Susan Whitehead
Program Manager (Occupational Therapist)
I am a licensed Occupational Therapist with a Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of Lancaster in the United Kingdom and a Master’s degree in Professional Practice. Over the course of my career, I’ve had the privilege of working across diverse healthcare settings, including acute hospitals in the UK and outpatient and community care environments in Kuwait. These experiences have shaped my ability to apply a wide range of skills in Occupational Therapy, always with the goal of improving my patients’ quality of life.
My passion lies in working with older adults, a population that presents unique clinical challenges along with immense rewards. I specialize in helping those with neurological conditions such as stroke, brain injury, MS, and Alzheimer’s disease. Every day brings new challenges and opportunities, allowing me to grow both professionally and personally while addressing the complexities of their needs with empathy and skill.
One of the most fulfilling aspects of my role is introducing others to the value of Occupational Therapy. Integrating meaningful daily activities into rehabilitation plans is at the heart of what I do. Seeing patients achieve their functional and personal goals is an incredibly rewarding part of my work. At Argan Riaya, I collaborate with a highly skilled team of professionals, which enables me to support my patients in reaching their maximum potential through holistic and individualized care.
Education
- Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Occupational Therapy – University of Lancaster, UK
- Master of Science (MSc) in Professional Practice
Specialty Interests
I have a keen interest in addressing and managing the following areas of care:
- Elderly Rehabilitation – Supporting older adults experiencing debilitation
- Palliative and End-of-Life Care – Providing end-of-life planning, support, and case management
- Neurological Rehabilitation – Expertise in conditions such as stroke, brain injury, and multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Cognitive Deficits and Neurodegenerative Conditions – Specialized care for Alzheimer's, Dementia, Parkinson’s, and ALS
- Equipment, Aids, and Adaptations – Advising on aids, home assessments, and modification recommendations
- Falls Prevention – Offering practical guidance and strategies to reduce fall risks
Certifications
- Foundations in Cognitive Rehabilitation for Occupational Therapy Professionals
- Solving eating, drinking & other activity challenges with assistive technology
- Measuring and Improving Business Performance
- Teach Human Movement Course
- Hoist training by Prism Healthcare
My passion for empowering patients, building meaningful rehabilitation plans, and fostering independence continues to drive my commitment to excellence in care. Working at Argan Riaya allows me to bring knowledge, compassion, and innovation to every patient interaction.