Zita Kalandarishvili, OTA-SOccupational Therapy Assistant Student | Occupational Therapist (Ukraine)
zitasun91@gmail.com805-869-9863

Resume

Education, fieldwork, work experience, and certifications.

Download resume (PDF)

Summary

Occupational Therapy Assistant student with seven years of previous experience in pediatric occupational therapy and a strong background in healthcare and education. Experienced in supporting children and adults with diverse needs to improve independence and participation in meaningful daily activities. Demonstrates strong communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and client-centered care skills while maintaining a compassionate, reliable, and professional approach.

Education

Santa Ana College

Santa Ana, CA
Associate of Science in Occupational Therapy AssistantAug 2025 – Expected June 2027

National University of Ukraine on Physical Education & Sport

Kyiv, Ukraine
Master’s Degree in Physiotherapy & ErgotherapyDec 2019

Zhytomyr Nursing Institute

Zhytomyr, Ukraine
Master’s Degree in NursingJul 2013
Bachelor’s Degree in NursingJul 2011

Skills

  • Transfer & Mobility Assistance
  • Patient & Caregiver Education
  • Sensory-Based Interventions
  • Leadership
  • Team Collaboration
  • Fluent in Ukrainian & Russian

Fieldwork experience

LimbTech, LLC

October 2026

Level I-B Fieldwork Student, Hendersonville, NC (Remote Telehealth)

  • Participated in virtual wheelchair and mobility evaluations, identifying client needs related to positioning, mobility, safety, and independence with daily activities.
  • Gained experience with durable medical equipment documentation, including clinical justification, letters of medical necessity, insurance requirements, and CPT/ICD-10 codes.

Integrity House

April 2026

Level I-A Fieldwork Student, Santa Ana, CA

  • Supported adult members in a community-based mental health clubhouse environment through structured, meaningful activities.
  • Assisted members with work-based tasks in kitchen, media, and maintenance areas to promote participation and independence.
  • Collaborated with fieldwork supervisors and students while maintaining professional communication and client-centered support.

Work experience

Complete Care at Home

Aug 2024 – Present

Caregiver, Santa Barbara, CA

  • Provide individualized care to older adults and individuals with disabilities while promoting safety and independence.
  • Assist with activities of daily living, including dressing, grooming, bathing, and personal hygiene.
  • Assist with mobility, transfers, and positioning using appropriate safety techniques.
  • Observe client needs and communicate relevant changes while maintaining a supportive, professional environment.

INDIVID

Jan 2021 – Feb 2022

Occupational Therapist (Private Practice), Zhytomyr, Ukraine

  • Conducted pediatric assessments and developed individualized treatment plans based on client needs.
  • Addressed activities of daily living (ADLs) to promote independence and participation in daily routines.
  • Recommended adaptive equipment and environmental modifications during home visits.
  • Collaborated with clients and parents regarding goals, progress, and ongoing challenges.

ICF “Mission to Ukraine”

Apr 2015 – Apr 2021

Occupational Therapist, Zhytomyr, Ukraine

  • Provided occupational therapy services to children ages 1–16 with disabilities.
  • Conducted assessments and implemented individualized treatment plans based on client needs and goals.
  • Addressed feeding, dressing, self-care, play, and school-related activities to support daily participation.
  • Educated parents and recommended adaptive equipment and environmental modifications for the home.

Volunteer experience

Anthem Chapel

2024 – Present

Sunday School Teacher, Goleta, CA

  • Teach Sunday school lessons and lead age-appropriate activities for first-grade children.
  • Engage children through interactive activities while maintaining a supportive and organized classroom environment.

Professional development & leadership

  • Student Occupational Therapy Association (SOTA) Club – MentorAug – Dec 2026
  • 2026 AOTA Inspire Annual ConferenceApr 23 – 25, 2026
  • International Occupational Therapy Conference Presenter2019 – 2022

Certifications & memberships

  • National Board Certification of Occupational TherapyExpected: Jun 2027
  • California Board of Occupational Therapy – LicenseExpected: Jun 2027
  • American Occupational Therapy Association – MemberExpires: Aug 2027
  • World Federation of Occupational Therapy – MemberExpires: Dec 2027
  • CPR/AED/First Aid CertificationExpires: Feb 2028
  • Mental Health First Aid CertificationExpires: Sep 2029