Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Continuous Professional Development Training :
Timeline
Generic

Sreekala Balachandran

Adamstown

Summary

Dynamic Senior Occupational Therapist with extensive experience at Nua Healthcare Services, specializing in evidence-based interventions and sensory integration. Proven ability in clinical reasoning and goal-oriented treatment planning, enhancing client outcomes through collaborative multidisciplinary approaches. Passionate about mentorship and delivering patient-centered care, ensuring high standards of documentation and compliance.

Overview

17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Senior Occupational Therapist

Nua Healthcare Services
Naas
12.2023 - Current
  • Delivering comprehensive occupational therapy services to adults and children presenting with complex mental health challenges and intellectual disabilities within a residential care and approved centre setting.
  • Designing and implementing individualized, evidence-based intervention plans focused on improving occupational performance in areas such as self-care, social participation, sensory processing, and emotional regulation.
  • Conducting detailed functional assessments using standardized tools to identify barriers to engagement in daily life activities, and tailoring therapeutic goals to meet client-specific needs.
  • Collaborating effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team, contributing to integrated care planning with psychologists, psychiatrists, speech and language therapists, and nursing staff.
  • Ensuring high standards of clinical documentation and reporting in line with CORU and Nua Healthcare policies, for internal stakeholders and external regulatory bodies.
  • Providing peer supervision and clinical support to staff and student therapists, and engaging in regular professional development and reflective practice to ensure the delivery of high-quality, client-centered care.

Staff Grade Occupational Therapist

Central Remedial Clinic (CDNT4)
Dublin
11.2022 - 11.2023
  • Delivered OT services as part of an interdisciplinary team supporting children with complex disabilities.
  • Managed a diverse caseload, conducting assessments, formulating care plans, and implementing client-centred interventions.
  • Maintained accurate and confidential documentation of assessments, treatment plans, and clinical reports in accordance with HSE standards.
  • Collaborated in the development and delivery of sensory workshops and advice clinics alongside team members.
  • Recommended and provided assistive equipment (e.g., slings, school chairs) in consultation with the Senior OT and supervisor.
  • Actively contributed to service planning and the evolution of OT practices in line with CDNM and CRC standards.
  • Ensured compliance with professional guidelines, policies, and regulatory frameworks to promote safety and best practice.

Occupational Therapy Specialist

King Fahd Military Medical Complex
03.2011 - 10.2022
  • Delivered specialist hand therapy services to adults and children with upper limb trauma, burns, tendon and nerve injuries, post-surgical rehabilitation, stroke, and rheumatoid/orthopaedic conditions.
  • Designed and fabricated a wide range of custom static and dynamic splints using low-temperature thermoplastics to support healing, restore function, and prevent deformities post-injury or surgery.
  • Provided pre- and post-operative rehabilitation, including range of motion exercises, oedema control, scar management, strength re-training, and ADL re-education to optimise return to function.
  • Assessed and fitted pressure garments for burn patients to assist with scar maturation and minimise hypertrophic scarring.
  • Delivered fine motor skills training, pre-handwriting programs, and sensory integration techniques for paediatric clients with Autism Spectrum Disorder and ADHD, supporting upper limb function in everyday tasks.
  • Prescribed and instructed clients in the safe use of assistive technology and adaptive equipment, including ADL devices, mobility aids, and custom supports.
  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams (surgeons, physiotherapists, nurses, orthotists, psychologists) to provide integrated treatment planning and goal-focused care.

Occupational Therapy Specialist

Sri Raghavendra Therapy Centre
Chennai
03.2010 - 03.2011
  • Conducted comprehensive OT assessments, reviewed referrals, and documented initial findings to determine targeted therapeutic goals.
  • Delivered sensory integration therapy to children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and ADHD.
  • Provided pre-handwriting training and fine motor development for paediatric clients.
  • Designed individualised treatment plans based on needs identified during assessment and reviewed progress regularly.
  • Delivered up to 10 one-on-one therapy sessions daily, and facilitated group therapy for 15–20 clients.
  • Focused on improving clients’ cognitive, motor, and ADL (Activities of Daily Living) skills through structured, client-centred interventions.

Occupational Therapist

Pebbles Rehab Centre
Chennai
02.2008 - 02.2010
  • Carried out evaluations and formulated bespoke OT plans tailored to each client’s physical, cognitive, and functional needs.
  • Collaborated effectively within a multidisciplinary team, contributing to shared treatment strategies and patient care plans.
  • Conducted regular progress assessments and adjusted therapy goals in response to outcomes.
  • Worked with paediatric and adult populations across a range of conditions, including neurodevelopmental and physical impairments.
  • Delivered 15–20 client sessions daily, combining individual and group therapy approaches.
  • Promoted use of assistive technology to support independence in school, home, and work environments.
  • Educated patients and families on techniques and strategies to continue therapy goals at home.

Education

M.Sc. - Psychology

Tamil Nadu Open University
Chennai
06.2015

B.Sc. - Occupational Therapy

Saveetha College of Occupational Therapy
Chennai
10.2007

Higher Secondary - Science

SRM Nightingale School
01.2000

Secondary School -

Kerala Vidyalayam HSS
01.1998

Skills

  • Clinical Reasoning & Goal-Oriented Treatment Planning
  • Sensory integration and pediatric rehabilitation
  • Assistive Technology & Adaptive Equipment
  • Splint fabrication (upper and lower limbs)
  • Excellent Time & Caseload Management
  • Mentorship, Supervision & Team Collaboration
  • Comprehensive Documentation & Report Writing
  • Multidisciplinary team collaboratio

Certification

  • CORU - regulating health and social care professionals registration: OT051113
  • Association of Occupational Therapists of Ireland (AOTI): 8725
  • All India Occupational Therapist Association (AIOTA) Life Membership: L-3634/08

Continuous Professional Development Training :

Professional Training & Development

  • ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule – 2nd Edition) – Autism spectrum diagnostic assessment
  • FEDS Training – Feeding, eating, drinking, and swallowing management
  • Motivational Interviewing – Enhancing patient motivation and behaviour change
  • Decider Skills – CBT-based emotional regulation techniques for mental health clients
  • Manual Handling Certificate – Patient and therapist safety per Irish health standards
  • Infection Control Champion (KFMMC) – Led infection prevention strategies; recognised for excellence in hand hygiene education
  • Pain Management Workshops – Chronic and acute pain rehabilitation training
  • Pediatric Occupational Therapy Workshops – Sensory integration and developmental therapy
  • Hand Hygiene Leadership Training – Facilitator for infection prevention initiatives
  • Member, Association of Occupational Therapists of Ireland (AOTI) – Active CPD engagement
  • Delegate, All India Occupational Therapists’ Association Conferences – Continued global learning and evidence-based practice

Timeline

Senior Occupational Therapist

Nua Healthcare Services
12.2023 - Current

Staff Grade Occupational Therapist

Central Remedial Clinic (CDNT4)
11.2022 - 11.2023

Occupational Therapy Specialist

King Fahd Military Medical Complex
03.2011 - 10.2022

Occupational Therapy Specialist

Sri Raghavendra Therapy Centre
03.2010 - 03.2011

Occupational Therapist

Pebbles Rehab Centre
02.2008 - 02.2010

M.Sc. - Psychology

Tamil Nadu Open University

B.Sc. - Occupational Therapy

Saveetha College of Occupational Therapy

Higher Secondary - Science

SRM Nightingale School

Secondary School -

Kerala Vidyalayam HSS
Sreekala Balachandran