Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Relevant Fieldwork Experience
Professional Registration
References
Timeline
Generic

Emma Cleveland

Christchurch,New Zealand

Summary

A dedicated and compassionate occupational therapist with strong experience in adult rehabilitation, including neurological, orthopaedic, and general medical settings. Skilled in assessment, discharge planning, upper limb and cognitive rehabilitation, and working within interdisciplinary teams. Known for building rapport with clients and families, delivering creative, client-centred therapy, and navigating fast-paced hospital environments. Committed to enhancing client outcomes. through respectful, inclusive practice that honours each person's autonomy, preference and cultural values. Seeking to bring these strengths to a Melbourne-based role while continuing to grow professionally.

Overview

4
4
years of professional experience

Work History

Occupational Therapist - Adult Rehabilitation (Neurological Focus)

Burwood Hospital
05.2023 - Current
  • Focused on post-acute rehab for clients under 65, with primarily strokes and other neurological conditions. Developed specialist skills in upper limb rehab, cognitive rehab, and group therapy facilitation.
  • Assessed and developed rehabilitation plans that met clients' goals, adjusting treatment plans based on ongoing evaluations and client feedback.
  • Provided education to clients and families to support long-term independence.
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to ensure a holistic approach to patient care.

Occupational Therapist - Orthopaedic Rehabilitation

Burwood Hospital
10.2021 - 05.2023
  • Managed treatment and discharge planning for clients with orthopedic and multi-trauma injuries.
  • Developed creative and functional ADL-focused treatment plans tailored to complex needs.
  • Built skills in physical rehabilitation and navigating high-turnover clinical settings.
  • Supervised student occupational therapists on fieldwork

Occupational Therapist - Elective Surgical Orthopaedics

Burwood Hospital
01.2021 - 10.2021
  • Conducted pre- and post-operative assessments, education, and equipment provision.
  • Delivered effective discharge planning and supported smooth transitions from hospital to home.
  • Designed and delivered educational sessions for medical students, teaching the role of occupational therapy in an orthopaedic setting, and fostering interdisciplinary understanding.

Education

Bachelor of Occupational Therapy -

Otago Polytechnic
New Zealand
01-2020

Skills

  • Client-centred practice
  • Values' interdisciplinary collaboration
  • Passion for function-centred rehab
  • Skilled in discharge planning and equipment provision
  • Supports client autonomy through culturally responsive and socially aware practice
  • Emotional intelligence
  • Problem-solving aptitude
  • Passion for educating students and new staff

Relevant Fieldwork Experience

General Medicine & Acute Medical Assessment - Christchurch Public Hospital - 8 weeks, 2020

  • Managed comprehensive assessments and brief interventions in a time-pressured setting. Applied legislation and funding criteria in real-world clinical decisions.

Allied Health Assessment - Veterans' Affairs - 8 weeks, 2019

  • Developed understanding of working within policy frameworks in a non-clinical setting. Gained understanding and appreciation of the culture and needs of aspecific client group

Brain Injury Rehabilitation (now Adult Rehab) - Burwood Hospital - 4 weeks, 2018

  • Early exposure to cognitive and physical assessment, interdisciplinary teamwork, and clinical documentation.

Professional Registration

  • New Zealand, Registered Occupational Therapist (OTBNZ)
  • Australia, AHPRA application in progress

References

Available on request.

Timeline

Occupational Therapist - Adult Rehabilitation (Neurological Focus)

Burwood Hospital
05.2023 - Current

Occupational Therapist - Orthopaedic Rehabilitation

Burwood Hospital
10.2021 - 05.2023

Occupational Therapist - Elective Surgical Orthopaedics

Burwood Hospital
01.2021 - 10.2021

Bachelor of Occupational Therapy -

Otago Polytechnic

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