OT an important support for VMCH clients

Starting out as a VMCH volunteer gave Taryn Muller a thirst for helping people to reach for their goals. Since then she’s worked her way up from disability support volunteer to casual Disability Support Worker, to occupational therapy student, to a fully-qualified Occupational Therapist.

 What is your current role and what does it involve?

My role is predominately out in the community, supporting older clients and people living with disability to engage and participate in everyday tasks or activities that are meaningful to them.

What was your previous role at VMCH and what led you to leave that role and pursue this one?

Whilst studying as an occupational therapy student, I was employed as a casual Disability Support Worker. It gave me a broader understanding of what it is like to support and care for someone with a disability. I feel this has helped me in my career as an Occupational Therapist to know what is or isn’t achievable for care staff in the disability sector and how important it is to engage those closest to the client to achieve a holistic outcome for all.

Why did you choose to work for VMCH?

I chose to work for VMCH after starting out as a volunteer. I absolutely loved the environment, friendly staff and unique nature of the work and people we support. I feel that VMCH really value their clients and want to achieve the best outcomes for them.

 What do you love most about your job?

I love that I get to meet new people and constantly build my skill-set and knowledge on a wide range of topics. I love the challenge of breaking down barriers clients are currently experiencing and finding creative ways to enable them to participate in an activity, task or role that is otherwise too difficult.

Why is OT important for the people you support?

I believe that OT is an important profession as it fills and compliments a gap that other services don’t provide. We do this through exploration of meaningful goals with a client that can be around any activity, task or role that occupies their time. A quote I love to tell my clients is that “the physiotherapist will assist you to walk again and the occupational therapist will help you get back your passion of dancing”.

What is your future wish for the people you support?

I want them to have the opportunity to tell their story, identify goals that are meaningful to them and then be able to work with a therapist or support team to help to make this goal a reality.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

I enjoy spending time with my friends and family, playing the piano and experimenting in the kitchen. I also love spending time with my dog, Alice (pictured).