Nathaniel (Nate) Pettigrove is Ignite’s Clinical Excellence Lead for Occupational Therapy (OT), where he plays a vital role in guiding and supporting his team’s growth and development. Nate’s journey in OT and his love for problem-solving reflect his passion for helping people achieve independence and thrive in their environments. Our Marketing Coordinator, Eleanor, sat down with Nate to dive deeper into his role, his values in OT, and the satisfaction he finds in his work.
Nate, could you start by telling us about your role as Clinical Excellence Lead at Ignite and what it involves?
As the Clinical Excellence Lead, I support the OT team with developing new resources, fine-tuning existing structures, and generally enhancing the team’s skills. This involves providing education on updates in the OT space, like NDIS changes, supervising clinicians, reviewing reports, and delivering ongoing education for improvement.
That sounds like a meaningful role. How did you first get started in OT, and what attracted you to this field?
I’ve been in OT for six years, primarily within the NDIS space. Before that, I worked casually while studying at uni. I was always interested in healthcare and human performance, but it was OT’s unique problem-solving aspect and diverse pathways that really captured my interest.
OT certainly has a broad scope. Within that, do you have a preference between working in areas like Assistive Technology (ATHM) and Capacity Building?
I do have a preference for assistive technology, home modifications, and housing over routine capacity building. However, I still enjoy the occasional case where I can regularly support someone in building skills for a specific activity.
And as Clinical Excellence Lead, what’s been the best part of your role here at Ignite?
Helping others navigate complex scenarios, whether through resource development or upskilling, is what I enjoy most. It’s also rewarding to help supervisors build their own skills, which strengthens the support they can provide to their teams.
It sounds like a lot of collaboration and learning. Speaking of that, could you tell us more about how Community of Practice (CoP) sessions work at Ignite?
Our CoPs vary from structured learning sessions and information sharing about system updates to discussions on new resources, brainstorming solutions to challenging cases, or simply connecting with the team. They’re a great way to foster knowledge-sharing and collective problem-solving, and they help everyone feel supported.
That supportive environment sounds ideal for the OT profession. So, what does being an OT mean to you personally?
For me, OT is a profession that lets us apply problem-solving skills in a variety of environments to improve lives. The ability to leverage a niche skill set across broad contexts is one of the most impactful aspects of OT.
What does a typical day look like for you, balancing these responsibilities and making an impact?
My day is a mix of clinical work, supervision, project management, and occasional operational support, like conducting interviews or collaborating with leadership. I work with complex cases, and part of my goal is to help participants and their families understand and navigate complex systems like the NDIS. Ensuring they feel informed empowers them to advocate for themselves alongside my support, reducing the risk of unfair treatment or exploitation.
You must have many rewarding moments with participants. Could you share a memorable success story?
Many of my standout moments come from cases where I’ve helped participants secure essential supports or services after they’d been previously denied. Being able to advocate for someone and change a decision for the better—even in small ways—makes a real difference in their life.
And for new graduates or those early in their careers, do you have any advice as they begin their journey in OT?
Absolutely! Take full advantage of the professional development opportunities available to you, including any budgets set aside for learning. It’s a fantastic way to start expanding the extensive knowledge base that comes with being an OT.
Thanks so much for sharing, Nate. It’s inspiring to hear how much you invest in both your team and the participants. Your commitment really highlights the impact of OT in making meaningful changes. We’re lucky to have you leading the way!
Nathaniel Pettigrove is the Clinical Excellence Lead for OT at Ignite, where he brings his passion for problem-solving and dedication to creating positive change. With a love for helping people live more independently and a commitment to building up his team, Nate’s work is all about empowering others. Outside of work, he’s a big sports fan and never misses an AFL game!
Eleanor Quinn is the Marketing Coordinator at Ignite Healthcare, she is passionate about creating spaces where everyone feels valued and supported, no matter their background or abilities. Eleanor draws on personal and professional experiences in the disability sector, she believes in recognising people for who they are, championing strength-based support and the Human Rights model of disability to ensure that everyone is treated with the respect and dignity they deserve.
