MSWA Bulletin Magazine Spring

WELCOMING OUR NEW
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS
IAN CHEOK
MSWA OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY MANAGER
Hi, my name is Ian. I completed my occupational therapy
training at Curtin University, receiving the Head of the School
Award and Outstanding Mentor Award. Prior to taking up
OT, I was a computer science graduate from the University
of Western Australia and worked in the areas of technology
usability and human-computer interaction for 15+ years.
This experience has enhanced my skill set.
I strongly believe that when people can participate in
activities they truly enjoy, their health and wellbeing will be
greatly improved. I thrive on helping others express the best
version of themselves by honouring their unique personality
and working around their strengths.
Before joining MSWA, I was the principal OT at Burswood
Health, an interdisciplinary pain management clinic, focussing
on chronic pain rehabilitation and soft tissue therapy. I also
worked with VisAbility (formerly the WA Association for
the Blind), where I focused on designing smart assistive
technology and low vision rehabilitation programmes for
clients with vision impairment and acquired brain injury.
In my free time, I enjoy hiking, yoga and spending time with
people who like to laugh out loud.
VERITY DE FRIES
MSWA OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST
My name is Verity, and I am an MSWA Occupational Therapist
based at Wilson. I may look familiar, as I previously worked
at MSWA for three years before leaving to try something new.
For the last two years I have worked at TADWA, with a focus
on assessing for aids and equipment and home modifications
for people under HACC and/or receiving home care packages.
In the past, I worked in residential aged care and transitional
care facilities. I am very happy to be back at MSWA – it is
wonderful to see so many familiar faces, as well as meet
plenty of new ones!
The thing I enjoy the most about my work is being able
to support people to remain as safe and independent
as possible. I love that every individual is different, having
unique challenges to overcome and goals to meet; it keeps
my job interesting and means that I am always learning
something new.
When I’m not at work I can usually be found at the gym,
baking up a storm in the kitchen, or spending time with my
puppy and family.
MSWA BULLETIN SPRING 2017 | 13