010

  • Blue Cliff College

    Massage therapy

    2003 – 2004

  • Delta State University

    general studies (returned to finish bachelor's degree later in life)

    1998 – 2019

Honors and awards

  • valedictorian

    highest GPA in massage therapy program

  • Phi Theta Kappa honor society

    High honors and PTK member during OTA program

  • honor roll, December 2018

    recognized for high honors at University of Mississippi

  • Nominee for Caesars Award for Excellence

    Nominated by supervisors and peers for the company's highest achievement award in 2018

Goals and interests

Career goal

I intend to work in a neurology rehab setting, continue in home health , and/or eventually have my own practice. My current program is a transition from a certified occupational therapy assistant to a registered occupational therapist.

Graduate school interests

I am interested in learning the research process, and will be starting a group project this summer. I am also looking forward to the experience of working in the school system during my fieldwork assignment.

Outside the classroom

I enjoy fishing and playing with my family and pets. Last year, I enjoyed some gardening for the first time.

Experience

  • Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant

    LHC Group/ Home Health Desoto County, MS

    Jun 2018 – Oct 2021

  • Licensed Massage Therapist, prn

    Morton Chiropractic Clinic Hernando, MS

    Oct 2017 – Sep 2021

  • Licensed Massage Therapist

    Caesars Entertainment/ Horseshoe Spa Robinsonville, MS

    Dec 2016 – Jul 2020

  • Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant

    Therapy Management Corporation Sardis/Senatobia, MS

    Apr 2013 – Dec 2016

Volunteering

  • Assisted with distribution of groceries to needy families.

    Tunica Food Bank

    May 2017 – Jul 2017

Languages

  • English (US) Fluent
  • Spanish Beginner

Additional information