Morgan Ellis
Senior Occupational Therapist | Neurorehabilitation & Functional Recovery Specialist
Seattle
Professional Summary
Licensed and board-certified Senior Occupational Therapist with broad clinical experience across inpatient neurorehabilitation, acute care, and outpatient physical dysfunction. Specializes in upper-extremity motor restoration, cognitive compensatory strategies, and assistive technology adaptations to maximize functional independence for adult populations with complex neurological and orthopedic conditions.
Professional Experience
Rainier Crest Neuro-Rehabilitation Center
Seattle, WA
Senior Occupational Therapist
Aug 2021 – Present
- Direct comprehensive functional evaluations and personalized restorative plans for an adult caseload presenting with stroke, traumatic brain injury, and complex polytrauma.
- Lead the inpatient clinical pathway for upper-extremity neuromuscular re-education, integrating functional electrical stimulation and task-oriented motor retraining.
- Supervise three occupational therapists and four Level II fieldwork students, delivering weekly case debriefs and performance evaluations.
- Collaborate within a multidisciplinary team including physiatrists, speech-language pathologists, and physical therapists to expedite discharge transitions.
Staff Occupational Therapist
Sep 2018 – Jul 2021
- Administered standardized assessments including the Fugl-Meyer, FIM, and Montreal Cognitive Assessment to establish baseline functional performance and track recovery milestones.
- Conducted in-home environmental accessibility assessments and prescribed customized adaptive equipment and wheelchair seating systems.
- Delivered caregiver education on transfer mechanics, energy conservation strategies, and cognitive compensatory strategies prior to home discharge.
Soundview Integrated Health Network
Seattle, WA
Occupational Therapist
Jul 2016 – Aug 2018
- Provided outpatient occupational therapy services for adult and geriatric patients with orthopedic traumas, cumulative trauma disorders, and post-surgical repairs.
- Fabricated custom static and dynamic upper-extremity orthoses to support tissue healing and joint alignment.
- Designed graduated work-hardening and functional conditioning programs to facilitate safe return-to-work timelines for injured workers.
Education
University of Washington
Master of Science · Occupational Therapy · Seattle, WA · 3.85 GPA · Sep 2014 – Jun 2016
Coursework focused on advanced physical rehabilitation, neuromuscular re-education, assistive technology, and evidence-based clinical leadership.
Western Washington University
Bachelor of Science · Kinesiology · Bellingham, WA · 3.78 GPA · Sep 2009 – Jun 2013
Concentration in biomechanics, motor control, and functional human anatomy with undergraduate honors.
Selected Clinical Projects
Adaptive Daily Living Fabrication Initiative
May 2023 – Mar 2024
- Spearheaded the integration of customized 3D-printed adaptive feeding utensils and writing aids for patients with limited hand grip strength, reducing device delivery turnaround from three weeks to 48 hours.
- Presented outcome data on functional independence gains at an internal clinical quality improvement symposium.
Clinical Skills & Core Competencies
Neurological Rehabilitation
Upper-Extremity Orthotic Fabrication
Functional Electrical Stimulation
Activities of Daily Living (ADL) Retraining
Wheelchair Seating & Mobility Assessment
Cognitive Rehabilitation
Ergonomic & Home Safety Assessment
Physical Agent Modalities (PAMS)
Fieldwork Student Supervision
Patient & Caregiver Education
Languages
English
C2
Spanish
B2
Certifications & Licensure
Occupational Therapist Registered (OTR)
National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) · Jun 2016
Physical Agent Modalities Certified (CPAM)
Physical Agent Modalities Practitioner Credentialing Agency · Apr 2019
Community Engagement
Cascadia Adaptive Athletics Coalition
Seattle, WA · Apr 2022 – Aug 2025
- Adaptive Equipment Volunteer
- Fit community participants with customized adaptive modifications for handcycles and sports wheelchairs at local inclusive recreation events.
- Assisted transfer safety and seating adjustments for athletes with spinal cord injury and limb loss.