"Knowing what I do adds value": From first steps to active participation in evaluation and research

The second in a series of bite sized research information presented in digestible chunks. Developed by occupational therapists in mental health for occupational therapists in mental health. Come along to hear a story of pathway into mental health occupational therapy research from the inspiring Professor Ellie Fossey.

Mentimeter will be used to engage the online audience in questions and reflections about research knowledge, skills and attitudes, using the research spider tool! A panel of occupational therapists with specialist mental health research will explore their practice and answer questions.

Facilitators:

Ellie Fossey - Emeritus Professor, Monash University

Ellie Fossey is an  Emeritus Professor at Monash University, former Head of the Department of Occupational Therapy in the School of Primary and Allied Health Care at Monash University, and current journal editor of Frontiers Mental Health Occupational Therapy.  She is well known as an educator and researcher for her leadership in fostering occupation-focused and person-centred approaches in occupational therapy.
Ellie worked as an occupational therapist in adult mental health services for twenty years, predominantly within community teams and supported housing services first in London, England, and then in New Zealand and Australia. As an educator, she has taught in  occupational therapy programs in England, South Australia and Melbourne. Her research has included projects directed towards understanding lived experiences of mental health issues and the ways in which daily life may be impacted by ongoing health conditions; projects focused on the implementation of occupational therapy and recovery-oriented practices in mental health care; and supporting students with disabilities in universities. In her research, she has been committed to the use of qualitative and collaborative approaches that value the knowledge and expertise of people whose perspectives and concerns are central to the issues being researched.

Caitlin McDowell - Senior Lecturer, Course Coordinator - Centre for Youth Mental Health (CYMH) | Faculty of MDHS The University of Melbourne

Dr. Caitlin McDowell is a Senior Lecturer and Course Coordinator of the Master of Youth Mental Health at the University of Melbourne. As an occupational therapist over the past 15 years, she has worked to bridge the gap between evidence and practice across a range of academic, clinical and non-profit settings.

Caitlin's work has primarily focused on supporting people with mental ill-health in their vocational and psychosocial recovery and supporting clinicians to engage with research and evidence-based practices.