Sharon Howell
Vicwide Health Network
About Sharon
"Upon graduating from occupational therapy (OT) in 1997, I worked in both Victorian regional and metro public health settings where I was fortunate to work with all ages (0-100+), across all areas of the health service.
From 2003-2009, I worked in the private sector as the national senior occupational therapist for a multi-national company. During these years I maintained an occupational therapy clinical caseload while supervising staff across Australia and I developed strong skills in coordinating and supervising teams. I also gained valuable experience of different state-based health systems and funding bodies around the country to enable strict adherence to relevant legislation and policies.
In 2009 I set up Vicwide Health Network and since then, my clinical caseload has focused on supporting clients who have experienced complex trauma (usually following a transport accident), in particular spinal cord injuries and acquired brain injuries. I also have experience working with clients impacted by burns, visual impairment and amputations. Since 2015, I have maintained this clinical occupational clinical caseload whilst also supporting icare clients (both adults and children in Victoria and Queensland) in a case management role.
As a highly committed, self-motivated, and organised health professional committed to continuous professional development, I draw on these extensive experiences and strong clinical reasoning skills to support the participant and their family where they are now and to help them get to where they want to be.
I believe strong communication skills, empathy, collaboration, and professional integrity are critical in developing and maintaining robust working relationships, cohesiveness within teams, setting reasonable expectations, and ensuring all stakeholders work together to support the participant's goals. I am experienced supporting people with highly sensitive, complex co-morbidities, families and behaviours which require strong leadership from the case manager to ensure a consistent client-centred approach from all stakeholders".
