09/06/2025
Member in the SWOTlight - Committee Edition 🎭
May's SWOTlight:
1. Name: Melissa Chennells
2. Place and field of work:
I work at WACHS South West, currently in the Community Team, but my Permanency is in Acute (which I am yet to step into!). I’ve always called myself an All Sorts OT – and honestly a diverse range of interests. I enjoy working with adults, and Community-based intervention is where my knowledge base lies currently.
3. What’s your OT journey? Where have you been before this role?
I graduated as an OT in 2019, at Wits University in Johannesburg, South Africa. From there, I’ve always sort of been in the deep end, refusing to sink (but still kinda sinking)! I managed an in-patient and out-patient department with my colleague as a new graduate, and have experience in neuro, paeds and hands (IP and OP), from a South African perspective. My fiancé and I moved to the South West in July 2023. I’ve worked in the NDIS space, MAC - Home Care Package, CHSP and now the public sector. I still have lots to learn, but am grateful for my diverse experience, and the edge it provides in terms of understanding clients holistically, and being able to provide support through multiple avenues.
4. What do you like about your role:
I really enjoy working in a team (I’m always up for a chat!), with wonderful colleagues in the MDT, and the variety and complexity of work that Community provides. The public system really allows the opportunity to build connections, link clients with appropriate services and improve health literacy of the population we serve. Being an OT is part of my personality. I have a passion for connecting with people, ensuring clients feel seen, understood and cared for, and using Activity Analysis (the OT superpower in my opinion), as the foundation for understanding human function, and fostering a sense of independence and accomplishment, no matter the disability.
5. Favourite spot in the South West:
Oh gosh! So many!! We got engaged near Margaret River on a beach last year, and Margs is just the most beautiful place in the world, to me. In another life, I’m a wine farmer, I’m sure of it!
6. What is your hope for the future of the profession?
I hope that OT burnout is recognised and prevented sooner, to prevent OT’s from leaving the profession early. I think the critical role we play in understanding human function can be quite tolling, and it is undervalued, even amongst fellow OT’s. More compassion, support and reaching out is needed to safeguard the wonderful people that accept this calling.
