Abi Stringer, Occupational Therapist

I graduated from Coventry University and became HCPC registered in 2018. I went on to work in a community role supporting adults with mental health and learning disabilities. Then spent some time working in an SEN school as part of their medical team/class staff to gain experience working with young people before securing a position as a school-based OT within an academy in my home-town. This led to me meeting and joining the Thrive team in 2020.

I am currently working alongside another OT to deliver an embedded service within a specialist school. This involves supporting student’s engagement with whole class sensory circuits and collaborating with class staff to develop strategies to aid student’s regulation. We also provide tailored sessions for individuals to explore and meet their sensory needs.

In addition to this I have been completing assessments for individuals using a variety of standardised assessments and clinical observations to provide recommendations and strategies for both home and school which are detailed in comprehensive reports that look at the young person holistically.

In my previous role I gained experience in:

·         Developing the OT provision across 3 school sites, including the referral process and staff awareness of the OT role

·         Using a tiered approach including whole school training, group work and 1:1 assessment

·         Attending review meetings, parent liaisons, sensory triage and supporting the family team

·         Providing sensory strategies and a sensory based approach to home and school environments including support with sensory circuits

·         Close work with pastoral teams to support with emotional wellbeing needs

·         Experience using standardised assessment tools including SPM, Movement ABC, GOAL, and Beery VMI

Since starting at Thrive I have completed my level 1 CLASI in Sensory Integration and am currently working on my level 2.

I have attended a 2-day course on the Interoception Curriculum delivered by Kelly Maher.

I have attended a week-long course with the Royal Free Paediatric Team for newly qualified therapists and currently attend regular CPD sessions held within the team.

I particularly enjoy understanding how sensory processing and emotional regulation can impact on young people’s well-being, participation and functional ability.

Outside of work I enjoy being active and currently captain my local ladies touch rugby team. A lot of my spare is spent overseeing training sessions, organising social events and completing team administrative tasks. I also love to travel and immersing myself in new cultures. I chose Occupational Therapy as a career because I felt it aligned with my personal values and reflects my positive “can-do” outlook on life.