As 2025 comes to an end, I’ve been reflecting on what an incredible year this has been. A year filled with growth, opportunities, and learning.
Despite ongoing health challenges following my stroke, I am constantly reminded that with the right support and perseverance, anything is possible. It’s been such a privilege to continue my work as a Lived Experience Consultant, collaborating with inspiring professionals, students, and organisations across the country.
Some of my highlights from this year have been the following:
- I presented at the Midwifery Conference in Newcastle, s presenting on Innovation in Healthcare, sharing my insights on life after my stroke and the value of lived experience in shaping care and outcomes.
- I facilitated numerous self-efficacy, virtual reality, botox and pain management workshops, with a focus on spasticity and stroke rehabilitation.
- I have delivered hundreds of teaching sessions (tutorials and lectures) at many universities nationwide, helping to educate the next generation of healthcare professionals.
- I co-authored a textbook and contributed to multiple academic papers and sector resources that support person-centred care and best practice in health and rehabilitation.
- I continue to present at schools, discussing resilience, well-being, facing adversity, and the power of compassion and perseverance.
- I presented to both health professionals and a range of small businesses and organisations about the importance of their own mindsets and resilience in ensuring their service delivery and person-centred care is optimal.
On a personal note, this year has also been one of many achievements. I’ve reengaged with my speech therapy and continued my rehabilitation journey while settling into my new home. All the while being surrounded by an amazing community that has given me a strong sense of belonging and connection.
My book, Reinventing Emma, continues to be an invaluable part of my work, sparking meaningful conversations about recovery and redefining purpose through adversity.
Beyond speaking and consulting, I continue to try to capture and share my lived experience through my writing which reflects both the challenges and the lessons I’ve learned along the way.
You can find several of my most-read blog posts on emma-gee.com, including:
- Strength Training in My Rehab Journey – exploring the role of strength and compassion in recovery.
- Find my voice again– insights into relearning connection and confidence through speech therapy.
- New Visions POSSIBLE but it’s a Dr & Patient Effort! – reflections on my cornea graft behind the social media.
- Celebrate the wins! – my experience of setting a new personal best, however slow it might be.
Each of these pieces reflects my ongoing goal: to bridge professional practice with personal insight, and to help others see what’s possible despite life’s curveballs.
As I look ahead to the new year, I’m excited to continue expanding my work as a Lived Experience Consultant. I would love the opportunity to partner with new organisations, health and education providers, and community groups who value the impact of lived experience in driving real change.
If you know of individuals or organisations that may benefit from my work, I’d be so grateful if you could help spread the word by forwarding this newsletter, referring me directly, or sharing my website (www.emma-gee.com)
Your ongoing support, encouragement, and belief in what I do mean the world to me.
None of this would have been possible without my incredible support team. My wonderful network of friends, colleagues, therapists, family, and supporters are who truly make the impossible possible for me and I am so grateful for each of them.
Thank you for being part of my journey this year. Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a joyful, healthy, and fulfilling New Year!
Thanks so much,
Emma Gee
Lived Experience Consultant | Occupational Therapist | Stroke Survivor
🌐 www.emma-gee.com
