Karen is a highly motivated, experienced and forward thinking OT with a passion for promoting health, well-being and independence through her clinical practice with The OT Centre and her position with the University of Cumbria. She has a highly specialist and diverse skillset working with babies, children and young people with complex physical, sensory, cognitive, emotional, environmental, housing, educational and social needs.
Regarded as a supportive and caring advocate for her clients, Karen undertakes robust and comprehensive assessments as part of a multi-disciplinary team working with a wide range of conditions including Cerebral Palsy, Profound and Multiple learning difficulties, Acquired brain injuries, traumatic, catastrophic and orthopaedic injuries, Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Her unique breadth of experience includes assessing for complex home, school and work based needs, adaptations and specialist equipment and developing school’s based Care Plans and EHCP’s.
In the adult sector, Karen has 3 years experience in a Primary Care Trust Health Psychology setting, working with adults with complex physical and psychological conditions including; Persistent Pain, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, phantom limb pain, depression and General Anxiety Disorders. This involved coaching and teaching clients to gain a greater understanding of their health conditions, and learn self management techniques to lead a more fulfilling life, including sustaining or returning to employment. During her time at this service Karen was able to develop enhanced negotiation skills, and deepen her knowledge of therapeutic practices such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.
Regarded as a thoughtful, kind and compassionate individual, who’s calm manner puts clients at ease, she is both consistent and proactive in her approach. She quickly builds therapeutic relationships with her clients, understanding their occupational performance needs and challenges, while effectively collaborating with parents, carers and Multidisciplinary Teams.
Karen has completed various manual handling courses and became one of the trainers for all children’s therapy staff within the service.
Karen is registered with the Health & Care Professions Council and is a member of the British Association of Occupational Therapists, Royal College of Occupational Therapists Specialist Section in Independent Practice and the Sensory Integration Network.
<-- view and download Karen's CV for more information.
