Jessica Valdez Taves, MSOTR/L. Jessica graduated from Ithaca College with a Bachelor of arts in Psychology and a minor in Recreation and Leisure studies. While at IC, Jessica's R&L studies focused on special populations where she was introduced to the field of OT. Jessica received her Master of Science from Colorado State University. Her professional placements have included Long Term Care, Acute Hospital, In-patient Adult Rehabilitation, Sub-Acute and working at a Community based brain injury program serving adults with various BI's and re-entry of the community. Prior to her graduate degree, Jessica worked in several settings including dementia care, juvenile justice/court system, activities director for seniors, home health care for adults and juveniles with brain injuries.
Jessica's professional interests include driving rehabilitation, as well as safety in the home and prevention of falls with the aging population, and cultural competence in Occupational Therapy education, training and in the workplace.
Jessica currently teaches Human Development II, Adult Evaluation and Intervention sections, Geriatric OT, Cognitive Rehabilitation and can be found working with student volunteers and those taking a course in clinical applications at the on-campus OT/PT clinic. Jessica continues to practice as an OT outside of IC at a local nursing home, is a member of AOTA, the faculty advisor for IC's chapter of Pi Theta Epsilon, the national honor society for Occupational Therapists, and is active with Ithaca College ALANA.
Outside of the classroom she enjoys photography, jogging, reading, downhill skiing, hiking and chasing after her 5 year old and one and a half sons.
To learn more about opportunities in the OT/PT Clinic click on the link below....
http://www.ithaca.edu/hshp/clinics/otptclinic/