Jane Beasley
Occupational Therapist, Intensive Family Support Program, Gold Coast
Jane is a registered Occupational Therapist and has recently celebrated six years at Act for Kids. She has worked in paediatric occupational therapy for over 15 years and has a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy from the University of Queensland. Her particular interest is in sensory profiling in response to trauma experiences, with a major passion in addressing neglect related delays, particularly in babies and toddlers.
What is Occupational Therapy?
Occupational Therapists work with people of all ages who are unable to participate fully in their everyday lives due to accident illness, disability or circumstance.Occupational Therapy with children aims to improve childrens motor skills and ability to perform everyday activities. It may include work on both fine and gross motor skills, sensory preferences, visual perceptual skills and activities of daily living.
Please take me through a usual day
My working day starts by checking my emails and then I need to prepare for either a group or individual treatment planning. I spend part of my day co-facilitating our two-hour therapeutic group programs, specifically for three to five year olds that are impacted by trauma and abuse. We also have regular panel meetings where we review cases and discuss joint therapy clients within our multidisciplinary team, focussing on goals and interventions that will assist the child and family. As an Occupational Therapist, it is my job to ensure that individualised therapy programs are developed and completed which includes comprehensive assessment and reporting, and working collaboratively with other agencies to enhance client needs.
What drew you to this role?
The chance to work closely with young children who were disadvantaged and provide therapy services that will help to make a lifelong difference in their lives.
What do you hope to achieve?
Better long term outcomes in terms of quality of life, ability, and meaningful relationships for the children I work with.
Please share an achievement, highlight or something youre really proud of about your work
My highlight is to see children develop a sense that they are worthwhile, are able to achieve more and are able to make and sustain relationships with others.
What was your favourite thing about being a kid?
Family time, fun and knowing that I was loved no matter what.