Chloe Defalco

Newly qualified Occupational Therapist with an MSc Occupational Therapy (Pre-Registration), awarded with Merit, and 1,000 hours of practice-based learning across community stroke rehabilitation, paediatrics, mental health rehabilitation and older adult inpatient services. A compassionate, organised and reflective practitioner with experience in person-centred assessment, activity analysis, collaborative goal setting, individual and group intervention, risk management and multidisciplinary working. Confident adapting communication and therapeutic approaches for people with physical, cognitive, sensory and psychosocial needs.

Also holds a First Class BA (Hons) Childhood Studies with SEN Specialism, providing a strong foundation in child development, additional needs and inclusive practice.

Occupational Therapy Practice Education at Older Adults - Inpatient Mental Health & Complex Care (2026-01 – 2026-12)

Worked with older adults experiencing dementia, cognitive impairment and complex mental health and functional needs.

• Completed occupational and functional observations to identify strengths, risks and barriers to participation.
• Planned and facilitated individual and group interventions promoting meaningful occupation, social participation, mobility and wellbeing.
• Adapted communication and therapeutic activities for individuals with cognitive and communication difficulties.
• Supported ADLs, community participation and functional independence.
• Contributed to risk assessment, discharge planning and MDT discussions.
• Worked collaboratively with OTs, nursing staff, physiotherapists and other members of the multidisciplinary team.

Occupational Therapy Practice Education at Paediatrics - Community, Outpatient & Education (2026-01 – 2026-12)

Supported assessment and intervention for children with developmental, sensory, motor and functional needs.

• Assessed and observed fine motor skills, handwriting, self-care, sensory processing and occupational participation.
• Adapted interventions according to children's developmental stage, strengths and individual needs.
• Worked collaboratively with children, parents, carers, schools and multidisciplinary professionals.
• Gained experience across outpatient clinics, specialist education, neonatal care and wheelchair services.
• Used child-centred communication approaches to promote choice, engagement and participation.

Occupational Therapy Practice Education at Mental Health Rehabilitation (2025-01 – 2025-12)

Worked with adults experiencing severe and enduring mental health difficulties, including psychosis.

• Planned and delivered individual and group interventions targeting daily living skills, social participation and meaningful occupation.
• Used occupational assessment and clinical reasoning to identify strengths and barriers to occupational performance.
• Applied graded activity to promote engagement, confidence and independence.
• Developed therapeutic relationships while maintaining professional boundaries.
• Contributed to multidisciplinary working and risk management within a rehabilitation setting.

Occupational Therapy Practice Education at Community Stroke Rehabilitation (2025-01 – 2025-12)

Supported adults following stroke within their homes and community environments.

• Completed functional assessment and observation of self-care, mobility and activities of daily living.
• Collaboratively developed meaningful, person-centred rehabilitation goals.
• Gained experience of cognitive screening and upper-limb rehabilitation approaches.
• Supported interventions promoting independence and participation in everyday occupations.
• Worked alongside the multidisciplinary team and community services to support rehabilitation and safe discharge.

Volunteer Nursery Assistant at Playshack Preschool (2019-01 – 2024-12)

• Supported children's play, learning, development and daily routines.
• Adapted activities to individual needs and promoted independence and participation.
• Worked alongside nursery staff to support inclusive practice.

Volunteer Reception Teaching Assistant at Torridon Infants School (2019-01 – 2019-12)

• Supported children during classroom learning and structured play.
• Assisted with small-group activities and daily classroom routines.
• Developed experience of SEN support and inclusive educational practice.

Administrator at Tempest Education (2018-01 – 2019-12)

Resourcer / Administrator at Career HealthCare (2014-01 – 2015-12)

Administrator at Career Teachers Recruitment Agency (2008-01 – 2014-12)

MSc in Occupational Therapy (Pre-Registration) – St George's, University of London (2024-01 – 2026-12)

BA (Hons) in Childhood Studies, SEN Specialism – Canterbury Christ Church University (2021-01 – 2024-12)

NVQ Level 2 in Beauty Therapy – London College of Beauty Therapy (2006-01 – 2006-12)

GCSEs – Addey & Stanhope Secondary School