Meet our OT Imogen Oliver

Meet Imogen Oliver, Senior Employment Support Consultant/Occupational Therapist at MS Plus. Imogen has worked with us for the past 10 years, helping people with MS and other neurological conditions to stay at work or find new opportunities after diagnosis.

How long have you worked as an occupational therapist?
I have worked as an OT for 13 years. I started my career in occupational rehabilitation before spending some time at a special development school. I have spent the last 10 years working at MS Plus. I have a Bachelor Degree in Occupational Therapy as well as a Masters Degree in Ergonomics, Health and Safety.

What do you enjoy most about the role?
It is an absolute honour and privilege to work with my clients, some of them for many years! It is such a special working relationship to be able to share their journey with MS, through the highs and lows. Being that constant support and sounding board that is not work or family, I feel has a huge impact on people’s lives. I love talking to my clients every week and brainstorming creative solutions to their problems. I think when clients are able to share their experience, share their struggles with a supportive person it can help things feel less overwhelming and like they are not so alone.

Why is ESS-related OT such an important service for people with neurological conditions?
Employment is so much more than just financial income. I know this is an important aspect of working but employment brings so many other benefits to one’s life such as a sense of purpose, a sense of identity, of contributing to society and a meaningful way to spend one's time. Sometimes when people are diagnosed with a neurological condition, there is a lot of change and uncertainty, I feel that through holistically supporting our clients, we are really assisting them to continue what is often a vital part of their life and a vital part of maintaining that sense of stability, routine and self-worth.

Is there a particular client milestone/highlight that stands out to you?
I have a particular client who, when we first started working together, was feeling like she wasn’t able to continue working due to her MS. She really felt that her diagnosis of MS was a wake up call to re-assess her life and her career path. She decided to study to become a Remedial Massage Therapist and now has her own successful business doing what she loves. I have supported her for many years with advice, symptom management strategies, assistive equipment and even business marketing strategies! It has been an honour to share in her career-path evolution and see her really make her dreams become reality.

What is something about you that not many people know?
I love yoga and playing tennis.

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