Laura O'Malley
Denver
Summary
Results-driven Operations Leader with 12+ years in managing complex healthcare programs and enhancing operational performance in regulated environments. Expertise in implementing enterprise initiatives, driving organizational change, and optimizing workflows using Lean principles. Skilled in fostering collaboration among clinical and executive teams to deliver strategic initiatives that elevate organizational outcomes.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Occupational Therapist, PRN
Rehab Without Walls Neurorehabilitation, HCA Swedish Medical Center
01.2024 - Current
- Deliver occupational therapy across acute care, inpatient rehabilitation, home health, and neurorehabilitation settings.
- Coordinated interdisciplinary care with physicians, nursing, rehabilitation, and case management to ensure comprehensive patient support.
- Adapted to diverse organizational workflows and operational environments to enhance service delivery.
- Maintained high productivity and quality standards while effectively managing complex patient caseloads.
Inpatient Physical & Occupational Therapy Supervisor
Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center
11.2021 - 11.2023
- Directed daily operations for inpatient rehabilitation services while supervising 15 therapists.
- Managed staffing, optimized workflows, created schedules, and ensured operational readiness for inpatient rehabilitation.
- Led implementation of new clinical programs and operational initiatives.
- Reestablished Acute Rehabilitation Program following COVID.
- Directed successful CARF reaccreditation.
- Implemented the STRIVE evidence-based mobility initiative across inpatient services.
- Coordinated implementation with physicians, nursing, rehabilitation, and executive leadership.
- Recruited, coached, and mentored therapists while evaluating performance and guiding professional development planning.
- Conducted performance evaluations to support therapists' growth and align with departmental goals.
- Built a collaborative, high-performing team culture.
- Supported continuous quality improvement initiatives.
Occupational Therapist
Denver Health Medical Center
02.2013 - 11.2021
- Managed patient flow across trauma ICU, emergency medicine, psychiatry, pediatrics, acute care, and rehabilitation to ensure timely and effective care.
- Coordinated multidisciplinary discharge planning.
- Coordinated multidisciplinary discharge planning to facilitate smooth transitions and improve patient outcomes.
- Provided clinical support in high-acuity environments.
- Identified and implemented workflow improvements to enhance operational efficiency within therapy services.
Education
Master of Science - Occupational Therapy
Ithaca College
IthacaBachelor of Science - Occupational Therapy
Ithaca College
IthacaSkills
- Customer Experience
- Regulatory Compliance
- Data Analysis
- Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, CPRS, Epic, Meditech
- Program & Project Management
- Operations Management
- Operational Readiness
- Lean Principles
- Continuous Improvement
- Change Management
- Strategic Planning
- Stakeholder engagement
- Cross-functional leadership
- Team Development
- Performance Management
Accomplishments
- Supervised and developed 15 physical and occupational therapists
- Successfully reestablished the VA Acute Rehabilitation Program following COVID disruptions
- Directed successful CARF reaccreditation
- Led implementation of the STRIVE mobility initiative to reduce functional decline in hospitalized Veterans
- Completed Denver Health Leadership Development Program emphasizing Lean, coaching, communication, and change management
- Managed multidisciplinary initiatives involving physicians, nursing leadership, rehabilitation, executive leadership, and case management
LEADERSHIP & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
- Denver Health Leadership Development Program
- Lean Analytics (2021)
- Lean principles
- Workflow optimization
- Continuous improvement
- Developing Successful Teams (2019)
- Excellence in Communication (2019)
- Coaching for Continuous Improvement (2018)
- Leading a Multigenerational Workforce (2018)
- Leading People Through Change (2018)
Timeline
Occupational Therapist, PRN
Rehab Without Walls Neurorehabilitation, HCA Swedish Medical Center
01.2024 - Current
Inpatient Physical & Occupational Therapy Supervisor
Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center
11.2021 - 11.2023
Occupational Therapist
Denver Health Medical Center
02.2013 - 11.2021
Bachelor of Science - Occupational Therapy
Ithaca College
Master of Science - Occupational Therapy
Ithaca College