Feyikemi Akinyelure

I am deeply passionate about transforming lives through mental health advocacy and occupational therapy. As the Founder and Executive Director of Dora-Care Behavioral Foundation, I am committed to supporting individuals facing mental health and neurological challenges. In our inaugural year, I successfully raised $1,000 through strategic fundraising efforts, laying the foundation for vital programs that assist those in need.

Previously, as the Head of the Occupational Therapy Department at the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, I led patient assessments and implemented evidence-based interventions for individuals with a wide range of neurological and psychiatric conditions. My efforts directly contributed to a 25% improvement in functional independence for over 1,000 patients, showcasing my dedication to enhancing their quality of life.

I am experienced in designing and launching community-based programs that empower individuals and raise awareness. I have initiated more than 10 impactful projects, including caregiver support groups, skills training workshops, and public awareness initiative. Notably, my introduction of sensory integration therapy led to a 40% increase in patient referrals and a 25% improvement in therapy outcomes, demonstrating my ability to drive significant, measurable change.

Through strategic partnerships with local healthcare providers, I have broadened our outreach by 40%, expanding access to essential services for underserved populations. My skills span crisis intervention, therapeutic communication, cognitive behavioral therapy, mental health care, program development, community engagement, and research—all aimed at improving the well-being and independence of individuals facing mental health and neurological challenges.

With a steadfast commitment to advocacy and evidence-based care, I continue to work towards creating a more inclusive, supportive, and empowered future for those living with neurological and psychiatric conditions.

• Leadership and management in health, University of Washington
• Servant Leadership - The Deciding Difference, YALI course
• Occupational therapy, an ultimate solution for functional living, All INDIA Occupational Therapist Association
• Trainer in substance abuse school-based prevention, Universal Prevention Curriculum (UPC)
• Fellowship in Proposal and Grant Writing, Institute for Development and Research

• Music and Dance Therapy; The Effectiveness of Occupational Therapy Intervention in Preventing Depression amongst Persons Living with Alzheimer's in Lagos Nigeria., Alzheimer's Dement., 01/01/22
• Effective psycho-education: A tool to preventing substance abuse among children and Adolescents., 01/01/20
• Group urges Nigerians to manage stress, prevent depression., Punch Healthwise, 06/19/22, https://healthwise.punchng.com/group-urges-nigerians-to-manage-stress-prevent-depression/?fbclid=IwAR2ljLB6gu1dnB_N62MF4iOtOcblSSSTYNPq6QxCCqgMQDz_XsHhFe__qck
• Akinyelure Feyikemi's NGO is making a difference in raising awareness about mental health issues and wellbeing., Valentine Iwenwanne, 02/28/22, https://old.amaka.studio/explore/articles/akinyelure-feyikemi-profile-mental-health-nigeria
• Expert Tasks Stakeholders On Vaccine For Lassa Fever, Malaria, Others., Independent ng., 01/28/20, https://independent.ng/expert-tasks-stakeholders-on-vaccine-for-lassa-fevermalaria-others/

• Medical Rehabilitation Therapist Board of Nigeria (MRTB)
• International Society of Substance Use Professionals (ISSUP)
• International Society to Advance Alzheimer's Research and Treatment (ISTAART)

• Alzheimer's International Conference, San Diego, USA, Music and Dance Therapy; The Effectiveness of Occupational Therapy Intervention in Preventing Depression amongst Persons living with Alzheimer in Lagos Nigeria., 08/01/22
• U.S Autism conference and Expo, Las Vegas, United States, Different home methods on how to improve the lives of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder., 11/01/18
• Art in Medicine Fellowship, Lagos, Nigeria, The hope of recovery through the expressive use of art., 02/01/18

-  "INTERNATIONAL BEST RESEARCHER AWARD" from ISSN International Science & Technology Awards Congress 2024 at Tamil Nadu, India.

-  "INTERNATIONAL BEST DIGITAL INNOVATION AWARD" on "Mental Health - Occupational Therapy" from Asia Research Awards