I am a Dementia Centre for Research Collaboration (DCRC) Post-doctoral Fellow (2022-26), Senior Research Fellow (UNSW; NeuRA), Honorary Research Associate (HammondCare), and registered occupational therapist (AHPRA). My program of research focuses on the translation and implementation of non-pharmacological interventions to improve dementia practice, focusing on reablement/rehabilitation, and maximising functioning, engagement and wellbeing in people living with dementia and their informal supporters.
Experience
2022–present
Senior research fellow (honorary), Neuroscience Research Australia
2022–present
Honorary research associate, HammondCare
2022–present
Senior research fellow, University of New South Wales
2017–2022
Conjoint lecturer, University of New South Wales
2017–2022
Research fellow, HammondCare
2016–2017
Research occupational therapist, Neuroscience Research Australia
2012–2016
Project Coordinator Tailored Activities Program, University of Sydney
2011–2013
Research Occupational Therapist, Neuroscience Research Australia
Education
2017
University of Sydney, PhD
2010
University of Sydney, MOT (Hons)
2008
Western Sydney University, B. Science (Med)
Publications
2017
Behavioral-variant frontotemporal dementia: distinct phenotypes with unique functional profiles, Neurology
2016
Longitudinal change in everyday function and behavioral symptoms in frontotemporal dementia, Neurology: Clinical Practice
2016
Functional disability and the impact of frontotemporal dementia in everyday life, Hodges’ Frontotemporal Dementia (2nd Ed)
2016
Enhancing caregivers’ understanding of dementia and tailoring activities in frontotemporal dementia: two case studies, Disability and Rehabilitation
2015
Modified activities acted as a mediator to facilitate engagement and address the needs and personal preferences of people with dementia, Australian Occupational Therapy Journal
2014
Use of the Tailored Activities Program to reduce neuropsychiatric behaviours in dementia: An Australian protocol for a randomised trial to evaluate its effectiveness, International Psychogeriatrics
2014
Functional disability in primary progressive aphasia, Aphasiology
2013
Enhancement of carer skills and patient function in the non-pharmacological management of FTD: A call for randomised controlled studies, Dementia and Neuropsychologia
2011
Using video simulated presence to reduce resistance to care and increase participation of adults with dementia, American Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Dementias
Grants and Contracts
2022
Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) for individuals with frontotemporal dementia: increasing service and family capacity through a mentoring and training model
Role:
AI
Funding Source:
Association for Frontotemporal Dementia Pilot Grant
2022
Supporting changed behaviours: Positive Behaviour Support in younger-onset dementia
Role:
AI
Funding Source:
DARF Dementia Grants Program
2022
Bridging the implementation gap: maximising everyday function for people with dementia
Role:
PI
Funding Source:
Dementia Centre for Research Collaboration (DCRC) Post-doctoral Fellowship
2022
Optimising functional and social independence and safety of older people living with dementia in care homes: Implementation research
Role:
CI
Funding Source:
NHMRC Partnership Project (APP 2014821)
2021
Developing a model for rehabilitation in the home (RITH), as hospital substitution for the reconditioning rehabilitation impairment codes
Role:
CI
Funding Source:
Medibank Better Health Research Grant
2020
HammondCare Darlinghurst: Quantifying the social impact of the residential aged care home for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness
Role:
CI
Funding Source:
Erica Foundation Grant
2020
Implementing Arts on Prescription (AoP)@Home for people living with dementia and their family carers
Role:
PI
Funding Source:
Dementia Centre for Research Collaboration (DCRC) Implementing Research Evidence into Practice Grant
2019
Developing an assessment guide for practitioners implementing reablement programs for people living with dementia
Role:
PI
Funding Source:
AAG RM Gibson Research Fund Grant
2018
Positive Behaviour Support for individuals with frontotemporal dementia: a family education program
Role:
AI
Funding Source:
Charles Perkins Centre Active Ageing Research Node Seeding Grant
2017
Implementation of the Tailored Activity Program at home for people with dementia who have BPSD and their family: i-TAP-Australia
Role:
AI
Funding Source:
National Health and Medical Research Council
Professional Memberships
Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) - Occupational Therapy Board of Australia
International Society to Advance Alzheimer’s Research and Treatment (ISTAART)
International Society for Frontotemporal Dementias (ISFTD)