Cynthia Cook, BS, OTR/L, C-RYT appointed to the American Health Council’s Occupational Therapy Board

In recognition of her outstanding achievements, Cynthia Cook, BS, OTR/L, C-RYT has been proudly elected onto the Occupational Therapy Board of the American Health Council. Residing in Anaheim Hills, California, Ms.Cook is a highly experienced Occupational Therapist and a Certified & Registered Yoga Trainer.

Having attended the California State University of Dominguez Hills, to study Occupational Therapy and Health Sciences, and graduated in 2004 with a BS and OTR/L. Ms. Cook has a specific focus on Neuroscience, highlighting stroke and functional outcomes through the use of yoga. She is a certified Yoga Instructor via YogaFit, which she achieved in 1999 and has been a registered yoga instructor through Purple Yoga teacher training since 2010.

For the last 7 years, Ms. Cook has worked at UC Irvine Health as an Occupational Therapist and Yoga Trainer but has amassed 19 years experience over the course of her career, previously working as a Rehabilitation Technician. At the tender age of 15, Ms. Cook suffered from a pediatric stroke and had to undergo an immense operation. Thankfully, she was lucky enough to have a fantastic team of professionals to help her make a full recovery. Sadly, her father passed away, but before this happened, he told her that she would be a great occupational therapist due to the skills she showed when caring for him. All of these events, made Mrs Cook want to pursue a career within the industry and live her life to the fullest.

Ms. Cook is highly creative and also has a strong faith in God. She believes that these two aspects have been fundamental to her continued success, in addition to her calming nature and her desire to constantly find the best approach for her individual patients. With her faith and drive, she knows she can accomplish anything.

With a solid career in Neuroscience Critical Care, Ms. Cook’s day to day responsibilities can be intense and highly pressurized, treating patients who have brain tumors, epilepsy and microvascular issues. Caring for approximately eight patients every day, she will assess their cases, schedules and keep care plans organized for care amongst her peers.

Ms. Cook has achieved many professional accomplishments during her career to date including The Tom Hale Award at Rancho Los Amigos Rehabilitation Center for Outstanding Commitment to Volunteerism in 2010. She is also a Wellness Ambassador at UCIMC and been in the Professional Area of Expertise in Rehabilitation for 12 years and is part of the National Board of Occupational Therapy.

Further to her professional accomplishments, she has also been a co-speaker at a substantial number of events. These including speeches on Diabetes & Lifestyle, Diabetes self-management at the Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center and neuroscience & intensive care unit at UCI Health.

Over the next 5 years, Ms. Cook wants to integrate yoga into her patients’ care plans and continue to grow spiritually in her life. She adores her job and is passionate about helping people, so she seeks to combine both her passions in the future.

During personal downtime, Ms. Cook practices yoga 6 times a week. She lives a very active lifestyle therefore enjoys nature walks, sports, bike rides, live music, volunteering and exploring the different cultures/countries. She has an adopted puppy and rescue cat whom she adores. Cynthia is known for her contagious smile, her patience, her sense of calm and her laugh. She has experienced difficulties throughout her life and that has made her become a fearless survivor.