This Occupational Therapy Week, we’re shining a spotlight on the vital role that our Occupational Therapists play in helping clients rebuild their lives following a serious and life-changing injury or neurological condition. 

8 years ago, we created a unique environment to enable clients to be able to access a full range of therapies and medical specialists all under one roof. This includes Consultants in Rehabilitation Medicine and Spinal Injuries, alongside physiotherapists, speech and language therapists, neuro-psychologists, neurologic music therapists, prosthetics and orthotics specialists, nurses experienced in complex care, rehab assistants and of course, our exceptional team of Occupational Therapists. 

What makes STEPS different is our truly interdisciplinary and collaborative approach. Every member of our interdisciplinary team works closely together to create a personalised rehabilitation plan centred around the individual, their goals, interests, and aspirations.  

The Role of Occupational Therapy in Rehabilitation 

Occupational Therapists (OTs) play a central role throughout a client’s rehabilitation journey at STEPS. They provide the practical support needed to help individuals relearn essential life skills, such as dressing, cooking, managing finances, studying, and returning to work. 

Our OTs develop tailored rehabilitation plans that combine purposeful activity with therapeutic goals, by understanding what matters most to each person. They also work with clients to manage fatigue, assess their home environments, and advise on adaptations such as wheelchair-accessible spaces or specialist equipment, ensuring a smooth and supported transition back to life at home and everyday life. 

At STEPS, our occupational therapists play a key role in the delivery and integration of our advanced upper limb robotic rehabilitation technology. Working alongside other therapists, they ensure clients make the most of innovative robotics and assistive devices designed to enhance movement, strength, and independence. Their understanding of everyday function ensures that technology is not only used effectively, but meaningfully, translating gains made in therapy into real-world activities and outcomes. 

Working Together to Deliver Outstanding Care 

Our OTs are passionate about collaboration, both with clients and across our  interdisciplinary team. Jane Warbrick, Lead Occupational Therapist, explains: 

“The core of an OT’s role is treatment through observing everyday activities, which extends to working with the community to explore new hobbies and interests. The OTs are client-centred and work on what the client wants to achieve. This makes being an OT a very diverse field! As Occupational Therapists, we have the greatest opportunities to work with our colleagues, including our Rehab Assistants, to who ensure rehab programmes run around the clock!” 

Jane’s words capture the spirit of STEPS: a commitment to teamwork, client-centred care, and continuous rehabilitation that doesn’t stop when the therapy session ends. 

Meet the STEPS Occupational Therapy Team 

Our diverse and experienced OT team brings a wealth of specialist knowledge, compassion, and creativity to their work. Together, they ensure that every client’s journey is personal, empowering, and goal-driven.

Amalee qualified in 2009 and has dedicated her career to neurological rehabilitation, developing specialist skills in stroke recovery and upper limb rehabilitation. Her role focuses on advancing clinical quality and innovation within the OT service, ensuring STEPS continues to deliver the highest standard of care. 

Amalee’s practice is rooted in empowering clients to engage in meaningful activity, whether that’s relearning fine motor skills or rediscovering hobbies that bring joy and purpose. She is known for her calm, supportive approach and her ability to blend creative therapy techniques with structured rehabilitation goals. 

Bethan’s creative background in Fine Art informs her engaging, innovative approach to rehabilitation. Having trained at STEPS as a Rehabilitation Assistant before qualifying as an OT, she combines practical insight with strong clinical reasoning. 

 Her empathetic style and artistic thinking enable her to design interventions that are both functional and motivating for clients working toward long-term goals. 

Claire specialises in spinal injury rehabilitation, upper limb function, and seating solutions. Having spent over seven years at Burwood Spinal Injuries Unit in Christchurch, New Zealand, she brings a wealth of expertise in long-term recovery and adaptive living. 

At STEPS, Claire works with our clients to re-engage with meaningful activities using innovative techniques and adaptive strategies. Her approach is collaborative, blending her strong technical knowledge with empathy and creativity to empower clients in every stage of their rehab.

Emma brings extensive experience from acute hospital and community rehabilitation settings, specialising in spinal injuries, complex seating, and functional mobility. At STEPS, she plays a key role in wheelchair and specialist seating assessments, ensuring clients achieve optimal postural support and comfort. 

Emma’s passion lies in helping clients transition from inpatient rehabilitation to living independently at home. Her understanding of both physical and psychosocial needs enables her to support clients holistically, addressing confidence, daily structure, and community reintegration alongside physical rehabilitation. 

Heather has much experience in physical rehabilitation, hand therapy, and paediatrics, drawing from her experience in both South Africa and the UK. She has worked with children with developmental and neurological conditions to adults recovering from complex injuries. 

At STEPS, Heather utilises her in-depth knowledge of upper limb function and fine motor retraining to assist clients in regaining dexterity and independence in daily activities. She is deeply committed to client-centred care, ensuring each rehabilitation plan reflects clients’ goals and individual personalities. 

Jane brings over 28 years of experience in neurological and brain injury rehabilitation. Having worked across both NHS and private sectors, she combines hands-on clinical expertise with strategic leadership, guiding the continued growth and development of the OT service at STEPS. Jane has a specialist background in complex neurological and traumatic brain injury rehabilitation, with a strong focus on interdisciplinary teamwork and evidence-based practice. 

Her approach blends compassion with structure, ensuring clients receive care that is both clinically robust and deeply personal. Jane is also passionate about mentoring and developing the next generation of therapists, helping shape a team that shares her dedication to excellence in rehabilitation.

Kerrie will graduate in January 2026 having completed OT degree apprenticeship. She worked for 4 years as a Rehabilitation Assistant at STEPS, having previously completed  a degree in Psychology. Her 7 years of hands-on experience supporting clients with complex neurological  and trauma injuries has provided her with a deep understanding of both the emotional and practical sides of rehabilitation.

Her enthusiasm, empathy, and drive to learn make her an integral part of the team. Kerrie works closely with clients to implement therapy plans, ensuring consistent progress and continuity of care. 

Molly supports the team in delivering day-to-day rehabilitation programmes, focusing on functional independence and confidence-building activities. With a background in psychology and previous experience in brain injury rehabilitation, she brings insight into the cognitive and emotional aspects of recovery. 

Her friendly approach helps clients feel supported and motivated as they work toward regaining independence in everyday tasks. 

Olivia joined STEPS from New Zealand, bringing valuable international experience in brain injury rehabilitation, acute medicine, and community reintegration. Her compassionate, client-led approach focuses on regaining independence and confidence in everyday tasks following serious injury or illness. 

With a strong background in both inpatient and community settings, Olivia bridges the gap between clinical therapy and real-life application, working with clients to rebuild the skills they need to thrive beyond the residential rehabilitation environment. 

Susan plays a vital behind-the-scenes administration role in ensuring the OT department runs smoothly. Her background in communications, event management, and activity coordination helps her support both clients and therapists with skill and efficiency. 

Her enthusiasm and her creativity contribute to the vibrant, community-focused atmosphere at STEPS. 

Tayla’s diverse clinical background spans neurology, paediatrics, and long-term rehabilitation, with experience in both hospital and community settings in South Africa. She has a special interest in working with clients to develop sustainable routines that promote both physical progress and emotional well-being. 

At STEPS, Tayla’s empathetic nature and structured approach help clients build confidence in daily living skills and rediscover independence through meaningful, goal-oriented activity. Her focus on adaptability ensures each client’s rehabilitation journey feels achievable and empowering. 

Every member of the STEPS Occupational Therapy team shares a common goal: to help people live as independently and meaningfully as possible. Their dedication, knowledge, and compassion make an invaluable difference to the lives of our clients every single day. 

This Occupational Therapy Week, we’re proud to celebrate our outstanding OT team and the essential role they play at STEPS.