Our Team

Kay earned her First Class Honours Degree in Physiotherapy from India in 2001 and was at the top her graduating class. She then went on to do a Post Graduate Diploma in Rehabilitation where she graduated with First Class. She was awarded the Cardiff University Law School Bond Solon Expert Witness Certificate for Civil Law and Procedures in December 2015. Kay is a qualified expert professional witness and writes medicolegal reports for the process of court proceedings as per civil procedure rules and part 35 of practice direction for experts. Alongside, she runs a busy independent therapy practice assessing and treating children and young adults with complex neurological and orthopaedic conditions.

Kay worked as a Specialist Physiotherapist in orthopaedic and limb reconstruction team at Sheffield Children& Hospital, where she worked closely with the orthopaedic team managing paediatric orthopaedic, limb reconstruction and spinal conditions. She also worked at York Hospitals NHS and Lancaster NHS Trusts and developed management pathways for children with developmental co-ordination difficulties, worked closely with the orthopaedic team managing idiopathic tip toes walkers, managed by serial casting and post-Botox rehabilitation for children with cerebral palsy. She started private work in April 2011 as team lead in an independent therapy practice. She was involved in establishing the paediatric service, managing a complex case load and long term rehabilitation of patients in a multidisciplinary set up. Her role involved referral triage, assessment, training, service development and treatment. During this period, she worked closely with Consultants, case managers and legal teams across the Yorkshire and Lancashire regions providing specialist physiotherapy service to children and young people with acquired neurological conditions, head injuries, multiple trauma in various personal injury and clinical negligence cases.

Kay has the following post graduate training

• Cardiff University Law School Bond Solon Expert Witness Certificate
• Bobath Training
• Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES)
• Electrical stimulation and muscle therapy system
• Elastic Therapeutic Taping in Paediatrics
• Managing Challenging and Difficult Patient Interactions
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
• Paediatric Advanced Gait Analysis and Orthotic Management with AFO Footwear Combination
• Ilizarov Pre and Postoperative Rehabilitation
• Sports Injury Management in Children and Adolescents
• Paediatric Get on the Ball Training
• Postural Management and use of Specialist Equipment in Paediatric Neurodisability
• Hydrotherapy for Children with Complex Neurological Conditions and Learning Difficulties.
• Saebo Trained for Prescription and Hand Training Function Using Functional Dynamic Orthoses like Saebo Flex, Saebo Glove.
• Rehabilitation Approach in Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy
• Paediatric Brain Injury Rehabilitation
• Brain Tumors and its management
• Yoga in Neurological Rehabilitation

Kay is registered with:
Health and Care Professionals Council (HCPC)

Member of:

• Chartered Society of Physiotherapist (CSP)
• Association of Chartered Paediatric Physiotherapists (APCP)
• Medico legal Association of Chartered Physiotherapists (MLACP)
• Association of Chartered Physiotherapists with interest in Neurology (ACPIN)
• Association of Chartered Physiotherapists with interest in Vestibular Rehabilitation (ACPVIR)

Kay says, “Working over the years with children with special needs and their families, I have developed deep understanding and passion for this profession. Working with complex neurological patients with catastrophic injuries can be extremely challenging both physically and emotionally. We offer a very friendly yet professional service not just to target physical difficulties but also help management of cognitive and behaviour issues. Kay proudly claims, “The key to successful rehabilitation starts from building up relationship with our client, motivate, persevere and working together towards agreed goals. I feel extremely proud of my profession with every little difference that I can bring to a patient’s life and it is certainly worth all the effort”

Karolina qualified as a physiotherapist in 2003 from the Medical School in Wroclaw, Poland in 2005. She pursued masters in Physiotherapy and Research from Coventry University in 2011. She completed degree in Sports Therapy and Medical Injury from Bedfordshire University, where she worked as Sports Therapist for Luton Football Club (juniors) for over a year. In 2008 she was awarded certificate in Rehabilitation and Research in Medicine from Medical University in Nottingham. Karolina joined Healing Touch Physiotherapy in November 2015 as a specialist neurological physiotherapist covering a wide geographical area around Manchester, Preston, Chorley, Leyland, Southport, Ormskirk, Bolton, Wigan and Warrington. She is now an established independent practitioner in the specialist field of neuro vestibular rehabilitation. Within the NHS, Karolina is currently working as an advanced practitioner and Consultant Physiotherapist  providing clinical assessment for patient with post covid-19 symptoms, chronic pain, neurological and vestibular assessment. She  is the responsible senior  clinician specialising in neurological assessment and rehabilitation for the outpatient department. In her previous roles, she has worked as the lead clinician in community care for the patients with complex needs.

Karolina has been involved in many projects within NHS including setting up falls prevention teams with the new falls prevention groups. She has completed research project based on the influence of the high falls exercise group on the older population, influence of visuo-occular therapy intervention in vestibular cases, postural management and influence of AFO on the gait management programme.

Besides her outstanding academic achievements, Karolina has the following post graduate training:

• Bobath training for adults and children
• Paediatric training on vestibular rehabilitation
• Migraine management
• Vestibular rehabilitation
• Neurological update on stroke, multiple sclerosis, motor neuron disease and Parkinson’s disease
• Training on AFO and rehabilitation technology
• Pilates for neurological condition in adults and children
• Pain management
• Advanced amputee training and prosthetic leg rehabilitation
• Orthopaedic ankle foot surgery and rehabilitation
• Orthopaedic surgery and rehabilitation outcome
• Cognitive behavioural therapy
• Functional electrical stimulation
• Advanced pain management training
• Advanced Respiratory Assessment
• Clinical Skills Training
• Leadership training
• Medico legal training

Karolina is registered with

• Health and Care Professionals Council (HCPC)

Member of

• Chartered Society of Physiotherapist (CSP)
• Medico legal Association of Chartered Physiotherapists (MLACP)
• Association of Chartered Physiotherapists interested in Vestibular Rehabilitation

Karolina claims, “I am passionate about my role as a specialist physiotherapist and the changes I can bring to my clients’ lives, making them independent. I strongly believe that every individual has an ability to achieve irrespective of their physical or cognitive difficulties. We are here to work with you and help you succeed!”

Amanda then spent 9 years developing through an NHS Children’s Therapies team, progressing from a Junior Physiotherapist, up through to Advanced Physiotherapist and Team Leader. Amanda has gained a wide range of skills and experiences working with children aged 0-19, and their families, in their homes, clinics and schools, to improve quality of life and reaching a child’s full potential, in both the management of rehabilitation from injury, including spinal cord injuries/traumatic brain injuries, and with managing long term or life limiting conditions such as cerebral palsy, rare genetic conditions, complex medical conditions and muscular dystrophies. Amanda also spent a year supporting the Adult Learning Disability Team. She has previously lead service development of postural management pathways and clinical lead for the hydrotherapy provision in both special school settings and in mainstream services.
Amanda is involved in assessment, writing detailed reports with recommendation and offering treatment using hydrotherapy and land based procedures. She is involved in manual handling assessment, training staff, carers and family around the injured client, support and equipment provision. Amanda leads our paediatric rehabilitation team and is responsible for coordinating and overseeing the delivery of comprehensive care to children with neurological conditions. She is involved in managing our multidisciplinary team, including clinical therapists, assistant rehab practitioners and personal trainers to ensure integrated and personalised treatment plans, maintaining high standards of clinical practice, facilitating ongoing education and training, and fostering effective communication among team members, patients, and their families. Additionally, she plays a crucial role in developing and implementing policies, monitoring patient progress, and conducting regular evaluations to optimise therapeutic outcomes.

Besides her academic achievement, Amanda has the following post graduate training:

• Evidence-Based Practical Application for the Treatment of Cerebral Palsy for
  physiotherapists
• Introduction to Bobath
• Rebound Therapy
• Pilates for children with neurological disorders
• Cerebral palsy integrated pathway
• Symmetrikit postural care – 24 hour postural management
• Halliwick Association of Swimming Therapy Foundation Course
• Gym ball training for neurological disorders
• Spinal muscular atrophy – developments and physiotherapeutic intervention
• Clinical educators training
• Christy screening tool for cerebral palsy
• Epilepsies in childhood
• Court report writing
• APCP Neurodisability Committee Practical Workshop – Electrical Stimulation for Partnership in practice, advances in the management of cerebral palsy annual
  conference.
• Introduction to therapeutic riding
• Massage for relaxation
• Basic Makaton
• Intensive interaction
• Leading with compassion

Amanda is registered with:

• Health and Care Professionals Council (HCPC)

Member of:

• Chartered Society of Physiotherapist (CSP)
• Association of Chartered Paediatric Physiotherapists (APCP)

Amanda says, “It is a privilege to be in a position where I can work with clients and make a true and lasting difference to their lives. To be in a position where I can witness first hand, the real life impact of medical and therapeutic advances and incorporate this with evidence based practice, is so exciting to be a part of, and is the most rewarding job to have. This drives me to provide a high standard of care and optimising outcomes for the individuals I work with.”

Vanessa joined Healing Touch Rehab in August 2017 covering a wide geographical area around Yorkshire and Humberside including York, Hull, Scunthorpe, Doncaster, Rotherham, Grimsby, Immingham, Cleethorpes, Lincoln and the neighbouring areas. Vanessa works closely with the injured child and the multidisciplinary team around him to offer a high standard of care. She is involved in assessment and management of children and young adults with complex neurological condition like cerebral palsy, acquired brain injury, spinal cord injury, genetic conditions and degenerative conditions. Vanessa believes in working with children in a setting where they will enjoy and excel, whether this involves treatment at home, school or out in the community doing activities like Trike, swimming or engaging in leisure and sports activities. She is involved in supervision and training staff, family and carers involved with the injured child. She works closely with the wider multi-disciplinary team including orthotists, wheelchair providers, specialist equipment providers and technology specialists as well as medical consultants, in order to achieve the best outcome for each child.

As part of her community role, she is required to carry out respiratory physiotherapy care for patients who have or at risk of developing chest infections and at a risk of developing pneumonia. Vanessa involved in training teaching staff, carers and parents/ family on techniques to carry out respiratory physiotherapy such as cupping, vibrations, and use of a palm cups, postural drainage on more profound patients. On more mobile patients this would include active cycle of breathing techniques and child friendly activities football to increase lung expansion, removal of secretions, aid coughing and enable with opening of the collateral airways.

Her role involves assessment and management of profound complex patients who are tracheostomy ventilated, require intermittent suctioning and have a robust chest clearance plan. She provides regular respiratory physiotherapy care and support their care package by offering training for teaching staff, carers, parents and family so they can become competent in the patient’s respiratory care management and plan is incorporated in the child’s daily routine. Chest physiotherapy plans, instructions and assessment of equipment to aid lung expansion and postural drainage are devised for the care package to enable and maximise the process of rehabilitation.

Besides her academic achievement, Vanessa has the following post graduate training:

• Spinal Muscular Atrophy Training
• CPIPUK In- Service Training
• Therapy Outcome Measure Workshop
• Postural Care Course
• Wheelchair Prescriber training
• Neuromuscular Training
• Neuromuscular Respiratory Management
• Physiotherapy Management of the Respiratory Patient
• Hemi Help Professionals Conference
• Postural Management of Adults and Children with Complex Disabilities.
• Clinical Educators Course
• Leckey Technical Training
• Orthotics Training
• Simple Stuff works- Sleep System Training

Vanessa is registered with:

• Health and Care Professionals Council (HCPC)

Member of:

• Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP)
• Association of Chartered Paediatric Physiotherapists (APCP)

Vanessa says ‘I feel delighted to a part of this team. Helping children and young people develop and achieve with therapy is what I enjoy and is an integral part of my career. I strongly believe in my client’s ability to improve and achieve irrespective of age of their injury and their existing abilities.’

Anna studied at King’s College London and graduated with an Upper-Second Class BSc Physiotherapy Degree in 2007. She worked as a junior physiotherapist in the North East of England before returning to London where she worked at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust for 4 and half years. During this period, Anna worked across many fields of physiotherapy including inpatient and community intermediate care, falls management both in a primary care falls clinic and within an Older Person’s Assessment Unit, musculoskeletal outpatients, women’s health, hydrotherapy for ankylosing spondylitis, obstetrics and neurological conditions, neuro-medical inpatients, critical care rehabilitation, acute cardiac and respiratory management and stroke rehabilitation.

Since 2014 Anna has worked for the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery (NHNN) in London. The NHNN is a tertiary centre offering multi-disciplinary services for adults with highly specialist cognitive, psychological, social and physical needs from across the Nation. She worked within the National Rehabilitation Unit, the Neuromuscular Complex Care Centre, the neurosurgical and neuromedical wards, outpatients for neurological and vestibular disorders and the hyper-acute stroke unit. Within the NHS Anna worked as a lead physiotherapist on a bed-based intermediate care unit managing a team of therapists, undertaking regular systematic teaching, supervision and appraisals with all of them and working closely with the multi-disciplinary team. She has led various service development projects including an audit of the intermediate care referral system across a large Borough of London, a service user review of a neuromedical outlier service and the setting up of an evidence-based intervention for the management of lower limb arthritis within the community. Whilst working for Guy’s and St Thomas’ she held lectures and seminars for the MSc students at King’s College London on a variety of neurological topics.

In London Anna participated in an observational and feasibility study of the prevalence of Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) in an outpatient setting for older adults. Her role was to perform gold standard assessment techniques in addition to usual care to all new patients who met the inclusion criteria and to treat those that were positively identified to have BPPV with the appropriate re-positioning manoeuvres. The study was later published in the Physiotherapy Journal in 2015. In 2016 Anna trained as a yoga teacher which she now uses as an adjunct to her holistic physiotherapy approach.

Besides her outstanding academic achievements, Anna has the following post graduate training:

• Exploring the Neuroscientific Basis of Neurophysiotherapy
• The Dizzy Course – A Multidisciplinary Approach
• The Role of the Cerebellum
• Regional BPPV Seminars
• International Neuro Physiotherapy Conference
• Introductory Bobath Training
• Vestibular Rehabilitation
• Trained Yoga Teacher

Anna is registered with:

• Health and Care Professionals Council (HCPC)

Member of:

• Chartered Society of Physiotherapist (CSP)
• Medico legal Association of Chartered Physiotherapists (MLACP)
• Association of Chartered Physiotherapists interested in Vestibular Rehabilitation

Anna moved to Leeds to live with her partner and to build a career within the private sector as a Specialist Neuro-Physiotherapist and an Ashtanga,Vinyasa Flow and Yin Yoga Teacher in early 2017 and joined Healing Touch Physiotherapy in April 2017 as a specialist physiotherapist covering a wide geographical area around Leeds, Bradford, Ilkley, Skipton, York, Hull, Pontefract, Wakefield, Doncaster and Sheffield. Anna’s passion has always been working with people to help them understand their bodies, break through barriers and achieve their goals. She says that “the joy I get from seeing people progress is the best part of my job and is so rewarding!!”.

With extensive clinical and leadership experience, Angela has been an integral member of a specialist NHS multi-disciplinary team for 12 years. Here her passion developed in advocating the physiotherapy-related physical and mental health needs of adults with learning disabilities.

Angela is currently working as a Clinical Specialist & Paediatric Physiotherapist with South Tees NHS Foundation Trust supporting children and young people aged 4-19 years with learning and physical disabilities including severe and complex needs. She is passionate about supporting both the family’s and care team’s training needs in delivering 24-hour postural care, basic respiratory care, use of specialist equipment and delivering person-centred physiotherapy care.

Her role at Healing Touch Rehab includes assessment, writing detailed reports with recommendation and offering treatment using hydrotherapy and land based procedures. She is involved in manual handling assessment, training staff, carers and family around the injured client, support and equipment provision with our clients with complex needs.

Angela covers North Yorkshire and North East region supporting children and young adults with complex neurological injuries, ABI and spinal injuries.

Besides her academic achievement, Angela has the following post graduate training:

• Augmentative and Alternative Communication
• Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders and Ehlers Danlos Syndromes.
• ATACP Accredited Foundation Course in Aquatic Therapy.
• Sensory Integration Module 1 – Foundations and Neuroscience
• Sensory Integration Module 2 – Clinical Reasoning in SI: Assessment
• Cerebral Palsy Integrated Pathway assessment
• Bobath – Introductory management for the treatment and management of children with Cerebral Palsy
• Bobath – Introductory management for adults.
• Oxford Centre for Enablement Training – Posture management for adults and children with complex disabilities.
• APPI – Australian Physiotherapy & Pilates Institute – Matwork level 1
• APPI – Australian Physiotherapy & Pilates Institute – Matwork Kids & Teens.
• Sports Massage – Level 3 Diploma.
• Safeguarding children level 3.

Registered with:

• Health and Care Professionals Council (HCPC)

Member of:

• Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP)
• Association of Chartered Paediatric Physiotherapists (ACPC)

Angela says: “I regard myself as a passionate, pro-active and person-centred physiotherapist. I endeavour to meet the needs of each individual, supporting them with their aims and aspirations, with a holistic approach”.

Lauren is passionate about equipping individuals who have Speech, language and Communication needs with the skills to overcome and manage their challenges. Over the years she has trained families and professionals in understanding communication in order to support and develop the communication abilities of the individuals they work with, and has been highly commended for her work within this area.

As a Licentiate of Trinity College London (Formally Trinity Guildhall), Lauren has integrated taught communication interventions and Speech and Language therapy across all ages. Lauren has supported a number of schools in re-evaluating their learning environments to create inclusive learning environments for all their students, enabling many children with additional needs to stay in mainstream education.

Professional Responsibilities

• Identifying, evaluating and treating a range of speech, language and communication difficulties/disorders with the use of up-to-date and regular formal/informal assessment.
• Diagnosing and treating complex Speech, language and communication needs.
• Formulating evidenced-based, holistic treatment programmes, suitable for differing needs and abilities.
• Working closely with carers and healthcare/education professional (Including joint working and training).
• Assessing communication environments in order to monitor and evaluate clients’ progress.
• Teaching communication skills, and where appropriate advising on alternative communication strategies.
• Implementing the use of outcome measure to monitor progress.
• To write Education Health Care plans, and also construct accurate and detailed reports to support the on-going review of education health care plans

Besides her academic achievement, Lauren has the following post graduate training:

• Makaton
• Picture Exchange Communication Systems (PEC’s)
• Social Communication Emotional Regulation Transactional Support (SCERTS)
• Autism diagnostic observation schedule (ADOS). 

Lauren is registered with: HCPC – Health Care Professionals Council

Member of:  RCSLT – Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists

Lauren says , “ As a paediatric speech and language therapist, I’m passionate about making a difference in the lives of children and their families, by helping children to achieve their potential through communication. If you’re a parent or caregiver who’s concerned about your child’s speech or language skills, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Together, we can help your child thrive.”

Having graduated from Lancaster University with First Class honours BA Linguistics in 2012, Rebecca went on to study BSc Clinical Language Sciences (Speech and Language Therapy) at Leeds Beckett University later that same year. Whilst studying, Rebecca was awarded the Tavistock Trust for Aphasia Student Prize and Leeds Beckett University Student Project Prize. She graduated with First Class honours in 2015, and later that year completed the MSc module; Clinical Practice in Dysphagia, going on to achieve her clinical dysphagia competencies. 

Whilst working in the NH,  Rebecca has been a leader of change. She is motivated by high clinical standards and is passionate about advocating for best care. Rebecca has worked to improve speech and language service provision for adults with communication and swallowing needs, including leading projects such as; a community dysphagia rapid response service, piloting an expiratory muscle strength training service, establishing a national speech and language practice network, multiple support worker training initiatives and establishing community pathways for people eating and drinking with acknowledged risk. 

Most recently, Rebecca has worked as team lead for community neurology with a specialism in motor neurone disease and palliative care. This experience has developed her interests in alternative and augmentative communication, maintaining and maximising swallow function in progressive conditions, mental capacity assessment and advance care planning.

Besides her academic achievement, Rebecca has the following post graduate training:

• MSc Clinical Practice in Dysphagia – Leeds Beckett University 
• Cervical Auscultation – Leeds Community Healthcare In-service 
• Community Crisis Management – Montagu Clinical Simulation Centre
• Advanced Dysphagia Practice – Sheffield Hallam University 
• Placement Practice Educator Training – Leeds Beckett University 
• Expiratory Muscle Strength Training – Harrogate and District Foundation Trust In-service 
• Edinburgh Cognitive and Behavioural ALS Screen Certified –  University of Edinburgh
• Advance Care Planning Conference – MND Association 
• Advance Care Planning Conference – St Christopher’s Hospice
• Talking Mats Certified – Talking Mats 
• Motivational Interviewing – Harrogate and District Foundation Trust 

Key areas of expertise: 

• Assessment and diagnosis of complex speech, language and communication needs, dysarthria/motor speech, aphasia and cognitive communication disorders.
• Assessment and diagnosis of complex eating, drinking and swallowing needs;
• Functional, client-led and evidence based treatment planning;
• SMART goal setting and progress monitoring via outcome measure;
• Maintenance, rehabilitation and compensatory therapeutic approaches;
• Facilitating and leading mental capacity assessment;
• Training and supporting care networks including families, care settings and staff;
• Multidisciplinary team working;
• Advance care planning.

Rebecca is registered with:

• Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)

Member of:

• Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists.

Rebecca says “I feel passionately about speech and language therapy and the ways in which our profession can enhance the independence, social participation and wellbeing of people living with communication and swallowing difficulties. I am really thrilled to be a part of Healing Touch Rehab and working with the team to help clients achieve their potential.’

Helga is experienced working across the community and in clinical setting within Intensive Rehabilitation, treating a wide variety of Neurological conditions including Stroke, Traumatic Brain Injury, Spinal Cord Injuries, Progressive Disease, Parkinson’s Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, and other related conditions.

She also has experience in Respiratory, Amputee Rehabilitation, Musculo-skeletal/Orthopaedic injuries and Hydrotherapy, Paediatrics with wide neurological conditions and special needs including trisomy 21, Cerebral Palsy, Rett Syndrome and Aicardi-Goutières syndrome.

Helga is passionate in helping her patients achieve their full potential, motivated to continue maintaining and developing treatment approaches to ensure limits are not placed on patient’s progress. She is guided by individual’s goals and therapy input in a manner that suits their needs and life-style.

Besides her academic achievement, Helga has the following post graduate training:

• Course in Spinal cord injuries
• Course in Baby massage
• Development and planning support patients and families with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
• Training course in Dementia and Cognitive issues
• Training course in Huntington’s Disease
• Lecture on Hip and knee Update Training
• Rock tape: Functional Movement tapping Seminar Neuro level 1
• Vestibular Assessment, treatment & Rehabilitation
• Lower Limb Gait Analysis: Application and practice presented by Glenis Donaldson, Deborah O’Connor & Anna Knowles
• Challenging Dizziness – Advanced Vestibular Assessment & Rehabilitation by Alan Sealy
• Neuromuscular Energising Techniques – Movement analysis and handling techniques
• Acute Stroke
• Orthopaedics series: Back pain and cauda Equine
• Hemiplegic shoulder pain: current best practice and research update
• Hand rehabilitation
• Team Leader Skills Training – Lead Academy
• Parkinson’s Disease and falls – ACPIN
• Neuroplasticity – Masterclass training course

Helga is registered with:

• Health and Care Professionals Council (HCPC)

Member of:

• Chartered Society of Physiotherapist (CSP)
• Association of Chartered Physiotherapists Interested in Neurology (ACPIN).
  ​

Helga’s special interests are:

Stroke, Acquired Brain Injury, Spinal Injuries, , Cerebral palsy, Parkinson’s Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Motor Neurone Disease, Functional Neurological Disorder, Cerebral Ataxia, Guillain Barre Syndrome, trips and falls prevention, Hand rehabilitation and Spinal Injuries.

Helga says: “My focus is on building good relationship with my patients by adopting a friendly yet professional approach providing motivation, believing that strong team work, between patient/therapist produces the best results.

The key of my success beyond my experience, is my ability to empathise and communicate effectively with people, exploring patient potential, persistence to achieve patient goals, combining passion and knowledge to care.

Helga speaks English, Portuguese and Spanish.

After completing her core Band 5 rotations within the NHS, Lauren specialised as a Band 6 Learning Disability Physiotherapist with the Harrogate Community Learning Disability Team. Alongside this role, Lauren worked as an Associate Community Physiotherapist for a specialist neurological physiotherapy practice. In January 2023 Lauren moved wholly into private practice, working at two special needs further education colleges, helping to enhance their physiotherapy provision. This included postural care, hydrotherapy, rebound therapy, adapted tai chi, yoga and mindful movement. Lauren worked with the education teams to embed daily physiotherapy within their curriculum.

Lauren is an active member of the Aquatic Therapy Association of Chartered Physiotherapists (ATACP) and has over a decade of experience of hydrotherapy with children and adults with neurological conditions. Lauren has recently qualified as a Level 1 Halliwick Instructor, also enabling her to teach swimming for individuals with disabilities.

Lauren is trained in Rebound Therapy (therapeutic trampolining) for people with physical and learning disabilities and enjoys being creative and putting the ‘fun’ into therapy. Most recently Lauren has completed training in Bobath therapy for children with cerebral palsy to enhance her therapeutic handling and treatment skills.

Lauren is committed to evidence-based practice, regular training as part of continuous professional development and believes in maximising individual clients’ potential through a holistic and collaborative approach.

Her role at Healing Touch Rehab involves assessment and management of profound complex patients within the community and managing their long term rehabilitation needs. Lauren covers Leeds and Yorkshire region supporting children and young adults with complex neurological injuries, ABI and spinal injuries. She is actively involved in advice and training to care teams and support complex care packages, working collaboratively around wider multidisciplinary teams.

Besides her academic achievement, Lauren has the following post graduate training:

• Bobath Training course for Paediatric Physiotherapists
• Halliwick Association of Swimming Therapy Foundation Course
• Management of Physical Disability 24-7 Postural Care Course
• Simple Stuff Works – Body Shape Protection and Sleep System training
• ATACP Aquatic Physiotherapy for People with Neurological Conditions and Learning Disabilities training course
• Rebound Therapy course (Rebound.org)
• Fatigue Management Course
• Adapted Tai Chi Training
• Specialist soft tissue massage, Emmett Technique and myofascial release training.
• Balance Assessment and Rehabilitation training

Lauren is registered with:

• Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)

Member of:

• Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP)
• Association of Chartered Physiotherapists Interested in Neurology (ACPIN)
• Association of Chartered Physiotherapists working with People with Learning Disabilities (ACPPLD)
• Aquatic Therapy Association of Chartered Physiotherapists (ATACP)
• Association of Paediatric Chartered Physiotherapists (APCP)

Through her experiences Laura has gained a good understanding of the many ways brain injury can impact a person’s ability to participate in everyday activities, and the challenges this brings to being able to participate fully in society. Laura believes that people can develop a positive identity after illness or injury through participation in meaningful activities and roles. She enjoys getting to know individuals, and learning what is important to them, and working alongside them in their journey to achieve their goals and live the life they want to.

Key areas of expertise

• Functional assessment and rehabilitation of activities of daily living
• Independent living skills
• Cognitive assessment, evaluation and rehabilitation
• Moving and handling assessments
• Equipment recommendations
• Home environmental assessments and adaptations
• Upper limb assessment and rehabilitation
• Vocational rehabilitation
• Person-centred SMART goals and rehabilitation plans
• Working collaboratively with clients, families, social care and other team members

Post-Graduate training

• Starting out in stroke, The Royal college of occupational Therapists
• Rehabilitation for people with deficits in executive functioning, Barbara Wilson
• Vocational Rehabilitation Practitioner Training, Ergocom
• Occupational Therapy for the rehabilitation of people with Neurological Upper limb disorders, Harrison Training
• Montreal Cognitive Assessment certification

Laura is registered with:

• Health and Care Professionals Council (HCPC)

Member of:

• Royal College of Occupational Therapist (MRCOT)

Laura says, “I am delighted to be a part of Healing Touch Rehab team, I feel extremely passionate about my role of empowering clients to restore fulfilments and helping them overcome physical, functional and mental barriers to independence”

Emma has been working as an independent Occupational Therapist since 2018 and has enjoyed the challenge and variety this work brings, along with being able to work truly holistically to achieve the best for each client.

Emma set up the Harrogate and District branch of Headway with a former client in 2016, identifying the need for the service within the area, and the fantastic work Headway do. Emma was chair until 2022 and continues to be a serving committee member.

Qualifications

• MSc Advancing Professional Practice – Vocational Rehabilitation (Merit), Sheffield Hallam University (2017).
• Support for Learning in Practice MSc module, York St John University (2019)
• Stroke Rehabilitation MSc module, York St John University (2013
• BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy, York St John University (2004)

Besides her academic achievement, Emma has the following post graduate training

• Royal College of Occupational Therapy conference 2024
• Law and Ethics CPD short course
• Management of spasticity post stroke
• Advanced risk assessment
• Relaxation Management Techniques
• Royal College of Nursing Leadership Course
• Fatigue Management following brain injury
• Casting and splinting for the Upper and Lower limb
• Assessment of Motor and Processing Skills
• Assessment and Treatment of Low Awareness Disorders
• Assessment and provision of positioning aids
• Advanced Parkinson’s Disease Study Day
• Introduction to the Bobath Concept
• Assessment and treatment of cognition and perceptual skills

Emma is registered with:

• Health and Care Professionals Council (HCPC)

Member of:

• Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT)
• Royal College of Occupational Therapists’ Specialist Sections – Neurological Practice and Independent Practice

Emma says, “I absolutely love my job as an Occupational Therapist and I feel privileged to be in a position to support clients and families who face potentially life changing conditions. I strive to work closely with the multi-disciplinary team to enable my clients achieve their full potential”.

Alongside her work at Healing Touch Rehab, Gemma works as part of a community physiotherapy team where she is a clinical lead within a special school. She has been involved in the pathway of hip surveillance for children with complex needs, reviewed NICE guidelines and is a CPIP assessor.

Besides her academic achievement Gemma has the following post graduate experience

• Introduction to Bobath
• Paediatric Respiratory Assessment (Birmingham Childrens Hospital)
• Paediatric Gait Analysis and Orthotic Tuning
• Paediatric Bobath – 8 week course
• Cerebral Palsy Integrated Pathway – Train the Trainer
• Safeguarding Children
• Basic Makaton

Gemma is registered with:

• Health and Care Professionals Council (HCPC)

Member of:

• Chartered Society of Physiotherapist (CSP)
• Association of Chartered Paediatric Physiotherapists (APCP)

Gemma says ‘ I love working within the field of paediatrics . Seeing a child develop new skills and work towards achieving their potential is extremely rewarding. I strongly believe that no matter the level of disability everyone has the ability to succeed with the right support and goals’

Victoria is involved in assessment, writing detailed reports with recommendation and offering treatment using hydrotherapy and land based procedures. She is involved in manual handling assessment, training staff, carers and family around the injured client, support and equipment provision. She is passionate about her role and believes in maximising clients potential by a variety of sports and leisure activities to include swimming, horse riding, biking etc. She believes Social participation and community integration are key to client’s long term rehabilitation outcome.

Besides her academic achievement, Victoria has the following post graduate training:

• Introduction to Paediatric Physiotherapy
• Primitive Reflex Course
• National Paediatric Brain Injury Conference
• Halliwick Association of Swimming Therapy Foundation Course
• Developments in the Management of Hemiplegia
• Clamping Down on Contractures
• ACPPLD Event – training on People with Learning Disabilities
• Respiratory assessment skills
• Advanced Aquatic Therapy in Neurological Dysfunction
• Rebound Therapy
• SMART Assessor Training – SMART certified awarded February 2015
• Introduction to the Bobath Concept (Modules 1 and 2)
• Den2 system set up and use
• Treatment of the neurological hand and feet
• Trulife Walk Aide System – assessment and set up

Victoria is registered with:

• Health and Care Professionals Council (HCPC)

Member of:

• Chartered Society of Physiotherapist (CSP)
• Association of Chartered Paediatric Physiotherapists (APCP)
• Association of Chartered Physiotherapists with interest in Neurology (ACPIN)

Victoria says, “ I am dedicated to provide a high standard of evidence based physiotherapy rehabilitation and care to my clients and is something I am passionate about. I attend the gym regularly and enjoy staying active and promoting the foundations for which physiotherapy stands”

Maria’s current role within the NHS is working in the Community Therapy Team where she is the lead physiotherapist for a Parkinsons clinic and a senior physiotherapist within the community team. Maria works autonomously managing an individual community caseload as well as working within a MDT for the neurology clinic. She also provides initial assessments and therapeutic input for the community response team which handle community step-ups and acute discharges.

Maria has the following post graduate training:

Bobath therapy

Lycra and neurological splint measurement

Professional Practise Educator

Neuro Gym Ball Course

Saebo Arm Training Program

Aquatic Physiotherapy

On-call respiratory NIV training

Clinical Swiss Ball Systems

Treatment for Ataxia

Functional Recovery of the Hand

Clinical Audit

PD Warrior

Parkinson’s Management

Maria is registered with:

Health and Care Professionals Council (HCPC)

Member of:

Chartered Society of Physiotherapists (CSP)

Association of Chartered Physiotherapists with interest in Neurology (ACPIN)

Association of Chartered Physiotherapists working with Older People (AGILE)

Maria says, ‘I have a holistic and goal orientated, client centred approach. My passion is within rehabilitation physiotherapy and am delighted to be joining this wonderful and dynamic team.’

​A client focused individual who works collaboratively with clients, carers and health professionals to promote independence and maximise an individual’s health and wellbeing using a biopsychosocial approach.

Jenny has worked as a Senior Community Occupational Therapist since 2009 at York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust. Her role is aimed at preventing hospital admission and facilitating discharges for patients with a range of short term acute and long term complex health problems and neuro disabilities, including clients with Motor Neurone Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, brain injuries and Functional Neurological Disorders and for clients requiring complex case management and multi-disciplinary working. She provides holistic, functional assessments, assisting patients to set SMART goals and providing occupation focussed, specialist interventions at their homes.

Her treatment approach focuses on environmental assessment, home adaptation assessment, functional and standardised falls assessments (Westmead Home Safety Assessment, Homefast) and cognitive assessments (RUDAS, MOCA, ACE).
Jenny is a lead Occupational Therapist for Parkinson’s patients within the community and at the weekly multi-disciplinary clinics. Jenny has developed care pathways and delivers training in falls prevention and Parkinson’s awareness for staff, clients with neurological conditions and voluntary groups. She is a Parkinson’s UK accredited trainer.

Key areas of expertise

• Complex assessment and treatment of adult and paediatric neurology
• Cognitive, physical and behavioural assessment and rehabilitation
• Upper limb rehabilitation and fine motor skill training
• Facilitating physical and functional rehabilitation
• Postural and specialist seating assessment
• Functional assessment and activities of daily living
• Independent living skills
• Transitional rehabilitation
• Moving and handling and equipment assessment
• Adaptations and environmental recommendations
• Fatigue management
• Vocational Rehabilitation

Jenny has the following Post Graduate Training:

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Essentials (APT Level 2)
• MOCA Test certification
• Parkinson’s for health and social care staff
• Wheelchair Accredited Assessor
• Manual handling
• Dementia specific postural care
• Frailty
• Safeguarding Children
• Safeguarding Adults
• Practice Placement Educator
• Pain management
• Resilience
• Introduction to Coaching
• Introduction to counselling skills

Jenny says, “ I am extremely passionate about my profession and the difference I can bring by empowering my clients, enabling them to achieve their goals, restore functions and live a meaningful life”

Helen is trained in epilepsy awareness, gastrostomy feeding, Safeguarding, baby massage, autism awareness and PECS.

With the use of signs, symbols and speech Makaton enables users to be able to communicate. Alongside this, Makaton supports other important skills such as understanding, memory, holding attention, listening and understanding language.

Helen provides a variety of Makaton workshops and support.

These include;

• Makaton Signing for Babies and Families
  6 x hourly sessions with carer and user together, learn signs and symbols with activities
• Watch my Needs
  Sessions designed for adults that are starting to experience difficulties with memory and recall.
  5 x 90 minute sessions putting the user at the centre promoting independence and gaining confidence in everyday life skills
• Taster Sessions
  A brief insight into the program, what it is and how it is used along with signs and symbols
• Levels 1
  7 hours in total, learning about the program, what it is and how to use it along with signs and symbols from stages 1, 2 and half of the additional stage of the core vocabulary
• Level 2
  7 hours in total, continuing learning about the program and looking more in depth into symbols. Learn signs and symbols from stages 3, 4 and the second half of the additional stage of the core vocabulary
• Level 3
  8 hours in total, learn interpretation and translation with the program along with signs and symbols from stages 5 and 6
• Level 4
  Complete your Makaton journey, learning more in depth of interpretation and translation and the signs and symbols from stages 7, 8 and the IT stage of the core vocabulary.

These sessions are provided by a mixture of practical sessions and presentations and include all training, documents and a certificate.

Ian has spent the last eight years working at Martin House Children’s Hospice on the Care Team, supporting children and young adults with a complex life-shortening conditions. Working alongside the medical team he has become proficient in family led care and bereavement support.

Ian is a qualified Gym Instructor and has uses these skills within the therapy sessions. Throughout his career, he has obtained an abundance of training both medically and holistically, ranging from moving and handling and respiratory physiotherapy, to epilepsy management and administration of medication and enteral nutrition feeding techniques.

Ian possesses excellent interpersonal and communication skills gained over years of working with children and their families.

Ian says, “I am excited to be part of this experienced, multi-disciplinary team to support the rehabilitation and care journey of our clients.”

Harpreet graduated in 2014 as a Landscape Architect from Leeds Beckett University. After having worked in this industry for a few years, she soon identified her passion to work with complex needs and stepped in to care sector in 2016, working closely with multidisciplinary teams and clients with complex Neuro disability.

She possesses excellent functioning and organisational skills, besides assisting our clinicians and delivering designated rehab packages for our clients, she also plays a crucial role in the day to day administration of the practice.

Harpreet says, “I am thrilled to join this dynamic team, I believe that encouragement and empowerment in rehabilitation is the key to create a window for future independent living”

Working in the community has enabled her to work with a diverse range of families. Having worked  closely with interpreters and other health professionals such as community nurses, speech and language therapists, occupational therapists and teachers, she has developed a holistic approach in managing her case load. Jenny has worked closely with orthotics and has good understanding of paediatric equipment and orthotics. Jenny arranges CPIP (Cerebral Palsy Integrated Pathway) clinic for the clinical team and assist assessment and recording of outcome measures. She has a passion for working in paediatrics and with over 12 years’ experience, she is keen for a career in paediatrics working with children with respiratory and neurological conditions.

At Healing Touch Rehab, Jenny works alongside hour  skilled physiotherapists, occupational therapists and Speech and Language Therapists, carrying out  detailed work and follow all implemented programs to aid in physical development, targeted rehabilitation goals, assisting within gym based set up, hydrotherapy and rebound therapy programs, assisting in assessment of specialist equipment and other therapies.

Jenny says, “ I am thrilled to be a  part of the team and working alongside some highly experienced clinician, I am excited to make a positive difference to my clients rehabilitation journeys.”

Harry aspires to qualify and work alongside our skilled professionals to ensure he is constantly upskilling to make a real difference in our client’s lives. Harry works closely with our team of neurological physiotherapists and the wider multi-disciplinary team to support rehabilitation plans for clients with acquired brain injury and spinal injuries.