Curriculum Vitae

Lindsey Novakovic • Spoonie.OT@gmail.com

A digital drawing of Lindsey wearing a sweatshirt that says "disability does not equal inability".

Throughout my professional career, I have found creative ways to assert my innate empathic nature in my work to build environments of inclusivity, equity, connection, and growth. With an educational background in Human Services concentrating on Disability Studies, professional experience in an Early Childhood education setting, leadership experience in a nonprofit setting coaching children with disabilities, as well as my first-hand experience with disability, I have been able to understand the importance of cultural humility, observation, and intervention and apply my knowledge in ways that are person-centered and enrich their quality of life.

✐Advocate

✐Planner

✐Communicator

✐Problem-Solver

✐Leader

✐ Team Cheerleader

✐Organizer

Lindsey runs behind a guide (left) and athlete (right) cheering them on as they finish their run.

Lindsey runs behind a guide (left runner) and athlete (right runner) as they finish their workout, cheering them on.

Achilles International celebrated 40 Years by ringing the NASDAQ opening bell shortly after the New Year in 2023. Lindsey is the second individual to the right of the woman in the black blazer.

Francesco (on left) and Lindsey (on right) getting ready to lead a superhero-themed adult and kids Achilles workout in Central Park.

Professional Experience

Program Manager, Achilles Kids
Achilles International

12/2019 - present

  • Lead weekly in-person workouts

  • Coordinate in-person and virtual races

  • Train volunteers

  • Pair volunteers with athletes with special needs

  • Support volunteers in guiding special needs children through intuitive suggestions and interpersonal tools

  • Manage database of constituents

  • Provide support in digital communications

Operations Coordinator
The Goddard School

08/2020 - 08/2022

Admissions Support

  • Develop and oversee tracking, organizational systems, and protocol for the Admissions Department

  • Support families during onboarding and exmissions processes

  • Analyze enrollment metrics monthly

Senior Management Support

  • Provide support to Senior Management Team in the global operations of the schools

  • Use empathic leadership to support the Education and Program Directors of 4 schools

Operations Support

  • In-classroom teacher assistance that both supports the teacher and engages the children at their developmental level

  • Assist in the hiring process by conducting phone interviews

  • Streamline processes for inventory management and ordering, maintenance/service requests, and hiring

  • Conduct weekly analyses of enrollment and inventory spending

Educational Experience

Master of Occupational Therapy, Columbia University
GPA: 3.845

Day 1 of grad school orientation at Columbia University’s Occupational Therapy program!

A thumb splint and it's paper pattern

Starting my second year at Columbia by making splints!

  • OTM6101: Human Anatomy • • • A

    OTM6107: Kinesiology • • • A

    OTM6551: Occupation: Science & Practice • • • A

    OTM6571: Research Methods I: Statistics and Methods • • • A

    OTM6578: Clinical Conditions I • • • A

    OTM6668: Approaches & Models • • • A

  • OTM6103: Neuroscience • • • B

    OTM6506: LEAD I • • • A-

    OTM6520: Clinical Conditions II • • • A

    OTM6553: AOP Adults I • • • A

    OTM6572: Research II • • • A

    OTM6670: Assessments & Evaluations • • • A

    OTMN6671: DEI • • • A

    Fieldwork Level I: Behavioral Health • • • Pass

  • OCCT6140: Grant Writing

    OCCT6508: LEAD II • • • A

    OCCT6554: AOP Older Adults I

    OCCT6556: AOP Children I • • • A-

    OCCT6563: AOP Adults II

Lindsey in her cap and gown at her Bachelor's graduation

Graduation from Empire State College!

Bachelor of Science in Human Services concentrating in Disability Studies, Empire State College

  • Introduction to Human Services • • • A

    Case Management • • • A

    Diversity in Human Services • • • A

    Child Development Advanced • • • A

    ADHD and Neurodiversity • • • A

  • Assessment and Evaluation of Disabilities • • • A

    Aging with a Developmental Disability • • • A

    Psychosocial Impact of Illness and Disability • • • A

    Educational Planning • • • A

    Introduction to Ethics • • • A

  • American Sign Language I • • • A

    Biology • • • A

    Anatomy & Physiology with lab I • • • A

    Abnormal Psychology Advanced• • • A

    Cognitive Psychology • • • A

  • Anatomy & Physiology with lab II • • • A

    Developmental Psychology Independent Study • • • A

    Individualized Studies in Anthropology • • • A

    Developmental Neurobiology • • • A

44 credits transferred from Fashion Institute of Technology and Adirondack Community College to complete Associate’s Degree requirements.

Fieldwork Experience

Level I

Behavioral Health

Service Program for Older People (80 hours)
New York City

Pediatrics

Stephen Gaynor School (56 hours)
New York City

Older Adults

Lenox Hill Neighborhood House (56 hours)
New York City

Level II

Not yet completed.