My journey to becoming an OT started when I was studying my first degree in Psychology and Developmental Disorders. It was during my studies that I found out what occupational therapy was. The University of South Wales at that time had a private clinic called the Dyscovery Centre where I gained some experience of working with children with developmental disorders, helping me to find my passion. I then volunteered with the Dyspraxia Foundation for some time, using fun activities to help children with DCD to develop their fine and gross motor skills, which I enjoyed very much. My interests led me to complete my dissertation on the difference in how sleep habits impact the sleep quality of typically vs. atypically developing children, which was very interesting.
When I completed my first degree in 2017 with first class honours, I went straight on to commence my Occupational Therapy degree at Cardiff University. Throughout my OT degree my placements included in-patient rehabilitation, paediatric disabilities team within social services, community mental health and perinatal mental health, providing me with a broad range of experience working with people across the lifespan with various needs. Due to my own expanding family, I had some time off throughout my degree and eventually graduated in 2023 with first class honours. My personal experience of balancing studying and home life encouraged me to complete my dissertation on the impact that having a child whilst studying has on healthcare students, helping me to understand how difficult it is for parents to balance multiple roles within their daily lives, particularly when their children have complex needs.
Throughout this time, I have also gained some experience of working with children and adults to support sensory needs, which I recognise has a profound impact on daily living for many people. I have further expanded this knowledge and completed sensory processing training to be better equipped in supporting individuals with their sensory needs. My role with Skybound is my first official Occupational Therapy post. I love working with people and I am eager to both further develop, and apply, my knowledge and skills to help individuals to improve their functional ability, competence, and participation across their daily lives. Occupations are the things that people need to do, want to do and are expected to do.
