Nichola Quarmby

I finished my Occupational Therapy degree from the University of Stellenbosch, South Africa in 2021. I then worked in a tertiary hospital in a rural part of KwaZulu Natal where I gained experience in a lot of different aspects of Occupational Therapy. Following that, I did a Master’s degree in Entrepreneurship & Innovation at the University of Edinburgh in 2024, but I missed the hands-on work that I did as an Occupational Therapist. I am really interested in paediatric occupational therapy with a special interest in getting exposure to different aspects of Sensory Integration. I especially love working with children because I get to bring out the inner child in me as I get to them to engage in fun activities. I also love the collaborative approach that Words First uses where we integrate strategies not only in 1:1 Occupational therapy sessions but in the classroom and at home as well.

The Words First value that resonates with me is ‘to have the students best interest at heart’ as I believe that if we make any decision that is best for the child, then that’s the right decision.

I am originally from South Africa so I love being outside and in the sea! Whether that is hiking, swimming, surfing or scuba diving, you will most likely catch me outside. I also love spending time with my family and friends. If you had to call my best friends and ask them to describe me in three words, I think they would say that I am loyal, kind and fun (and that I am obsessed with country music).