Lecturer in Occupational Therapy

I qualified as an occupational therapist in 2002, completing my BSc (Hons) at Coventry University with first class honours.

Since qualifying, I have predominantly worked in community and inpatient services in the NHS. Initially with people with learning disabilities and latterly with older people with functional and organic mental health problems. I also have a range of other experiences working as an occupational therapist, as a support worker and in a voluntary capacity. These have been with people across the lifespan in the NHS, social services, social care and the third sector.

In practice I have worked with many students from occupational therapy and other professional groups, relishing the opportunity to learn from, and with, them.

I have presented at the (now Royal) College of Occupational Therapist’s annual conference and other academic conferences and events. I have co-authored a dynamic multimedia journal article with scholars from the UK and Canada and enjoyed working on an international module with occupational therapy students from Coventry University, Singapore and Belgium.

I joined the University of Bedfordshire in 2021, as a part time lecturer, and am excited to be part of the new and developing occupational therapy course. I like to take a creative and innovative approach in my work and am passionate about the world of occupational therapy; its scope and future and supporting students in engaging with all it has to offer.

Qualifications

• BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy – First Class – Coventry University (2002)
• Teaching qualification to commence 2022

Teaching Expertise

• Unit Lead for Sciences Supporting Occupation (Level 4)
• Author and lecturer of occupational therapy specific and shared occupational therapy/ physiotherapy units (Levels 4 & 5)
• Personal Academic Tutor

Research Interests

• Occupational science
• Arts-related research
• Student participation and creative teaching and learning modalities

Publications

Wimpenny, K, Gouzouasis, P & Benthall, K 2018, 'Remembering, Reflecting, Returning: A Return to Professional Practice Journey Through Poetry, Music and Images: A Return to Professional Practice Journey Through Poetry, Music and Images', Journal of Media Practice and Education, vol. 19, no. 1, pp. 98-115. https://doi.org/10.1080/14682753.2017.1362179

Contact Details

T: TBC
E: karen.benthall@beds.ac.uk