Wollongong
Occupational Therapists
Marie Lucas
B. App. Sc. (OT), G. Dip. Ergonomics
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Marie Lucas
B. App. Sc. (OT), G. Dip. Ergonomics
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B. App. Sc. (OT), G. Dip.
Ergonomics
Marie is a registered occupational therapist with 25 years’ experience in the assessment and management of injury, illness and disability on an individual’s functional capacity and their ability to participate in their daily activities.
She has clinical and case management experience working with:
- upper and lower limb amputations
- hand injuries
- musculoskeletal injuries
- age-related illness and injury, and dementia
- acquired brain injury, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, chronic pain and depression
- palliative care.
Louise Massie
BOccThy
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Louise Massie
BOccThy
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Louise completed a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy in 2012. She has worked in several community and inpatient rehabilitation settings within regional, rural and remote Queensland and New South Wales.
Louise has experience working with people who have neurological conditions and is currently doing postgraduate studies in neurological rehabilitation.
She has a great interest in upper limb recovery after stroke and has developed and delivered constraint induced movement therapy with individuals, groups and through Telehealth.
Jess Hanly
B SC. (Honours) Master of Occupational Therapy – Honours Class l
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Jess Hanly
B SC. (Honours) Master of Occupational Therapy – Honours Class l
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Jess graduated in 2015 with a Bachelor of Health Science (Honours) and Master of Occupational Therapy – Honours Class l. Since graduating, she has worked in a variety of settings including inpatient rehabilitation, acute and community roles (both hospital and non-hospital based) within the Illawarra Shoalhaven, ACT and far South Coast areas.
She has experience providing a range of clinical services to clients with diverse diagnoses and disabilities including neurological, spinal, orthopaedics, amputations, intellectual disabilities, mental health disorders, degenerative conditions, congenital conditions, trauma, palliative care and age-related conditions.
Jess has experience with minor and complex home modifications, simple and complex equipment prescription, pressure injury prevention and management, functional and cognitive retraining (for inpatient and community-based rehabilitation), upper limb therapy, wheelchairs and seating, and manual handling.
Outside of work, you will find Jess at her local CrossFit gym, playing soccer, exploring the outdoors, or spending time with her friends and family.
Sarah Radford
B. App. Sc (OT)
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Sarah Radford
B. App. Sc (OT)
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Sarah completed a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy in 2012. Since graduating, she has worked in a variety of settings within Illawarra Shoalhaven and South Western Sydney including acute, rehabilitation and community roles.
She has worked with clients with diverse diagnoses and disabilities such as neurological, spinal, trauma, complex orthopaedics, degenerative conditions, congenital conditions, palliative care and age-related conditions.
Sarah has experience providing complex equipment prescription; seating assessments and wheelchair prescription; pressure care education and product prescription; minor and major environmental modifications, and upper limb therapy programs.
Clementine White
BSc H E P & PG Dip OT with MSc in Health through Occupation
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Clementine White
BSc H E P & PG Dip OT with MSc in Health through Occupation
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Clementine graduated in 2002 from the University of Brighton, in the United Kingdom, with a Postgraduate Diploma in Occupational Therapy and Master of Science in Health through Occupation. After gaining experience in acute physical health she developed a special interest in wheelchairs and specialist seating, working in the Sussex Rehabilitation Centre. She also worked in community rehabilitation and rapid response in North Somerset, before moving to Australia.
Clementine has worked in Sydney and Illawarra for a number of years, in a variety of roles including private rehabilitation, community and aged care.
She has 12 years’ experience providing occupational therapy interventions to clients with a range of diagnoses including orthopaedics, medical/surgical, neurological and age-related conditions.
Kate Woods
B. OT
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Kate Woods
B. OT
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Kate completed a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy in 2004. Since then she has worked through a variety of health settings both in Australia and the UK. More recently she has been working in the Illawarra/Shoalhaven health district, predominantly within a rehabilitation setting.
She has also worked across the Acute Stroke Unit, Illawarra Brain Injury Service and has run an out patient upper limb group. She has experience providing services to clients with diverse diagnoses and disabilities including neurological, spinal, trauma, complex orthopaedics, degenerative conditions, palliative care, and aged related conditions.
Her experience has included completing equipment prescription, seating assessments and wheelchair prescription, pressure care education and prescription of products, minor and major environmental modifications, upper limb therapy programs, cognitive rehabilitation and community access retraining.
When she is not working she is normally chasing her two children around, playing netball or surfing the local breaks with her family.
Anna Dodd
B. App. Sc. (OT)
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Anna Dodd
B. App. Sc. (OT)
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Anna completed a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy in 2010. Since graduating, she has worked in a variety of roles in Illawarra Shoalhaven, Rural South Australia and the United Kingdom.
Her experience includes completing basic and complex equipment prescription; wheelchair prescription; pressure care education and prescription of products; and minor and major environmental modifications.
She has experience in many acute, rehabilitation, community and aged care roles. Anna has worked with clients with a diverse range of disabilities and diagnoses including orthopaedics, neurological, medical/surgical conditions, Motor Neuron Disease and other degenerative conditions, palliative care, and age-related conditions.
Emily Burke
B SC (OT)
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Emily Burke
B SC (OT)
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Emily graduated from Western Sydney University with a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy in 2020.
Through her university placements, she has gained experience in the community aged care, paediatric, acute and rehabilitation settings. Emily has volunteered and worked with clients with a diverse range of disabilities and diagnoses including oncology, neurological, orthopaedics, amputations, intellectual disability, mental health and age-related conditions. Emily is enthusiastic about adding value to the life of her clients through utilising a client centred approach.
Beyond work, you will find Emily in the outdoors, enjoying her morning coffee by the ocean or travelling in her newly equipped van. Emily loves all things sport, and is heavily involved in Wollongong Touch Association as a representative coach and player.
Jennifer Whiteside
Master of Occupational Therapy
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Jennifer Whiteside
Master of Occupational Therapy
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Jennifer graduated with a Master of Occupational Therapy in 2017 and since then has worked across the Illawarra/Shoalhaven and ACT in a variety of settings. This experience has included acute medical, orthopaedic, mental health, stroke recovery, and inpatient rehabilitation.
She has experience providing a range of clinical services to clients with diverse diagnoses and disabilities such as neurological conditions, medical/surgical conditions, degenerative conditions, spinal injuries, orthopaedic conditions, lower body amputations, palliative care, age-related conditions, and mental health conditions. Jennifer has experience providing simple and complex equipment prescription, pressure care prevention and management, falls prevention, minor and major environmental modifications, upper limb therapy, cognitive assessment and retraining, and functional retraining to support others to engage in their valued and meaningful activities of daily living.
On the weekends she is normally outdoors enjoying the water and sunshine, and spending time with her friends and border collie.
Emma South
B. OT
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Emma South
B. OT
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Emma completed a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy in 2016. Since graduating, she has worked in a number of different settings in South Western Sydney including acute, rehabilitation, palliative care and hand therapy.
Emma has worked with a wide variety of clients with complex injuries, diagnoses and disabilities including neurological, trauma, psychiatric, degenerative and congenital conditions. She also has a keen interest in the needs of individuals with hearing impairment and keeping up with the latest technology in this field.
Emma has experience in home modifications and equipment prescription as well as hand therapy and splinting. She has completed training with the Australian Hand Therapy Association and Sydney Hand Hospital and is an associate member of the Australian Hand Therapy Association. Emma is also training in management of Upper Body Lymphoedema and is a member of the Australian Lymphoedema Association.
Emma is passionate about solving problems and developing innovative solutions to promote function, independence and enjoyment in life.
Outside of work, Emma enjoys exploring the outdoors, travelling, creative arts and following the footy.
Lily McNeill
B SC (OT)
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Lily McNeill
B SC (OT)
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Lily graduated with a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy in 2017. Since then, she has worked in a variety of settings in South Western Sydney including acute, rehabilitation and community.
Lily has experience providing services to clients with diverse diagnoses and disabilities including oncology, palliative care, neurological, orthopaedics, amputations, degenerative conditions, congenital conditions and age-related conditions.
Her experience includes completing minor and complex equipment prescription, pressure care, and minor and major environmental modifications.
Maria Londono-Galindo
B. OT
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Maria Londono-Galindo
B. OT
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Maria completed a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy in 2009 and has since worked in a variety of health settings in the private and public sectors. Maria has provided services to clients with diverse disabilities and diagnosis during her career.
Her clinical experience includes return to work support services and case management, aged care rehabilitation and acute care, cardiac, amputee, palliative care, complex orthopaedic and trauma. Maria has also had extensive experience in medical/surgical conditions, pressure care management, equipment prescription and environmental modifications.
Nicole Seymour
B. App. Sc. (OT)
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Nicole Seymour
B. App. Sc. (OT)
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Nicole completed a Bachelor of Applied Science (Occupational Therapy) in 2009. Since graduating, she has worked primarily in the Illawarra Shoalhaven, South Coast and ACT regions in a variety of health settings including acute hospital wards, inpatient rehabilitation and community roles.
She has experience providing services to clients with diverse diagnoses and disabilities including neurological, spinal, trauma, orthopaedics, amputations, degenerative conditions, palliative care, intellectual disabilities and age related conditions.
Nicole has experience with minor and complex home modifications, simple and complex equipment prescription, pressure injury prevention and management, functional and cognitive assessment and retraining, upper limb therapy, wheelchairs and seating and manual handling.
Outside of work, you will find Nicole chasing after her young daughter, having a coffee at a local café, spending time with her family and friends or at a Pilates class.
Stephanie Medlin
B. OT
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Stephanie Medlin
B. OT
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Steph completed a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy in 2012. Since graduating, she has worked in a variety of roles in Sydney, Canberra, Illawarra Shoalhaven, London and the Far South Coast. These roles have primarily been within the community setting, though she also has experience across acute, rehabilitation, and aged care settings.
Her experience includes completing simple and complex equipment prescription; seating assessments and wheelchair prescription; pressure care education and prescription of products; and minor and major environmental modifications.
Steph has worked with clients with a diverse range of disabilities and diagnoses including traumatic conditions (brain injury and spinal cord), developmental disabilities, orthopaedics, neurological, degenerative, and age-related conditions.
Janet First
Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy
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Janet First
Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy
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Janet graduated in 2013 from the University of Salford in the United Kingdom with a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy. She gained experience in a range of settings and different areas including acute medical, acute stroke, surgical wards, community adults and paediatric community. Janet has experience in prescribing equipment, recommending home modifications, and has worked with a number of clients with varying health conditions.
Janet moved to Australia and worked in an aged care setting completing pain management and carrying out exercise groups.
In her free time, she likes to play golf, walk her two dogs and explore new places in Australia.
Bridget Haywood
B. App. Sc. (OT)
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Bridget Haywood
B. App. Sc. (OT)
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Bridget graduated with a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy in 2021.
Across her clinical placements, Bridget has developed experience in acute orthopaedic, inpatient rehabilitation, and community paediatric settings. She has worked with clients across the lifespan with diverse needs and diagnoses. These include neurological, musculoskeletal, mental health conditions, intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder, and developmental impairments.
Bridget is passionate about empowering clients to live life to the fullest by partnering with them to achieve their goals.
Outside work hours, Bridget is looking after her plants, completing DIY projects, or enjoying the outdoors – all with a coffee in hand.
Kirsty Honey
Master of Occupational Therapy
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Kirsty Honey
Master of Occupational Therapy
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Kirsty graduated from the University of Sydney in 2016 with a Master of Occupational Therapy. Since graduating, Kirsty has worked in a community setting for a non for profit organisation across the Hunter, Illawarra/Shoalhaven and far South Coast areas. This has included experience working within both the Aged Care and Disability sectors.
Kirsty has experience providing clinical services to clients with diverse diagnoses and disabilities including neurological, amputations, intellectual disabilities, degenerative conditions, palliative care and age-related conditions. Kirsty has experience with minor and complex home modifications, simple and complex equipment prescription and manual handling.
Outside of work, you’ll find Kirsty keeping active in the gym, getting involved with her surf club where she is a volunteer lifesaver and IRB (Inflatable rescue boat) Australian champion, or spending time at the beach with her partner and Border Collie pup, Huxley.
Physiotherapists
William Ryan
B. Phys (Hons)
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William Ryan
B. Phys (Hons)
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Having spent much of his youth competing in tennis tournaments and playing AFL, Will was no stranger to the physiotherapists’ office. After completing his Bachelor of Physiotherapy in 2013, he spent three years at Wollongong Hospital before transitioning into private practice.
He has worked across multiple health settings including the Intensive Care Unit, neurological and musculoskeletal. Will brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his clinical practice. He has also completed additional training in dry needling and Clinical Pilates.
Will prides himself on a client first approach and aims to deliver an individualised road to recovery for each person.
When he isn’t working, you will find Will coaching at Figtree Australian Rules Football Club or sampling local wine and cheese venues with his wife Nicole.
Elanna Zapirain
Bachelor of Physiotherapy
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Elanna Zapirain
Bachelor of Physiotherapy
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Elanna graduated from Charles Sturt University with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy in 2013.
Since then she has worked across a broad range of specialties including: Neurology, Stroke, Acute Medicine, Geriatrics, Respiratory, Intensive Care, Emergency Department, Paediatrics and most recently on COVID wards in the UK.
Elanna has recently returned home to Wollongong after 5 years of working across the UK.
Outside of work Elanna participates in community theatre and loves spending time at the beach.
Elanna strives for a holistic approach when providing therapy, as well as making it fun, enjoyable and targeted to achieve each individual’s goals.
Cayley Robertson
Master of Physiotherapy
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Cayley Robertson
Master of Physiotherapy
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Cayley graduated from Sydney University with a Master of Physiotherapy in 2014.
Since graduating she has worked at Wollongong Hospital, gaining extensive experience across a number of clinical areas including cardiorespiratory, pulmonary rehabilitation, general medical, critical care and neurology.
Cayley has a passion for assisting participants to optimise their health and improve overall quality of life. She strives to provide therapy that is holistic, individualised and targeted towards achieving a participant’s identified goals.
Outside of work Cayley enjoys playing netball, hiking, watching live music and catching up with family and friends.
Damien Barratt
B. App. Sc. Physiotherapy
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Damien Barratt
B. App. Sc. Physiotherapy
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Damien completed his undergraduate degree in physiotherapy at the University of Sydney in 1994. In 2013, he was awarded a Master of Philosophy (Research) from the University of Sydney.
After graduating as a physiotherapist, Damien worked in Tasmania for six months before relocating to the USA, where he worked as a physiotherapist for five years in a variety of clinical settings.
After returning to Australia, Damien worked as the Senior Physiotherapist in the spinal cord injury unit at Royal North Shore Hospital. In 2017, he moved to the South Coast and has worked in private practice, the Shoalhaven District Memorial and David Berry hospitals, and the Illawarra Brain Injury Service. He has also worked as a private consultant in his own private practice, seeing spinal cord injury clients in the community.
When he isn’t working, Damien loves singing, playing music and watching live music. He also finds time to fish and brew beer.
Kristen Keith
Bachelor of Physiotherapy
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Kristen Keith
Bachelor of Physiotherapy
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Kristen graduated from Charles Sturt University in 2015 with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy.
Since, she has worked across a broad scope of sectors including sports physiotherapy, community and aged care roles.
Kristen has worked as a physiotherapist throughout the Illawarra, Newcastle, various Aboriginal medical centres and Cambodia.
In Cambodia, Kristen assisted as a physiotherapist with the National Women’s Wheelchair Basketball Team and professional athletes including martial artists, footballers and Paralympians.
This experience has given her a high standard of cultural competency and the ability to build rapport with a range of clients.
Outside of work, Kristen enjoys long-distance running, high-intensity interval training and relaxing at the beach.
Kristen believes in using movement as medicine; making it approachable for all and specific to your goals.
Laura Geale
Bachelor of Physiotherapy
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Laura Geale
Bachelor of Physiotherapy
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Laura graduated from Charles Sturt University with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy in 2016.
Laura has since worked at Wollongong Hospital, gaining a broad range of experience in paediatrics, neurology, respiratory, Intensive care and musculoskeletal physiotherapy.
Laura is particularly passionate about working with children of all ages. She has worked in the paediatric team at Wollongong Hospital for more then 2 years and works at Sydney Children’s Hospital on weekends.
Outside of work Laura loves to spend time with her family and friends, play netball or run along the beach.
Samuel Agars
B. ESc/ MOP
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Samuel Agars
B. ESc/ MOP
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Sam graduated in 2013 with a Bachelor of Exercise Science and Master of Physiotherapy. Since graduating, he has worked at St Vincent’s Hospital and Wollongong Hospital.
Sam has extensive experience across a variety of domains including neurological, respiratory, musculoskeletal and rehabilitation.
Away from work, you will find Sam exploring nature with his kids, exercising or in his vegetable garden.
Sophie Bos-Stapley
B. Ex. Sc M in AP Therapy; M in PT
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Sophie Bos-Stapley
B. Ex. Sc M in AP Therapy; M in PT
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Sophie graduated with a Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science, specialising in rehabilitation, from the University of Montpellier in France. She also has a European Master’s degree in Adapted Physical Activity (Montpellier, Leuven, Belgium, Grenoble).
She worked in a rehabilitation centre in France for five years where she provided exercises and hydrotherapy to clients with neurological and orthopaedic disorders. Sophie subsequently retrained as a physical therapist in Canada, graduating from McGill University, Montreal with a Master’s in Physical Therapy in 2010. She worked with clients, post-surgery, in a public hospital before her husband was recruited to the University of Wollongong in 2011.
She has worked in and around Wollongong in private practice, mostly with clients getting injured at work, but then lived in Canberra for three years working as a Senior Physiotherapist at Calvary John James Hospital with clients, post orthopaedic surgery. Sophie returned to live in Wollongong in 2017 and has worked in private practice and aged care facilities.
She really enjoys getting to know her clients with a primary goal of helping them to improve their quality of life. Away from work, Sophie enjoys swimming, cycling, running and looking after her family. She is a proud French and Australian dual national.
Caitlin Fitzgerald
Bachelor of Physiotherapy
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Caitlin Fitzgerald
Bachelor of Physiotherapy
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Caitlin graduated from Western Sydney University with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy in 2019, receiving Honours Class 1 and the Western Sydney University Medal.
Since graduating, Caitlin has worked locally, providing both inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation to residents of the Illawarra. She is a strong advocate for her clients and believes in: empowering her patients with education, working hard and making therapy fun!
Caitlin enjoys working with all neurological conditions, but has a special interest in Stroke and ataxia, Parkinson’s Disease and Neuromuscular disorders.
Outside of work Caitlin loves spending time with her family and new little nephew. She also enjoys cooking, music from the 60’s, afternoon swims and a good DIY project.
Kate Hughes
Bachelor of Physiotherapy
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Kate Hughes
Bachelor of Physiotherapy
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Kate graduated from the Australian Catholic University in 2019 with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy.
Since graduating, Kate has worked across multiple settings and various clinical areas in both the Illawarra Shoalhaven and South-West Sydney health districts.
Within these settings, Kate has gained experience in rehabilitation, geriatrics, neurology, paediatrics and in the intensive care unit.
Kate has a strong passion for paediatrics and is currently working as a paediatric physiotherapist at Campbelltown Hospital. She enjoys keeping therapy fun and engaging and always striving to achieve patient’s goals.
Outside of work, Kate enjoys playing soccer, hanging out with her family and friends, and walking her cattle dog, Karter.
Exercise Physiologists
Justin Mears
Master of Exercise Physiology
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Justin Mears
Master of Exercise Physiology
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Justin first graduated with a Bachelor of Health Science (Sport & Exercise Science) degree in 2016 where he gained practicum experience alongside Sport Scientists, Pilates Instructors and Personal Trainers. Hoping to pursue a career in a rehabilitation setting, Justin continued his studies at the University of Sydney and graduated with a Master of Exercise Physiology in 2018.
In his graduate year, Justin gained valuable experience across multiple health settings including cardiac rehabilitation at Wollongong Hospital and the mental health inpatient unit at Liverpool Hospital. He also spent time working in neurological and musculoskeletal-based settings with the ‘Neuromoves’ team in Lismore.
Having spent the last two years working in private practice, Justin has become well versed in musculoskeletal and neurological-based rehabilitation utilising both land- and water-based settings. He enjoys working with people living with disabilities and strives to make all his exercise sessions “fun and effective”.
Outside of work, Justin enjoys completing home projects, watching live music with friends, and playing football for Berkeley Sports Football Club.
Sam Carracher
B. Ex. Sc/M. Ex. Phys(AES, AEP), Lvl 1 S&C coach
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Sam Carracher
B. Ex. Sc/M. Ex. Phys(AES, AEP), Lvl 1 S&C coach
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Sam recently graduated from his Bachelor of Exercise Science and Masters of Exercise Physiology degree in late 2020 in his home town of Bendigo, Victoria before making the move to Wollongong to join IOT.
Sam has previous experience within disability and older adult populations working towards improving their capacity and promoting healthier lifestyles; as well as high performance coaching within varying sports including AFL and cricket.
Sam has an interest in working with people with any form of disability and tailoring that person’s therapy according to their individual goals and needs.
Outside of working Sam enjoys playing and watching all sports, especially watching his beloved Essendon Bombers, as well as going to gym and chilling at the beach.
Tess Loder
Bachelor of Exercise Physiology
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Tess Loder
Bachelor of Exercise Physiology
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Tess Graduated from UNSW with a Bachelor of Exercise Physiology in early 2020. Since then, she has worked in private practice doing community-based, gym-based and water-based therapies.
Tess has experience with people who have a range of chronic conditions and disabilities, including neurology, psychosocial disorders, metabolic and cardiovascular rehabilitation, musculoskeletal rehabilitation and paediatrics.
Tess has worked with people living with a disability for over 6 years. She is passionate about using movement and exercise to assist participants become active in the community, increase their independence and to reach their individual goals.
Away from work, Tess enjoys baking sweet treats and spending time outside, either hiking, relaxing on the beach or playing team sports.
Allied Health Assistant
Ashley Mears
Bachelor of Nutrition Science
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Ashley Mears
Bachelor of Nutrition Science
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Ashley is an Allied Health Assistant who has previously graduated from the University of Wollongong in 2021 with a Bachelor of Nutrition Science.
Ashley will continue her studies in health, with the aim of helping other to achieve their goals, however big or small they may be.
Outside of work, Ashley enjoys listening to music, line dancing socially and competitively, and playing soccer.
Kate Nightingale
Allied Health Assistant
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Kate Nightingale
Allied Health Assistant
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Kate worked in Sydney as a House Manager at a respite home for people with physical and or intellectual disabilities. She worked with people who had challenging behaviours.
After having her three children, Kate worked as a School Learning Support Officer at a mainstream primary school in the Illawarra, proving support to the class for children with learning disabilities and challenging behaviours.
In her spare time she loves being with family and friends, going to the gym and spending time at the beautiful beaches of the Illawarra. She also enjoys bushwalking.
Kimberley Smythe
Allied Health Assistant
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Kimberley Smythe
Allied Health Assistant
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Kimberley is an Allied Health Assistant who is currently studying a Bachelor of Health Science/Master of Occupational Therapy.
Kimberley worked in the Advertising industry for 10 years until recently having her first child, which further drove her desire to change careers and assist others. She has a strong passion for helping people be the best version of themselves.
Outside of work Kimberley enjoys the outdoors including bushwalking, surfing, and going to the beach. She also enjoys spending time with her family and travelling.
Katie Lawler
Allied Health Assistant
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Katie Lawler
Allied Health Assistant
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Katie is an Allied Health Assistant with over 15 years experience in the legal field and 5 years in aged care. Working in these industries Katie has obtained valuable experience when caring for clients needs.
Katie enjoys providing opportunities and assistance to her clients, which is important to her.
Outside of work , Katie enjoys spending time with family and friends and going to the beach.
Administration
Renee Myers
Assistant Practice Manager (JOP)
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Renee Myers
Assistant Practice Manager (JOP)
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Renee commenced working at IOT in July 2020 as Assistant Practice Manager.
Renee worked in Sydney for many years in the legal sector, in a variety of roles including Legal Assistant, Office Manager and Receptionist in law firms.
She has recently commenced training in Equine Assisted Learning.
Until recently Renee was the registrar for Corrimal Juniors Surf Life Saving Club. Renee enjoys spending time with her family and friends and reluctantly goes to the gym.
Wayne Rohoseink
Practice Manager (Diploma in OHS)
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Wayne Rohoseink
Practice Manager (Diploma in OHS)
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Wayne worked in the steel industry for many years. He worked in a number of areas of the steelworks during his time in the industry. He worked in Administration, Occupational Health and Safety and Production Management during his time there.
Wayne has worked for IOT as Practice Manager for the past five years.
In his spare time Wayne enjoys spending time with his family and is a keen fan of rugby league.
Sophie Whittaker
Personal Assistant
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Sophie Whittaker
Personal Assistant
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Sophie has completed her Diploma in Business Administration.
Sophie previously worked in Administration at the University of Wollongong. She has gained widespread experience in providing assistance to higher management. She has skills in providing customer service to a varied range of stakeholders. Sophie enjoys the satisfaction of being able to assist individuals to make their job easier.
When Sophie is not at work you will find her spending time with family and friends or watching Netflix. She also enjoys walks to the beach with her partner and dog.
Bern Nelson
Administration
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Bern Nelson
Administration
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Bernadette, known as Bern, recently joined IOT in an Administration Assistant capacity. Having spent most of her career supporting Senior Advertising Executives in Sydney, a sea change brings her to IOT. Bern prides herself on being an administration enthusiast and providing ongoing support to her peers.
When Bern isn’t in the office, she is running around after her young children & socialising with friends.
Karina Zamora
Administration
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Karina Zamora
Administration
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Karina is our Administration Assistant. With a Commerce degree from the University of Wollongong and a travel industry background she has vast experience in customer service and knowledge of office management systems and procedures. With her excellent time management skills and the ability to multi-task and prioritize work she provides support ensuring the efficient operation of our office.
Karina appreciates the importance of a professional and friendly approach to dealing with our participants and staff alike and looks forward to welcoming you to IOT.
Olivia Healy
Administration
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Olivia Healy
Administration
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Olivia, known as Liv, has recently joined the Administration team at IOT. Liv completed her Certificate II in Business Administration in 2019 and since then has worked in a variety of administration roles.
When Liv isn’t in the office you will find her relaxing at the beach, surfing, or socialising with friends.
Nowra
Occupational Therapists
Madei Low
B. App. Sc. (OT)
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Madei Low
B. App. Sc. (OT)
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Madei Low is an occupational therapist with five years’ experience, currently living in Jervis Bay and working in the Shoalhaven region.
She has worked in Australia and Canada, and gained experience in a variety of settings including acute hospitals, inpatient rehabilitation, community rehabilitation and jobsite settings. Madei has provided services to clients with diverse diagnoses and disabilities, from complex orthopaedic, neurological, trauma and medical/surgical conditions to age-related conditions.
Her clinical experience includes disability, neurological rehabilitation, community rehabilitation, functional and cognitive retraining, equipment prescription, wheelchairs and seating, environmental modifications, return to work support services and case management services.
Taneeka Bettenay
B. Health. Sc, M. OT
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Taneeka Bettenay
B. Health. Sc, M. OT
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Taneeka is a registered occupational therapist. She completed a Bachelor of Health Science majoring in Health Promotion and a Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy. Since graduating, Taneeka has worked across Western Australia and New South Wales.
Her clinical experience includes disability, equipment prescription, home modifications and paediatrics. Taneeka has worked with a diverse range of disabilities including neurological conditions, spinal cord injuries, intellectual disabilities, upper and lower limb amputations, Motor Neurone Disease and palliative care.
Michelle Olliver
B. OT
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Michelle Olliver
B. OT
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Michelle completed Bachelor of Science Occupational Therapy, graduating in 1998. She worked in Perth and the UK for a number of years both in community and hospital settings. Michelle has since settled in the Shoalhaven where she has worked for the last 15 years primarily for Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District predominantly in the community setting.
Her experience includes working on the acute wards, rehabilitation wards, acute stroke unit, and many years performing home assessments for the purpose of equipment prescription and home modifications. Michelle’s experience also includes seating assessment and wheelchair prescription, pressure care education and prescription of equipment to manage pressure care needs.
Michelle has worked with clients with diverse diagnoses including neurological conditions, orthopedic, spinal injuries, aged related conditions, and palliative care.
Brooke Boyd
B. App. Sc. (OT)
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Brooke Boyd
B. App. Sc. (OT)
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Brooke completed a Bachelor of Applied Science (Occupational Therapy) in 2009. Since graduating, she has worked across a variety of health settings in both NSW and Victoria including acute hospital wards, acute stroke unit, inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation and community roles.
She has experience providing services to clients with diverse diagnoses and disabilities including neurological, trauma, orthopaedics, degenerative conditions, palliative care and aged related conditions.
Brooke has experience with equipment prescription, pressure care injury prevention and management, home modifications, UL therapy, functional and cognitive assessments and retraining and community access retraining.
Outside of work she is normally chasing her two children around, going to the beach or helping out on the farm.
Anna Debeck
Occupational Therapists
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Anna Debeck
Occupational Therapists
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Anna has retrained as an Occupational Therapy in 2012. Early in her career she worked in rural and remote and indigenous health settings in Queensland then transitioned into working in aged care where she developed specialised Occupational Therapy skills in palliative care and age-related conditions.
Since relocating to the Illawarra with her family, she has worked mainly in Hospital settings as an Occupational therapist. She has serviced Emergency and High dependency wards through to Rehab and Palliative care wards. She has experience with a diverse range of disabilities and diagnosis and is passionate in assisting people with disabilities and their families reach their personal goals and maximize their quality of life.
Reagan Dunlop
B. OT (Honours)
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Reagan Dunlop
B. OT (Honours)
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Reagan graduated with a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) in 2018 from Western Sydney University. Since then, she has worked in the community providing services to clients with diverse diagnoses and disabilities including neurological conditions, spinal cord injuries, intellectual disabilities, and aged related conditions.
Her clinical experience includes completing minor and complex equipment prescriptions, pressure care, falls prevention, cognitive assessments and retraining, functional assessments and retraining, and minor and major environmental modifications.
Physiotherapists
Bec Smith
Bachelor of Physiotherapy & Masters in Clinical Rehabilitation (Neurological Physiotherapy)
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Bec Smith
Bachelor of Physiotherapy & Masters in Clinical Rehabilitation (Neurological Physiotherapy)
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Rebecca graduated from the University of Queensland in 2006 with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy. She then went on to graduate from Flinders University with a Masters in Clinical Rehabilitation (Neurological Physiotherapy) in 2018.
Since graduating in 2006 Rebecca has predominantly worked in inpatient, outpatient and community rehabilitation settings. She has a passion for Neurological Physiotherapy, holistic care and improving the quality of life of her clients.
When not at work you will find Rebecca training, teaching, and competing in Karate.
Allied Health Assistant
Kim Robinson
Allied Health Assistant
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Kim Robinson
Allied Health Assistant
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Ashlea Henley
Allied Health Assistant
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Ashlea Henley
Allied Health Assistant
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Ashlea is an Allied Health Assistant who is currently completing a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy at Western Sydney University.
Through her clinical placements and experience as a community support worker, Ashlea has gained experience working with many clients from diverse medical backgrounds in hospital and community paediatric settings. In her spare time, Ashlea enjoys walking her dogs around the beautiful beaches within the Shoalhaven.
Macarthur
Occupational Therapists
Mel Waite
B.App.Sc.(Ex&SpSc) MOT
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Mel Waite
B.App.Sc.(Ex&SpSc) MOT
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Mel graduated in 2013 with a Master of Occupational Therapy from the University of Canberra. Since graduating, Mel has worked in a variety of settings, including occupational rehabilitation, acute, subacute and community settings. Her experience is in seating assessment and prescription, equipment prescription, pressure care, falls prevention, and minor and major home modifications. She has worked with clients who have various disabilities, medical conditions and functional impairments, including neurological, orthopedic, respiratory, trauma, cardiac, degenerative, palliative care and aged related conditions.
Laura Norman
Bachelor of Applied Science
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Laura Norman
Bachelor of Applied Science
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Laura graduated as an occupational therapist in 2009. Since then, she has gained experience across a variety of settings including private practice, inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation, paediatrics and community settings. Laura has predominantly worked within the Illawarra and South Western Sydney regions.
She has worked with individuals with a diverse range of health and disability conditions including orthopaedics, neurological, developmental, cardiac, degenerative conditions, autism spectrum disorder and age-related conditions.
Laura has experience providing functional mobility and transfer retraining, simple and complex assistive technology prescription, seating and wheelchair prescriptions, pressure care education and equipment, home modifications and running education program including back care, manual handling, falls prevention and cardiac education.
Laura enjoys a good vanilla latte, backpacking the world (her goal is to go to all the Disney’s with only Shanghai Disney left) and when she is not working Laura is kept busy looking after her 2 young daughters.
Sinini Mlilo
B. OT
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Sinini Mlilo
B. OT
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Sinini graduated from Western Sydney University in 2020 with a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy. Her placements were in acute settings, community aged care and the mental health setting.
Prior to this she worked as a support worker and enrolled nurse. She is passionate about promoting independence and working with people living with a disability.
Outside work she loves spending time with her family.
Allied Health Assistant
Emily Carter
Allied Health Assistant
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Emily Carter
Allied Health Assistant
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Emily is an Allied Health Assistant who is currently studying a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy.
Emily finds great enjoyment in getting to know other people and learning their unique life stories and experiences. She has a strong passion to empower, motivate and help others to achieve any goal they set their mind to.
Outside of work, Emily enjoys socialising with friends and family, walking her dog and going to the beach.