Dawn Egan
Kalinga,Australia
Summary
Experienced occupational therapist specializing in paediatrics for children of all ages, with a passion for working with children aged 0-5. Proven track record addressing various disabilities using a holistic therapy approach. Skilled in clinical supervision and leading teams to deliver high-quality paediatric allied healh services.
Overview
36
36
years of professional experience
Work History
PRACTICE LEAD/ CLINICAL SUPERVISOR/SENIOR OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST
Progress Pathways Child Development Therapies
02.2023 - Current
- Enhanced operational workflows through process improvement initiatives and best practice sharing.
- Mentored staff in therapeutic techniques, fostering professional growth and enhancing service delivery.
- Analyzed program and process effectiveness, utilizing feedback to inform strategic adjustments and enhancements.
- Established training protocols for new staff, ensuring consistency in therapeutic practices across teams.
- Facilitated knowledge sharing within the team by organizing regular training sessions, creating internal resources, and promoting a collaborative learning environment.
- Fostered a culture of innovation within the team by encouraging brainstorming sessions, experimentation with new techniques or tools, and sharing successes and learnings openly.
- Improved practice efficiency by implementing new operational processes and streamlining workflows.
- Led a team of professionals to achieve practice goals, fostering collaboration and continuous professional development.
- Facilitated workshops and training sessions for staff on the latest developments in therapy methodologies and techniques.
- Enhanced team collaboration through regular staff meetings, case conferences, and training sessions.
- Designed and implemented performance improvement plans for staff.
- Designed and implemented individual and group supervision sessions to assist with staff development and to ensure a consistently high standard of Occupational Therapy throughout all three practices.
- Assisted with the establishment and opening of two new clinics.
- Responsible for managing leave, CPD requests and resource for all staff.
- Led interdisciplinary teams to develop and implement child development therapy programs.
- Worked autonomously managing own clinical caseload with children aged 0-12 with a variety of complex disabilities.
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST
Progress Pathways Child Development Therapies
07.2022 - Current
- Implemented evidence based therapy techniques, individually tailored to each child and families needs.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive care for clients and families.
- Mentored junior therapists, providing guidance on best practices and treatment methodologies.
- Evaluated client progress regularly, adjusting treatment plans as necessary for optimal outcomes.
- Provided education to clients and families on coping strategies, adaptive equipment, and safety modifications.
- Established compassionate and caring relationships with children and their carers.
- Performed standardised and non standardised assessments to inform therapy approaches to suit the child and families needs.
- Developed customized home programs, enabling clients and families to maintain progress outside of therapy sessions.
- Completed detailed and individualised reports for NDIS, other allied health professionals, paediatricians, schools, kindergartens and daycare centres.
SENIOR OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST/ CLINICAL SUPERVISOR
Lifestyle Therapies and Training Solutions
09.2020 - 06.2022
- After commencing as an Occupational Therapist at Lifestyle Therapies and Training Solutions in 2019, I was promoted to the role of Clinical Supervisor in 2020, where in addition to my clinical caseload, I was responsible for the supervision of other therapists, including students, new graduates, junior and senior Occupational Therapists.
- Evaluated assistive technology options for clients with physical limitations, recommending devices that best met their needs for daily living tasks.
- Led multidisciplinary teams to develop and implement individualized therapy plans for diverse client needs.
- Mentored senior and junior therapists and students, enhancing team skills and improving client care strategies across the practice.
- Designed and facilitated training programs for staff on best practices in therapeutic techniques and interventions.
- Conducted comprehensive assessments to identify client progress and adjust treatment protocols accordingly.
- Completed comprehensive report reviews and established report review process to ensure consistency and high standards throughout the practice.
- Contributed to the committee to develop the updated Chronic Conditions Manual for use in rural and remote communities.
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST
Lifestyle Therapies and Training Solutions (LTTS)
06.2019 - 09.2020
- This role includes providing services in Brisbane, regional and remote communities. As travel was a necessary component of this role, I have travelled to several communities throughout Queensland, including Rockhampton, Gladstone, Biloela, Theodore, Emerald, Blackwater and Springsure. I currently travel to Charleville on a fortnightly basis to provide regular therapy and assessments and other communities as required.
- In this role, I provided services to NDIS recipients, Medicare clients and privately funded clients.
- Completed functional capacity assessments, comprehensive assessments and assistive technology assessments, minor home modifications as well as ongoing therapy sessions.
- Provided therapy in a variety of environments including day care centres, kindergartens, schools, community facilities, schools and clients’ homes.
- Provided assessment and therapy with an extensive client caseload with a variety of diagnoses and conditions, including clients aged from 12 months to 67 years of age with a variety of diagnoses, including global developmental delays, Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Attention Deficit Disorder, genetic disorders, trauma, amputees, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, amputees, intellectual impairments and many other conditions.
- Demonstrated flexibility and adaptability while working in communities with limited resources.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary team members for comprehensive patient care and optimal results.
- Developed personalized treatment plans based on assessment results and client needs.
- Educated families on therapeutic techniques and strategies to support child development at home.
- Provided interventions and treatments to improve client abilities to perform daily activities, manage symptoms and prevent injury.
- Participated in continuing education opportunities to stay current with industry trends and best practices in occupational therapy.
Educator, Teacher Aide
Hillbrook Early Learning Centre, Moreton Bay College
01.2019 - 12.2019
- Supported infant and toddlers development at Hillbrook Early Learning Centre
- Built relationships and communicated with parents to provide best learning environment for children.
- Supported children with learning challenges as a teacher aide at Moreton Bay College
- Collaborated with colleagues to align educational objectives with state standards and school initiatives.
Volunteer
Holy Cross Preschool and School
01.2009 - 01.2018
- In 2009, I commenced a career break from Occupational Therapy to be a stay- at-home mother, so I could assist my 4 children with their schooling. During this time, I worked as a volunteer at Holy Cross Preschool and School.
- Coordinated fundraising events to support school initiatives and programs.
- Assisted with special events and programs.
- Implemented and presented Occupational Therapy programs within the classroom setting to develop children's motor skills.
- Supported engaging, fun, and smooth-running events by helping with organization and planning.
- Implemented volunteer tutoring and mentoring for children with learning difficulties.
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST
Royal Children’s Hospital
01.1999 - 01.2008
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive care for children with acquired brain injury.
- Participated in group assessment clinics for children from regional and remote areas.
- Provided evidenced based therapy for children of a wide range of ages and disabilities, including mild temporary impairment to children with complex ongoing needs who required comprehensive long-term care.
- Documented client progress accurately and efficiently, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
- Promoted independence in activities of daily living through task analysis, environmental adaptations, and compensatory techniques (as appropriate).
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST
Woody Point Special Education Unit, Woody Point Special School
02.1997 - 05.1998
- Worked as part of a multidisciplinary team in the assessment and treatment of children from birth to 18 years of age.
- Managed a varied caseload including outpatients (children from surrounding community areas), Woody Point Special Education Unit (for children 2-6 years) and Woody Point Special School.
- Provided evidenced based therapy techniques to a varied caseload, including children and adolescents with special needs, neurological conditions, cerebral palsy, sensory processing challenges, orthopaedic conditions, developmental delays, learning difficulties, coordination difficulties, psychosocial issues, and physical and intellectual disabilities.
- Collaborated with other stakeholders, including teachers, schools, parents, and various community agencies.
- Supervised and mentored Occupational Therapy students.
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST
Royal Children’s Hospital
03.1996 - 02.1997
- Provided assessment and therapy to infants and children aged 1-14 years, including children with developmental delays, learning disabilities, suspected child abuse and neglect, burns, pain management for patients undergoing cancer treatment, toilet training /bowel training issues, eating disorders, psychosocial disabilities, autism and neurological deficits.
- Provided education to patients and families on coping strategies, adaptive equipment, and safety modifications.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary team members for comprehensive patient care and optimal results.
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST
Northwick Park Hospital, London
01.1995 - 03.1996
- Worked with children and families of varying cultural backgrounds.
- Provided individual and group therapy for children and families with a variety of complex conditions and presentations.
- Specialised in infants and neonatal care.
- Completed certification in Bobath Theory and Clinical Practice (NDT)
- Collaborated within a multidisciplinary team to ensure comprehensive care for children and their families.
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST
Waltham Forest Social Services, Children with Disabilities Team, London
11.1993 - 01.1994
- Conducted a wide range of assessments and therapy with infants, children and adolescents with disabilities or delayed development from a range of cultural and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
- Established programs in a residential respite centres to assist with maintaining progress outside of therapy sessions.
- Implemented evidence-based interventions that improved client engagement and progress.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive care for clients.
- Advocated for resources and services to enhance accessibility for children with developmental delays.
- Promoted independence in activities of daily living through task analysis, environmental adaptations, and compensatory techniques.
English Teacher
Hong Kong Kindergarten
06.1993 - 09.1993
- In 1993, my husband was offered a secondment with his firm to Hong Kong for a six-month period. During this time, I worked as an English Teacher with children ages 2-6 years in a kindergarten setting. This position required creativity, ingenuity, planning, understanding of different cultures and mostly a genuine love of young children.
- Developed innovative lesson plans to engage students in English language learning.
- Utilized multimedia strategies and technology to convey information in fresh and interesting ways.
- Facilitated interactive classroom activities to promote language acquisition and social skills.
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST
Woody Point Special Education Unit, Woody Point Special School
07.1989 - 06.1993
- Worked as part of a multidisciplinary team in the assessment and provision of therapy for children from birth to 18 years of age.
- Managed a varied caseload including community clients, children with severe and complex disabilities from the Woody Point Special Education Unit and Woody Point Special School.
- Provided evidenced based therapy techniques to a varied caseload, including children with neurological disabilities such as cerebral palsy, acquired brain injuries, orthopaedic conditions, sensory processing challenges, developmental delays, learning difficulties, coordination difficulties. psychosocial concerns, and physical and intellectual disabilities.
- Collaborated with relevant stakeholders, including teachers, schools. parents, and various community agencies. Supervised and mentored Occupational Therapy students.
Education
Bachelor of Occupational Therapy – Honours, First Class -
University of Queensland
01.1990
Bachelor of Occupational Therapy -
University of Queensland
01.1989
Skills
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Problem-solving abilities
- Organizational skills
- Excellent verbal and written communication
- Training and mentoring
- Interpersonal skills
- Multidisciplinary team collaboration
- Time management
- Leadership
- Clinical reasoning
Affiliations
- Member of Occupational Therapy Australia
- Unconditional AHPRA registration
- NDIS Worker Screening Check
Timeline
PRACTICE LEAD/ CLINICAL SUPERVISOR/SENIOR OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST
Progress Pathways Child Development Therapies
02.2023 - Current
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST
Progress Pathways Child Development Therapies
07.2022 - Current
SENIOR OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST/ CLINICAL SUPERVISOR
Lifestyle Therapies and Training Solutions
09.2020 - 06.2022
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST
Lifestyle Therapies and Training Solutions (LTTS)
06.2019 - 09.2020
Educator, Teacher Aide
Hillbrook Early Learning Centre, Moreton Bay College
01.2019 - 12.2019
Volunteer
Holy Cross Preschool and School
01.2009 - 01.2018
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST
Royal Children’s Hospital
01.1999 - 01.2008
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST
Woody Point Special Education Unit, Woody Point Special School
02.1997 - 05.1998
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST
Royal Children’s Hospital
03.1996 - 02.1997
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST
Northwick Park Hospital, London
01.1995 - 03.1996
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST
Waltham Forest Social Services, Children with Disabilities Team, London
11.1993 - 01.1994
English Teacher
Hong Kong Kindergarten
06.1993 - 09.1993
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST
Woody Point Special Education Unit, Woody Point Special School
07.1989 - 06.1993
Bachelor of Occupational Therapy – Honours, First Class -
University of Queensland
Bachelor of Occupational Therapy -
University of Queensland
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