When Shannon was starting out as a new grad, she was thinking of heading into a hospital role. But one visit to ESA and it was love at first sight. Now, almost six years later, she’s the Early Intervention OT lead and the ESDM Program lead.
“As soon as I came in for an interview and I saw all the little, little kids running around, I knew I really loved it here. When I came here, I was able to see that multidisciplinary team and how closely they were working together. I was really motivated to learn from other people, not just our discipline. So that’s what really drew me.”
For Shannon, variety in her day is as important as working with a variety of colleagues.
“I’m lucky enough that I have a bit of a mixed role, so I get to do a little bit of everything. In the mornings, we run an early intervention programme for zero to five-year-olds. I’m the programme lead for that. I get to do anything from jumping in and helping with training for new staff members, and to be with the kids and run checklists. And then in my afternoons, it’s also seeing my own individual OT clients.”
She’s keen to help others in the same way she’s been mentored and loves that the size and reach of APM offer so many opportunities to learn and grow.
“Yeah, I’ve been very lucky to have an amazing manager from the beginning. He’s been super, super supportive. And I think he’s really shaped me not only as a therapist, but also as a person. Being part of that bigger APM group has had lots of benefits. We’ve got lots of people that we can have access to. We can always reach out to other APM branches as well for further support.”
This culture of teamwork, support and learning is what makes ESA a special place to work.
“What makes our teams really special is we’re always leaning on each other and connecting for support. I think especially in those early years, in that early intervention space, you can’t really do it on your own. You’ve got to do it with each other. So having someone in the next room next to you is a really massive benefit for our kids, but also a massive benefit for our learning. And we’ve become a really close-knit team working so closely together, which is lovely.”
But when it comes down to it, for Shannon, her favourite part is still the kids.
“Seeing their milestones and being around for so many firsts is so nice. I really love working with kids. I just adore them, and they can feel it, and you can see it in the sessions. That connection is so important. I just love seeing their smiles, and those small wins.”
And her advice to any new grads, about finding their place?
“I would say stay authentic to yourself and really trust your gut feeling on a place. You’ve got to feel good. You’ve got to feel supported. I think finding a place where you feel comfortable and there’s a nice team and supportive people around you - you’re going to be OK.”