Meet Ana P., a certified occupational therapy assistant (COTA), who loves “helping children develop, improve and adapt skills that allow them to be as independent as possible.” 

<h2>Ana P., Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)</h2><p>At Cross Country Education, we have the best of the best from across the nation improving the lives of students in the schools they serve every day. We take great pride in their shared passion for helping students succeed, and we love passing along their insight to inspire others interested in this rewarding field.</p><p>This time, we’re celebrating certified occupational therapy assistant Ana P. Here, Ana shares what motivated her to become a school-based occupational therapy assistant, what she loves about working with the Cross Country Education team, and what advice she has for those just embarking on their occupational therapy assistant careers.</p><h3>Why did you become a certified occupational therapy assistant?</h3><p>I was introduced to occupational therapy while I was looking for a way that I could help my nephew, who is diagnosed with autism. During my research, I was fascinated with this type of therapy and the holistic and complete way it helps people to develop, improve and adapt skills that allow them to be as independent as possible. The idea of helping others, and specifically children, led me to make the decision to become a COTA.</p><h3>What do you like about working as a COTA with Cross Country Education?</h3><p>I had the opportunity to do my fieldwork III in the Los Angeles Urban School District and was mesmerized by the kids. When I had the opportunity to work at CCE, I was able to appreciate the support that this company provides us in every way. The co-workers, both the office staff and the occupational therapy team, have been and are a great help to get through the work without feeling alone or overwhelmed.</p><h3>What have you liked about your experience working at CCE schools?</h3><p>I love it. I have been fortunate to work in schools that are well organized, cooperative, and willing to support their students in achieving their IEP goals, in addition to showing human quality to their work team.</p><h3>What advice would you give to other COTAs starting out in your field?</h3><p>We have all been newbies at some time, so having self-confidence and transmitting it to others, without forgetting to be oneself is essential. I think it is also important to seek good communication with our students and all those with whom we collaborate. And the most important thing is to put your heart in everything you do.</p><p>Thank you, Ana, for all you do as an occupational therapy assistant for our partner schools! We are grateful to have you as a part of the Cross Country Education team!</p><p><a href="https://www.crosscountryeducation.com/home" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Cross Country Education</a> is educator-led, student-driven, and solutions-oriented. With over 50 years of combined dedicated expertise, we service the education industry exclusively. Focusing our knowledge and resources on engaging with and understanding educational organizations, industry trends, and leadership needs, we provide a wide range of services to our educational partners to meet their individual needs including special education and substitute services. We specialize in substitute teacher and instructional assistants, special education service providers, healthcare staff, early childhood education teachers, educator search services, consultation, and trainings. Cross Country Education, formerly DirectEd and Mediscan, is part of the <a href="https://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/about-us" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Cross Country Healthcare</a> family, one of the leading healthcare and education staffing companies in the nation.</p><p><a href="https://www.crosscountryeducation.com/job-search" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Contact us</a> today to discover how our experienced team of talent professionals at Cross Country Education can find the ideal occupational therapy assistant job for you!</p><p><br></p>

Spotlighting Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant Ana P