Occupational Therapist

Olivia Broadley

I love that OT is about seeing the person for who they are. I love the creativity and problem-solving involved in finding what works for each individual and working alongside them and their families to build confidence, independence and make a difference in the things they care about most.

Some Fun Facts About Olivia

Where were you born / Where did you grow up?  I was born in England but grew up in Cape Town, South Africa.

 

What did you love to do as a kid?  I was definitely an outdoors kid!  I loved anything active: horse riding; skiing; wakeboarding; climbing; biking; exploring; and pretty much anything that involved going fast or getting muddy.

 

What did you want to be when you were growing up?  For a long time I wanted to be a wildlife vet.

 

What is your favourite food?  Chocolate on chocolate, with a side of chocolate.

 

Where is your favourite holiday destination?  I love going to the South African bush or beaches.

 

Where in the world would you like to go where you haven’t been before?  I would love to go snorkelling and diving in Fiji.

 

What is your life motto?  Stay curious.  Find the magic in the mundane.

Olivia has a particular interest in regulation, connection, self advocacy and neuroaffirming practice.  She believes that when children feel safe, understood and connected, they’re in the best position to learn, grow and participate in the things that matter to them.

Olivia enjoys working alongside families, educators and multidisciplinary teams to understand each child’s unique strengths, needs and ways of experiencing the world.  She’s passionate about helping children develop self-awareness and the confidence to understand and communicate what they need in ways that are meaningful to them.

Her approach is strengths-based and collaborative, grounded in the belief that differences should be understood and respected rather than changed.  Ultimately, Olivia’s goal is to help children not only participate in the activities that matter to them, but also to develop their understanding, confidence and voice to shape their own lives and advocate for what they need to thrive within environments where they can be their authentic selves.

Olivia graduated from the University of Cape Town with a BSc in Occupational Therapy.  After working within a hospital setting in South Africa she spent the next 8 years as a paediatric Occupational Therapist in specialist schools and mental health facilities in London, England.

Olivia has achieved further qualifications in:

  • Certified ASD Clinical Specialist
  • Senior Mental Health Lead – UK Schools
  • Trauma and Attachment Essentials for Complex Clients
  • The Body Keeps Score – Intensive Trauma Course
  • DOR-Floortime 101
  • SCERTS Model
  • Therapeutic Listening – Vital Links Practitioner
  • Rebound Therapy Practitioner
  • Postgraduate Sensory Integration Practitioner

 

Olivia works from our Cleveland clinic.