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Tag Archives: indedependence

In Profile with Cristina Speranza – Physiotherapist NSW

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We welcome Cristina Speranza to the Empower family. Cristina is our newest graduate physiotherapist in NSW.

 

Tell us a bit about yourself

Hi! My name is Cristina Speranza and I am a new graduate Physiotherapist that has recently joined the Empower NSW team. I completed a Bachelor of Human Science majoring in Human Movement at Macquarie University and a Masters of Physiotherapy at the University of Technology Sydney. During my degree, I discovered that Physiotherapist’s can treat much more than your usual musculoskeletal injuries, in fact we can EMPOWER client’s to achieve their goals and improve their quality of life. I have discovered a deep passion for neurological rehabilitation and in the future I aspire to become a clinical educator and share my knowledge and passion for Physiotherapy with the future generations to come.

 

In your new position at Empower, what will you be looking to achieve in 2021?

Being the first Physiotherapist on the NSW team, I would love to share my current knowledge with future Empower Physiotherapist’s and contribute to expanding the team. I would also love to learn and expand my own Physiotherapy skill set to ensure I am delivering quality care to all clients.

 

What do you love most about your role?

I love when client’s feel a sense of accomplishment and happiness when they have achieved their goals. That is the reason why I wake up every morning and do what I do. I also love being able to connect with client’s and hear their stories and wisdom.

 

What has been your most memorable moment?

The most memorable moment of my Physiotherapy career was when I was managing a paraplegic client and she had been hospitalised for 5 months since her injury. She had not left the hospital in that time and her goal was to complete a car transfer to go for a drive to Coogee beach. The only thing that was stopping her, was her inability to complete a transfer out of her wheelchair. After a lot of motivation, intensive practice and strength training she was able to complete the car transfer and her husband drove her to Coogee beach. After the drive, she was crying of pure happiness and could not stop thanking me for never giving up on her. That was the moment when I realised no matter what condition the client has there is always an alternative solution for them to achieve their goals.

 

What attracted you to Empower?

Being a new graduate Physiotherapist, I initially found it quite overwhelming to start practicing with minimal to no supervision. Empower offered a great new graduate program that has a great balance of support and independence. Another aspect that attracted me to Empower was that it permits me to treat clients in their own homes. This enhances the specificity of treatment options and it makes the therapy more relatable and functional for each client.

 

What piece of advice would you give your new graduate self?

The best piece of advice I would give to myself and any new graduate was a mantra I was told by a UTS lecturer, and it is “Don’t overcomplicate it. Keep it simple stupid.” Also take any opportunity that comes your way because opportunities breed opportunities.

 

Out of the workplace, what are your interests and hobbies?

I love going to the gym and exercising. I enjoy a variety of training styles including strength training, cardiovascular training, Pilates and boxing. More importantly I love food and cooking, especially baking! Being Italian it’s in my genetics. I also love to travel (COVID has been a bit of a buzz kill with that) but I am definitely making the most of traveling around Australia.

 

What’s a fun fact about you many people may not know?

A fun fact is that I was a dancer for 15 years and I used to compete around NSW. I also used to play the piano at a very high level during school. I still know how to play “Empire State of Mind” by Alicia Keys, “End of the Road” by Boys to Men, “Clocks” by Coldplay and a few others.

 

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In Profile – Emily McLeod, Occupational Therapist

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In recognition of OT Week, Empower is celebrating its amazing occupational therapists and as part of our Staff Profile series, spoke to Emily McLeod about her role as occupational therapist in our Community Services – Home Care division and her passion for helping clients regain independence.

Why did you choose Empower?

Following working in residential aged care and inpatient rehabilitation in my first year out of uni, I developed a passion for the concept of helping people remain living in their home for as long as possible.

I was working with a lot of patients and residents who may have stayed safe and independent in their homes for longer than what they were experiencing, if they had the right supports around them. I wanted to be one of those supports!

In my early conversations with the team at Empower, they said that they agree with this, and that they are passionate about supporting their clients in the community and expanding their occupational therapy services in this area. Empower works with a range of home care providers, from those who are well cared for, to those who are the most vulnerable in our community. I was instantly attracted to the variety of the work that was coming in, and I could feel the amazing team atmosphere even over Skype interview!

What do you love most about your job?

Easy – the smiles on my clients faces when they receive new equipment or learn new ways to participate in activities that they thought were long behind them. Independence is everything. I love giving that to people.

What has been your most memorable moment?

Leaving university, I had no desire to work with children. I felt it was too difficult and that I didn’t have the knowledge or skills to work with young people with different disabilities. Through our growth into working with the NDIS, I have worked with a number of clients aged between 10-18 years, which I now love.

My most memorable moment was only recently – I visited the home of one of my 14-year-old clients who when I first met him; was glued to his Ipad, reliant on his mum for everything, and had a temper that would spark at the drop of a hat.

I was blown away to see him drop his Ipad when I walked in, show me a new book, tell me of a new club he has joined, get his lunch (that he made by himself) out of the fridge and pack a lunchbox for school, and then watch him help his younger brother get breakfast!

Seeing someone shift in their attitude and personal beliefs of their own abilities is amazing – I thought I was just helping him learn basic cooking and creating generic checklists for a morning routine. As it turned out, I had shifted his engagement with all aspects of his life!

In what ways has Empower supported your growth personally & professionally?

The team at Empower have provided me with many opportunities to attend professional development sessions, and always listen when I have suggestions for growth or change. I am constantly presented with new challenges, and always supported while working my way through these.

What piece of advice would you give your new graduate self?

Nobody knows all the answers every time. We are all learning every single day – it’s okay to make mistakes and it’s okay to ask for help. You’ll be surprised how often you ask someone a question to be answered with ‘I don’t know either, let’s find out together’.

Tell us a bit about yourself. Out of the workplace, what are your interests and hobbies?

On the weekends I am usually at home with my boyfriend or spending time with my sister. We love cafes, sunshine, and the occasional afternoon at a bar. I’m not very exciting out of work – I occasionally go on a little adventure into the bush or down to the beach, but most of the time I’m switching off and enjoying some R&R.

About Empower

We Change Lives

At Empower Healthcare, we deliver life changing allied health services. Our whole team is dedicated to building and delivering exceptional services for clients, loved ones, referrers and partner organisations.

Our therapists genuinely care about the people we work with and take the time to build strong relationships that holistically improve social, physical and mental wellbeing.

We are a successful privately owned and operated organisation that continues to experience significant growth, driven by our fantastic services and family of professionals.

 

How can I find an Occupational Therapist?
  • We have an amazing team of occupational therapists
  • Comprehensive coverage across Metropolitan Melbourne, Mornington and Geelong
  • Responsiveness is our allied health home care service guarantee
  • Services available to residential aged care organisations
  •  Friendly and professional staff
Call our friendly team on PH: 9583 1364.

 

Learn more on how our OTs can help you