Lecturer in Physiotherapy
I trained as a Physiotherapist at Northumbria University and completed subsequent junior physiotherapy experience at Sunderland Royal Hospital. This sparked my initial interest in paediatric physiotherapy where I moved to a senior role working at Northumberland NHS Trust. I have engaged in a clinical lead role drawing upon interests in leadership and service development.
My specialist interest area is in the management of children with complex needs and neuromuscular disorders and I have spent a number of years working in educational settings. I have a passion for integration, child-centred care, postural management of children and developing functional skills, particularly in Cerebral Palsy.
I am a member of the APCP Committee (Association of Paediatric Chartered Physiotherapists) and I'm keen to maintain links with clinical practice and Higher Education (HE).
Teaching and supervision
I have recently transitioned to working in HE and I'm enjoying integrating clinical experience into teaching.
I am currently involved in teaching on the pre-registration Physiotherapy course with an interest in integrating students' professional skills along the lifespan.
Research interests for potential research students
I am interested in students' readiness for practice and their experiences of their training. This is particularly surrounding paediatric placements and roles as junior clinicians.
My previous work within the NHS was in a wider multidisciplinary team and the integration of inter-professional learning is another interest of mine to embed into teaching and practice. Similarly, working alongside colleagues such as orthotists has developed my interest in biomechanics in neuro-disability and this may be an area of subsequent research in the future.