Adele Quinnell

Research Interests

I am interested in research related to motherhood, parenting and nature. I have a particular interest in nature and the natural world and the positive impact it can have on the mental health of mothers and parents.

Scholarly biography

I graduated from the University of Brighton in 2007 after completing my MSc in Health Through Occupation. My Occupational Therapy career then began on a mixed mental health and physical rotation in East Sussex. There, I worked in orthopaedics and adult in-patient and community mental health settings. I then went on to specialise in adult community mental health where I worked for 9 years. Following this I worked in palliative care, vocational rehabilitation and as a visiting lecturer on the Occupational Therapy courses at The University of Brighton.

In November 2020, I began a part-time permanent position as a Lecturer on the Occupational Therapy (Pre-Registration) MSc (PGCert PGDip) at the University of Brighton.

Approach to  teaching

I believe in student centred teaching and learning and use my skills, knowledge and experiences acquired through clinical practice to support my teaching. I am passionate about problem based learning (PBL) and the positive and life long impact it can have on learners. I strive to work collaboratively with students to empower and support them to be active participants in their own learning, acting as a facilitator, guide and mentor. Therefore, the PBL approach adopted on the Occupational Therapy courses at the University of Brighton fits well with my interests and values. It also aligns well with the philosophy of Occupational Therapy that strives to empower individuals to be active participants in their own unique journey and to engage in occupations that have meaning and purpose.