Suggestions
Otd Stephanie Moon
Lead Implementation Specialist at UCLA DMH Public Mental Health Partnership
Professional Background
Stephanie Moon, OTD, OTR/L, is a highly-skilled and dedicated occupational therapist licensed and registered to practice in her field. With her extensive education in occupational therapy, combined with a substantial amount of practical experience, she has cemented her place as a leader in integrated behavioral health within primary care, particularly for vulnerable populations. Stephanie has effectively applied her knowledge and skills while completing her doctoral residency in integrated behavioral health in primary care at a federally qualified health center that focuses on serving the homeless and underprivileged communities.
Her expertise extends beyond standard occupational therapy, showcasing her deep understanding of the complex social determinants of health that affect her clients. Notably, Stephanie has worked with individuals facing serious challenges such as homelessness, severe mental illnesses, substance use disorders, and chronic health issues. Her unique knowledge in this niche area allows her to provide compassionate care and targeted therapeutic interventions that address both immediate health needs and long-term well-being.
With a strong background in administration, Stephanie has honed her managerial skills across various roles over her professional journey. For over seven years, she has successfully navigated the realms of digital and mobile media, employing innovative strategies that enhance therapeutic practices and outreach initiatives.
Education and Achievements
Stephanie’s educational background is impressive, featuring a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Communications from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). This solid foundation in communication has proven advantageous in her interactions with clients and interdisciplinary teams. Following her undergraduate studies, she pursued her Master of Arts (M.A.) and later earned a Doctorate (OTD) in Occupational Therapy from the prestigious University of Southern California (USC). At USC, Stephanie not only advanced her clinical skills but also contributed to the educational experience of others as a Graduate Teaching Assistant at the USC Mrs. T.H. Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy.
Career Roles
Throughout her career, Stephanie has taken on numerous significant roles that have shaped her professional identity:
- Lead Implementation Specialist at UCLA Health: In this capacity, Stephanie leads initiatives that bridge clinical practices with effective health communication strategies, enhancing services and outreach initiatives at UCLA Health.
- Director of Behavioral Health and Case Management at JWCH Institute: Here, she directed programs that integrated mental health services with occupational therapy, ensuring a holistic approach to patient care.
- Occupational Therapy Doctoral Resident at JWCH Institute: This role allowed her to delve deeper into research and practical experiences that enhance occupational therapy practices in behavioral health settings.
- Graduate Teaching Assistant at USC: Stephanie actively engaged in the education of future therapists, sharing her vast knowledge and insight gained through her practical experiences.
- Clinical Independent Study in Outpatient Substance Use Treatment at JWCH Institute: This position involved working directly with a high-need population, helping to inform her approach to integrated behavioral health.
- Occupational Therapy Intern Positions at JWCH Institute and Providence Little Company Of Mary Medical Center San Pedro: These internships provided her with vital, hands-on experience in therapeutic settings.
- Marketing and Communications Roles at Horizon Media, OMD, and several other organizations: her tenure in digital strategy roles has enabled her to leverage technology to support health communication initiatives and reach larger audiences.
Achievements
With each role, Stephanie has made significant contributions that have garnered recognition from peers and organizations alike. Her blend of clinical expertise and managerial experience uniquely positions her to address complex healthcare challenges faced by the populations she serves. Notably, she has effectively enhanced behavioral health case management practices and improved integrated care models, ensuring that vulnerable communities receive optimal support and treatment.
Stephanie’s commitment to advocating for health equity, combined with her keen insights into behavioral health trends, make her a standout professional in the field. Her career not only reflects her depth of knowledge in occupational therapy but also underscores her unwavering dedication to improving health outcomes in the communities she serves. As she continues her journey, there’s no doubt that Stephanie Moon will remain a pivotal force in advancing integrated behavioral health and occupational therapy as we recognize its importance in today’s healthcare landscape.