I trained at Derby Institute of Higher Education and graduated as an Occupational Therapist in 1991. From 1991 to 2005 I worked as an Occupational Therapist in the Yorkshire region and was employed in a range of clinical areas. I was Head of the Occupational Therapist and a Clinical Specialist in Community and Forensic learning disabilities, Intermediate care/community rehab and an Occupational Therapist in Social Services, stroke rehab and acute mental health day services.
I joined the academic teaching team in 2001 as a lecturer/practitioner, employed to teach moving and handling on the BHSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy/Physiotherapy programmes, becoming a Senior Lecturer in 2005 and Head of Programme for the BHSc (Hons) In Service Occupational Therapy Programme in 2007 to 2010.
My current role is a Senior Lecturer which involves, teaching at all levels of the BHSc (Hons) and MSc Pre-registration Occupational Therapy programmes.
My teaching is around applying the occupational therapy process and practical application of skills as well as moving and handling people.
I have a strong interest in occupational science and use a research informed approach to working with people who experience occupational injustices.
My research interests are focused on social justice and specifically research informed teaching with asylum seekers and refugees on a community allotment project.
I have also completed research into older people and housing.
Cross school research: An exploration of practice-based evidence and the lived integration experiences of asylum seekers and refugees: a qualitative investigation
Value and meaning of a community allotment project with asylum seekers and refugees.
Creative group work with asylum seekers and refugees
'It's like hope in a dark room': a phenomenological study of Occupational Therapy students' experiences of participating in students as co researcher projects with asylum seekers and refugees. Doctoral research.
Recent publications
I am registered with the Health and Care Professions Council and a member of the member of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists.
I am the Chair of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists' Professional Practice Placement Tutors Forum.
