Susan Burston
Cape Town
Summary
Compationate, enthusiastic and seasoned Occupational Therapist with postgraduate training in Bobath neurodevelopmental therapy, Ayers sensory integration, Pain Management, Vestibular Rehabilitation, and Healthcare Management.
Overview
32
32
years of professional experience
Work History
Occupational therapist
Renovo Health Care
Tonbridge Wells, UK
04.2026 - 06.2026
- Assess and treat adults with neurological impairments through structured clinical reviews.
- Provide wheelchairs and assistive devices matched to individual mobility needs.
- Coordinate discharge with NHS and private agencies to keep care continuous.
- Training and supervision of junior therapists.
Lead Specialist Occupational Therapist
Champ Surrey
London, Greater London
07.2025 - 03.2026
- Supervised junior therapists, fostering clinical performance and professional development.
- Managed caseload of 18 to 24 clients, conducting assessments and formulating treatment plans.
- Developed tailored home programs to facilitate client progress and community integration.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary team to deliver comprehensive care solutions.
- Monitored and evaluated treatment effectiveness, adjusting strategies as needed.
- Applied sensory integration techniques to enhance functional performance in children with sensory processing disorders.
- Assisted with administrative operations of practice to ensure efficient workflow.
Occupational Therapist
Lentegeur Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Unit
Cape Town, South Africa
12.2024 - 05.2025
- Assessed children and adolescents at a psychiatric hospital to determine treatment needs.
- Developed and implemented comprehensive treatment programs tailored for each patient.
- Created home programs aimed at supporting children's development and family engagement.
- Provided guidance and support to carers and families to enhance patient care.
- Delivered individual and group therapy sessions to promote emotional well-being.
- Collaborated with schools to facilitate integration of treatment goals.
- Worked within interdisciplinary teams to ensure holistic care for each child.
- Trained junior staff on sensory integration principles and strategies for autism spectrum disorders.
Rehabilitation Intervention Leader
Nurture Health
Cape Town
08.2023 - 10.2024
- Coordinating the interdisciplinary team (Doctors, Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, Speech and Language Therapist, Psychologist, Social Worker, Nurses, and Care Staff) within a physical rehabilitation hospital and Step-Down Facility.
- Running morning huddles, and daily interdisciplinary team meetings.
- Collating reports, checking billing, identifying and monitoring KPIs, mentoring, and supervising student and junior therapists. Responsible for the procurement and maintenance of equipment.
- Ensuring in-house training and upskilling of all therapeutic staff.
- Supported executive-level management by offering feedback on strategy, programme, and initiative effectiveness.
- Contributed to management of complex cases, including coordination of health, social and statutory services.
- Designed and implemented workplace ergonomic assessments and training sessions, reducing the risk of injury and improving employee productivity.
Occupational Therapist
Nurture Health
Cape Town
01.2020 - 07.2023
- Implemented therapeutic interventions aimed at improving patients' daily living skills and independence.
- Helped prepare patients for transitioning back to work by creating schedules and routines.
- Detailed report writing for medico-legal purposes and medical aids.
- Educated patients, caregivers and family members on rehabilitation plans through presentations and demonstrations.
- Conducted comprehensive assessments of patients' functional capabilities and devised personalised rehabilitation plans.
- Provided mentorship to occupational therapy students and junior therapists, fostering their professional growth and development.
- Utilised cognitive behavioural therapy techniques to assist patients in managing mental health conditions and promoting psychological well-being.
- Maintained detailed patient records, documenting therapy sessions, progress, and modifications to treatment plans.
- Maintained high-quality documentation and computer records including formal reports, referrals and assessments in line with professional standards.
- Delivered and evaluated therapeutic groups, including fatigue and anxiety management, art Pain Neuro-Science Education Groups, CVA support groups.
Occupational Therapist
SOMA Initiative
Cape Town
10.2018 - 10.2020
- Drafted comprehensive medico-legal reports.
- Return to Work Assessment and Rehabilitation.
- Furnished assessment and rehabilitation reports, including recommendations to case managers, insurers, and local authorities.
Program Manager
Western Cape Cerebral Palsy Association
Cape Town
04.2015 - 09.2018
- Creating and implementing an intervention programme for adults with physical and intellectual impairment at a protected employment workshop, The Village.
- Rosedon House Residential Home and Day Care Programme coordination for physically and intellectually impaired adults, under the auspices of the Western Cape Cerebral Palsy Association.
- This involved assessing clients and placing them in appropriate groups, according to their needs and abilities.
- Detailed Functional Capacity Evaluations of each client, taking into consideration physical, neurocognitive, and disease processes.
Senior Occupational Therapist
North West Department of Health
Wolmaransstad
03.2015 - 03.2017
- Part of the extended management team, providing a monthly report.
- Advocated for patients' rights and access to services.
- Assessing and treating all appropriate inpatients and outpatients.
- Establishing outpatient support at 16 local clinics.
- Following up as outpatients, running support groups for mothers of CP children, and CVA support groups.
- Training of Home-Based Care Workers.
- Equipment needs: assessment, ordering, placing, follow-up, and maintenance.
- Collaboration of interdisciplinary team.
Occupational Therapist
Private Practice
Wolmaransstad, South Africa
03.2006 - 03.2011
- Assessing and treating children with learning disabilities and developmental delays as well as various congenital disorders.
- Report writing.
- Educated teachers and family members on rehabilitation plans.
Occupational Therapist
Ernest Gardener Day Hospital
St Albans, United Kingdom
03.2004 - 03.2005
- Day care home for physcially disabled older adults.
- Development and implementation of daily activities and groups.
- Assessing equipment needs.
- Home visits and ergonomic recommendation.
Occupational Therapist
Child Development Clinic
Denver, USA
07.2000 - 02.2002
- Volunteered at an Early Childhood Development Clinic led by Physiotherapist and Occupational Therapist
- Delivered tailored guidance to parents.
- Facilitated neurostimulation group workshops
Occupational Therapist
Private Practices
Johannesburg, South Africa
02.1994 - 02.2000
- Assessing children with neurodevelopmental delays and autism spectrum disorder, using sensory integration principles and NDT principles.
- Volunteered at Marietjieke Children's Home for Physically Disabled children.
- Conducted research studies to evaluate the effectiveness of occupational therapy interventions, and contribute to the field's body of knowledge.
Education
Post Graduate Diploma in Health Care Management - Health Care Management
Stellenbosch University
Stellenbosch, WC01-2024
Post Graduate Diploma in OT for non degree puposes - Occupational Therapy
Wits University
12-1997
Psychology 3 - Psychology
Psychology 3, UNISA
Pretoria, GP11-1997
BSc Oc Ther - BSc Occ Ther
UCT
Cape Town, WC11-1994
Skills
- Sensory Integration (SAISI)
- NDT Bobath
- Integrated Learning Theory
- Basic and Advanced Certificate in ASD
- Smart Brain
- Cluedo of Cognition
- Post Graduate Certificate in Pain Management
- Certificate in Vestibular Assessment and Rehabilitation
- Leadership and Management
- Medico-Legal Assessments and Report Writing
- Health and Safety Risk Assessments
References
- Aaliyah Osman ( Occupational Therapist) +27 767362261
- Tania Cameron ( Occupational Therapist) +27 737239049
Timeline
Occupational therapist
Renovo Health Care
04.2026 - 06.2026
Lead Specialist Occupational Therapist
Champ Surrey
07.2025 - 03.2026
Occupational Therapist
Lentegeur Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Unit
12.2024 - 05.2025
Rehabilitation Intervention Leader
Nurture Health
08.2023 - 10.2024
Occupational Therapist
Nurture Health
01.2020 - 07.2023
Occupational Therapist
SOMA Initiative
10.2018 - 10.2020
Program Manager
Western Cape Cerebral Palsy Association
04.2015 - 09.2018
Senior Occupational Therapist
North West Department of Health
03.2015 - 03.2017
Occupational Therapist
Private Practice
03.2006 - 03.2011
Occupational Therapist
Ernest Gardener Day Hospital
03.2004 - 03.2005
Occupational Therapist
Child Development Clinic
07.2000 - 02.2002
Occupational Therapist
Private Practices
02.1994 - 02.2000
Post Graduate Diploma in Health Care Management - Health Care Management
Stellenbosch University
Post Graduate Diploma in OT for non degree puposes - Occupational Therapy
Wits University
Psychology 3 - Psychology
Psychology 3, UNISA
BSc Oc Ther - BSc Occ Ther
UCT