• BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy (2004)
• BA (Hons) Music (1999)
• Accredited Placement Educator for Coventry University
• Member of The Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC)
• Member of The Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT)
• Member of the British Association of Brian Injury Case Managers (BABICM)

I am a qualified occupational therapist with 16 years post qualification experience and am registered with the Health and Care Professions Council.

I have specialised for the last 10 years as a neuro-rehabilitation occupational therapist, treating adults with neurological conditions and injuries in community and outpatient rehabilitation settings, currently working for an NHS Trust.

I also work in private practice as Assistant Case Manager co-ordinating care and therapies for adults with complex conditions.

In addition to my clinical roles, I provide expert witness occupational therapy reports for the court. I understand my responsibilities under the Civil Procedure Rules pertaining to expert witnesses and have undertaken expert witness training.

I have experience of working within a wide range of complex physical conditions with particular experience in:

• Brain Injury
• Spinal Injury
• Amputation
• Progressive Neurological Conditions
• Stroke
• Upper Limb Disorders
• Moving and Handling Assessments

I can advise on specialist equipment and aids provision, as well as major and minor property adaptations.

Post qualification I initially worked within an NHS community hospital setting assessing and treating adult patients who had a variety of physical disabilities and health needs, planning and providing rehabilitation, and discharge planning. This required the ability to liaise with external agencies and community services.  I moved from the hospital setting to specialise in adults with neurological conditions within the community.

I have worked closely with multidisciplinary teams including clinical nurse specialists for clients with progressive neurological conditions. I have contributed to applications for continuing health care funding for therapies, equipment provision and care.

I regularly undertake as part of my clinical practice cognitive assessments and provide rehabilitation support programmes. My practice is evidence based and individual needs are assessed using standardised and non-standardised assessments with measured outcomes to optimise function and maximise quality of life.

I am experienced in carrying out moving and handling assessments, and joint assessments. I have a wide range of knowledge of adaptive equipment and community resources. I can advise on interventions to facilitate clients to empower them to be able to self-manage their situation. This includes the use of neuro rehab techniques, fatigue management, relaxation for stress and anxiety, joint protection.

I have experience of working with carers of clients, teaching them techniques to support and implement therapy programmes. I have also clinically supervised both qualified and support staff.

I maintain my professional development and specialist interests by clinical and peer supervision, attending regular training events, conferences, and direct study. I have an active interest in research to deliver change in OT healthcare and I am involved with current research for Parkinson’s disease.