I am a Senior Lecturer in Occupational Therapy at York St John University, bringing over 30 years of experience across clinical practice, academic leadership, and research.
My work is rooted in a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI), which I actively promote through my teaching and professional roles. I integrate problem-based learning and accessible pedagogies throughout both undergraduate and postgraduate occupational therapy courses.
I also serve as the Regional Equity, Diversity and Belonging Lead (Northern & Yorkshire) for the Royal College of Occupational Therapists, advocating for inclusive practices across the profession. The majority of my clinical career was working with older adults in acute, rehabilitation, intermediate care and community settings.
Academic background
I hold a BSc (Hons) in Occupational Therapy from Coventry University and an MSc in Gerontology from the University of Southampton. I was awarded an ESRC-funded PhD scholarship and completed my PhD in Gerontology at the University of Southampton with the thesis titled: ‘The ageing health and social care workforce: characteristics, work patterns and policy implications’.
I teach across the BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy and MSc Occupational Therapy (pre-registration) courses and module lead on a number of modules.
I currently teach on the following modules:
- OCT7012M Occupational Beings
- OCT7014M Advancing Professional Skills: Module Lead
- OCT7015M Contexts of Professional Practice: Module Lead
- OCT7018M Research Project: Research supervisor
- OCT7021M Service Development and Leadership: Module Lead
My research interests include:
- Problem-Based Learning
- Ageism
- Occupational Engagement of Older Adults
Recent publications
- I serve as an Academic Tutor, providing pastoral and academic support to students.
- I act as Assessment Coordinator for Occupational Therapy, overseeing assessment strategy, moderation, and quality assurance.
- I participate as a School Quality Panel Committee Member, contributing to institutional quality enhancement processes.
- I am the Royal College of Occupational Therapists Regional (Northern and Humberside) Equity, Diversity and Belonging Lead.
Qualifications
- PhD in Gerontology, University of Southampton
- MSc in Gerontology, University of Southampton
- BSc (Hons) in Occupational Therapy, Coventry University
- Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice (PGCAP)
- Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA)
Professional Memberships
- Registered Occupational Therapist – Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)
- Professional Member – Royal College of Occupational Therapists
