Doctoral Experience Capstone Portfolio

Yosef Bilal Bruer, OTD/S

Summer 2022

Mentored By Andrea Sims, MA, CCC-SLP

In conjunction with course Capstone Virtual Fair: Doctoral Experiential Capstone

Faculty Mentor Jessie Bricker, OTD, MS, OTR/L

Program in Occupational Therapy, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis,
MO
Table of Contents
Section 1: Summary of Literature.................................................................................................3
Section 2: Project Description........................................................................................................4
Section 3 Project Significance.......................................................................................................4
Section 4: Learning Objectives......................................................................................................5
Section 5: Interview Summaries....................................................................................................5
Section 6: OT Student Quick Guide: Starting a Telehealth Practice (above).............................9
Appendix A: Simple Practice...............................................................................................................9
Appendix A1: Simple Practice Set-Up instructions – Andi Sims MA, CCC-SLP (Grow Therapy
NV).......................................................................................................................................................10
Appendix B: Market Analysis (Las Vegas, NV)................................................................................10
Appendix C: Capstone Website..........................................................................................................12
Appendix D: Kelly Beins, OTR/L Pediatric OT Tele-health Session Outline.................................12
Appendix E: Telehealth – The Accelerator Course – Dr. Reina Olvera, OTD, OTR/L.................13
Appendix F: Business Plan – Ready, Set, Treat! The Official Pocket Guide to Starting Your Solo
Private Practice...................................................................................................................................17
Appendix G: Yosef Bruer’s CV..........................................................................................................22
References.....................................................................................................................................28
Section 1: Summary of Literature

Technology is evolving rapidly. We have artificial intelligence that is now being programed to
have senses and the ability to gain humanlike intelligence. Our devices connect to each other
through the cloud which allows use to access information on any device with an internet
connection. Our vehicles can drive themselves, park themselves, show arial views using a 360-
degree camera, while hotspots from our cellphones can provide internet anywhere you can get a
reliable 4G signal or greater. In the last decade, the advancement of technology is also
expanding accessibility to medical services between providers and clients. With this evolution of
technology, a remote service delivery method has emerged called Telehealth (Carson, 2014).
Telehealth is a service delivery model that serves as a complement for a variety of healthcare
professions including occupational therapy. Telehealth allows for healthcare services to be
delivered from a distance and with the rising potential of long-lasting effects of the Coronavirus
(COVID-19) pandemic this method has been fast-tracked as a delivery model. The American
Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) defines telehealth as the application of evaluative,
consultative, preventative, and therapeutic services delivered through information and
communication technology (2018, p.1). The AOTA also states that occupational therapy
practitioners “need to give careful considerations as to whether evaluation or intervention via
telehealth will best meet the patient’s needs and provide the most appropriate method of
providing services given the patient’s situation and the capacity and competence of the
practitioner” (AOTA, 2018). Since the abrupt rise of this delivery method, research has shown
that telehealth has provided effective, feasible and improved patient outcomes in behavioral and
physical disorders (Kruse et al., 2017). Telehealth not only decreases wait times and potential
delays to services for patient’s, it also has shown to reduce cost, distance traveled, and anxiety
(Carson, Hartmann, Jacobs, & Richmond, 2018). As the prevalence of telehealth increases there
has been research that has shown that the use telehealth in pediatric occupational therapy has the
potential to increase access to services, provide increased carry-over of interventions and an
increase in child participation (Rortvedt & Jacobs, 2019). In school settings, occupational
therapist use telehealth to provide home-bound services such as caregiver-coaching for
individuals that have children with autism. Studies show this improved function in school-based
activities for these individuals because “it enhances children's ability to follow directions and
improve social skills, and to address children's complex medical needs including motor control
issues, feeding disorders, and issues related to autism spectrum disorder” (Langbecker, 2019).
For adults, occupational therapist can provide postoperative, home health, mental/behavioral
health, neurological, cognitive, and orthopedic interventions that contribute directly to
population health since they are trained in customized evaluation and intervention to determine
patient goals while improving one’s ability to perform in their daily activities in the most
meaningful and independent way possible.

“Information and communication technologies used in telehealth include telephone, video (with
audio), electronic gaming systems, sensor technologies, digital cameras, email, and more. These
technologies have been used to provide OT services synchronously and asynchronously through
telehealth” (AOTA, 2018; Carson, 2014; Dirnberger & Waisbren, 2020). Occupational therapist
can implement synchronous and asynchronous methods of telehealth delivery. Synchronous
meaning a live, two-way, audio visual interaction that takes place in real-time. Whereas
asynchronous is often referred to as store-and-forward which allows for providers patients to
review stored data, diagnosis information, treatment, recommendations and interventions
planning and other electronic health information from a encrypted device on secured web server.
Access to both methods provide patients with instructions about their daily routines, habits, and
modify environments to increase participation while teaching techniques and strategies to
maximize self-management increase patient independence across the lifespan (AOTA, 2018).
“Patient helplines, education and teach-back, office visits, post-op follow up care, remote
management of communicable diseases, and synchronous and asynchronous monitoring of
conditions are evidence-based applications of telehealth (Dirnberger & Waisbren, 2020).

Section 2: Project Description

My project will significantly enhance the ability for new students to understand the steps to
starting a private telehealth practice. I wanted to develop a capstone project that not only assisted
in my future career pursuits but also for the benefits of other individuals, specifically students
interested in being future entrepreneurs. Successful completion of my project will allow me to
experience the steps it takes to start and run a private telehealth practice. This experience will
undoubtedly support my career efforts of starting a private telehealth practice. The aim of my
capstone experience is threefold: (1) to gain administrative and entrepreneurial skills regarding
opening a private practice, (2) develop new-hire videos, training videos, and the creation of a
feeding developmental milestone guide for parents at Grow Therapy NV, (3) contribute to the
development parent resources at Grow Therapy NV. Each of these project aims will me to
further develop as a emerging occupational therapist and future entrepreneur in the area of
telehealth clinical practice.

Section 3 Project Significance

My project will significantly enhance the ability for new students to understand the steps to
starting a private telehealth practice. I wanted to develop a capstone project that not only assisted
in my future career pursuits but also for the benefits of other individuals, specifically students
interested in being future entrepreneurs. Successful completion of my project will allow me to
experience the steps it takes to start and run a private telehealth practice. This experience will
undoubtedly support my career efforts of starting a private telehealth practice. My project
contributes to my capstone site and mentor in the following ways. (1) my involvement gives the
owner the opportunity to start new projects related to new-hire videos, trainings, and the creation
of a feeding developmental milestone guide for parents, (2) the work completed will contribute
to enhancing the services at Grow Therapy NV while also enhancing my experience with
running a practice.
Section 4: Learning Objectives

Learning Objective 1: Demonstrate steps to start a private practice/build connection to expand a

professional network while marketing myself.

Learning Objective 2: Practice simulated/real activities involved in day-to-day business

operations for running a private practice.

Learning Objective 3: Explore about the specifics with provided telehealth OT services,
pros/cons, billing methods, and laws/regulations and overall strategy used to remain fiscally
responsible. Identify what’s involved in the day-to-day business operations.

Learning Objective 4: Apply learned marketing/promotion services through demonstration of

creating a wraparound service within the existing framework of the company.

Learning Objective 5: Reviewed, critiqued, and assisted updated employee/new training policies
and documentation to enhance my knowledge of the administrative side of running a private
practice and how to think like an owner
Learning Objective 6: Create a quick guide through my capstone project that will highlight the
important steps to starting a private practice that provides OT services via telehealth.

Section 5: Interview Summaries

Andrea Sims, MA, CCC-SLP (Owner of Grow Therapy NV)
Key points
 Being upfront and honest with your business intentions
 Stared with 5-7 clients
 People are willing to work with you when you’re straight forward
o Talked to her boss and transitioned to making her own practice
o Got permission to transfer clients (that wanted to go with her)
Set a transition date
 Find your niche!
 Make connections with referral sources from your interest areas
o Examples – specialized doctors
 Work in the setting of the population you want to work with
 Measuring success

Dr. Reina Olivera, OTD, OTR/L (Owner of Telehealth OT)

Key points
 Overview of a practice checklist as I look to start my business plan:
o Business planning
 o Business setup
o Insurance/Cash-based
o Market research/Marketing
o Personality and mindset
 Reviewed a business plan template
 Access to her “Telehealth OT Accelerator – The Replay” online courses
o Online virtual business workshops on the following topics:
 Creating a business plan
 Enneagram
 Mindset
 Client Avatar
 Business structure
 Copywriting
 Billing/Insurance
 Green Screen
 Social Media
 Telehealth Assessments
 Telehealth Platforms and EMR
 Independent Contracting in Telehealth
 Website building
Section 6: OT Student Quick Guide: Starting a Telehealth Practice
(above)

Appendix A: Simple Practice

 For a single clinician, Telehealth by SimplePractice

costs $10 per month in addition to the monthly
Cost subscription price of $59.
 $49 per month for each additional clinician ($39
subscription + $10 for telehealth).

 Telehealth by SimplePractice includes all the basic

telehealth features you need, and is fully integrated
into SimplePractice's practice management platform.
Features
 The only drawback of the product is its lack of
support for group sessions. However, this feature is
under development.

 SimplePractice offers a seamless experience that

includes appointment reminders, no need for clients
The Client Experience
to download software or log in, and an optional
mobile application.

 Telehealth by SimplePractice is an effective and

reasonably priced product.
 The single subscription provides access to telehealth
and SimplePractice's robust practice management
SimplePractice vs. Alternatives
system.
 If you don't need a full practice management system,
you should also evaluate telemedicine pure plays like
Doxy.me.

 SimplePractice offers a free 30-day trial that includes

Telehealth.
How to Get Started  Your account can be set up in less than five minutes.
 The company also offers several helpful resources for
getting onboarded with telehealth.

Source: https://www.softwarepundit.com/mental-health/simplepractice-telehealth#nogo

Appendix A1: Simple Practice Set-Up instructions – Andi Sims MA, CCC-SLP (Grow
Therapy NV)
Adding Treatment Sessions and Evaluations to Calendar 
 • Click on the date and time of the evaluation on the calendar.  
• Make sure “client appointment” is selected and select the client’s name.  
• Change the time to reflect the total length of the session (30 minutes, 45 minutes, 60 
minutes). 
• Select your name for clinician unless it is already selected.’ 
• Select the appropriate number of units for your session. 
• If the session will occur at the same time each week, select the box that says “repeats”  to
populate session time for future weeks. 
Location of Services 

• Create a location  
• For teletherapy visits please change the location to Grow Therapy Telehealth.

Billing Codes 

• Select the appropriate CPT code or codes for your visits 

• Refer to list of treatment codes and reach out if you are unsure which code to use. 

Adding Notes 

• To add a note, click on the blue time slot on the calendar and it will bring up the visit details. •
Click on the blue link for “add note” and select the type of progress note you would like to 
write: simple progress note or SOAP note. 
• If you prefer to use a different note format, you may slick add attachment to upload your  note
under the simple progress note form. Add a line stating “see attached progress note.” 

Adding Evaluation Reports 

• For evaluations, write a simple progress note and simply state that the initial ___ (PT, ST,  OT)
evaluation was completed and to see attached report for details. At the bottom of the  note,
click on add attachment to add a copy of the evaluation report.  
• When you are finished uploading the evaluation or writing the treatment note, click sa ve

Appendix B: Market Analysis (Las Vegas, NV)

Site Address Service Population’s Contact/Web address

Delivery Served
Model
Grow 5940 S Home Pediatric https://growtherapynv.com/
Therapy Rainbow health
NV Blvd Suite Outpatient
4000, Las Telehealth
Vegas, NV
89118
 Optimal 10 Clinics Telehealth Adults https://optimalptlv.com/
Therapy across Pediatric
Las Vegas,
NV
Capability 7281 W Home Early https://www.capabilityhealth.org/
Health Charleston health intervention –
Blvd, Las Telehealth 3
Vegas, NV
89117
Speakeasy 5 Clinics Home Pediatric https://www.speakeasytherapylv.org/
Therapy Across Health
Services Las Vegas, Outpatient
LLC NV Telehealth

Appendix C: Capstone Website

Appendix D: Kelly Beins, OTR/L Pediatric OT Tele-health Session Outline

STEP 1: Plan ahead 

  Think about some activities ahead of time that will address the child’s goals
 Include at least something that will allow for gross motor movement and
something sit-down (either floor play or table-top)
 Compile a list of basic supplies or household items that you know or suspect this
family has; consider furniture (table & chair, blanket, laundry basket), craft
supplies (scissors, paper, glue, crayons/markers), painter’s tape or masking tape,
toys (ball, blocks, puzzles).  
 Consider handouts that might support any of the child’s goals and/or websites
from which a parent might be able to access free printables such as:
(www.inspiredtreehouse.com, www.toolstogrow.com)

STEP 2: Instruct - email parents 1-2 days ahead of time (see email template for
Tele-health Document)

STEP 3: Connect - with the child and the parent (first 5 min’s)
 Ask the parent/child to show you around the room using their device 
 Ask questions about something you see in the room that is somewhat personal to
the child i.e. a toy you see, a picture they made, a sibling in the room etc.
 Verbally acknowledge for the child how it’s different to “see you” on the device
instead of “at my office” or “where we usually play”
 Verbally and briefly check-in with the parent

STEP 4: Explain the Plan - You might consider the following but find your own
style 
 Set the stage and normalize…”Today will be just like a regular OT session in
that we will do a bunch of activities…”
 Agenda…”we will start with gross motor/”big play”, move into fine motor/sit-down
play, and we’ll be flexible throughout if any ideas come up for me.” 
 Define the parent/therapist roles…”I will coach you on set-up of the activities
and what to do or say and you will be the play partner. It’s just a little different
from OT at the office because I’ll be working through you instead of doing it
myself.”
 Set the tone/verbalize the benefits of tele-health…”I’m actually really excited
to try this and to do sessions this way because
o now I really get to see (child’s name) at home and how they do things 
o it’s being a part of interactions you guys might normally be having
o I get to use what you use every day
o we REALLY get to work together

 Reassurance & Manage expectations…”I may ask you to get something, or to

pause or to move the device so I can see but we’ll figure it out as we go. Feel
free to ask me questions if something doesn’t seem to be working.” 

STEP 5: Work your Magic

STEP 6: Wrap-up 
  Verbalize positives to the parent - tell the parent at least one thing the child did
well during the session and one thing the parent did well during the session
 Verbalize lessons - if you and/or the parent learned anything about how to make
logistics of the session run more smoothly, then state them here so the next
session can run smoothly
 Assign homework if applicable 
 State the plan - tell the parent and child the plan for “next time” based on today’s
session
 Re-state Enthusiasm - thank the parent for welcoming you into their home in
this way and remind them of how glad you are to be able to keep working
together and how this format actually helps you in ways that clinic sessions can

Appendix E: Telehealth – The Accelerator Course – Dr. Reina Olvera, OTD, OTR/L
Week 1
a) Business Workshop – Creating a Business Plan
i)

Week 2
b) Business Workshop – Ennegram
 i)
Week 3
c) Business Workshop – Mindset
i) I will zero in on individual tasks to grow my company
ii) I will have a “on to the next one” mentality with any problems, failures, or
frustrations
iii) I will continue to work smarter and not harder
iv) I will be smart about risks but I will not avoid them entirely
v) I will emphasize and build on my strengths as opposed to my weaknesses
vi) I will own all my decisions – good and bad

Week 4
d) Business Workshop – Professional Avatar

i) *temporary*

Week 5
e) Business Workshop – Business structure
i) Sole Proprietorship
ii) Professional Limited Liability Company
iii) Limited Liability Company
Week 6
f) Business Workshop – Copywriting
i) Abide by all copywrite laws
ii) https://www.copyright.gov/title17/

Week 7
g) Business Workshop – Billing and Insurance
i) MO HealthNet covers Telehealth services. MO HealthNet allows any licensed health
care provider, enrolled as a MO HealthNet provider, to provide telehealth services if
the services are within the scope of practice for which the health care provider is
 licensed. The services must be provided with the same standard of care as services
provided in person.

Week 8
h) Business Workshop – Pricing and Systems
i) $168.75 for a 60 minute session (1.25 hours x $135.00 per hour), including provision
of home program ideas to complete between sessions (this includes time to enter any
‘home practice’ items or impressions into our secure client portal and decide on
recommendations/next step
ii) Consultation prices $75/hourly

Week 9
i) Business Workshop – Social Media Marketing
i) Facebook Business and Advertisement
ii) Instagram Business and Advertisement
iii) Who to market to?
(1) Your target market!
(a) Ex. Teachers, parents, pediatricians, solo practitioners, Facebook groups, etc
(2) Offer on-site and off-site screening services
(3) Word of mouth is the key!
Week 10
j) Business Workshop – Telehealth Assessments - visit this website
i) https://otpotential.com/blog/guide-to-ot-telehealth-assessments
ii) Lisa Choromanski, Tatiana Kreuzer, Carolyn Shia, Jamie Stroppini gives a detailed
breakdown of how to choose the correct telehealth assessments and what to consider!
 iii)
iv) https://otpotential.com/blog/guide-to-ot-telehealth-assessments

Week 11
k) Business Workshop – Telehealth Platforms and EMR
i) Simple Practice
ii) More details in Appendix A

Week 12
l) Business Workshop – Independent Contracting in Telehealth
i) 1099 Classification – Nevada
ii) It’s important to be certain that the individual is appropriately classified as an
independent contractor. Independent contractor classifications is an area of the law
that is currently under careful watch by the IRS. In addition, the IRS does not allow
all workers to be classified as independent contractors. Therefore, it is critically
important to ensure that workers are not misclassified as 1099 independent
contractors when they should be W-2 employees. Misclassification could result in
substantial back wages, overtime and taxes, IRS penalties, unpaid business expenses,
retroactive benefits, liability for injuries, and statutory fines. There are certainly many
advantages to having workers classified as independent contractors (1099) as opposed
to employees (W-2). The biggest advantage is that the company will not be
responsible for paying or withholding payroll taxes or carrying worker’s
compensation insurance on the workers. Also, the company is not required to offer
 benefits to contractors. The main drawback to the 1099 contractor classification is
that the employer will most likely lose some control over the worker.

Appendix F: Business Plan – Ready, Set, Treat! The Official Pocket Guide to Starting
Your Solo Private Practice

1. Phase One – Get Ready

a. Choose a practice name:
i. Child First, LLC (PLLC)
ii. Family First, LLC (PLLC)
iii. Telehealth NV, LLC (PLLC)
iv. Telehealth MO, LLC (PLLC)
v. Telehealth VA, LLC (PLLC)
b. Tips
i. Simple, short, but uniquely tailored to your vision
ii. Make it all encompassing to your long-term and short-term plan
c. Register business with the state
i. Nevada - https://www.nvsos.gov/sos/businesses/start-a-business
ii. Missouri - https://www.sos.mo.gov/business/corporations/startbusiness
iii. Virginia - https://www.scc.virginia.gov/pages/New-Business-Resources
d. Business Structures
i. Sole Proprietorship
ii. Professional Limited Liability Company
iii. Limited Liability Company
e. State guidelines for business structures (LLC vs PLLC)
1. Nevada - https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/form-missouri-
professional-llc.html
2. Missouri – https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/form-
missouri-professional-llc.html
3. Virginia - https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/how-form-
professional-llc-virginia.html
ii. Registered Agent – your state may allow you to be your own registered
agent or they may need you to hire an outside registered agent
iii. What is a Registered Agent? A registered agent is an individual or
business entity that accepts tax and legal documents on behalf of your
business
iv. MO - Yes, any owner or employee of a business can be its registered
agent in Missouri as long as they are over the age of 18 and have a street
address in Missouri. You could also choose to elect a member of your
LLC, or even a friend you trust, as long as the person meets these
requirements too
v. NV - Every business entity operating in the state of Nevada is legally
required to appoint a registered agent.
vi. VA - As stated in §13.1-1015 of the Code of Virginia, all business entities
in the Commonwealth of Virginia are required to have a registered agent,
sometimes referred to as a resident agent, with a physical street address in
 Virginia (no PO Boxes addresses allowed). This allows proper tracking of
all legal mail in Virginia.
f. Credentialing
i. Obtain a Medicaid group number
ii. Individual/Sole Proprietorship
1. SSN and Tax ID #
2. Individual NPI – NPI1
3. Individual Medicaid #
iii. MO,NV,VA
1. All require managed care organizations (MCOs) that manage
Medicaid
2. Once you receive a Medicaid group number then register in
Council for Affordable Quality Healthcare (CAQH)
3. Registering for CAQH will expedite the credentialing process
4. CAQH helps to look at other providers are accepting for insurance
(use this)
iv. Family First LLC (logo)

v. Website
1. FamilyFirstOT.com (domain name)
2. Cost 10-25 a month depending on length of time
vi. Create my own website as I did my e-portfolio
1. Important information on website
a. About me
b. Services
c. Resources
d. Contact Me
e. Mission Statement - Our Mission statement follows
simply and clearly from our vision. We advocate for
improved access to and expansion of telehealth services for
Occupational Therapy to bring Virginian occupational
therapists and patients together using innovative
technologies to improve clinical care and patient outcomes
in areas that may not have efficient access otherwise. We
will fundamentally how therapy services are delivered by
providing innovative technologies and high-quality therapy
services at the greatest possible value. 
f. Vision Statement - Our Vision as a local company is to
transform healthcare access in the state of Virginia by
 advocating and providing Virginia patients the latest
information about occupational therapy as a telehealth
service delivery model to improve and increase knowledge
to the highest quality care from the comfort of your home
in the blue ridge mountains. We are driven to help the
thousands of people around Virginia change their lives for
the better by facilitating easy access to affordable, high-
quality, specialized online occupational therapy services. 
2. Additional promotional pages
a. Linkdin
b. Google business
c. Facebook business
d. Twitter
e. Instagram
f. Reels on Tik Tok
vii. Create a business account
1. Bank of America – Business Advantage Banking
https://www.bankofamerica.com/smallbusiness/deposits/business-
advantage-banking/
2. Attain the EIN Tax ID number that’s assigned to your business
LLC
viii. Create HIPPA compliant platforms for credit card processing
1. Square
a. https://squareup.com/help/us/en/article/5091-hipaa-
compliance
2. Phase Two – Get Set
a. Intake Paperwork
b. Common for business owners to purchase template bundles to save time. Please
have a lawyer review any forms before using them for your private practice.
Forms include the following:
i. Comprehensive intake questionnaire for parents/caretakers
ii. Informed consent to receive therapy services
iii. New client registration and doctor referral form
iv. Financial agreements for private pay and insurance covered clients
v. Video and photo-release
vi. No surprise billing protection consent form
vii. Superbill template
viii. Comprehensive initial OT clinic-based assessment report template Daily
SOAP note template School treatment note template
ix. Insurance approved 6-month progress report template
x. Early intervention OT evaluation summary template
xi. COTA supervision tracking log template
c. Billing - Rates for Occupational Therapy
i. $168.75 for a 60 minute session (1.25 hours x $135.00 per hour),
including provision of home program ideas to complete between sessions
 (this includes time to enter any ‘home practice’ items or impressions into
our secure client portal and decide on recommendations/next step
ii. Consultation prices $75/hourly
iii. Billing software – Simple Practice – See appendix A
iv. CPT codes (Telehealth Procedure Codes for Occupational Therapists)
1. 97110 – Therapeutic Exercise
2. 97112 – Neuromuscular reeducation
3. 97116 – Gait training therapy
4. 97150 – Group therapeutic procedures
5. 97165 – OT eval, low complex, 30 mins
6. 97166 – OT eval, mod complex, 45 mins
7. 97167 – OT eval, high complex, 60 min
8. 97168 – OT re-eval established plan of care
9. 97530 – Therapeutic activities
10. 97535 – Self-care management training
11. 97542 – Wheelchair management training
12. 97750 – Physical performance test
13. 97755 – Assistive technology assessment
14. 97760 – Orthotic management and training, 1st encounter
15. 97761 – Prosthetic training, 1st encounter

3. Phase Three – Treat!

a. Marketing
i. Complete a market analysis
ii. Notify the public
iii. Communicate your business of efforts
iv. Get detailed
v. Know and connect with referral sources
vi. Explain the type of remote services you provide and how it benefits
patients
vii. Anticipate questions and concern and address them
viii. Provide services that make sense for your patients
ix. Think outside the box and be overwhelmingly huma
b. Making Yourself Known
i. Strategic Investment
ii. Source - https://telehealth.training/articles/How-to-Market-Telehealth
iii. Marketing online services requires an investment in different marketing
materials. For example, to encourage doctors to refer to your clinic, you
likely do things like drop off fliers, holiday baskets, and maybe bring them
lunch to inform them about your services. When adding telepractice,
clinics will be tempted to simply say, "Oh, and we do telehealth now too",
or add such language to their handouts. Doing so makes your telehealth
initiative an afterthought that nobody understands. When you market
telehealth, you must assume that everyone you talk to has never heard of
it. The reality is, even those that act like they understand it are thinking of
pulling up Facetime on their phone. You must be strategic in how you
 communicate this exciting new way to help them or their child. Create
separate handouts for your telehealth service with your distinct logo. Visit
doctors and other referral sources to only talk about teletherapy. Develop
Google search adds, social media and blog posts that promote your
telehealth initiative, not simply the therapy you are providing. Finally,
understand that you will need to market the delivery method as much, if
not more, than the actual therapy you are providing.
c. Molly Houseshell, OTR/L Marketing Tips!
i. Create a postcard or form letter marketing your services
ii. Create a mailing list of prospective referral sources
iii. Create a referral pad
1. Referrals
a. Must check to make sure you take insurance
b. Vet the age of child and concerns
c. Confirm it’s in your scope of practice
d. State dependent – if you need a script from a doctor or not
– You do need it in NV, MO, VA
2. Marketing tips
a. Send out marketing mailing
b. Volunteer to conduct screenings on location
c. Volunteer to be a guest speaker
d. Pass out business cards
e. Consider hosting an open house advertising your services
f. Market via word of mouth
g. Find your sweet spot
h. Fill Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT) forms for credentialed
insurances
i. Book your first client
j. Build your caseload
k. Write SOAP notes and submit claims using your
EMR/Billing software
l. Practice self-care
m. Rectify EOBs to be sure that claim balances are paid in full
Appendix G: Yosef Bruer’s CV

Yosef Bilal Bruer

St. Louis, MO
Mobile: (540) 761-9173 (day/evening)
Email: ybruer@wustl.edu
Website: yosefsworld.weebly.com

Education:
Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
Doctorate of Occupational Therapy
Graduated May 20, 2022
Cumulative GPA: 3.9/4.0

Radford University, Radford, Virginia

Bachelor of Science – Recreation, Parks and Tourism: Therapeutic Recreation,
Graduated May 14, 2016
Cumulative GPA: 4.0/4/0

Student Clinical Experiences:

Capstone Project: Student Guide to Owning/Operating a Telehealth Practice
Current - 1 May 2022 – 18 August 2022
Level 2 Fieldwork Rotations:
My Left Foot Children’s Therapy - Outpatient Adult/PEDS
Level 2 Fieldwork Occupational Therapy Student, 3 January 2021 – 25 March 2022
 Treated children aged Birth-18 years-older with varying diagnosis involving
developmental disabilities, sensory processing disorders, and behavioral.
 Delivered comprehensive evaluations and delivered occupation-based interventions to
promote functional independence in children.
 Managed a full caseload of 8-10 children/day by delivering evidence-based interventions
in individual, and concurrent (OT/PT/SLP) formats.
 Completed daily documentation and updated progress/discharge notes within 24 hours.
 Communicated daily with parents to update them on their child’s daily progress and
future of care.

The Rehabilitation Institute in St. Louis, St. Peters - Inpatient Rehabilitation

Level 2 Fieldwork Occupational Therapy Student, 29 Sep 2021 – 22 Dec 2021
 Evaluated and treated a wide range of conditions including stroke, brain injury, hip
fracture, or other complex UE/LE musculoskeletal and neurological conditions.
 Completed comprehensive evaluations and delivered occupation-based interventions to
promote independence in patients with CVAs, brain injuries, brain tumors, Parkinson’s,
and other neurological diagnoses.
 Managed a full caseload of 8 patients by delivering evidence-based interventions in
individual, concurrent, and group formats to maximize independence.
 Collaborated with the therapy team, physicians, and nursing staff to plan for a safe
discharge to the community or long-term care facility
 Planned and administered a range of treatments and therapeutic exercise programs
involving the skilled use of functional activities.
 Contributed to team meetings and collaborated with management in the decision-making
process.
  Reported patient updates in weekly meetings with interdisciplinary teams

Level 1 Fieldwork Rotations, Projects, Observations:

SSM Health St. Mary’s - Acute Care
Level 1 Fieldwork Occupational Therapy Student, 09 March 2020 – 13 March 2020
 Demonstrated task analysis when asked in areas of performance skills, patterns, activity
demands, context(s), environments, and client factors to formulate intervention planning.
 Participated actively and professionally in the fieldwork interactive process.
 Demonstrated use of the therapeutic use of self in interactions with patients.
 Verbally described observations and interpretations observed during team meetings and
family conferences.

Places for People – Mental Health

Level 1 Fieldwork Occupational Therapy Student, 02 March 2020 – 30 March 2020
 Lead workout programs for adults with mental disorders.
 Assisted and instructed adults with their personal workout plans.
 Taught energy conservation, stress reduction and motivational techniques to adults with
mental disorders.
 Supervised, cleaned, and maintained gym.

Paraquad The Disability Experts – Physical Rehabilitation

Go Baby Go Car Creator
 Created and modified 10 toy cars that gave children with mobility disabilities a chance to
play and socialize with peers.
 Created electrical switches and devices to adapt cars for accessibility for children with
developmental, physical, and neurological disorders.
 Created custom PVC seating for each child to meet their unique needs for functional
accessibility to the car.

Milliken Hand Rehabilitation Center – Hand Rehabilitation

Volunteered Student OT Observation
 Observed splinting skills and expertise in an outpatient setting.
 Practiced making splints.
 Observed hand therapy principles and practices.
 Observed patients with upper extremity injuries, sprains/strains and fractures, arthritis,
burns, amputations, injuries related to work and sports.

CORA Physical Therapy (PT/OT) – Outpatient PEDS

Volunteered Student OT Observation
 Observed PT’s role in UE rehabilitation intervention methods and scope.
 Observed OT’s role in UE rehabilitation and pediatric mental health.

Carilion Children’s Pediatric Therapy – Inpatient PEDS

Clinical Observation of PT/OT 23 July 2018 – 27 July 2018
 Observed PT’s role in pediatric UE/LE musculoskeletal rehabilitation.
 Observed OT’s role in pediatric UE/LE musculoskeletal rehabilitation.

Stanleytown Health and Rehabilitation – Inpatient Rehabilitation

 Observed Head OT, David Jensen, OTR/L, 01 July 2018 – 01 September 2018
 Observed UE musculoskeletal rehabilitation interventions, evaluations of patients with
mental and behavioral health disorders, formulation, and implementation of evidence-
based interventions.

Christiansburg Community Center

Therapeutic Recreation Support Student Leader, 25 January 2017 – 01 April 2017
 Developed recreational therapy programs to improve patient’s physical functional
behaviors in the community center gym.
 Observed and recorded patient’s daily progress in the community center gym.
 Encourages patient’s participation in recreation activities.
 Designed, implemented, and coordinated therapeutic programming.

Professional Experiences:
Private Behavior Support Specialist, St. Louis, Missouri
ABA Behavior Support Specialist, 23 November 2020 – 8 June 2021
 Provided direct client care in 1:1 and group settings utilizing a combination of intensive
teaching and natural environment training arrangements.
 Followed the prescribed behavioral skill acquisition and behavior reduction protocols
 Followed and recorded data for prescribed toilet training protocols.
 Collected, recorded, and summarized data on observable client behavior.
 Assist with parent and caregiver training in line with client’s individualized treatment and
behavior reduction protocols.
 Effectively communicate with parents and caregivers regarding client progress.

Applied Behavior Analysis Consulting Services, Creve Core, MO

Lead Behavior Support Specialist, 01 February 2019 – 15 August 2019
 Provision of direct behavior intervention services based on the principles of Applied
Behavior Analysis to children, age birth to 21 years with autism spectrum disorders and
other developmental disorders including, but not limited to: Cerebral Palsy, Muscular
Dystrophy, Learning Disorders, Vision Impairments, ADHD, ODD, Expressive
Language disorder, and Intellectual Disabilities.
 Provision of parent training in behavioral intervention programs for children.
 Provision of behavior intervention in various settings including center-based, in-home,
community, early intervention preschool setting, social settings.
 Observed and assisted with various types of initial assessments to determine need for
behavior intervention services and the development of skill acquisition and behavior
reduction protocols.
 Trained technicians in the implementation of skill acquisition and behavior reduction
protocols, including those for manding, receptive language, expressive language, and
evoking vocalizations.
 Utilized and trained technicians on various behavioral techniques including
reinforcement schedules, use of verbal contingencies, and objective note development.
 Facilitated monthly team meetings to collect and discuss observations and data used for
the further development of programming for each client.

Virginia Autism and Behavior Consulting, Roanoke, Virginia

Lead Behavior Supervisor, 1 June 2016 – 18 September 2018
  Provided 1:1 behavior intervention service to children (ages ranged from birth-21 years
old) with autism spectrum disorder (and other developmental disorders including but not
limited to: Cerebral Palsy, Muscular Dystrophy, Learning Disorders, Vision Impairments,
ADHD, ODD, Asperger’s, Expressive Language disorder, and Intellectual Disabilities).
 Trained 1:1 by Jessica L and Chrissy M, BCBA for direct implementation of Applied
Behavior Analysis for the following areas: Center, In-home, Community, Early
Intervention Preschool, Social Settings, and Parent Training (along with DTT, PRT, and
NET). He provided direct client care in 1:1 and group settings utilizing a combination of
intensive teachings and natural environment arrangements. 
 Trained technicians at Rocky Mountain Early Intervention Preschool (ages Birth-3) and
worked 1:1 with children at Rocky Mountain Early Intervention Preschool (ages Birth-3).
 Assisted and supervised various activity/fair days at Rocky Mountain
Early Intervention Preschool (ages Birth-3). 
 Facilitated monthly team meetings to relate observations of client programming,
demonstrate behavior interventions and programs, implement behavior intervention
strategies as decided by parents in the team meetings. 
 Worked in collaboration with the treatment teams including client, parents, caregivers,
OT's PT's, SLP, interns and co-workers.

Virginia Tech Adult Day Services, Blacksburg, Virginia

Therapeutic Recreation Student Internship, 01 Jan 2016 – 12 May 2016
 Executed therapeutic programming targeting towards participants needs.
 Assessed patients’ needs through observations, medical records, tests, talking with
healthcare professionals, patients’ families, and participants.
 Created treatment plans and programs that met participant’s needs and interests
 Planed and implemented a broad range of TR interventions.
 Engaged participants in meaningful therapeutic activities.
 Recorded and analyzed a participant’s progress.
 Facilitated 1:1, small group (4-5), and large group (10-18) TR activities for participants
with a broad range of disabilities and function levels.
 Facilitated an in-service on the importance of teamwork and leadership.

Public Partnerships LLC, Roanoke, Virginia:

Personal Behavior Attendant for child with Autism 09 June 2015 – 12 May 2016
 Carried out duties assigned by parents and guardians of the child.
 Observed and monitored child’s playing activities.
 Organized and participates in recreational activities with the child.
 Identified signs of emotional or developmental problems in the child and brought them to
the attention of the parents or guardian.
 Placed or hoisted child in bathroom or pool and dressed child and changed clothes.
 Instructed and assisted child in health and personal habits such as eating, resting, and
toilet habits.

Activities of Creative Enrichment Camp, Roanoke, Virginia:

Behavior Technician/Sports and Games Leader, 01 Jun 2015, 2016 – 15 Aug 2015, 2016
 Planned, supervised, and lead all sports and games activities.
 Carried out duties assigned by Site Supervisor and Program Director.
 Worked as a team with all staff and volunteers to ensure campers are meeting their goals
and participating to their individual level, as independently as possible.
  Aided staff and campers & administered medications, as needed.
 Ensured that all supplies are purchased and are ready for planned activities.
 Administered campers during weekly activities, field trips, and daily tasks.

Therapeutic Recreation Services of the Roanoke Valley, Roanoke Virginia:

Therapeutic Support Staff, 25 Aug 2013 – May 9, 2016
 Supervised and supported participants while in the program to ensure the protection and
safety of all participants.
 Motivated participants to participate and complete activities and serve as an appropriate
role model for all participants.
 Engaged clients in appropriate conversations and provided correct sighted guide mobility
techniques as needed by clients.
 Provided appropriate behavioral supports for participants while in the program to include
(but is not limited, to) prompting, re-direction, and positive reinforcement.
 Followed the FISH philosophy while working in the TR program (Be Present, Choose
Your Attitude, Make Their Day, and Play Appropriately).

Community Service:
WUOT Go Baby Go
 Program development and effectiveness of a multi-disciplinary and multi-site program to
create accessible ride-on vehicles for young children.
 The modified toy cars give children with mobility disabilities a chance to play and
socialize with their peers more easily. Past research has shown that independent mobility
is linked to cognitive, social, motor, language, and other developmental benefits in young
children. Being pushed in a stroller or being carried from one place to another is
fundamentally different from having active control over one’s own exploration, which is
where the developmental gains are seen.
WUOT Inclusive Gaming Partners
 Program development and effectiveness of an inclusive video game club for children
with and without disabilities to promote social and leisure participation.
WUOT AT Maker Day
 Lesson design, implementation, and exploration of the impact of hands-on, service-
learning activities in a makerspace environment.
Light it up Blue for Autism
 The Light It Up Blue initiative was created by Autism Speaks in 2010. Since that time,
joined by the international autism community, hundreds of thousands of landmarks,
buildings, homes and communities around the world light blue on World Autism
Awareness Day (April 2) in recognition of people with autism.
Tyler’s Trek
 Tyler’s Trek for Autism is an annual event sponsored by Interfraternity Council (IFC)
and the Dean of Students Office that is designed to promote awareness of autism-
spectrum disorders. The event also serves as a fundraiser for the Blue Ridge Autism and
Achievement Center (BRAAC), which serves children affected by autism-spectrum
disorders in the Roanoke Valley.

Licensure and Certification:

Registered Behavior Therapist – Virginia RBT License #RBT-17-46283
Positive Psychiatry and Mental Health – University of Sydney 05 October 2021
Psychological First Aid – John Hopkins University 07 October 2021
The Science of Well Being – Yale University 07 October 2021
 Pediatric CPR and First Aid – American Red Cross, Roanoke, Virginia
Adult CPR/AED and First Aid – American Red Cross, St. Louis, Missouri
Infection Control – Radford, Virginia 15 October 201

Honors/Awards/Recognitions
Awarded Ben Vereen Scholarship for Academic Achievement
Awarded Lead Supervisor and Registered Behavior Technician of the Month
Awarded Behavior Technician of the Month
Awarded Overall Outstanding Student in Recreation Parks and Tourism
Awarded Blue Eagle Credit Union Alexandria Scholarship
Awarded Virginia Recreation and Park Society Scholarship
2x Nominated Overall Outstanding Student in Recreation Parks and Tourism
Radford University Dean’s List Recognitions all semesters of undergraduate degree
Honored with Summa Cum Laude Radford University
Won 1st in DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America) Roanoke Regional Competition

Leadership Positions
Voted President of Radford’s Student Occupational Therapy Association
Voted Vice President of Radford’s Student Occupational Therapy Association
Voted President of Rho Phi Lambda
Voted President of Phi Kappa Phi Honors Fraternity
Voted President of Rec Therapy Club
Voted President of Radford University Recreation Workshop Program
Voted Lead Director of Workshop Programming Class at Radford University

Organizations:
Missouri Occupational Therapy Association
Nevada Occupational Therapy Association
National Black Occupational Therapy Caucus
American Occupational Therapy Association
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