I hold a BSc in Health Occupational Therapy from the Netherlands and an MSc in Occupational Therapy. Since 2003, I have worked in both the Netherlands and Germany, primarily with children and their caregivers. My professional background also includes experience in early intervention, curative day care centres, orphanages, and community-oriented projects.
In addition to my clinical work, I have trained in coaching and now work as a trainer. Since 2012, I have been an occupational therapy lecturer in Germany, where my role includes teaching, curriculum development, and providing practical tutoring and mentoring for prospective occupational therapists.
I am grateful to be part of The Empowerment Project, launched by Sarah Kufner. When I attended the MOW (Model of Doing/Not Doing) workshop, I found its perspective on Doing and Not Doing particularly compelling. I now integrate the MOW into my work with clients and their families, as well as in team and organisational contexts. The MOW Triangles provide an enabling framework for reflection, helping people — including myself — explore their assumptions, thinking, and actions.
I have used the MOW in school settings with teenagers and their families, and within my own educational organisation to identify and resolve team-related challenges that had been causing dissatisfaction. My application of the MOW in non-health-related settings is described in more detail in Chapter 10 of this volume.