David M. Merlo

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  • [Hello]
  • [AOTA Board]
  • [Curriculum Vitae]
  • [Additional Information]
  • [Contact]
  • Blog

Curriculum Vitae.

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Active Professional Affiliations

  • New York State Occupational Therapy Association
  • American Occupational Therapy Association
  • Psychosocial Rehabilitation Association
  • Consortium of Psychiatric Rehabilitation Educators

Related/Past Work Experience

Professor Emeritus, Academic Fieldwork Coordinator. Erie Community College, OTA Program. 1996 - 2014.
Teaching responsibilities included:
  • OT 101      Introduction to Occupational Therapy
  • OT-102      Occupational Performance
  • OT 105      OT Computer Applications
  • OT 120      Human Occupation Across the Lifespan
  • OT 130      OT Interventions (co-teach)

  • OT 140      Professional Issues
  • OT 150      Therapeutic Use of Self
  • OT 200      Psychosocial Rehabilitation
  • OT 219      Disabilities of Development and Aging
Additional responsibilities included:
  • Academic Fieldwork Coordinator:
         -  OT 141      Level IA - Research in Community Practice
         -  OT 239      Level IIA Clinical Fieldwork- Psychosocial, School-Based, Developmental Disabilities, Pediatric
         -  OT 251      Level IIB Clinical Fieldwork- Physical Disabilities settings
  • Member College Technology Committee
  • Member College Mental Health Task Force
  • Academic Adviser
  • Faculty Chair of Department Appointments Committee
  • Representing the college on various external committees and boards
Consultant. Baker Victory Services. 2011-Present.
  • Consult in development of web-based transition intervention services.
  • Train and support staff in application of person-centered planning and psychiatric rehabilitation readiness assessment and development.
  • Assist in development of school computer accessibility plan.
Consultant. Rutgers State University of New Jersey, School of Health Related Professions, Department of Psychiatric Rehabilitation and Counseling Professions. 2011.
  • Advised and evaluated proposed program for Occupational Therapy Assistant Program.
  • Conducted on-site review of facilities, faculty, and clinical fieldwork sites. Reviewed program design and curricula. Interviewed key stakeholders (faculty, administrators, staff, clinical affiliates, funders)
  • Submitted final evaluation with recommendations for approval of new academic degree program.
Research Analyst. University at Buffalo Center for Assistive Technology. 2002-2003.
  • Assisted in the development of assessment instruments for a study on assistive technology, under the direction of Dr. James Lenker, Ph.D, OTR/L, ATP.
  • Conducted semi-structured interviews with subjects.
  • Contributed to data compilation and analysis.
Consultant/Placement Specialist. Vocational and Educational Services for Individuals with Disabilities (VESID). 1996-1999.
  •  Developed and implemented an assessment tool used to determine re-employment readiness of individuals with disabilities.
  •  Provided individualized job placement services to difficult-to-place individuals.
Program Supervisor. Restoration Society, Incorporated. 1987-1996.
  • Provided rehabilitation, case management and crisis intervention to a culturally diverse population of persons experiencing psychiatric disabilities, substance abuse, homelessness, and poverty.
  • Hired, trained, evaluated and supervised staff.
  • Developed intake procedures, performed client intakes, maintained client records.
  • Conducted presentations at workshops, conferences, and classes locally and regionally.
  • Designed and implemented a rehabilitation readiness assessment tool used in a supported employment program for individuals with psychiatric disabilities.
  • Designed and implemented the Personal Development Program, which offers consumers structure, guidance, and support in goal setting activities, self-awareness, and environmental-awareness.
  • Contributed to development of long-range and short-range agency goals and plans in conjunction with agency management/administration team.
Skills Training Specialist. Horizon Human Services, Boulevard Day Treatment Program. 1986-1987.
  • Provided individual advisement and treatment planning among persons with psychiatric disabilities.
  • Facilitated group and individual instruction in social and activities of daily living skills.
  • Developed a horticulture therapy program that focused on decision-making, social skills, and leisure skills.
  • Created a consumer-driven newsletter that focused on environmental awareness, self-awareness, and vocational skills.
  • Established a consumer-run small business that manufactured and marketed custom items within the agency, focusing on vocational skills and awareness.
Rehabilitation Specialist. Restoration Society, Incorporated. 1984-1986.
  • Provided direct service to persons with severe and persistent mental illness in a clubhouse setting.
  • Developed and managed a horticulture training program and consumer-operated business projects.
  • Assisted mental health consumers in publishing a monthly consumer-driven newsletter.
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“As an inclusive profession, occupational therapy maximizes health, well-being, and quality of life for all people, populations, and communities through effective solutions that facilitate participation in everyday living." (Vision Statement 2025, AOTA, 2018).
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