Real change can happen when we view life through the lens of the individuals we work with and place them at the heart of our work.   

Vicky’s passion for working in brain injury began whilst working as an assistant OT on an acute stroke ward. Inspired by her experience, she went on to become a fully qualified neurological occupational therapist, with her career spanning acute neurology, specialist inpatient and community-based rehabilitation.

A particular strength is her experience of working in multi-disciplinary teams to solve complex client needs. Vicky also has yoga teacher training, which skills are integrated, where appropriate, into the work she does.

Core skills

• A broad range of therapy skills including; specialist neurological fatigue management, including education on sleep and nutrition in the context of occupation; specialist vocational rehabilitation and the setting up of phased return to work plans with employees and employers. Cognitive rehabilitation. Sensory and trauma informed.
• Supporting those who are neurodiverse and/or have been affected by neurological injuries and conditions back into the workplace, or other meaningful occupations
• Raising awareness across multiple markets of the effects of neurological symptoms and how employers can support people with a “hidden disability”
• Training and development of peers, rehabilitation assistants and care workers
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and time management and organisational skills

Career history

Krysalis Consultancy Ltd

Specialist Neurological Occupational Therapist, 2013 - Current

Carrying a diverse case-load of complex clients with neurological injury or conditions and neurodivergent diagnoses.

• Assessment and treatment of individuals using standardised assessments including BADS, HADS, COPM, TEA, and comprehensive functional assessments
• Vocational rehabilitation (VR) ranging from employment advice through to implementing VR programmes 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 moving and handling equipment including postural and seating equipment
• Development of rehabilitation assistant programs and relevant documentation surrounding this including care plans and risk assessments

Clinical Manager, 2019 – 2021

In addition to her role as a Specialist Neurological Occupational Therapist Vicky held the role of Clinical Manager for Krysalis Consultancy.

• Implementation of clinical strategy and development of the service in line with the overall business objectives
• Supervision, mentoring and development of neurological occupational therapists
• Developing and delivering training and competency programs to a highly-skilled workforce

Glenside Manor Brain Injury & Rehabilitation Services

Senior Neuro OT, May 2015 - Jan 2017

Responsible for managing a caseload of complex clients within a neurological residential rehabilitation facility.

• Working with a wide variety of clients with complex needs including those with challenging behaviour, minimally awareness states, cognitive and executive dysfunction and complex physical needs
• Provision of person-centred rehabilitation programme working with support workers implementing guidance found with care plans and risk assessments
• Use of evidence-based treatment approaches within an occupational therapy framework
• Responsible for supervising and providing peer support to other OTs, and training student OTs

Somerset Partnership NHS Trust

Senior OT - Stroke and long term conditions, July 2010 - May 2015

Responsible for managing a case-load of in-patient and community clients who had suffered a stroke.

• Working closely with the multidisciplinary team on discharge planning and re-integration into the community following a stroke
• Working with adults who had suffered a stroke and their family/carers to enable them to live as independently as possible in their own home
• Worked closely with the clinical specialist to deliver a program of stroke training to other allied health professionals and rehabilitation/care assistants
• Involvement in several audit and service development projects
• During the later stages of working for this NHS trust, Vicky spent some time working in the Independent Living Team in Frome

Rotherham Foundation Trust, Rotherham Community Hospital

Occupational Therapist - Acute stroke ward, Sept 2009 - May 2010

Responsible for a case-load of acute stroke inpatients. Development of skills in moving and handling individuals in the early stages of recovery from a stroke and formulating rehabilitation plans within the context of discharge planning.

Sheffield Community Brain Injury Rehabilitation Team (SCBIRT)

Junior Occupational Therapist, Sept 2007 - Sept 2009

Responsible for a case-load of complex individuals who had suffered ABI. Working within an interdisciplinary team to formulate treatment plans, produce risk assessments and reintegrate individuals back into the community.

A few words from Vicky…

With extensive experience supporting people affected by neurological conditions and injuries, I understand that no two people are the same and I’m always learning. I’m passionate about helping individuals get back to the occupations they love and finding ways to make daily life easier and more joyful.