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What does an occupational therapist do?

Our occupational therapists support individuals develop or regain the skills needed for everyday activities.

Published: October 27, 2024

For World Occupational Therapist Day (27 October 2024), we’re celebrating the incredible work of our occupational therapists (OTs) at Pathways and Real.


What does an occupational therapist do?

Occupational therapists assess, diagnose, and work alongside people, supporting them to live full and meaningful lives. They support individuals develop or regain the skills needed for everyday activities.

Our OTs work across a wide range of roles, from supporting taiohi to leading community wellness programmes. Every day, they support tāngata whai ora across the motu regain independence, reconnect with others, and find purpose in their daily lives. Through simple yet powerful activities, they support recovery and wellbeing by supporting people to balance work, play, and rest.


Let’s look at some of our incredible OTs and the impact they’re making…

Olivia, occupational therapist in Tāmaki Makaurau

Olivia leads wellness programmes focused on self-care, mindfulness, spirituality, and physical health. One of her projects, ‘Stars for Matariki’, invited tāngata whai ora to create gratitude lists and set goals for the year, inspiring hope and a sense of achievement. A highlight for Olivia was supporting a 48-year-old tangata whai ora who initially struggled with group activities. With Olivia’s support, he opened up to mindfulness and spirituality, becoming an active participant and finding a sense of connection and healing.

Martel, occupational therapist in Tāmaki Makaurau

Martel works with the Pathways Community Mobile team. He combines sensory techniques and cognitive therapy to support tāngata whai ora manage daily challenges and adjust to life transitions. Martel works closely with his team and community partners to ensure each person gets tailored support, so they can regain control of their lives. His ability to support people to become more independent has made a big difference in the lives of those he supports!

Adel, general manager for Te Manawa Taki region

As both a manager and clinician, Adel plays an important role in supporting complex case reviews, suggesting interventions, and shaping service design. She also contributes to the development of therapeutic programmes and environments. Adel is passionate about staying connected to her OT roots, using her clinical lens to support planning for hui with tāngata whai ora and whānau. Her blend of leadership and hands-on clinical expertise ensure that services continue to meet the evolving needs of the people she supports.

Kristen, service and relationship manager in Te Whanganui-a-Tara

Kristen has extensive experience in mental health, brain injury recovery, and physical rehabilitation. As a leader at Pathways, she creates personalised wellness plans that reflect the unique needs of each person. Her leadership creates a safe space where people can explore what works best for their wellbeing. Kristen’s dedication to both practical solutions and building meaningful relationships makes a positive difference in the lives of the people she supports!

Rachael, team coach and occupational therapist in Tāmaki Makaurau

Rachael supports people reconnect with activities that align with their personal goals. She’s dedicated to empowering tāngata whai ora to regain their independence, overcome challenges, and rediscover a sense of purpose. Rachael’s compassionate approach leads to real progress, and the steps people take under her guidance have a lasting impact on their wellbeing!

Rebecca, occupational therapist in Kirikiriroa

At Real (Pathways’ youth services), Rebecca works with neurodiverse taiohi, supporting them better understand their sensory needs. She creates personalised sensory kits that support taiohi in achieving calm and focus, providing them with practical tools to manage their daily lives. Rebecca’s dedication to creating a safe and supportive environment allows taiohi to build self-awareness and resilience, making a meaningful difference in the lives of the young people she supports!

Louise, team coach in Tāmaki Makaurau

As a team coach, Louise combines her OT expertise with leadership, guiding her team to support tāngata whai ora. She values the small but important steps in recovery, like supporting someone start a daily routine or achieve personal goals. Louise’s ability to see potential in every person and create a caring environment makes her a strong and compassionate leader!

Anilyn, occupational therapist in Te Whanganui-a-Tara

Anilyn takes a creative approach to her work, using sensory activities to support tāngata whai ora manage emotions and focus. She remembers when a client, hesitant about exercises, was happy to play catch, which built trust and motivation. Anilyn’s work shows how small, meaningful activities can have a big impact on wellbeing. Her support allows people find balance between work, play, and rest, making a real difference in their recovery journey!


The compassion, expertise, and dedication of our OTs makes a lasting difference in the lives of those they support, so they can build recovery, resilience, and hope!


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