2.11 Retired not expired & Lifelong Learning | Susanne Giannitti, USA

PC1. Pressure Injuries, Surviving Bed Rest & The Paralympics | Dr. Michael Kerr, Paralympian and Lived Experience Advocate

This 3-episode mini-series of the Martina Tierney Podcast was filmed during the 2026 Tierco Healthcare Postural Care Conference held at St James' Park, Newcastle-upon-Tyne in England. The series features three speakers from the day of quality clinical education which focused on the importance of maintaining body shape, posture and mobility. In this episode of the Postural Care Conference Mini-Series, Martina speaks with wheelchair rugby Paralympian and spinal cord injury advocate Michael Kerr about his remarkable journey following a life-changing spinal cord injury at the age of 17. Michael shares his personal experience of rehabilitation after sustaining a C6 spinal cord injury, the role of physiotherapy and occupational therapy in regaining independence, and how wheelchair rugby transformed his life, leading to international success representing Great Britain at the Paralympic Games. The conversation also explores the critical importance of postural care, healthcare seating, pressure injury prevention and management, moving and handling, and the correct use of specialist equipment. Michael candidly discusses his experience of developing severe pressure injuries, including how inappropriate wheelchair seating and poor pressure redistribution can have devastating consequences, requiring prolonged bed rest and significantly impacting physical and mental health. This episode highlights why regular skin inspections, appropriate seating assessments, pressure care management, and person-centred equipment provision are essential for wheelchair users, clinicians, therapists, carers, and healthcare providers. Topics covered include: • Postural care and 24-hour positioning • Pressure injury prevention and management • Healthcare seating and wheelchair seating assessment • Specialist seating equipment and pressure redistribution • Moving and handling considerations • Bathing, personal care and maintaining skin integrity • Spinal cord injury rehabilitation • Occupational therapy and physiotherapy • Wheelchair rugby and adaptive sport • Independent living and disability advocacy • The psychological impact of pressure injuries Whether you are an occupational therapist, physiotherapist, nurse, wheelchair service clinician, rehabilitation professional, case manager, caregiver, or wheelchair user, this powerful conversation provides valuable insights into the importance of getting postural care and equipment provision right. #PosturalCare #PressureInjuryPrevention #PressureCare #HealthcareSeating #WheelchairSeating #MovingAndHandling #OccupationalTherapy #Physiotherapy #SpinalCordInjury #PressureUlcerPrevention #SeatingAssessment #Rehabilitation #DisabilityAwareness #AdaptiveSport #WheelchairRugby

2.11 Retired not expired & Lifelong Learning | Susanne Giannitti, USA

What happens when a young woman from Brooklyn challenges expectations, pursues her dream of becoming an Occupational Therapist, and spends a lifetime transforming the lives of older adults?In this inspiring episode, Martina speaks with Susanne Giannitti, Occupational Therapist, educator, mentor, advocate and lifelong learner from Connecticut, USA. Susanne shares her remarkable OT journey, from working in some of New York’s toughest neighbourhoods to becoming a respected clinician, educator and champion for older adults. Together, they explore:✨ The courage to pursue higher education when it was not expected of women in her generation✨ Why she fell in love with Occupational Therapy and never looked back✨ The lessons learned from decades of working with older adults in nursing homes, rehabilitation and home care✨ Memorable patient stories that demonstrate the life-changing impact of Occupational Therapy✨ The importance of mentoring the next generation of healthcare professionals✨ Susanne’s passion for falls prevention, healthy ageing and lifelong learning✨ Why retirement does not mean the end of making a differenceNow at 71 years old, Susanne continues to educate, mentor and advocate for older adults, proving that purpose, curiosity and service have no age limit.If you are an OT, healthcare professional, student, caregiver, or someone passionate about ageing well, this episode is filled with wisdom, encouragement and practical insights.#MartinaTierneyPodcast #OccupationalTherapy #ThePowerOfOT #HealthyAgeing #FallsPrevention #OlderAdults #Mentorship #HealthcareLeadership #OTLife #RetiredNotExpired #LifelongLearning #CompassionateCare #SeatingMatters*** I’d love to hear what you think of this episode, your feedback helps shape future episodes. And if you know a healthcare professional with a powerful story to share, I’d love to connect. Drop me an email anytime at ⁠martina.tierney@seatingmatters.com⁠ Thanks so much for tuning in and supporting the show! Martina

2.10 Dementia, Paratonia & my PhD | Kirsty Ryan, A1 Momentum, Ireland

In this episode of The Martina Tierney Podcast, Martina is joined by Occupational Therapist Kirsty Ryan for a powerful conversation on dementia care, therapeutic seating, postural management and the future of clinical education. Kirsty shares her journey from mental health nursing into Occupational Therapy, her work with Seating Matters and A1 Momentum, and the research she is carrying out on the outcomes of therapeutic seating for people living with dementia. Together, they explore the importance of a holistic 24-hour postural care approach, the impact of environment and sensory input in dementia care, and why seating is about far more than simply providing a chair. Kirsty also shares a remarkable case study involving a 102-year-old woman living with advanced dementia and paratonia, explaining how patience, assessment and the right seating approach helped reduce pain and restore comfort after months spent in bed. This episode is filled with practical insight for clinicians, carers and care providers, while also serving as a reminder of the dignity, comfort and quality of life that good care can provide. Topics discussed include: • Therapeutic seating and dementia care • Paratonia and muscle tone management • 24-hour postural care • Manual handling and transfer techniques • Pressure injury prevention • Falls reduction • The role of Occupational Therapy in long-term care • Clinical education through A1 Momentum A thoughtful and inspiring conversation for anyone involved in caring for older adults and people living with dementia. *** I’d love to hear what you think of this episode, your feedback helps shape future episodes. And if you know a healthcare professional with a powerful story to share, I’d love to connect. Drop me a email anytime at ⁠martina.tierney@seatingmatters.com ⁠Thanks so much for tuning in and supporting the show! Martina

2.9 Commonwealth Cyclist & Wheelchair OT | Eileen Burns, Northern Ireland

In this episode of The Martina Tierney Podcast, Martina speaks with Eileen Burns, Professional Lead Occupational Therapist in Wheelchair Services for Northern Ireland and former Commonwealth Games cyclist. Eileen shares her remarkable journey from taking up cycling in her twenties to representing Northern Ireland on the international stage, all while building a career in Occupational Therapy. Together, Martina and Eileen explore the realities of wheelchair services, seating, rehabilitation and the importance of truly person-centred care. The conversation highlights how the right equipment, the right clinician and the right questions can profoundly change someone’s quality of life and independence. Eileen also shares powerful clinical stories, including how one simple decision to trial a powered wheelchair transformed the life of a gentleman who had spent almost two years confined to a hospital ward. This episode is an inspiring discussion about resilience, dignity, independence and the life-changing impact of Occupational Therapy. Topics include: • Wheelchair services and complex seating • Independence and powered mobility • Rehabilitation and neurological conditions • Commonwealth Games cycling• Occupational Therapy careers and advice for students • Person-centred care and clinical decision making 🎧 Listen now and discover how seeing possibility in people can transform lives. *** I’d love to hear what you think of this episode, your feedback helps shape future episodes. And if you know a healthcare professional with a powerful story to share, I’d love to connect. Drop me a email anytime at ⁠martina.tierney@seatingmatters.com⁠ Thanks so much for tuning in and supporting the show! Martina

2.8 Black Belt in Organising & Tidying | Sharon McNulty, Joyful Spaces

In this episode of the Martina Tierney Podcast, Martina is joined by Sharon McNulty, founder of Joyful Spaces, for a deeply honest and insightful conversation about the connection between our homes, our habits, and our mental health. Sharon’s journey began in healthcare, working closely with families in their own homes. Over time, she noticed a common thread - overwhelm. Busy lives, constant demands, and environments that no longer supported the people living in them. What started as an observation has grown into a powerful mission: helping people create spaces that don’t just look better, but feel better. This episode goes far beyond decluttering. Together, Martina and Sharon explore how our surroundings can directly impact our stress levels, our ability to cope, and even our overall wellbeing. Through real-life client stories, Sharon shares how simple, intentional changes can reduce anxiety, lift emotional weight, and bring a sense of calm back into everyday life.💬 “That last day we were together was the last bad head day I had.” From overwhelmed households to life-changing transformations, this conversation highlights just how powerful the right support - and the right system - can be. If you’ve ever felt like you’re constantly trying to keep on top of everything, or that your environment is adding to your stress rather than easing it, this episode will resonate.It’s not about perfection. It’s about creating space - physically and mentally - for a better way of living. *** I’d love to hear what you think of this episode, your feedback helps shape future episodes. And if you know a healthcare professional with a powerful story to share, I’d love to connect. Drop me a email anytime at ⁠martina.tierney@seatingmatters.com⁠ Thanks so much for tuning in and supporting the show! Martina