Tara Connolly

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Occupational Therapist

Advanced Sensory Integration Practitioner  

Tara completed her Occupational Therapy studies at York St John University in York, England. During her studies, she gained valuable experience through various work placements in both physical and mental health settings. During her final placement on a psychiatric intensive care ward, she developed a strong passion for pursuing a career in mental health services.

She began her Occupational Therapy career in 2017, working in forensic mental health services at one of only three high-security hospitals in the UK. This role provided Tara with three years of invaluable experience supporting individuals with some of the most complex mental health needs in the country. She worked with individuals experiencing conditions such as psychosis, schizophrenia, anxiety, and depression, many of whom had co-occurring conditions. Her interventions included collaborating transdisciplinary with psychiatrists, psychologists, psychotherapists, mental health nurses, and teachers.

While working in forensic mental health services, Tara furthered her education by completing a Postgraduate Diploma in Sensory Integration. Immersed in mental health services during her studies, she gained deep insights into how sensory processing difficulties impact function, engagement, mental health, and well-being. This additional qualification expanded her scope of practice and led her to a leadership role as the Lead Occupational Therapist at a Special Educational Needs school in Liverpool, England.

In this role, Tara worked with children and young people aged 3 to 19, all diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, many of whom had co-occurring neurodivergent conditions, mental health challenges, and trauma-related needs. Her responsibilities included assessing individual needs, planning and delivering interventions, conducting environmental audits and adaptations, providing equipment, and offering training and consultation to staff and parents. Tara also collaborated closely with external services, including child and adolescent mental health services, social care, and foster and adoption organizations. She was part of a multidisciplinary team that included Speech and Language Therapists, Psychotherapists, and Positive Behavior Support professionals.

More recently, Tara has worked on a self-employed basis, allowing her to apply her extensive experience to support children, adolescents, and adults. Her practice spans schools, client homes, clinics, and community settings, offering assessment, intervention, training, and consultation services.

Tara is delighted to join the team at Monarch Health Centers, where she contributes to the mission of supporting physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health through an integrated transdisciplinary approach.

• Autism Spectrum Disorder 
• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder 
• Sensory Processing Disorder and Sensory Integration challenges 
• Functional challenges and demand avoidance 
• Trauma and attachment needs 
• Anxiety 
• Depression 
• Psychotic disorders (within interdisciplinary team)  

• Ayre’s Sensory Integration®
• Sensory based interventions which can be implemented across environments
• SAFE PLACE - A Multi-Disciplinary Approach to Treating Children with Complex Trauma and Sensory Processing Disorder
• Canadian Occupational Performance Measure – addressing occupational performance in all areas of life, including self-care, leisure and productivity
• Parent consultation and coaching 
• Sensory Processing Awareness training for schools and educators   

• Occupational Therapy BSc (Hons) 2014-2017 York St John University － York, England (3 years) 
• Postgraduate Certification in Sensory Integration– Completed to Practitioner Level. Sensory Integration module 1: Foundations and Neuroscience Sensory Integration module 2: Clinical Reasoning in Sensory Integration: Assessment Sensory Integration module 3: Clinical Reasoning and Practice in Sensory Integration: Intervention Completed in collaboration with Sensory Integration Education and University of Ulster. 
• Postgraduate Diploma in Sensory Integration – Completed to Advanced Practitioner Level. Sensory Integration module 4: Advanced Practice, completed in collaboration with Sensory Integration Education and Sheffield Hallam University.
• Professional member of the Royal College of Occupational Therapy 
• Registered with the Health and Care Professions Council 
• Registered professional – Occupational Therapist - Dubai Health Authority 

• English