·        Doctor of Philosophy, Faculty of Health, Psychology and Social Care/Nursing, MMU, 2020

·        Master of Philosophy, School of Health Sciences, University of Salford, Manchester, 2014

·        Master of Research, School of Health Sciences, Lancaster University, Lancaster, 2009

·        BSc Hons Occupational Therapy, University of Salford, Manchester, 2003

·        Healthcare Professions Council Registered

·        Member of Royal College of Occupational Therapists (since 2003)

I am an independent consultant occupational therapist, researcher, publisher and educator with 23 years’ experience assessing and treating clients across the NHS, Social Services and private sector. My principal clinical specialism is progressive neurological disease.

I began my career in NHS trusts, working in acute orthopaedics, spinal injuries and stroke services. I joined Bury Council Disability Services, where I assessed clients for aids and housing adaptations to support independent living at home. As my career developed, I was seconded to lecture in the Directorate of Occupational Therapy at the University of Salford and I then worked part-time at the University alongside NHS Community Occupational Therapy Rehabilitation Services. This gave me extensive experience supporting people at home with progressive neurological diseases—including motor neurone disease, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis and Huntington’s disease—as well as acquired brain and spinal injuries and their wider impact on people’s lives. I have also worked with the NHS Urgent Community/Rapid Response Service, a nurse-led multidisciplinary team providing urgent care to adults at home to prevent avoidable hospital admission. During this time, my mother was diagnosed with progressive bulbar palsy motor neurone disease. My experience as both a professional and a family carer led me to return to the University of Salford to undertake a PhD/GTA. I have worked as a locum therapist and gained experience in palliative and end-of-life care, and falls services.

I completed a multi-phase study using hermeneutic phenomenology and autoethnography. My PhD, Interpreting the Meaning of Existence for the Person with Motor Neurone Disease and their Family Carer(s), led to six published papers and the development of the ‘Temporal Model of Care’. I have presented this research and model at national and international conferences to professionals and students interested in applying the approach.

In 2023, I authored the book chapter ‘There is more to a person than MND’. It outlines my research journey and published papers and explains how the proposed model centres individuality through three key elements: presuppositions, acceptance and temporality.

I founded the independent practice ‘The Lifeworld Approach to Care’ and have worked as an associate with Amber Case Management, Heads Up Therapies and Maggie Sargent & Associates. As an occupational therapist and care expert, I assess each person’s circumstances, including their lived experience across the past, present and previously anticipated future, the losses they have experienced and their rehabilitation potential. I then recommend practical support to help them regain, as far as possible, the life they had before illness or injury.

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