Title of Research Project

BLOSSOM - Brightening Lives: Occupational performance Supporting Skills and Opportunities for Meaningful participation - Redefining High-Risk: A Neurodevelopmental Framework for Complex Medical and Surgical Neonates. 

THRIVE - Early Detection and Identification of Infants at High Risk of Cerebral Palsy at Children’ Health Ireland

Academic Supervisors

Prof. Eleanor Molloy, Dr. Michelle Spirtos

Biography

Elaine McMahon is a highly experienced Neonatal and Neurodevelopmental Occupational Therapist, currently working as a Clinical Specialist in Neonatology at Children’s Health Ireland, Dublin. She is also a Research Coordinator at Trinity College Dublin for the Early Detection and Identification of Infants at High Risk of Cerebral Palsy project. Elaine is dedicated to optimising developmental outcomes for medically complex neonates and supporting their families through evidence-based, relationship-focused care.

Prior to relocating to Ireland, Elaine was a Consultant Neonatal and Neurodevelopmental Occupational Therapist at the Royal Free Hospital, London, where she led the neurodevelopmental service and an Honorary Consultant role at University College Hospital London. Her clinical and academic work reflects a strong commitment to early intervention and the delivery of specialist care for high-risk infants.

Elaine holds an MSc in Sensory Integration (2022), with a focus on early intervention for high risk infants from birth to three months of age. She is an Advanced Sensory Integration Practitioner. She is also certified in Advanced Prechtl General Movements Assessment (GMA) and Neonatal Touch and Massage Therapy (NTMTC), bringing a comprehensive and multidisciplinary skill set to her practice.

A passionate advocate for relationship-based care, Elaine is a Senior Lecturer with the Brazelton Centre UK. She is a Foundation Team member of Ei SMART and actively contributes to key professional networks, including the British Association of Neonatal and Neurodevelopmental Follow-Up (BANNFU), the RCOT Neonatal Forum, and the IrishNeoOT Group.

Elaine is committed to advancing neonatal therapy through clinical excellence, education, and research, with the ultimate goal of improving outcomes for infants and their families.