Lauren Palmer

I am a highly adaptable and self-directed clinician with strong communication and rapport-building skills committed to occupation centred, evidence-based practice. I am intentional about offering a culturally responsive service and am confident in working with clients across the lifespan. My strengths include strong clinical reasoning and problem-solving abilities accompanied by a calm, patient, and client-centered approach.

I have a particular interest in neurological conditions across the lifespan as well as work rehabilitation programs aimed at vulnerable homeless populations. I am committed to lifelong learning and as such, I continue to find opportunities to develop my skills to provide a holistic service to all clients.

Occupational Therapist at Tafalofefe Hospital (2026-01 – Present)

• Establish and develop the Occupational Therapy service within a rural district hospital including service structure, referral pathways, and documentation systems
• Complete comprehensive functional assessments and deliver individualised, evidence-based intervention programmes for both inpatients and outpatients across hand therapy, neurology, orthopaedics, burns, and paediatrics
• Advocate for occupational therapy services within the hospital and contribute to service growth and quality improvement initiatives
• Provide patient and caregiver education, home programs, and discharge planning
• Work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team including physiotherapy, dietetics, social work, nursing, and medical staff

University-based Occupational Therapy Clinical Training: UCT at University of Cape Town (2024-01 – 2025-11)

Physical Rehabilitation – Nurture Health: Physical Rehabilitation Centre & Nompumelelo LSEN

• Implemented individualised and group intervention programmes focusing on functional independence, adaptive techniques, and participation in daily occupations with adults following CVA, amputation and other neurological or physical impairments, as well as children with cerebral palsy and genetic conditions affecting physical function

University-based Occupational Therapy Clinical Training: UCT at Alexandra Psychiatric Hospital & Valkenberg Psychiatric Hospital (2024-01 – 2025-11)

Psychiatric Rehabilitation

• Facilitated therapeutic group programmes including leisure, life skills, work readiness, social participation, and emotional regulation for clients across acute psychiatric wards, adult intellectual disability in-patient, and forensic psychiatric settings

University-based Occupational Therapy Clinical Training: UCT at GlenBridge Special School (2024-01 – 2025-11)

Child Learning, Development and Play Interventions

• Utilised developmental and play-based approaches to enhance participation in classroom and play contexts for learners with autism spectrum disorder through implementation of individual and small-group intervention sessions

University-based Occupational Therapy Clinical Training: UCT at UTurn Homeless ministries (2024-01 – 2025-11)

Vocational Rehabilitation

• Facilitated individual and group-based interventions focusing on identity reconstruction, role resumption, time management, and work skills development within a vocational rehabilitation and work-readiness programme supporting adults returning to work following absence due to substance use and addiction

Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy – University of Cape Town (2022-02 – 2025-11)

Matric Certificate – Alexander Road High School, Port Elizabeth (2014-01 – 2018-12)