Caitlin Stephens
OT
Hello, my name is Caitlin, and I am an OT.
I studied at the University of KwaZulu-Natal in Durban, South Africa and qualified in 2017.
I specialise in paediatric Occupational Therapy and have completed various courses including the theory module of Ayres Sensory Integration with SAISI as well as a course on How to be an Enabling Therapist in a Multi-Sensory Therapeutic Environment (sensory rooms) by Beit Issie Shapiro.
I have been practicing as an OT for 6 years currently and have loved every second, even the tough times have made me an even stronger and more dynamic Occupational Therapist. I have loved every session with my learners, as I always make therapy FUNctional, as we OTs do!
My journey as an OT after qualifying includes working in a hospital in South Africa as part of my internship for a year, I then worked in a special education government school in Johannesburg for learners with severe intellectual difficulties, and I was the head of junior therapy (ages 7-11) for 3 years before moving to the UK in October 2022!
Since then, I have worked in many schools across London with Words First. I have the opportunity to grow as a therapist, and help many learners engage in meaningful activities to achieve their maximum potential through therapy.
My special area of interests within the OT world are Early Childhood Intervention, including development of gross/fine motor skills and handwriting, as well as sensory integration and processing.
I am passionate about working in schools and in particular, Early Years, as I believe I can help learners and staff as well as parents to create goals and therapeutic programs early on to prevent the onset of further difficulties, and for the child to engage in everyday life with purpose and potential.
In my spare time, I enjoy walks on the beach (mainly at home in Durban) but here in London, I have loved going to parks and reading a good book, coffee and brunches with friends and going to gym. I absolutely love experimenting in the kitchen and trying out new dishes. I am also currently learning French in my spare time!
I asked someone quite close to me to describe me in 3 words and he responded with: ādedicated, empathetic and generousā.
