Nicola White, Occupational Therapist

Professional Experience

I qualified as an Occupational Therapist in 2005 and continued my professional development by completing postgraduate training. I have spent a majority of my career working with children with neurological and developmental disabilities, including cerebral palsy, Erb’s palsy, autism, ADHD, Down’s syndrome, chronic fatigue syndrome, visual impairment and global developmental delay. This work has been conducted in the NHS, private and charitable sectors, both in the UK and abroad.

In 2021, I formed a community interest company, Nikki White Therapy CIC. The CIC provides assessment, treatment and advice to families and young people in Cornwall via a team of occupational therapists and administration staff. As a result of this role, I have experience in providing intensive and ongoing direct treatment, training and advice (including contributing to educational and health care plans), resourcing services, recommending equipment and supporting care packages. As company director, I also have experience of recruiting health care professionals and associated HR related issues.

Prior to this I worked as a self-employed occupational therapist and as a case manager for children and adults with complex neurological conditions for 4 years. My role as a self-employed occupational therapist was similar to my current role, however without a clinic base, I completed assessment and treatment in family’s home and children’s schools. I spent a brief amount of time as a case manager, working with three young people and their families over 4 years. The needs of the families I worked with varied greatly and I gained experience in setting up and maintaining both agency and directly recruited care packages.

In 2012, I moved from London to Cornwall. My knowledge of long-term conditions and equipment led me to a role managing the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Wheelchair Service. My role included providing complex postural management and mobility assessments for both adults and children with mainly neurological based conditions. I was also an active member on the National Wheelchair Manager’s Forum. I left this role in 2017.

My roles prior to this were in the NHS, I ran assessment clinics for children with Erb’s Palsy and cerebral palsy and developed upper limb therapy and splinting services. As part of the treatment plans for these children, I provided advice on equipment for school and home. I also conducted direct therapy sessions, as well as trained carers and parents to complete therapeutic activities.

Professional Development

I have completed post graduate training in sensory integration, postural management and upper limb splinting. In 2013 I completed my MSc in Occupational Therapy, studying modules in Challenging Behaviour and Neurorehabilitation.

In 2017 I completed my postgraduate certificate in Sensory Integration and qualified as an Advanced Practitioner of Ayres Sensory Integration in 2019.