Meet the team
At North Star Rehab we are immensely proud of our team of highly skilled, experienced specialist occupational therapists, physiotherapists and specialist rehabilitation assistants.
Naveen Prabhakaran
Specialist Neurological Occupational Therapist
Izzy Kings
Specialist Rehabilitation Assistant
Jill Kings MSc PGC (HEP) DipCOT SROT
Specialist Occupational Therapist
Hello, please meet Jill our Clinical Director and Consultant Neurological Occupational Therapist
Jill is the founder of North Star Rehab and has worked within neurological rehabilitation for over 35 years.
After qualifying as an Occupational Therapist in 1990 Jill headed to London and quickly specialised in the field of neurological rehabilitation.
She has worked in several regional rehabilitation centres including the world-renowned National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery in Queen Square London.
Jill has an unrivalled depth and breadth of neurological rehabilitation skills having worked across several sectors over her career.
Jill worked in the NHS for over 18 years, has been a senior lecturer and recently led an award-winning community neurological rehabilitation team.
She has a Masters of Science Degree in Neurological Rehabilitation, a teaching qualification and has undertaken primary research, contributing to numerous publications, clinical guidelines, and book chapters to promote evidence-based practice within Occupational Therapy and neurological rehabilitation. Jill also undertakes Part 35 compliant Expert Witness Occupational Therapy assessment and reports.
Key areas of expertise
- Brain injury rehabilitation
- Cognitive rehabilitation
- Physical skills and intensive task training
- Upper limb rehabilitation
- Movement disorders
- Catastrophic and complex disability management
- Occupational Therapy Expert Witness assessments and reports
John Pope MSc, BSc (hons) SROT
Specialist Neurological Occupational Therapist
Hello, please meet John our Clinical Director and Specialist Neurological Occupational Therapist
John is an award-winning specialist neurological occupational therapist with over 14 years experience in the field of complex, community-based rehabilitation.
John began his career in the field of neuro-rehabilitation, supporting people who have experienced life changing injury or illness in their own homes and in the community.
His passion is enabling people with complex disabilities to achieve their full potential across their lifespan, by promoting independence and quality of life.
John brings unique and highly specialist rehabilitation skills and has worked with people with brain injuries and learning difficulties throughout his career, across both the public and private sectors. John has a deep understanding of occupational therapy for people who lack capacity, including advanced skill in evidence-based techniques to support people with behaviours that challenge.
John has current knowledge of care and support provision, has been a Care Quality Commission (CQC) Registered Manager and continues to act as a specialist advisor to the CQC. He has completed his Masters of Science Degree in Advanced Practice for Intellectual Disabilities and won the 2020 Great British Care Award (North East).
Key areas of expertise
- Brain injury rehabilitation
- Adults with intellectual disabilities
- Cognitive rehabilitation
- Life skills training including self-management and self-awareness
- Complex behavioural rehabilitation
- Evidenced-based strategies to support any behaviours of concern
- Behavioural support and de-escalation training for care or support teams
- Educational support
Naveen Prabhakaran BScOT SROT
Specialist Neurological Occupational Therapist
Hello, please meet Naveen our Specialist Neurological Occupational Therapist
Naveen is a highly specialist neurological occupational therapist with over 20 years experience in acquired brain injury and functional, physical, cognitive, and vocational rehabilitation.
He has worked across the full continuum of care, from acute hospital settings to community-based rehabilitation and has advanced skills in community-based rehabilitation and leadership.
Beginning his career in India, Naveen worked in both mental health and multi-specialty hospital settings before relocating to the UK in 2004. For the past 17 years Naveen has worked in a community-based NHS acquired brain injury service. In this role, he works within an interdisciplinary team, delivering bespoke occupational therapy assessments and rehabilitation interventions tailored to patients with complex brain injuries.
Naveen is committed to lifelong learning and professional development, having completed several skills-based specialists post-graduate certificates and leadership training.
Key areas of expertise
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Brain injury rehabilitation
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Cognitive and physical rehabilitation
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Telehealth solutions
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Catastrophic and complex disability management
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Vocational rehabilitation
Amy Huzzard BScOT
Specialist Neurological Occupational Therapist
Hello, please meet Amy our Specialist Neurological Occupational Therapist
Amy graduated from Robert Gordon University in 1999 with a BSc in Occupational Therapy. She has over 18 years clinical experience in acute, intermediate and community services with experience working across medical, surgical, orthopaedics, surgery, neurology, elderly care and rehabilitation fields.
Amy has worked across both acute and neurological specialisms for many years within the NHS, working for five years as a specialist occupational therapist in a community acquired brain injury service and three years in a community stroke rehabilitation team. She is a skilled leader and supervisor and is comfortable working autonomously and collaboratively in multi-agency teams.
Amy is warm, flexible and client centred. She has excellent time management and self management skills and has worked independently for many years. She is highly skilled across many physical rehabilitation areas including polytrauma and has a particular interest in cognitive rehabilitation, vocational rehabilitation and Functional Neurological Disorders.
She works as an independent Case Manager and Occupational Therapist and undertakes assessments for Disabled Facilities Grants (DFG’s) provision for children, using advanced
knowledge of specialist equipment and home-based adaptations. She is also trained to undertake Part 35 compliant Care and Occupational Therapy Expert Witness Assessments and Reports for Court.
Key areas of expertise
- Highly experienced Occupational Therapist with over 18 years’ clinical experience.
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Specialist neurological expertise, with extensive NHS experience in acquired brain injury and stroke rehabilitation.
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Strong interest in cognitive, vocational, and Functional Neurological Disorder rehabilitation.
- Skilled leader and expert witness, experienced in autonomous and multi-agency working.
Kathryn Stephenson BSc Physiotherapy
Specialist Neurological Physiotherapist
Hello, please meet Kathryn our Specialist Neurological Physiotherapist
Kathryn is a highly experienced Specialist Neurological Physiotherapist with over 12 years of clinical experience within the National Health Service (NHS), including 8 years dedicated to specialist neurological rehabilitation services. She has extensive experience across the full neuro-rehabilitation pathway, from acute hospital settings to community based rehabilitation enabling her to deliver comprehensive, well-coordinated, and client centered interventions.
Currently based at Newcastle-Upon-Tyne Hospitals, Kathryn’s current role involves completing detailed specialist neurological assessments, formulating and delivering bespoke rehabilitation programmes, and coordinating complex discharges for individuals with a wide range of neurological conditions. Her clinical caseload includes individuals with acquired brain injury, stroke, spinal cord injury, and other complex neurological presentations. She works closely with multidisciplinary teams, families and external agencies to ensure continuity of care and safe transitions between services.
Kathryn demonstrates advanced clinical reasoning skills and is proficient in a wide range of neurological assessment and treatment approaches. Her practice is underpinned by a strong commitment to evidence based care, goal orientated rehabilitation and individualised treatment planning tailored to each individuals functional needs, personal circumstances and long term outcomes.
Key areas of expertise
- Experienced in neurological rehabilitation settings.
- Skilled in detailed neurological assessment and treatment.
- Manages complex neurological conditions with functional focus.
- Uses evidence based techniques including Bobath approach.
- Coordinates multidisciplinary care and complex discharge planning.
Dom Thomson BSc (Hons)
Specialist Rehabilitation Assistant
Hello, please meet Dom our Specialist Rehabilitation Assistant
Dom is an experienced Rehabilitation Assistant who has worked as an Occupational Therapy Assistant over the last five years, supporting people with brain injury and neurological conditions in the community.
He has recently completed a BSc (hons) degree in Sports and Exercise Science from Newcastle University achieving a 2:1. He is also a qualified Personal Trainer with both Level 2 Gym Instructor and Level 3 Personal Training qualifications.
He is confident and comfortable working with clients who have both physical and cognitive impairments and has successfully supported clients with traumatic brain injury who struggle with impulsivity and low motivation.
He is flexible, warm and enthusiastic, and is keen to deliver salient and meaningful activities for his clients and has sourced voluntary opportunities for clients to help them rebuild structure, confidence, and social skills.
He is also skilled at supporting clients with healthy eating, lifestyle management and gym sessions, working towards small, achievable goals to encourage consistency and self-awareness.
Dom finds working closely with clients incredibly rewarding and feels his past experience has strengthened his confidence in using a client-centred approach and the importance of balancing guidance with autonomy, supporting clients while allowing them space to take ownership of their recovery.
Key areas of expertise
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Experienced Rehabilitation Assistant supporting people with brain injuries and neurological conditions.
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Holds a BSc (Hons) in Sports and Exercise Science and Level 3 Personal Training qualifications.
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Skilled in client-centred support, managing low motivation and impulsivity.
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Promotes independence through lifestyle, exercise, and meaningful activities.
Izzy Kings
Specialist Rehabilitation Assistant
Hello, please meet Izzy our Specialist Rehabilitation Assistant
Izzy is an occupational therapy student who is entering her 3rd year of the BSc (hons) Occupational Therapy degree at Northumbria University.
Izzy is open minded, client centred and creative in her approach to supporting qualified occupational therapists in delivering bespoke treatment programmes, under the direction of the qualified occupational therapy team.
Izzy is a bright and flexible specialist rehabilitation assistant with lived experience of loved ones with dementia and progressive neurological conditions, including end of life care.
During her occupational therapy training placements, Izzy has supported adults with profound and complex learning difficulties in the community, including forensic learning difficulties. She has also completed a placement in a community based rapid response multi-disciplinary team and understands the role other team members play.
She is confident when working alongside clients with a range of physical and cognitive difficulties and has contemporary knowledge of assessing and overseeing provision of home-based equipment.
Key areas of expertise
- Physical skills activation and training
- Life and community living skills training
- Health and wellbeing support
- Knowledge of contemporary home-based equipment
Izzy Kings
Specialist Rehabilitation Assistant
Hello, please meet Isabelle our Specialist Rehabilitation Assistant
Isabelle is an experienced and compassionate student who is currently in her 3rd year of the BSc Physiotherapy degree at Teeside University. She has worked with individuals with neurological rehabilitation needs across education, community and physical activity settings.
Isabelle has developed strong client centred skills through her placements and work experience, enabling her to build therapeutic rapport and adapt communication to meet diverse client needs. She is confident in clinical reasoning, assessment, and developing evidence based treatment programmes.
Isabelle has experience delivering individualised exercise programmes, leading group exercise and conducting hydrotherapy sessions. Her experience working with multidisciplinary teams has strengthened her ability to collaborate effectively with the whole MDT.
She is competent in clinical documentation and her previous experience caring for an individual with Multiple Sclerosis enabled her to provide support with activities of daily living, transfers, and companionship, demonstrating her autonomy, compassion, and practical client care skills.
Key areas of expertise
- Client centred assessment and therapeutic communication
- Evidence based treatment planning and clinical reasoning
- Neurological rehabilitation across varied settings
- Group exercise leadership and hydrotherapy delivery
- Multidisciplinary teamwork and clinical documentation
Isaac McKenna
Specialist Rehabilitation Assistant
Hello, please meet Isaac our Specialist Rehabilitation Assistant
Isaac is a dedicated and compassionate Occupational Therapist with experience across mental health, physical health and community settings with an interest in neuro-rehabilitation.
Through practice placements in acute mental health, community pallative care and orthopaedic services, Isaac has gained a strong understanding of rehabilitation pathways and multidisciplinary team working. These experiences have supported the development of skills in assessment, goal setting, and delivering person-centered interventions to promote independence and functional recovery.
In his role of Occupational Therapy Assistant at Priory Hospital, Isaac supported individuals with complex mental health needs, many of whom presented with cognitive and functional difficulties relevant to neurorehabilitation. Responsibilities included assisting in the delivery of structured therapeutic activities, contributing to care planning and monitoring progress through detailed clinical documentation.
As a Support Worker at Oxbridge House Care Home, Isaac worked closely with individuals with learning disabilities, supporting daily living skills and encouraging independence. This role strengthened transferable skills in communication, behavioural support, and adapting approaches to meet diverse cognitive and physical needs.
Key areas of expertise
- Mental health, physical and community rehabilitation experience
- Multidisciplinary team working and rehabilitation pathways
- Person centred assessment, goal setting interventions
- Neurorehabilitation support in complex mental health
- Promoting independence and daily living skills
Demi Goodman
Specialist Rehabilitation Assistant
Hello, please meet Demi our Specialist Rehabilitation Assistant
Demi is a final year BSc Pharmacology student with experience working in regulated healthcare environments and public facing roles. Throughout her clinical placement and mentoring activities, she has developed strong communication, organisational, and teamwork skills. She is enthusiastic about supporting individuals in rehabilitation settings and within the community and contributing to meaningful activities that promote independence, wellbeing, and confidence.
During her placement within a global clinical research team, she supported the delivery of an international clinical trial while working closely with multidisciplinary teams. This role strengthened her attention to detail, ability to follow structured procedures, and understanding of client safety, confidentiality, and accurate documentation within healthcare environments.
Alongside this, she has developed excellent interpersonal skills through working with the public and through mentoring roles. She enjoys building positive relationships, supporting individuals with different needs, and communicating in a patient, encouraging, and respectful way.
She is a reliable and motivated individual who values teamwork and compassionate care. She takes pride in creating a positive and supportive environment for clients and colleagues, and is eager to contribute to rehabilitation programmes that help individuals regain skills, build confidence, and participate fully in meaningful daily activities.
Key areas of expertise
- Clinical research and regulated healthcare experience
- Strong communication and teamwork skills
- Rehabilitation and neurological condition support
- Accurate documentation and patient confidentiality awareness
- Health education, mentoring, CPR training delivery
Kerry Smith BSc (Hons)
Company Operations Lead
Hello, please meet Kerry our Company Operations Lead
Kerry brings extensive expertise in managing complex organisational and clinical operations. With a strong background in case management and complex care, Kerry has successfully navigated the challenges of coordinating care for clients with multifaceted injury and rehabilitation needs. Her leadership ensures that operational processes run smoothly, supporting both the clinical teams and the clients they serve. Kerry’s ability to integrate strategic planning with day to day operations is instrumental in enhancing service quality and client outcomes.
Throughout her career, Kerry has worked across a variety of complex injury businesses, developing a deep understanding of the intricacies involved in case management, litigation and long term care coordination. She has consistently demonstrated a talent for optimising workflows, fostering collaboration among multidisciplinary teams, and implementing best practices to improve efficiency and client care. Kerry’s operational insight makes her a valuable asset in shaping the future of rehabilitation services at North Star Rehab.
Key areas of expertise
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Streamlining Operations & Processes – Optimising workflows and implementing efficient systems to enhance organisational performance.
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Marketing & Business Development – Driving growth strategies, client engagement, and brand visibility.
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Financial Oversight & Budget Management – Managing budgets, resource allocation, and financial planning to support sustainable operations.
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Leadership – Coordinating multidisciplinary teams and programmes to deliver high quality therapy for clients with complex injuries.
Matt Smith FCCA MBA
Associate Finance Director
Hello, please meet Matt our Finance Director
Matt is a qualified accountant with over 30 years of financial experience. He has built a career spanning both the private and public sectors, bringing a broad and balanced perspective to financial leadership. His background includes leading financial strategy, strengthening governance, and delivering sustainable improvements in complex organisations.
Throughout his career, he has worked closely with senior stakeholders to drive performance, enhance financial controls, and support organisational transformation.
Matt has deep expertise in financial planning, reporting, and operational efficiency, alongside a strong track record of aligning finance functions with wider business objectives.
Matt brings this experience to North Star Rehab, where he supports the company’s mission to deliver high quality neuro rehabilitation services. His focus is on ensuring financial resilience, enabling growth, and contributing to the delivery of impactful, client centred care.
Key areas of expertise
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Funancial Leadership and Strategy – Over 30 years’ experience leading financial planning, reporting, and operational efficiency across both private and public sectors. Skilled in aligning finance functions with broader organisational objectives.
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Governance & Performance Improvement – Proven ability to strengthen financial controls, enhance accountability, and deliver sustainable improvements in complex organisations.
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Stakeholder Engagement & Organisational Transformation – Experienced in partnering with senior leaders to drive performance, support change initiatives, and enable successful organisational transformation.
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Mission Driven Finance at North Star Rehab – Applies financial expertise to ensure resilience, support growth, and enable the delivery of high quality, client centred neuro rehabilitation services.
Rachel Curran
Operations Administrator
Hello, please meet Rachel our Operations Administrator
Rachel’s role is to make the wheels on the North Star Rehab bus keep turning, including all things invoicing, billing and credit control.
She also fixes all Jill’s tech drama and is our Qunotes superuser and systems guru. She also supports the onboarding of new team members and can be contacted on
admin@northstarrehab.co.uk
Rob Wilson CIPHE
Managing Director, Wilson Heat Ltd
Contact Rob via our team or email direct
Hello, please meet Rob, a Plumbing and Heating Engineer and Managing Director of Wilson Heat Ltd
North Star Rehab are proud to be working in an exclusive partnership with Wilson Heat Ltd to add bespoke household support to our portfolio of services.
Rob has been a plumbing and heating engineer for over 25 years’ and runs Wilson Heat Ltd with his son Callum. Rob has lived experience of supporting individuals with complex personality disorders and learning difficulties.
He has worked with Case Managers and Professional Deputies in the past to troubleshoot challenging and complex household situations. He is also married to Jill and hence, has a far greater understanding of the world of brain injury and medicolegal due process than the average plumber!
Please note: North Star Rehab do not have any responsibility or vicarious liability for Wilson Heat Ltd which is a separate legal entity. Company Registered in England and Wales 05861327. Gas Safe Registered Number 204823. Member of the Chartered Institute of and Heating Engineers.
Key areas of expertise
Team Wilson Heat Ltd can:
- Plan and undertaken major kitchen and bathroom adaptations
- Work with other trades and architects for major adaptations and bespoke new builds
- Work under therapy direction to provide modifications to premises such as ramped access, hand rails, stairs rails etc
- Plan and undertake bespoke Planned Preventive Maintenance (PPM) scheduled to ensure upkeep of privately owned premises
- Offer in hours call-out support, subject to a pre-agreed schedule
Hello, please meet Libby the Rehab Dog
Libby is a cute and occasionally mischievous cockapoo who lives with Jill and Rob.
Available for walks and runs in the park, Libby is known to appreciate lots of stroking and hot dog sausage treats.
Key areas of expertise
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Being cute
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Seeing Harry the cat off when he jumps on the dining table
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Ball chasing and barking at the Tesco delivery man
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Pulling on the lead to test your balance!
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Running alongside you when you’re on your bike or out running
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Occasional rabbit chasing
Our professional regulator and affiliations
With age, comes experience and we have over a century of skills and expertise across the team at North Star Rehab… this means you are being guided by safe, skilled hands.
All our qualified therapists are regulated and registered with the Health and Care Professional Council. We are also affiliated with relevant professional bodies. and our team undergo regular safeguarding, mandatory and profession specific training.
Copies of our public liability and professional indemnity insurance are available on request. Please ask if you require any more information about how we govern our services.
North Star Rehab is a trading name of North Star Therapy Services Ltd a Company Registered in England and Wales 13506055
Registered address: Suite G4, Amber Court, William Armstrong Drive, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE4 7YA
Wilson Heat Ltd
Want to join our team?
We are always looking for shining stars to join our team. So if you have a passion for client centred, high-quality rehabilitation please get in touch.