Lindsey
Novakovic
OTR/L, CSOT
Licensed Occupational Therapist and Certified Sexuality Occupational Therapist
(and Doctoral Candidate of Occupational Therapy (2025) Columbia University)
A black and white headshot of Lindsey, a long-haired woman. She is smiling slightly and looking at the viewer.
Curriculum Vitae
Curriculum Vitae
Professional Summary
My experiences as a disabled Occupational Therapist with a background in working with people with disabilities have opened my mind to the many gaps in serving underserved and marginalized populations. My graduate research has focused on one such gap, the discontinuities of care in sex and intimacy. My ultimate career goal is to bridge this gap by spearheading a Sex and Intimacy program built on the foundations of Occupational Therapy that provides gender-affirming, inclusive, trauma-informed care. I have an innate passion for learning and growth and am seeking additional mentorship and guidance in working with this population and growing my dream to its fullest potential.
National Board Certified (10/2024) by the National Board Certification of Occupational Therapy
New York State Department of Education License No. 029656
Education
Image description (“Bachelor of Science in Human Services”): Lindsey is standing outside a building in a black graduation robe and cap with a gold tassel. She is wearing black sunglasses, has long wavy brown hair, and is standing with a magenta translucent cane. She is wearing a floral dress and cream-colored shoes with bows on them. She is smiling and wearing red lipstick.
May 2025
Doctor of Occupational Therapy
Columbia University, Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons
Developing and content validating a 42-item self-report measure to capture key elements that will better inform occupational therapy practitioners in interventions related to sexuality, intimacy, and gender-affirming occupations.
May 2024
Master of Occupational Therapy
Columbia University, Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons
GPA 3.8
Notable Achievements, 2022-23:
Vice President, Columbia Student Disability Network
Member of the Student Advisory Board for the Department of Occupational Therapy
GPA 4.0 Fall Semester, 2022
Notable Achievements, 2023-24:
Recipient of the CUOT Alumni Scholarship
Member of the Student Advisory Board for the Department of Occupational Therapy
Advocated for improvement toward accessibility of the Occupational Therapy lab
Human Anatomy Peer Tutort, 1:1 and group (6 students)
Apr. 2022
Bachelor of Science, Community and Human Services, Disability Studies
Empire State College
GPA 4.0
Notable Achievements 2019-22:
GPA 4.0 (9) consecutive semesters (half-time student)
Recipient of the Joseph Goldberg Memorial Scholarship
Clinical Experience
May 2024 - Aug. 2024
Project Renewal (Community-Based)
Behavioral Health, Level IIB Clinical Fieldwork
Independently treated 5 clients ages 30 to 79 on 1:1 basis; conducted wellness checks for 8 clients (caseload total of 13 between 2 sites). Clients are underserved and marginalized individuals within the homeless system (transitional and permanent housing) facing adversities including adverse childhood events and trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, substance use disorder, borderline personality disorder, and hoarding behaviors.
Notable Contributions: Developed a 10-week evidence-based group that uses physical movement to improve cognitive skills; Co-led 4 groups around cognitive skills, stress management, nutrition and cooking skills, emotional regulation, and leisure exploration
In-Service: Client Case Study including trauma-informed, harm reduction strategies in evaluation and treatment
Assessments: Behavioral Indication Scale, COTE Scale, Montreal Cognitive Assessment
473 clinical hours
Feb. 2024 - Apr. 2024
Motion Physical Therapy, Outpatient Clinic (Hand Therapy)
Physical Disability, Level IIA Clinical Fieldwork
Treated the following conditions across the lifespan: CMC OA, De Quervain’s syndrome, CTS, DRF (post-ORIF, non-operative), lateral epicondylitis, medial epicondylitis, OA of the hand, stener’s lesion, trigger finger. Co-treated: boxer’s fracture, camptodactyly, CVA (UE impairment), distal biceps rupture, extensor tendon repair, proximal ulna fracture, radial nerve palsy
Notable Contribution: Developed a dexterity tool to promote in-hand manipulation
In-Service: Distal Biceps Tendon Ruptures with Client Case Study
Assessments: goniometrics, manual muscle testing, numeric pain scale, QuickDASH, edema measurement, scar assessment
508 clinical hours
Jan. 2024
New York Presbyterian Hospital, Outpatient Clinic
Physical Disability, Level I Clinical Fieldwork
Planned and carried out 2 treatment sessions under supervision: 1) Patient with a spinal cord compression recovering from bilateral UE paresis returning to playing the piano, and 2) Patient s/p craniotomy with difficulty in executive functioning and completing ADLs independently. Observed and co-treated patients in populations such as lymphedema, radiation fibrosis, head and neck conditions, neurological conditions, and hand therapy.
64 clinical hours
Jan. 2024
Spear Physical Therapy
Pelvic Floor Occupational Therapy
Observed an OTR/L, PRPC working with females/women in diagnoses and conditions such as pregnancy, postpartum, endometriosis, hyper- and hypotonic pelvic floor, and pelvic pain. Supervised hands-on experience in Therex.
16 observation hours
Sep. 2023 - Nov. 2023
Stephen Gaynor School
Pediatrics, Level I Clinical Fieldwork
Co-treated children aged 4 to 13 in handwriting, coping strategies, vestibular therapy, gross motor coordination, strength, and right/left discrimination.
56 clinical hours
Sep. 2023 - Nov. 2023
Lenox Hill Neighborhood House
Older Adults, Level I Clinical Fieldwork
Developed a 7-week evidence-based, accessible fall prevention program for at-risk older adults centralized around building strength, stability, awareness, and knowledge to prevent falls.
24 clinical hours
Mar. 2023 - Apr. 2023
Service Program For Older People (SPOP)
Behavioral Health, Level I Clinical Fieldwork
Developed an 8-week evidence-based, accessible fall prevention program incorporating coping strategies for anxiety and stress reduction.
80 clinical hours
Aug. 2021
Theradynamics
Outpatient Physical and Sports Rehabilitation
6 observation hours
Jun. 2021
Making Milestones
Pediatric Sensory Gym
6 observation hours
Orientation Day, 2022
NYPH Inpatient Rehab Clinic
Year 1, Done!
Splinting Lab: A Volar Orthosis
Image descriptions
“Orientation Day, 2022”: A classroom full of masked adult students and professors sit at rows of desks in a crowded classroom. Lindsey is closest to the viewer in a dark green t-shirt with brown hair half tied back with a hair clip, light-framed glasses, a black mask on her face, and tattoos on her forearms. “NYPH Inpatient Rehab Clinic”: A close-up of a yellow taxi cab with the passenger door open. There are two large yoga balls on top of the car, one yellow and one orange. Lindsey is using a yellow cane to get out of the car. She is bending forward. She is wearing black leggings and a jean jacket, and her brown hair is tied back in a low bun. “Splinting Lab: A volar Orthosis,”: A volar orthosis sits on a gray table with a yellow pencil and a pattern with pen markings.