Nichola is focused on delivering a high-quality clinical service and is a highly motivated and enthusiastic occupational therapist. She adopts an original problem-solving approach to her roles and is interested in the power of occupation for individuals with neurological disability. Nichola adopts an innovative approach to helping people live a full and active life in the community. She is passionate about supporting individuals to overcome their challenges.

Career history

Krysalis Consultancy Ltd

Clinical Lead, January 2020 - Current

Clinical Lead role for Krysalis Consultancy. Supporting the CEO and directors with the clinical development of the neurological occupational therapy consultancy service.

• Implementation of the clinical strategy and development of the service
• Supervision and development of neurological occupational therapists
• Developing and delivering training and competency programs to neurological occupational therapists
• Responsible for reviewing, producing and implementing clinical company policies and procedures

 Neurological Occupational Therapist, April 2019 - Current

Carrying a diverse caseload of complex clients with brain injury and spinal cord injury.

• Assessment and treatment of individuals with cognitive impairment using a range of standardised assessments
• Assessment and treatment of sensory changes following ABI
• Analysis of post brain injury fatigue and implementation of fatigue management programs
• Vocational rehabilitation (VR) ranging from employment advice through to implementing VR programs in the workplace and educational institutions
• Multi-agency working with case managers; neuro-psychologists; speech and language therapists; physiotherapists; GPs and care home managers
• Assessment of wheelchairs and posture and seating equipment
• Training and advice to support workers
• Development of care assessments and risk management plans

AJ Case Management

Business Development Manager of the South West and Case Manager, June 2018 - April 2019

• Case Management caseload of clients with brain injury and spinal cord injury
• Built upon a sound knowledge of the case management role and working in the field of litigation
• Responsible for developing the service and profile of case managers in the South West

Independent Living Solutions Ltd

Case Manager and Neuro Occupational Therapist, September 2007 - June 2018

• The diverse caseload of adults and children with a brain injury and spinal cord injury
• Gained in-depth knowledge of working within the litigation process
• Developed the posture and seating service
• An active member of the Adult Neurological Occupational Therapist section delivering treatment programmes to clients in the community
• Responsible for setting up the training department and delivering training programmes including the organisation of conferences

Salisbury NHS Trust - Duke of Cornwall Spinal Treatment Centre

Spinal Cord Injury Occupational Therapist, July 2000 - September 2007

• Developed a clear understanding of clients with complete and incomplete spinal cord injuries, both in an inpatient and outpatient setting
• Utilised a range of skills in posture and seating, vocational rehabilitation, hand and upper limb rehabilitation including splinting
• Developed skills in psychological and emotional management and support
• Development of the employment and learning clinic
• Gained a specialist interest in the dual diagnosis of brain injury and spinal cord injury including the development of a cognitive screening programme

Southampton NHS Trust - Elderly Rehabilitation

Occupational Therapist, January 2000 - July 2000

• Skills in the use of standardised assessments
• Development of knowledge in stroke rehabilitation including cognitive and perceptual assessment and upper limb function

Southampton NHS Trust

Junior Occupational Therapist, September 1998 – January 2000

• Development of skills in assessment of occupation and activities of daily living
• Initiation and introduction of minor head injury pilot

A few words from Nichola...

I feel very privileged to work in a profession that I love but it is equally as important for me to spend time with my lovely family, who are everything to me. I like to appreciate the simple things in life like being outside, eating nice food, walking in the woods or on the beach, sitting by the fire and reading a good book. I love all things creative: interior design, sewing, upcycling and endless makes and bakes with my two girls. I also have a very adventurous side and have enjoyed things such as parachute jumping and white-water rafting. I have a thirst for learning new things, so how lucky am I that I work in a job where I am constantly learning things from other people and how they live their lives.