Blossom is a small team of Specialist level Occupational Therapists, most of the team have a minimum of 5 years post graduate experience. We are very lucky to also have the additional expertise of two Specialist Speech and Language Therapists who we are able to complete some joint assessments with. The team has a range of specialities and favourite areas of clinical practice which allows us to cover the various needs of children and their families.
We also have a Therapy Dog that can be used to support some therapeutic intervention’s or assessments where felt to be appropriate. All staff have an Enhanced DBS check that is current as well as Safeguarding training. The team are all Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) registered.
Rachael Gartland
Clinical Director | Advanced Paediatric Occupational Therapist | Sensory Integration Practitioner | Certified Sensory Attachment Therapist
I am the director of Blossom and first started out in independent practice in 2017. Since then, work has been increasing and I have therefore been able to develop a small ‘hand picked’ team of like minded professionals who can follow my work ethic and ensure quality support for children. It is extremely important to me that all of the families and professional that we work with receive the same service regardless of the team member who works with them. I am married and have two children myself so understand the importance of supporting children to achieve their full potential whatever that might be.
I qualified as an Occupational Therapist in 2010 and since then have worked within the field of Paediatrics. I have been passionate about working with children for many years and believe that early intervention is very important. I am very enthusiastic about my work and find that supporting children to achieve daily tasks which others may take for granted to be very satisfying.
Clinical areas of interest:
- Trauma and attachment
- Sensory processing
- Autism, specifically female presentation
Rosie Pole
Advanced Paediatric Occupational Therapist | Sensory Integration Practitioner | Certified Children’s Yoga Teacher
Rosie qualified as Paediatric Occupational Therapist in 2016 and specialises in the field of Paediatrics . As a Occupational Therapist, Rosie specialises in working with children and young people with conditions such as Autism, ADHD, Learning Disabilities and associated Sensory Processing Difficulties. Rosie is passionate about her role and is committed to learning and developing further as a skilled OT. Prior to working in the Paediatric field, Rosie worked with acute medical conditions as part of an Occupational Therapist rehabiliation team. Rosie has a strong personal interest in using yoga for well being and is now a qualified children’s yoga teacher.
Clinical areas of interest:
- Neurodevelopmental conditions
- Sensory processing
- Yoga for well being
Jenny Meyer
Advanced Occupational Therapist | Sensory Integration Practitioner | Specialist Literacy Teacher
Jenny joined team Blossom in January 2022. She has been qualified as an Occupational Therapist since 2010. Since qualifying, Jenny has been working in the field of paediatrics in the community as well as within a specialist school in London for those with additional needs.
Clinical areas of interest:
- Neurodevelopmental conditions and associated sensory processing
- Dyslexia
- Handwriting
Lauren Shepherd
Advanced Paediatric Occupational Therapist | Sensory Integration Practitioner | Sensory Attachment Therapist
Lauren qualified as a an Occupational Therapist in 2004 at the University of Salford. Since becoming an Occupational Therapist, Lauren has had experience in a Mental Health Hospital as well as many children’s services across Australia and the UK. Lauren therefore has a wealth of knowledge within Children’s Occupational Therapy.
Lauren particularly enjoys working with families of children who are adopted and supporting their co-regulation whilst strengthening attachment. She also enjoys working with pre-verbal children supporting their access to learning and play through the senses.
Clinical areas of interest:
- Trauma and attachment
- Learning Disability
Sophie Riches
Paediatric Occupational Therapist | Psychology degree (BSc)
Sophie recently qualified as an Occupational Therapist after completing the Apprenticeship route for 3 years in a local NHS mental health service. Prior to studying Occupational Therapy she completed a psychology degree. She therefore has a wealth of knowledge in mental health and well-being.
Sophie previously attended a work placement with our team as part of her occupational therapy training and supported many children as part of this process.
Sophie is working in schools, completing assessments and also individual therapy with children.
Anna Aldersley
Advanced Speech and Language Therapist
Sensory Integration Practitioner
Anna qualified as a Speech and Language Therapist in 2004, she has worked across multiple settings in both NHS and private sectors.
She has a specialist interest in working with children and young people with social, emotional and mental health needs (SEMH). She has a particular interest in attachment, trauma and sensory needs and the impact of these on the developmental of communication.
Clinical areas of interest:
- Social, emotional mental health impacting behaviour
- Trauma and attachment
- Social communication
Libby Fraterrigo
Specialist Speech and Language Therapist
Libby qualified in 2012 and has been working in the NHS specialising in Paediatrics. Libby specialises in complex communication needs and is able to support children who are developing their early communication and interaction skills. She also specialises in supporting eating, drinking and swallowing difficulties as well as providing advice for children with avoidant or restrictive eating.
Clinical areas of interest:
- Complex communication needs
- Augmentative and Alternative communication (AAC)
- Eating, drinking and swallowing difficulties
Kerry McNee
Administrator / Office Coordinator
Kerry has recently joined the Blossom team in January 2022. She is a very important member of the team who acts as our ‘front of house’ and the first point of contact to support and sign post our families / professionals. Kerry responds to all initial enquires, organises waiting lists, diary bookings as well as managing the invoicing. Kerry is keen to help anyone and will do her best to advise or answers your questions providing they are not clinical; in which case she will find out the answer for you from one of the therapists. Kerry works part time hours so will respond to emails and phone calls as soon as possible.
JULIE
Senior Occupational Therapy Assistant
Julie is a qualified Nursery Nurse and works for our team as an Occupational Therapy Assistant. Julie has over 25 years experience within this field and enjoys working in schools completing therapy packages with children. Julie works with the Occupational Therapists to ensure she completes suitable therapy packages uses the assessment outcomes.
Clinical areas of interest:
- Interoception and regulation
- Motor skill development
- Small groups
Ella
Specialist SEMH Therapy Dog
Ella is a popular member of our team! She is a qualified therapy dog with additional training in supporting children with Social Emotional Mental Health difficulties. Ella loves meeting new children and particularly enjoys helping those with anxiety to transition into the clinic safely and comfortably. Ella is a Bichon Frise, her breed means that she is hypoallergenic for those with allergies and also has a calm, gentle and loving temperament. Ella will offer support in some of the therapy sessions only where suitable for the child and their specific goals. She will also be available in some assessments to reduce anxiety and aid engagement if this is appropriate.
Interacting with a friendly dog can help many physical and mental health issues. It can help reduce blood pressure and improve overall cardiovascular health. It can also release endorphins that produce a calming effect. This can help alleviate pain, reduce stress, and improve overall psychological state.
