The #OTalk Team
Kelly Murray (@OTontheTracks) is an Occupational Therapist currently working within mental health. Kelly’s professional interests include social media use as a platform for continuing professional development as well as within student development and learning. She also has a keen interest in the role of occupational therapy in integration and inclusion of marginalised and transitioning communities.
Rachel Booth-Gardiner (@OT_rach) is an Occupational Therapist, Blogger, Feminist and Disability Activist. She has worked within Acute, Rehabilitation & Forensic mental health settings, including 10 years of leadership roles managing occupational therapy teams within these settings. Rachel is the current Treasurer of RCOT Northern and Yorkshire Committee, in 2021 she cofounded AbleOTUK a support network of occupational therapy staff and students with lived experiences of disabilities and/or long term health conditions. In 2023 she received a merit award from the royal college of occupational therapy for her services to the profession.
Carolina Cordero (@colourful_OT) qualified as an Occupational Therapist in Ireland before relocating to London where she now works for the NHS as a school OT. Carolina has a particular interest in working with autistic children and young people in a neurodiversity-affirming way and is also very passionate about social justice and mental health more broadly. Outside of work, Carolina has a varied range of occupations including archery, video games, and playing the mandolin.
Ruth Hawley @Ruth_Hawley has been an Occupational Therapy Lecturer since 2016. Her areas of particular interest are mental health, technology use, student education, placements and the homeless. Favourite occupations include running, walking and taking photos when outdoors enjoying nature’s beauty.
Paul Wilkinson (@Paulwilkinson94) is an Occupational Therapist who has worked predominantly within the acute hospital setting. He has worked in several specialist areas including trauma orthopaedics and surgery, vascular and amputee rehabilitation, intermediate care, older peoples medicine and acute general medicine. Paul is also a member of the Northern and Yorkshire RCOT regional group as a co-social media lead. His interests include AHP leadership, OT education, twitter for CPD, and the impact of OT in the acute setting. In his spare time Paul enjoys running, reading, socialising with friends, listening to podcasts, and attending quiz nights.
Sam Pywell (@smileyfacehalo) is an Occupational Therapist who is currently coordinating University of Central Lancashire (UCLans) Social Prescribing unit, and lectures in OT. She loves all things digital, new and emerging practice in occupational therapy and the use of social media for professional development. Sam loves gardening, crafts and family time.
The #OTalk Research Team
Dr Jenny Preston (@preston_jenny ) is a Consultant Occupational Therapist, a role that allows her to combine clinical practice with research. Jenny’s research interests focus predominantly on long term neurological conditions, she has published papers in relation to multiple sclerosis and has recently published her first book. Jenny leads the R&D programme within the Neurological Rehabilitation Service. Jenny is a former Chair of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists Specialist Section Neurological Practice and was previously a member of RCOT Research and Development Board.
Dr Nikki Daniels (@NikkiDanielsOT ) is a Occupational Therapist who is passionate about the professional development of members of our profession. Having spent many years as a lecturer, mainly supporting therapists studying at master’s level, Nikki is now the Professional Development Manager for the Royal College of Occupational Therapists. Her research interests focus on the engagement of healthcare practitioners in the research process and how occupational therapists can attain, maintain and develop their confidence and capability to use research to inform their practice.
Beverley Turtle (@bevaturtle) is an occupational therapy lecturer and researcher, with a background in psychology. Her research interests are mainly stroke rehabilitation and outcome assessment. Beverley’s favourite occupations include live music, dancing, reading and watching movies with friends.
Samantha Tavender (@SamOTantha) is a lecturer in occupational therapy. Samantha has worked clinically in a variety of mental health services and with children, young people and their families. Samantha’s research interests are individuals lived experience of occupation, women’s health and the student experience. Samantha is at the beginning stages of her PhD and hopes to support others in incorporating research and evidence based practice into their daily roles.
The OTalk team has evolved and changed over the last ten years as the chat and community has developed.
We are incredibly thankful for the input and commitment of a range of Occupational Therapists who have helped shape and inspire innovation. These former team members can be found here.
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