_edited.png)
Dr. Carolee Harris
Occupational Therapist
Dr. Carolee brings her experience as an acute care and rehabilitation Occupational Therapist working for over two decades. She received her undergraduate from Eastern Kentucky University and her post-professional Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from Chatham University. Her doctorate evidence-based project explored improving knowledge and confidence of persons with chronic diseases which revealed promising results for future research. Dr. Carolee also guest lectures at local universities and support groups on a variety of health-related topics.
​
Dr. Carolee has worked primarily in hospital settings with an emphasis on neurotrauma but has a wide range of knowledge and experience in all therapy settings and medical conditions. She has developed hospital programs and established support groups. Her passion is patient education and advocacy for people to navigate the healthcare system and feel more comfortable having a conversation with their healthcare providers. This passion, combined with Carolee's holistic and integrative approach, has transitioned her into the wellness and health management component of occupational therapy.
My Expertise
Post-Professional Doctorate in Occupational Therapy​
​
Pursued Doctorate to be able to assist people more through evidence-based practice. Evidence-based project emphasis on whether virtual health education and coaching could increase knowledge and confidence in managing chronic conditions. Outcomes were positive but were limited to the time-constraints of the project and small sample size.
Certified Stroke Rehabilitation Specialist
​
Decided to become an Occupational Therapist based on volunteering at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Lexington, Kentucky while working with stroke victims. Worked as a Rehab Tech at an Acute Care Hospital while in college, continuing to work with survivors of Stroke. Advocated for multiple patients, including my father, who survived a stroke. Established and participated in multiple Stroke Committees at Stroke Certified Hospitals and started several Stroke Support Groups.
Certified Geriatric Care Specialist
​
Grew up in retirement community and always enjoyed interacting with aging adults. Took extra coursework in college towards a specialty in Geriatrics since a minor was not offered during my time in college. Continuing education focused on aging adults and common disease processes. Committee member on two hospital-based Geriatric Committees with emphasis on assisting aging adults get the best care in the hospital setting. Helped establish a CHF program and support group.
Guest lecturer at Huntsville Hospital Geriatrics Committee.
2020 - 2022
2019 - present
2021 - present
EVERGREEN Certifications
Evergreen Certified Dementia Care Specialist
​
Multiple family members and foster grandfather diagnosed with dementia. Passion fueled by the lack of understanding by healthcare providers on how to manage behaviors and assist people with dementia feel safe. Sat on two hospital committees attempting to make hospitals "dementia-friendly" through environmental modifications of the hospital and training staff.
Certified Fall Prevention Specialist
Sat on multiple hospital Fall Committees to reduce falls while in the hospital with implementation of environmental modifications and staff training. Established two Mobility programs and two separate hospitals to encourage early mobility in the ICU to minimize complications from prolonged bedrest and maximize outcomes for patients; additionally, incorporated fall prevention as an increase in mobility can increase falls.
Certified Ergonomic Assessment Specialist
​
Worked with Employee Health in two hospitals to perform Ergonomic assessments on staff and established a new-hire and prevention program that was implemented at St. Mary's Medical Center. Use ergonomica and body mechanics with orthopedic patients who have changed their body mechanics due to joint pain and need neuro re-learning to develop normal movement patterns after having a joint replacement or surgery.
2021 - present
2021 - present
2008 - present
Atlanta Back School
(The Back School)
Credentials:
Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)
Occupational Therapist Registered/Licensed (OTR/L)
Certified Stroke Rehabilitation Specialist (CSRS)
Certified Geriatric Care Practitioner (CFPS)
(Evergreen) Certified Dementia Care Specialist (ECDCS)
Certified Fall Prevention Specialist (CFPS)
Certified Ergonomic Assessment Specialist (​CEAS)
.png)