Q&A with Leandri Ferreira, Clinical Lead and Occupational Therapist
How did you first become interested in Occupational Therapy?
Biology was one of my favourite subjects at school, which got me interested in the medical field. Combined with a passion to always be helping others and a love for children, Occupational Therapy seemed like a good choice.
Where did you do your Occupational Therapy training?
I am originally from South Africa, and I completed my Occupational Therapy degree at the University of the Free State. My interest in paediatrics and neurodiversity further led to obtaining my Ayres Sensory Integration qualification through SAISI and DIR-floortime training.
What’s the most rewarding part of being an OT for you?
As an OT, I am passionate about seeing children thrive in their everyday lives despite the challenges they may face. The most rewarding part when working with younger children is cases where parents start to understand their child’s sensory needs and are able to then make their own adaptations to help their child thrive. Or with older children/adolescents when they realise their inner experience of ‘feeling/being different’ is validated and they leave feeling empowered to start a self-advocating journey in education or the work place.
What’s something people might be surprised to learn about occupational therapy?
“Occupation” is not only your work – it is anything that “occupies’” your time. So an OT will be assessing and supporting any individual (from infants to the elderly) in engaging with “occupations” that they feel add value to their lives.
What’s a typical day in your life as an OT like?
Currently in my role at the Gesher Assessment Centre, it is a mix of managerial tasks, face-to-face assessments and feedback sessions, and liaising with teachers and other professionals about our clients to ensure we provide comprehensive and holistic assessments and support.
When did you join Gesher Assessment Centre and what do you like best about it?
I joined the centre in February 2022 when we were still setting up the rooms at the Henry Jackson Centre. The entire clinical and managerial team have such a passion for the work that we do and share a positive view about neurodivergence. I enjoy being able to reframe diagnosis in a positive light for children, young people and their families.
How do you stay inspired and motivated in your work?
Getting constructive feedback – whether positive or ‘negative’ inspires me a lot. I get motivation from others to keep on improving and bringing changes that families who often battle with accessing services in a positive way can do so at the Gesher Assessment Centre.
What hobbies or activities do you enjoy when you’re not working?
I enjoy playing squash, running and nature walks. London also awakened my love for theatre and arts and as such I am a regular at museums, theatres and exhibitions.
Where was your last holiday?
I have just returned from a holiday in South Africa (November 2024). It was quite a road trip to cover family and friends. It started with a wedding in Verkykerskop, then I went to the Eastern Cape in Barkly East, on to Bloemfontein in the Free State which is where I studied, and ended on another farm in Mpamalanga with a visit to the Kruger National Park.
Leandri wrote this Q&A in November 2024. It is part of a series of Q&A’s which feature in The Gesher Assessment Centre e-mail newsletter. Read biographies for our team here.