Karen Ray

Karen Ray is a registered occupational therapist and Lecturer at the School of Health Sciences, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle. With over 30 years of experience, she specializes in school-based mental health, pediatric services, and interventions to enhance student participation and well-being.

• Doctor of Philosophy in Occupational Therapy, University of Newcastle
• Bachelor of Applied Science in Occupational Therapy, University of Sydney

Her research focuses on child development, handwriting fluency, and co-teaching practices in school settings. Her work includes developing the Write Start-K intervention, which integrates cognitive and perceptual-motor strategies to improve early literacy and handwriting.

Karen’s publications (2021–2025) emphasize handwriting readiness, trauma-informed practices, and literacy development in digital-native children. Her articles highlight collaborations with educational institutions and international impact.

Awards

• 2021: HDR Publication of the Year, School of Health Sciences

Karen leads grants funded by the University of Newcastle, focusing on assessment tools and intervention efficacy. She teaches courses such as Communication for Occupational Therapy Practice and Children, Youth and Families: An Occupational Approach.