AAIDD-LA Member-at-Large - Cherie Bartell, LOTR
With a career spanning over three decades, Cherie Bartell has established herself as a leader and innovator in the field of Occupational Therapy. Cherie is a nationally board-certified Occupational Therapist who has dedicated her life to serving the people of Louisiana, making a profound impact on countless individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Cherie began her journey in healthcare with a degree from Northeast Louisiana University's Allied Health Occupational Therapy program. Her thirst for knowledge and commitment to excellence led her to further her education, earning a Certification in Law and Leadership Healthcare Administration from the Mitchell Hamline School of Law and a Level 2 Award in Postural Care from the Open College Network of West Midlands, UK. She is also a proud graduate of Louisiana Department of Health's Visionary Leadership Academy and has participated in numerous specialized trainings in child and human development, manual therapy, regulatory compliance, healthcare administration, health and wellness coaching, and leadership.
Cherie's extensive healthcare practice includes significant roles in both the State of Louisiana's public sector and the private sector, with a primary focus on intermediate care facilities for seniors and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Additionally, Cherie has practiced in home health, acute care, in-patient rehab, and long-term acute care settings, showcasing her versatility and dedication.
Cherie's commitment to public service is exemplified by her 27 years of Civil Service experience and lasting contributions with agencies such as Central Louisiana Supports and Services Center, Louisiana Special Education Center, and Pinecrest Developmental Center. She held multiple positions, including Occupational Therapist, Occupational Therapy Supervisor, Director of Health Services, and currently serves as the OCDD Director of Therapy Services. Cherie also practices as a Qualified Intellectual Disabilities Professional (QIDP) in community-based group homes.
Throughout her career, Cherie has taken on numerous roles, responsibilities, and achievements. She has administered therapeutic services, built a comprehensive rehab technology program for individuals needing alternative means of mobility and complex seating, and excelled in grant writing, implementation, and monitoring. Her strategic planning and project management skills have been instrumental in multiple multi-million-dollar capital outlay projects. Cherie has also developed systemic programmatic changes to improve health and functional outcomes for medically complex and fragile populations.
Cherie's dedication to quality assurance, regulatory compliance, and individual’s health and safety is evident in her role as a team lead for Louisiana’s Health Standards ICF annual survey for nearly a decade. She has generated, implemented, and trained teams in CMS Appendix J regulatory compliance, covering areas such as Abuse and Neglect, Active Treatment, and Comprehensive Functional Assessments. Her expertise in emergency preparedness has been demonstrated through her leadership during natural disasters, as well as, her efforts in infection prevention and compliance mitigation during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Cherie's specialized skills as an Occupational Therapist, particularly in serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in residential and community-based settings, provide her with a unique perspective with integrating active treatment and functional outcomes.Cherie’s leadership and dedication to improving the lives of those she serves are reflected in her passion for enhancing therapeutic care at every level.
Cherie joined AAIDD’s Louisiana Board in September 2024 and is excited about the ongoing service for the people of Louisiana.