Issue 13: A chat with Cassie

What is your earliest memory?
One of my earliest memories is my dad chasing me around the house trying to tickle me, and if I managed to get to the sofa before he got me, I was safe. And when I was safe, he would pretend to tickle me with his fingers just hovering above me, and I would roll around screaming with laughter. Just from the mere thought of him tickling me, I could literally feel my skin tingling uncontrollably – in fact I think the sensation was even greater than when he actually did! 

What is your favourite colour?
Yellow – it just makes me smile and feel warm.

What is your field of expertise?
I’m a physiotherapist by trade, with most of my career being within the respiratory field, such as Pulmonary Rehabilitation, breathing work, or home oxygen. However, over the years I’ve also embraced the field of quality improvement. Anyone in the NHS will know there is constant change. A phrase that resonates with me, is ‘how do you know if a change is an improvement?’ However, as my hair gets a little greyer, I’ve realised that a fundamental question is, ‘who, why, and when is ‘improvement’ defined?’, and what’s more, there may not be one right answer. So, whilst my expertise is as a respiratory physiotherapy, I’m also harnessing a more philosophical and creative approach to healthcare and delivery. 

What do you do for ENO Breathe?
My official title is Creative Health Research Fellow, which I think sounds just fabulous. In reality, this means I straddle the gap between the health and arts. To bring insight, experience and knowledge of the healthcare world to the ENO Breathe programme, which I think helps to foster integration between an arts organisation (ENO) and the healthcare partners within the NHS. Currently I’m supporting the adaptation and evaluation of the programme for those with other respiratory health conditions. Practically this means tasks such as, studying and keeping on top of the evidence and literature in this field, working with the medical director and other on logistics such refining the medical criteria and clinical pathways. I also find myself in many meeting with our clinical partners, as I speak ‘their language’. Some of the best bits are collaborating with the wonderful Suzi (ENO Breathe Creative Director), to explore the mechanics of the breathing exercises from a physiotherapy perspective and consider the practical application for different lung conditions. I’m also involved in the planning of future research to further evaluate and evidence this fantastic programme.  

What was your first job?
My mum used to work in a theatre, so for a few summer months I was a ‘leaflet distributor’, luckily no dressing up in funny costumes required. I felt I had the best job, standing in the sunshine with a friend on Torquay seafront handing out leaflets, I couldn’t quite believe I was being paid to ‘hang-out’. 

Do you have a favourite opera/show?
OK so this is where I have to confess, I have never seen an opera… yet! And shows, I don’t really have a favourite. Most of my time at the theatre over the past few years has been to see the local Christmas panto. Not quite the artistic performance the London Coliseum is used to putting on, but the smile on my daughter’s face still makes it magical for me. 

What can’t you live without?
My morning cup of tea!

Do you have any hobbies?
Most of my hobbies are trying to keep me active: I walk in the Malvern Hills every week, play in a netball team (we are called Chaos, it’s very appropriate for us) – I’ve also recently taken up adult gymnastics – my highlight was walking along the balance beam circling a hula hoop on each arm, whilst listening to The Greatest Showman. 

Are there any particular milestones you are celebrating this year?
Not really, no big birthdays or life events, but last year we celebrated my dad’s 80’s by going up in a hot air balloon. We were part of the mass audience at the Bristol Balloon Fiesta, which was spectacular, but that was last year. Perhaps finally getting to see an opera will be my milestone this year!