Email: joanneoram@gmail.com 
Website: www.DiversionalTherapist.co.nz 
 

Personal Statement: 

I: -
• am caring, responsible and trustworthy.
• can work on my own initiative but also take instructions well.
• enjoy working in a supportive role to others.
• have an excellent memory and good organisational skills.
• am a fast learner.
• am a positive and happy person that enjoys a challenge.
• like meeting new people and consider myself to be a good team player.

Now that my family is complete I am looking forward to furthering and broadening my career in the field of Diversional Therapy and Activities.
 
I've recently published my first book entitled:

"Therapeutic Activities For The Elderly"
A guide for Recreational and Diversional Therapists
By Joanne Oram
Click here for more info.

Employment: 

Sept 2008 - Present
Diversional Therapist & Activities Team Leader - St.Andrew's Village, Riddell Road, Glendowie, Auckland, New Zealand.
My main duties are facilitating a diverse therapeutic activities programme, conducting therapeutic activities, organising entertainers and school visits. I also write care plans and assess peoples needs/abilities and interests which enable me to provide relevant activites. I specialise in working with residents in the Dementia unit. I also liase with communication companies about upcoming events and interesting life stories for television and newspapers.

February 2004 - Sept 2008 
Activities Co-ordinator - Home Meadow Residential Home For The Elderly, Comberton Rd, Toft, Cambridge.
My main duties have been to implement a diverse activity programme for all needs and abilities. I work with people of varying stages of dementia and other neurological conditions. I arrange activities ranging from arts and crafts, exercise, reminiscence, quizzes and games. I also organise in house entertainment, outings and fundraising events. I liaise with professionals and families about residents requirements and evaluate residents for various activities. I have also trained Activity Co-ordinators in the job and managed volunteers and students on work experience placements.

September 2003 - Present 
Self Employed Artist/Trader - Nature's Palette.
I set up a business with my partner. www.NaturesPalette.co.nz (and her sister site www.LuxuryHandmadeHandbags.co.nz ) Hand painted silk, glass and ceramic art gifts. We exhibit and sell our products from our online shop, at craft fairs and some shops. My main duties are designing and painting the products, my partner manages all other aspects of the business.

February 2008
Midday supervisor/Classroom assistant - Meridian Primary School, Comberton, Cambs. -.
Main duties are supervising children in the playground and health & safety checks. I also assist at meal times and in the classroom. 

February 2003-May 2003 
Reception/General Assistant - Shepreth Wildlife Park, Shepreth, Hertfordshire.
Main duties were helping members of the public, answering the telephone, organising group bookings, stocking the shop and cleaning.

September 2002 - February 2003 
Kitchen Assistant - The Wheatsheaf, Harlton Rd, Lt Eversden.
My duties were preparing food, cooking, waitressing and cleaning.
 
I have also had experience in admin, telesales, childcare, housekeeping and retail. 
 
Education: 
 
Trade Qualifications: 
Ace Dementia Series Certificate
Ace Stage 2 Core Programme Certificate
Ace Stage 1 Core Programme (awaiting certificate)
NCFE In Provision of Activities within a care setting.
(Click here for more details)
CYQ Level 2 Chair based Exercise for the frailer older person.
Certificate in Safeguarding of Vulnerable adults.
Certificate in Protection Of Vunerable Adults From Abuse.
Certificate in Bereavement Managing.
Certificate in Moving and handling.
Certificate in Health and Safety.
Certificate in Neurological Conditions.
Certificate in Dementia Care.
Certificate in Dementia Awareness.
Certificate in Motivational Training For Exercise.
Certificate for the Otago Exercise Programme Leaders Award.
(Click here for more details)
Strength and balance re-training to prevent falls in older adults.
CLAiT Basic Computing.
Foundation Food Hygiene.
Certificate in First Aid.
Treaty Of Waitangi Education.

(Click here to see my Certificates)

Secondary Qualifications: 
Swavesey Village College 1990 - 1995
GCSE Art - A
GCSE English Language - C
GCSE English Literature - B
Geography - C
 
Personal Interests: 
As well as spending time with my children I enjoy arts and crafts, walking, learning about the world (New Zealand in particular), films and photography, sailing, badminton and music. 
 
References: 
Grace O'Sullivan - Occupational Therapist, St. Andrews Village, 207 Riddell Road, Glendowie, Auckland 1071 Telephone: (09) 5854020

Sue Kerry, Home Manager, Home Meadow, Comberton Rd, Toft, CB23 2RY. Telephone: (01223) 263282.