Tyler Szlempa, COTA/L
Lead Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant
Sprenger Health Care Systems – Amherst Manor Retirement Community
Tyler Szlempa, COTA/L, has built an inspiring career in healthcare, beginning as a State Tested Nursing Assistant (STNA) and working his way to becoming the lead Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) at Amherst Manor Retirement Community, part of Sprenger Health Care Systems. His journey reflects not only his dedication to patient care but also the value of the EHOVE/Lorain County Community College (LCCC) Occupational Therapy Assistant Program.
Tyler began his healthcare career in 2016 with aspirations of becoming a nurse. “I discovered the STNA program through Lorain County Community College and decided to complete it that summer,” he recalled. “I knew I would gain valuable experience, but I didn’t realize the path it would set me on.”
While working as an STNA in a skilled nursing facility, Tyler became intrigued by the therapy interventions he observed. Seeing firsthand how occupational therapy could preserve and promote functional success sparked a new passion.
The EHOVE/LCCC OTA program was a natural fit for Tyler. Already enrolled at LCCC, he appreciated the flexibility to work while attending classes, and the program’s local accessibility made the decision even easier.
Dr. Teri LaGuardia, OTD, MOT, OTR/L, Program Director and Assistant Professor of the EHOVE/LCCC OTA Program, remembers Tyler well. “Tyler was an exemplary student and a role model for others. He didn’t hesitate to ask for help or dig deeper into challenging concepts, and he built strong relationships with his cohort that created a supportive learning environment.”
Tyler describes the program as “unforgettable,” not only for the knowledge gained but also for the lasting relationships with classmates and instructors. “My instructors played a major role in my success. I never felt looked down upon—it felt like a partnership in learning,” he said.
When COVID-19 disrupted his Level II rotations, Tyler demonstrated resilience. “His first rotation was a non-traditional mental health placement, and he was instrumental in developing it,” LaGuardia explained. “Then, when his hospital-based second rotation was delayed by the pandemic, he adapted quickly and excelled, earning high scores in a very demanding setting.”
The EHOVE/LCCC program prepares students for diverse careers in occupational therapy. While job placement rates are difficult to track, LaGuardia notes that “many of our graduates receive job offers before even taking their board exam.” Graduates work in hospitals, schools, outpatient clinics, nursing homes, home health, and even community-based mental health programs.
Students complete fieldwork in both traditional settings—such as hospitals, schools, nursing homes, outpatient clinics, and home health—and non-traditional ones, including mental health support programs. Prerequisites include Intro to Psychology, Anatomy and Physiology I, College Composition, Statistics, Career Explorations in Occupational Therapy, and Introduction to the LCCC Community, with a 2.5 GPA and a minimum grade of C in all required courses.
Networking opportunities abound: students volunteer at the Ohio Occupational Therapy Association annual conference, interact with guest lecturers, and collaborate with OT and OTA programs across the state. The program is a partnership between EHOVE Career Center and Lorain County Community College, with core OTA courses taught at EHOVE’s Milan campus. Graduates earn an Associate of Applied Science degree from LCCC and can join the Student Occupational Therapy Association.
To learn more about the EHOVE/LCCC COTA program click here.
Now in his third year at Amherst Manor, Tyler serves as the lead COTA. He treats a wide range of patients, from skilled rehabilitation to long-term care and outpatient therapy, addressing needs from neurological and orthopedic to cognitive and cardiovascular.
Gabriel Pou, PT, DPT, Director of Rehabilitation at Amherst Manor, praised Tyler’s leadership: “When we were facing an unusually high workload period for over six months, he essentially did the work of two therapists in a very busy building. He steps up whenever needed.”
One of Tyler’s standout contributions is leading Amherst Manor’s Dementia Live exercise classes. “After one session, the patients and caregivers gave him a standing ovation,” Pou shared.
Despite balancing a full workload, graduate studies, and personal life, Tyler shows up each day with a positive attitude. “He treats every resident as if they were his own family,” Pou said.
Tyler is currently pursuing his Master’s in Occupational Therapy at Muskingum University, where he looks forward to increased autonomy in developing patient care plans. “I’m excited to collaborate with patients on goals that are truly meaningful to them,” he said.
His advice for prospective OTA students is simple: “Keep an open mind. Helping people is great, but being open in how you approach that help will make you more effective.”
For Tyler, the role of a COTA is far more than what meets the eye. “We are primary advocates for our clients and vital collaborators with OTs to ensure the best outcomes,” he explained.
From STNA to respected therapy leader, Tyler’s journey embodies the mission of both Sprenger Health Care Systems and the EHOVE/LCCC OTA Program—to empower professionals who make a lasting difference in the lives of those they serve.
