Mary Dryden
Pickering,North Yorkshire
Summary
Resourceful and adaptable Occupational Therapist with extensive paediatric experience. Proficient in sensory integration therapy for neurodivergent individuals. Experience adopting trauma-informed approaches. Demonstrates expertise in stroke rehabilitation, neuro-rehabilitation, and cognitive rehabilitation therapy. Skilled in patient assessment and implementing therapeutic interventions. Competent in activity analysis and goal setting. Strong team collaboration with excellent verbal and written skills. Calm under pressure, confident communicator with flexible approach. Committed to continuing professional development, staff development and wellbeing. Committed to advancing therapeutic practices to improve patient outcomes.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work history
Paediatric Occupational Therapist
Future Steps Consultancy
Thornaby, North Yorkshire
2020.11 - Current
- Providing school-based assessment and intervention for school aged children with sensory challenges affecting function.
- Administering standardised assessments (BOT2 and 3, Test of Visual Motor Integration, Test of Visual Perception and Handwriting screening), alongside clinical observations.
- Successful completion of Post Graduate Certificate of Education in Sensory Integration Levels 1 and 2 (via Sensory Integration Education and Sheffield Hallam University).
- Working across a variety of school sites including special schools, SEMH and mainstream provisions.
- Collaborating with teaching staff and other professionals to deliver timely, evidence-based interventions.
- Facilitating group therapy sessions to enhance social, communication and self-regulation skills.
- Adapted services to meet evolving requirements of schools and the organisation.
- Supervision of staff to ensure high standards of clinical practice.
- Development of CPD programme for staff group.
- Provided individualised therapy sessions for clients within private clinic setting.
- Design and development of a sensory garden for use by clinic clients.
- Development of Functional Skills group for implementation in schools and clinic.
- Provided data to demonstrate intervention outcomes, supporting contract retention with schools.
Community Occupational Therapist
County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust
Peterlee, Durham
2020.08 - 2020.11
- Enhanced patient recovery by providing specialised stroke rehabilitation.
- Conducted thorough patient assessments, leading to accurate diagnosis of challenges and effective treatment plans.
- Provided personalised support to clients in their homes and care facilities.
- Focused on improving functional skills in activities of daily living to restore and promote independence.
- Adopted cognitive rehabilitation therapy techniques to treat attention and memory deficits.
- Adapted environments for better accessibility and to meet safety standards for individuals with physical limitations.
Band 6 Occupational Therapist
Woodlands Neurological Rehabilitation Centre
York, United Kingdom
2020.06 - 2020.08
- Conducted specialist assessments and delivered tailored treatments for adults with complex acquired neurological disorders, enhancing their recovery pathways.
- Supported clients in achieving rehabilitation goals through personalised occupational therapy interventions, improving their functional independence.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to assure holistic care approach for patients.
- Modified environments to enhance accessibility and safety for individuals with physical limitations, promoting their engagement in daily activities.
Occupational Therapist
MATRIX Neurological
Middlesbrough, United Kingdom
2019.04 - 2020.05
- Neurorehabilitation occupational therapy for children and young people with acquired brain injury.
- Developed individually tailored programmes based on assessment findings and client and family priorities enhancing rehabilitation outcomes.
- Conducted sessions in homes, schools, and colleges using various assessments, including brain injury assessment and CogniFit, to inform cognitive rehabilitation strategies.
- Treatment - Brainwave-R package for cognitive rehabilitation. Creation of other resources and games designed and chosen to support rehabilitation.
- Recorded data for audit and contributed to developing an outcome measure aligned with service needs.
- Volunteered for the charity from Nov 2018-April 2019 prior to the paid role.
Self Employed Gardener
Self-employed
Middlesbrough, United Kingdom
2009.10 - 2018.10
- General garden maintenance and small project work for private clients maintaining and enhancing outdoor spaces.
- Built thebusiness from scratch by word of mouth to become the sole source of income.
- Offered a dog boarding service providing "at home" care whilst the client was away.
Senior II-Senior I Occupational Therapist - Neurorehab
South Tees Hospitals NHS Trust
Middlesbrough, United Kingdom
1998.10 - 2002.04
- Assisted in occupational therapy assessments and treatments for adults with acquired neurological impairments, enhancing inpatient recovery.
- Facilitated training sessions for staff members, improving knowledge and skills in occupational therapy practices.
- Provided supervision and guidance to staff and students in educational settings.
Occupational Therapist (locum)
Merton and Sutton NHS Trust
Carshalton, United Kingdom
1998.04 - 1998.10
- Delivered community occupational therapy to clients with neurological impairments.
Basic Grade Occupational Therapist
Royal Hospital for Neuro-disability
London, United Kingdom
1996.04 - 1998.04
- Basic grade rotation in specialist inpatient setting.
- Long and short term rehabilitation of adults with complex and profound needs following brain injury or neurological damage.
- Included group work, splinting, wheelchair and seating assessments, SMART assessment; use, supply and set up of assistive technology.
Basic Grade Occupational Therapist
Royal London Hospital
London, United Kingdom
1995.10 - 1996.04
- OT assessment and treatment in orthopaedics and surgery.
- Ward based assessments, home visits, equipment recommendation and provision, discharge planning and follow up.
Education
BSc(hons) - Occupational Therapy
University College, Salford
Salford 1992.09 - 1995.06
Bachelor's - English and Biblical Studies
University of Sheffield
Sheffield 1989.09 - 1992.06
A-Level or equivalent - Religious Studies, Classical Civilisation, English
St. Lawrence College
Ramsgate, Kent 1986.09 - 1988.07
GCSE or equivalent - 10 O-levels
Clarendon House Grammar School
Ramsgate 1981.09 - 1986.07
Post Graduate Certificate Levels 1 and 2 - Sensory Integration
Sensory Integration Education with Sheffield Hallam
2021 - 2023
Skills
- Paediatric occupational therapy experience
- Registered with Health and Care Professions Council
- Member of Royal College of Occupational Therapists
- Sensory integration therapy
- Autism spectrum disorder experience
- Trauma-Informed approaches
- Stroke rehabilitation competence
- Neuro-rehabilitation skills
- Cognitive rehabilitation therapy
- Supervision ans staff training
- Team collaboration
- Communication skills
Personal Information
- ID Type: HCPC registration
- ID Number: OT24485
Affiliations
- Trail and ultra runner
- Rowing - a long-standing member of Tees Rowing club regularly competing at regional and national level.
- Cycling - a member of the Cleveland Wheelers Cycling Club, participating in distance and challenge rides.
- Gardener and chicken keeper.
Certification
Post Graduate Certificate Levels 1 and 2 - Sensory Integration (2022 and 2023)
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Paediatric Occupational Therapist
Future Steps Consultancy
2020.11 - Current
Community Occupational Therapist
County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust
2020.08 - 2020.11
Band 6 Occupational Therapist
Woodlands Neurological Rehabilitation Centre
2020.06 - 2020.08
Occupational Therapist
MATRIX Neurological
2019.04 - 2020.05
Self Employed Gardener
Self-employed
2009.10 - 2018.10
Senior II-Senior I Occupational Therapist - Neurorehab
South Tees Hospitals NHS Trust
1998.10 - 2002.04
Occupational Therapist (locum)
Merton and Sutton NHS Trust
1998.04 - 1998.10
Basic Grade Occupational Therapist
Royal Hospital for Neuro-disability
1996.04 - 1998.04
Basic Grade Occupational Therapist
Royal London Hospital
1995.10 - 1996.04
BSc(hons) - Occupational Therapy
University College, Salford
1992.09 - 1995.06
Bachelor's - English and Biblical Studies
University of Sheffield
1989.09 - 1992.06
A-Level or equivalent - Religious Studies, Classical Civilisation, English
St. Lawrence College
1986.09 - 1988.07
GCSE or equivalent - 10 O-levels
Clarendon House Grammar School
1981.09 - 1986.07
Post Graduate Certificate Levels 1 and 2 - Sensory Integration
Sensory Integration Education with Sheffield Hallam
2021 - 2023