Yvonne Phelan
As Programme Development Lead for the MSc Occupational Therapy (Pre-registration) at Portobello Institute and a practising occupational therapist (OT) specialising in paediatrics, Yvonne Phelan is passionate about educating and inspiring future occupational therapists while showcasing the diverse career opportunities the profession offers, both here in Ireland and around the world.
Industry Experience & Career Outcomes
- CORU-registered paediatric occupational therapist
- Founder and owner of a private paediatric occupational therapy practice
- Clinical experience across schools, clinics, and specialist services
- Conducts autism and HSE assessments
- Extensive experience developing services, processes, and clinics from the ground up
Yvonne’s Pathway in Occupational Therapy
At just nine years old, Yvonne attended occupational therapy sessions and knew she had found her calling. Her immediate reaction was: “This is the career for me. I want to do this.”
She studied a degree in Social Sciences before progressing to a MSc Occupational Therapy programme. Since qualifying, Yvonne has dedicated her career to paediatric occupational therapy.
Following a period working in London, she returned to Ireland and further honed her clinical expertise at Irish social enterprise and charity Sensational Kids before going on to work across schools, clinics, and specialist services. Today, she runs her own private paediatric occupational therapy practice.
Throughout her career, Yvonne has developed services, built processes, and established clinics from the ground up. Now, as Programme Development Lead for the MSc Occupational Therapy (Pre-registration) at Portobello Institute, she is bringing that experience into higher education, helping to shape a programme that prepares graduates to enter the profession with confidence and real-world readiness.
Teaching & Supporting Students
The MSc Occupational Therapy (Pre-registration) programme at Portobello Institute is very hands-on, with case studies, practical activities, and lots of opportunities to work through real-world scenarios.
“Placements are a huge part of that learning process because they allow students to put theory into practice and develop confidence in real clinical environments,” explains Yvonne.
One of the most important things taught, she says, is clinical reasoning.
“Occupational therapy is constantly evolving. There isn’t one intervention that works for everyone, and two occupational therapists may approach the same person in completely different ways.
“What we can do is build confidence in understanding what’s happening physiologically, developing problem-solving skills, and applying clinical reasoning.”
Career Opportunities in Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy offers graduates exceptional career flexibility, strong employment prospects, and opportunities to work around the world.
Occupational therapists remain on high-demand skills lists in countries including Australia and New Zealand, with significant recruitment activity across Europe, and Irish OTs are particularly well regarded.
Yvonne explains: “People do make a distinction when it comes to Master’s graduates because they recognise the maturity and commitment involved in making a career change and returning to study. That experience can be a real advantage.”
The sheer breadth of career opportunities is one of the profession’s greatest strengths. Graduates can work across paediatrics, mental health, physical rehabilitation, older adult care, community services, prison services, refugee support programmes, education, and private practice.
As Yvonne explains: “People often see one version of occupational therapy – usually paediatrics – and think that’s everything. But it’s not. There is so much you can do within this profession.
“I always say that if something occupies a person’s time, occupational therapy can help with it. That’s really the breadth of the profession.”
Her own career journey demonstrates the flexibility occupational therapy can offer. After having her daughter, Yvonne launched her own occupational therapy business just three months later, creating a career that could evolve alongside her personal and professional goals.
“That’s one of the things I love about occupational therapy – it’s incredibly flexible. You can adapt your workload and your career as your needs change.”
Professional Impact
For Yvonne, the most rewarding part of occupational therapy is seeing people achieve things they never thought possible. One moment that has stayed with her involved a non-verbal child who spoke for the first time during a play-based therapy session.
She reflects: “We went more towards play, regulation, and fun, and then suddenly, ‘ready, steady, go’ comes out of his mouth. Myself and the child’s mum just burst out crying.”
Advice for Students
The MSc Occupational Therapy (Pre-registration) programme at Portobello Institute is designed for aspiring occupational therapists from a range of academic and professional backgrounds, including career changers and mature learners returning to education.
Yvonne understands that taking the step back into study can feel daunting, but she encourages prospective students not to underestimate the support available or the practical nature of the profession.
“People often worry about anatomy, physiology, and the academic side of things, but what I love about occupational therapy is that learning isn’t static.
“You’re not just memorising information. You’re moving, talking through concepts and learning through practical, hands-on experiences.”
Why Portobello
For Yvonne, joining Portobello Institute is an opportunity to help inspire and prepare the next generation of occupational therapists through a programme that is practical, supportive, and closely connected to the realities of professional practice.
“Portobello has a strong community feel. Students are encouraged to communicate openly, and staff are proactive in reaching out and offering support. It’s a very collaborative environment.”
She believes one of the programme’s greatest strengths is its student-centred approach, where smaller cohort sizes allow learners to build meaningful relationships with their tutors.
Looking ahead, Yvonne is excited about the learning experience students can expect.
She concludes: “This Master’s is going to be diverse, information-filled, very hands-on, dynamic, and ever-changing. It’s going to be information-heavy, but in a really accessible way.”
Explore Occupational Therapy at Portobello
Thinking about a future in occupational therapy? Learn how Yvonne Phelan and the MSc Occupational Therapy (Pre-registration) programme can prepare you for a rewarding and impactful career.
