Ability Action Australia

NDIS Therapeutic Supports Provider

We’re a dedicated team of highly qualified allied health professionals, behavioural support practitioners and employment advisors. We’re local people, on the ground in your community, delivering services that help NDIS participants get more out of life today. Make a referral to Ability Action Australia today or let our concierge service contact you at a time that suits.

 

Frances

Frances Hyde

Position: Senior Occupational Therapist - Port Macquarie

In recent years Frances has worked closely with NDIS participants, assisting them to gain entry to the scheme and setting them up in the community with the necessary equipment and supports to enable them to live fulfilling lives. This has involved completion of functional capacity assessments, supported independent living assessments, and assessing clients for appropriate accommodation.

She has spent the last 15 years working as an occupational therapist in acute care settings (hospitals), providing clinical services to adults with physical and cognitive impairments. Frances has a passion for trauma care and worked in a trauma and orthopaedics setting for many years.

Throughout this time she has worked with clients with diverse needs, including: multi-trauma, brain injury, amputees, stroke, degenerative conditions, and those requiring hospital at home set-ups.

Frances has many specialised skills, including:

  • Assistive technology assessment and prescription (hoists, hospital beds, mattresses, mobile commodes, manual wheelchairs)
  • Functional assessment and ADL retraining
  • Home assessment and home modifications
  • Pressure injury prevention and management

She believes that everyone has the right to live their life with meaning and purpose, and feels privileged to be able to assist people with a disability to achieve this. Her goal is to assist her clients to live happy, healthy lives as independently as possible.

Frances supports NDIS participants across Port Macquarie.

 

Frances Hyde

Senior Occupational Therapist - Port Macquarie

In recent years Frances has worked closely with NDIS participants,...

Sophie

Sophie Sprague

Position: Senior Occupational Therapist - Greater Western Sydney

Sophie was inspired to become an occupational therapist after working in the disability support sector and seeing the difference that professionals in this space can make in people’s lives.

Since gaining her qualifications, Sophie has worked with people across the lifespan, providing a range of supports and services to NDIS participants in the community.

She values getting to know participants by finding out what is important to each individual and helping them achieve their goals. Sophie works with her clients to make everyday life easier by building knowledge and skills, finding new ways of doing things and changing the environment to suit different needs.

Sophie has worked with people of all ages living with disability such as developmental delay, autism, cerebral palsy and stroke. She has clinical experience in:

  • Functional capacity assessments
  • Supported independent living assessments
  • Assistive technology assessments for manual and power wheelchairs, transfer equipment, showering equipment and home modifications
  • Everyday skills development for domestic tasks or personal care

Based in Penrith, Sophie is excited to be working with the NDIS community across greater western Sydney.

Sophie Sprague

Senior Occupational Therapist - Greater Western Sydney

Sophie was inspired to become an occupational therapist after working...

Shiarna Tarasenko occupational therapy assistant Sydney

Shiarna Tarasenko

Position: Therapy Assistant - Sydney

Shiarna is an integral part of our multidisciplinary therapy team. Guided by our fully qualified therapists, she is involved in producing therapy resources, organising and running groups, and supporting our valued clients to achieve their goals.

Before joining Ability Action Australia, Shiarna worked with adolescents and adults living with autism. Her role as a mentor was to engage with these individuals and their families to provide quality care, guidance and mentorship on life skills.

To date, her university placements have included positions in an acute hospital environment, working in the renal, acute surgical, and sub-acute rehabilitation wards. Shiarna completed initial assessments and functional reviews, and provided patients with falls education, energy conversation techniques, pressure care management and equipment prescription.

In addition to studying to become an Occupational Therapist, Shiarna is a qualified lifeguard and has worked at the Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre. She is trained in first aid, CPR, and water safety, and is a designated fire warden.

Her goal is to maximise an individual’s independence, and she derives a great deal of satisfaction from seeing people improve their ability to perform meaningful tasks.

Shiarna is excited about working across western Sydney, helping to guide and support NDIS participants to achieve their goals.

Shiarna Tarasenko

Therapy Assistant - Sydney

Shiarna is an integral part of our multidisciplinary therapy team....

Tin Yan/Giselle occupational therapy assistant Sydney

Tin Yan (Giselle) Lo

Position: Therapy Assistant - Sydney

Despite completing a medical degree, Giselle decided to study Occupational Therapy after realising she wanted a career where she could spend more time with her clients.

Prior to joining Ability Action Australia, Giselle was a research assistant at the Black Dog Institute, where she administered neurostimulation to clients with depression.

She was also a support worker, helping vulnerable clients and their families living with a range of conditions. She worked with people living with mental health conditions such as schizoaffective disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, and autism, as well as paediatric clients with newly diagnosed leukaemia. She also helped older clients living with dementia, which she could relate to personally as her grandmother has this condition.

Her university studies consisted of clinical placements with:

  • Calvary Hospital home modification team, evaluating their home modification process by interviewing clients/attending home visits
  • Scalabrini (nursing home), organising and leading exercise classes
  • Bankstown (acute inpatient), conducting functional reviews, initial assessments, prescribing commodes/shower chairs

Giselle’s Chinese clients enjoy spending time with her, playing Mahjong, practising Chinese writing, and making Chinese dishes. One of her clients introduced her as her ‘granddaughter from the government’, which gave her great joy because it meant she was viewed as a family member, not just a worker.

She enjoys seeing her participants smile, realise their dreams, and simply say ‘thank you’.

Giselle supports people across eastern Sydney.

Tin Yan (Giselle) Lo

Therapy Assistant - Sydney

Despite completing a medical degree, Giselle decided to study Occupational...

Mary Vargas OT Sydney

Mary Vargas

Position: Occupational Therapist/Team Leader - Sydney

Mary has four years of clinical experience working as an occupational therapist with children and adolescents living with a range of conditions, including intellectual disability, autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, hearing impairments, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, anxiety, and rare genetic disorders.

As part of her therapy work, she has conducted assessments and interventions in the home and community settings, including:

  • SOS approach to feeding
  • Sleep intervention
  • Major home modifications
  • Self-care and routine support
  • Play and social skills development
  • Emotional and sensory regulation support

Mary has three years of experience as a disability support worker, supporting children and teens with cerebral palsy, impaired vision, social anxiety, and autism.

She has also worked as a clinical lead in paediatrics, leading the programming and implementation of therapy group programs such as LEGO social skills group, and the Animal Fun program.

Mary supports her NDIS participants across western Sydney, including in Rooty Hill and the surrounding area.

Mary Vargas

Occupational Therapist/Team Leader - Sydney

Mary has four years of clinical experience working as an...

Photo of Elly

Elly Bruggemann

Position: Occupational Therapist - Port Macquarie

Elly is excited to join Ability Action Australia, having completed university placement working alongside experienced occupational therapists in the NDIS sector.

Working with participants of all ages, she has an excellent understanding of the NDIS and can provide therapy across various settings.

Elly previously worked as a Paediatric Occupational Therapy Assistant within an NDIS setting, working with children ages 4 to 18. During this time, Elly supported children living with various conditions, including:

  • Autism Spectrum Disorder
  • ADHD
  • ODD

Elly helped plan group and individual therapy sessions to target fine and gross motor skills, social skills and kindergarten transitions for young children.

She is looking forward to a long future with Ability Action Australia and supporting people to achieve their goals. Elly enjoys working with children, helping them grow and learn about themselves and the world around them

 

Elly Bruggemann

Occupational Therapist - Port Macquarie

Elly is excited to join Ability Action Australia, having completed...

Photo of Stacey

Stacey Thomas

Position: Occupational Therapist - Sydney

Stacey has significant experience supporting individuals to improve their health and quality of life. She values working with participants by improving their ability to take part in meaningful activities.

Previously, she worked in aged care supporting people living with dementia, MND, Parkinson’s, and age-related conditions.

In her role in residential care, Stacey’s responsibilities included:

  • Cognitive assessments
  • Equipment prescription
  • Pain management
  • Pressure care and oedema management
  • Seating prescription

Stacey likes to focus on each participant’s individual goals. She is inspired to see progress through therapy and the positive change it has had on her client’s everyday living.

Stacey is excited to be working with Ability Action Australia and NDIS participants across Greater Western Sydney.

 

Stacey Thomas

Occupational Therapist - Sydney

Stacey has significant experience supporting individuals to improve their health...

Melissa Coyne

Melissa Mey

Position: Exercise Physiologist - Western Sydney

Melissa has considerable experience in exercise prescription, rehabilitation from illness and injury, strength and conditioning, and behaviour change strategies.

She has prescribed exercise programs for NDIS participants with a wide range of conditions, including spinal cord injury, brain injury, cerebral palsy, stroke, cancer, multiple sclerosis, autism, and depression and anxiety.

Melissa has experience with cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation, women’s health, and active ageing, as well as with athletes in pre- and post-injury rehabilitation.

Her diverse set of skills and abilities includes:

  • Initial assessments, such as strength and endurance tests, and functional measures
  • Ongoing exercise prescription and progressive testing to ensure all participants are reaching their health and wellbeing goals
  • Tailoring exercise sessions to different settings, providing gym-based exercise, home- and park-based training, and hydrotherapy services

Working one-on-one and in groups with adults, adolescents and children, Melissa enjoys helping people achieve their goals and get more out of their daily lives in a fun and supportive environment.

A passionate advocate for using exercise as medicine to optimise overall health and fitness, Melissa is excited to be developing exercise routines for NDIS participants across Western Sydney.

Melissa Mey

Exercise Physiologist - Western Sydney

Melissa has considerable experience in exercise prescription, rehabilitation from illness...

Emma Virtue

Emma Virtue

Position: Senior Occupational Therapist - Newcastle

Emma has extensive experience and has worked within the NDIS community in Newcastle for almost seven years. She works across the lifespan (0-65 years old) and absolutely loves working with the infant, paediatric and adult populations.

She has significant training and experience in assisting participants living with cerebral palsy, traumatic and acquired brain injuries, stroke, muscular dystrophy, spina bifida, autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disabilities, developmental delays, and more.

With a strong evidence-based and goal-centred approach to her work, Emma has a great deal of knowledge and passion for the following types of interventions:

  • Complex assistive technology and equipment prescription, including complex seating for children and adults
  • Infant and child development and play-based therapy
  • Bimanual therapy and constraint-induced movement therapy

She has a warm and supportive style of leadership and enjoys encouraging her colleagues and occupational therapy students through supervision and mentoring.

Emma has a passion for ensuring all people are given opportunities to reach their full potential, regardless of their background or ability. She loves building relationships with her participants and families, and supporting them to reach their hopes and dreams.

She is delighted to be part of the team at Ability Action Australia and supports NDIS participants across the Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Hunter and Central Coast regions.

Emma Virtue

Senior Occupational Therapist - Newcastle

Emma has extensive experience and has worked within the NDIS...

Eilish Medel

Eilish Medel

Position: Senior Occupational Therapist - Newcastle

Eilish has worked for several years in the NDIS space and supported participants in a range of ways to achieve their goals and improve their quality of life.

She has worked with people across the lifespan with varying diagnoses, including autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, intellectual disability, global developmental delay, mental health conditions and traumatic brain injury.

Eilish is a skilled clinician who can assist participants with the following:

  • Functional Capacity Assessment
  • Paediatric Assessment
  • Housing Assessment and Home Modification
  • Assistive Technology Assessment and Prescription
  • Equipment prescription

Eilish has helped many people with disability develop their life skills, activities of daily living, social interactions, sensory and emotional regulation and motor abilities. She can confidently conduct a variety of standardised assessments and set client-centred goals.

A firm believer that everyone deserves to receive the support they need to live a normal life, Eilish is a strong advocate for helping people living with disability to strive and live their best life.

A warm and bubbly personality, Eilish supports NDIS participants in Newcastle, the broader Hunter region and the Central Coast.

Eilish Medel

Senior Occupational Therapist - Newcastle

Eilish has worked for several years in the NDIS space...

Sarah Richards OT in Newcastle

Sarah Richards

Position: Occupational Therapist - Newcastle

Sarah has worked in the NDIS space since starting out as an Occupational Therapist more than two years ago.

She has been lucky to support people aged 2 to 70 years living with physical and intellectual disability, neurological conditions, autism spectrum disorder, sensory processing challenges, and developmental delays.

Sarah is able to complete:

  • Functional capacity assessments
  • Paediatric assessments
  • Sensory assessments
  • Assistive technology prescription
  • Minor home modifications
  • A variety of standardised assessments

She has loved developing her skills in the paediatric space and implementing a strong client and family-centred approach to therapy. She is passionate about building therapeutic rapport with children and their families in a fun and safe environment.

Sarah is always excited to meet her clients with their families/carers and build a strong therapeutic rapport. She believes a great part of her job is explaining the different activities of daily living we can support and creating goals specific to the clients and their environments.

She is excited to be working with the team at Ability Action Australia and working with clients in the Hunter New England region of NSW.

Sarah Richards

Occupational Therapist - Newcastle

Sarah has worked in the NDIS space since starting out...

Shelby Wood occupational therapist Newcastle

Shelby Wood

Position: Occupational Therapist - Newcastle

Shelby has considerable experience working with NDIS participants, especially young children and adolescents. She has worked in a range of paediatric settings, including schools, and mobile/private clinics.

As a result, she has an in-depth understanding of NDIS processes, such as:

  • The application process
  • Funding options
  • Supports and services
  • Plan reviews

During her career, Shelby has administered, scored and interpreted a variety of assessments used for people living with disability, including sensory, behavioural, developmental and functional standardised assessments.

She has had experience with children aged 3 to 19 years living with autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, oppositional defiance disorder, depression, global developmental delay, anxiety disorders, sensory processing disorder, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, and physical disabilities.

Through education and training, Shelby has supported families and carers to understand their child’s condition, and help them to use this knowledge to manage their child’s wants and needs and thrive in their daily lives.

Shelby derives her own sense of belonging and happiness from the many things she loves to do in her daily life, and she is grateful that in turn her job allows her to advocate for and support people living with disability to develop their own joy in their everyday lives.

Shelby Wood

Occupational Therapist - Newcastle

Shelby has considerable experience working with NDIS participants, especially young...

Josh Knuiman exercise physiologist Newcastle

Josh Knuiman

Position: Senior Exercise Physiologist - Perth

Before joining Ability Action Australia, Josh worked as an Exercise Physiologist and Provisional Behaviour Support Practitioner, developing individualised exercise programs for children, adolescents and adults as part of an NDIS multidisciplinary therapy team.

Over the same period, Josh ran his own business working with and supporting youth living with autism spectrum disorder and helping them to live healthy, happy lives through exercise.

Josh has extensive experience working with children, having worked at a paediatric exercise clinic and in early childhood physical literacy. He also has experience in chronic disease management.

He has conducted many different types of assessments, including:

  • Health and mobility assessments (e.g. Timed Up and Go Test, 6 Minute Walk Test, Functional Reach Test)
  • Comprehensive motor assessments
  • Fundamental Movement Skill Assessment

Josh loves helping people reach that moment when they realise they can do it, and seeing the joy it brings them (e.g. teaching a kid to ride a bike/walk independently/participate in the community). He firmly believes that everyone has the ability to participate in and enjoy physical activity, if given the time, care and support.

He is thrilled to be working with Ability Action Australia, supporting NDIS participants in and around Newcastle.

Josh Knuiman

Senior Exercise Physiologist - Perth

Before joining Ability Action Australia, Josh worked as an Exercise...

Emily Yeo occupational therapy assistant Tamworth

Emily Yeo

Position: Therapy Assistant - Tamworth

As part of her university studies, Emily completed her second-year practical placement at a primary school, where she focused on improving handwriting and classroom functioning.

Within this placement Emily gained experience with:

  • Paediatric assessments and group intervention
  • Handwriting and classroom functioning
  • Behavioural and emotional regulation

Emily also has experience supporting a child with autism spectrum disorder. She assisted the child with play, activity flexibility and completing program plans developed by his Occupational Therapist and Physiotherapist.

She has discovered she has a passion for paediatrics, and hopes to continue working in this area after graduating next year.

Emily completed her third-year practical placement in an occupational rehabilitation setting, assisting adults to return to work following a workplace injury. While there, Emily gained experience with activity of daily living assessments, equipment and service recommendations, and formal report writing.

Emily loves supporting people living with disabilities as she wants to make a difference to the way people live and enjoy life. She especially loves being able to offer support to rural communities as she understands the barriers people experience when trying to receive assistance.

Emily Yeo

Therapy Assistant - Tamworth

As part of her university studies, Emily completed her second-year...

Monica Biondi

Monica Biondi

Position: Team Leader / Senior Occupational Therapist - Brisbane

Monica is an enthusiastic, self-motivated, and highly organised leader and clinician.

Having worked in the NDIS space for the past two years, Monica enjoys supporting participants who live with physical or psychosocial disability.

She has experience in:

  • Functional capacity assessments
  • Minor and major home modifications
  • Housing assessments (Supported independent Living and Supported Disability Accommodation)
  • Basic and complex assistive technology prescription
  • Developing daily living skills

Monica is passionate about improving an individual’s quality of life and boosting their participation in daily activities through occupational practice and performance.

She has experience in a range of clinical practice areas, including the NDIS, generalised community, aged care, occupational rehabilitation, community paediatrics, in-patient brain injury rehabilitation, sub-acute rehabilitation and acute orthopaedics.

Monica loves to see the way small changes can have a huge impact on a person’s life. She supports NDIS participants of all ages across Brisbane’s northern suburbs.

Monica Biondi

Team Leader / Senior Occupational Therapist - Brisbane

Monica is an enthusiastic, self-motivated, and highly organised leader and...

Rachel Carlson OT Brisbane

Rachel Carlson

Position: Senior Occupational Therapist - Brisbane

Rachel has worked with NDIS participants since the rollout of the scheme in Ipswich, in 2017.

She enjoys working with participants to find unique solutions to help them achieve their goals. Rachel loves hearing feedback from clients about how assistive technology or home modifications have improved their access, increased their independence, and helped them achieve their goals.

She has experience working with people living with neurological and physical disabilities across the lifespan.

Rachel has an in-depth understanding of:

  • Assistive technology assessments
  • Complex home modification assessments
  • Functional capacity assessments
  • Specialist disability accommodation assessments
  • Vehicle modification assessments

Rachel is delighted to be working with participants across Brisbane’s southern suburbs and in Ipswich.

Rachel Carlson

Senior Occupational Therapist - Brisbane

Rachel has worked with NDIS participants since the rollout of...

Katee Maller occupational therapist Brisbane

Katee Maller

Position: Occupational Therapist - Brisbane

Over the past year, Katee has been working as a fully qualified Occupational Therapist.

Her caseload has primarily involved helping adults with physical, cognitive and psychosocial disabilities. These include intellectual disabilities, muscular dystrophy, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, Asperger’s syndrome, anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, and borderline personality disorder.

Katee has been working with a range of funding bodies, including the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, Home Care Packages, Enhanced Primary Care, and the NDIS.

Her skills include completing functional capacity assessments, which involve physical, cognitive, psychosocial and sensory evaluation.

She loves being able to support individuals to be as happy and independent in their life as possible. Katee enjoys being able to build relationships with people and work towards being the best they can be in all aspects of their lives.

She supports NDIS participants across north Brisbane.

Katee Maller

Occupational Therapist - Brisbane

Over the past year, Katee has been working as a...

Madeline Carmichael occupational therapist in Brisbane

Madeline Carmichael

Position: Occupational Therapist - Brisbane

Madeline has worked with a broad spectrum of individuals, from paediatric clients to older adults. She has been employed across a range of settings, including private clinics, community centres, schools and hospitals.

She has a particular interest in paediatrics, working with children and adolescents to help them achieve their daily occupations. These include self-care, school and play, and developing confidence, self-esteem and social skills.

Her experiences with assessments and therapy include:

  • Initial assessments
  • Functional capacity assessments
  • Sensory profiles
  • Assistive technology
  • Activities of daily living assessments
  • Psychosocial assessments
  • Behaviour management
  • School readiness skills

Madeline loves working with and supporting people with disability to achieve their goals and enhance their choices in everyday life.

She works across Brisbane’s north and south sides.

Madeline Carmichael

Occupational Therapist - Brisbane

Madeline has worked with a broad spectrum of individuals, from...

Ashleigh Rankin

Ashleigh Rankin

Position: Senior Occupational Therapist - Sunshine Coast

Over the past four years, Ashleigh worked in a community setting, supporting NDIS participants to regain independence in everyday life.

She assisted people with a range of interventions, including:

  • Minor and major home modifications
  • Wheelchair prescription
  • Manual handling
  • Functional assessments
  • Assistive technology prescription
  • Life skills training

As well as supporting people living with disability, Ashleigh has helped older clients to live independently and safely, and members of the veteran community, over the course of her career.

She worked in a residential aged care setting as a team leader to assist with a range of services, including pain management, reviewing care plans, post fall reviews and pressure care.

As an Occupational Therapist with Ability Action Australia, Ashleigh feels very fortunate that she is able to assist people to live life the way they want to.

Based in Queensland, she is excited to be supporting NDIS participants in and around the Sunshine Coast.

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Ashleigh Rankin

Senior Occupational Therapist - Sunshine Coast

Over the past four years, Ashleigh worked in a community...

Head shot of Rebecca

Rebecca Bailey

Position: Senior Occupational Therapist - Adelaide

Over the past three years, Rebecca has been working as an Occupational Therapist in the NDIS sector and community aged care, working with people living with physical, cognitive and psychosocial disability.

Through this work, she has enjoyed working with adults and adolescents and has gained experience in:

  • Functional capacity assessments
  • Assistive technology assessment and prescription
  • Home modification assessments and reporting
  • Sensory assessments

Rebecca is also experienced across a range of standardised assessments including:

  • Care and Needs Scale
  • WHODAS
  • Barthel Index
  • Sensory Profile

Rebecca finds it incredibly rewarding to provide individualised therapy, supporting individuals with strategies and interventions which allow greater independence.

Rebecca is supporting NDIS participants throughout Adelaide and surrounding suburbs.

 

Rebecca Bailey

Senior Occupational Therapist - Adelaide

Over the past three years, Rebecca has been working as...

Casey Evans physiotherapist Sunshine Coast

Casey Evans

Position: Physiotherapist - Sunshine Coast

Before joining Ability Action Australia, Casey worked as a physiotherapist in residential aged care, providing exercise therapy, pain management services and rehabilitation for people living with a wide range of chronic musculoskeletal conditions, neurological disorders and acute orthopaedic injuries.

While working in aged care, she participated in equipment prescription to improve quality of life for residents and conducted manual handling training sessions for staff and families.

Casey enjoys working with orthopaedic cases involving injuries or diseases of the body’s musculoskeletal system, and she has particular experience with:

  • Neurological disorders
  • Chronic musculoskeletal conditions

Casey loves being a physiotherapist and helping people of all ages and abilities to improve their participation and level of independence, achieve their goals and improve their quality of life.

She is thrilled to join Ability Action Australia and support NDIS participants on the Sunshine Coast.

Casey Evans

Physiotherapist - Sunshine Coast

Before joining Ability Action Australia, Casey worked as a physiotherapist...

Stephen Martin

Stephen Martin

Position: Senior Exercise Physiologist - Brisbane

During his exercise physiology career, Stephen has worked in a wide range of settings with people across the lifespan.

Before joining Ability Action Australia, he worked with NDIS participants in private practice, supporting people with conditions such as autism spectrum disorder, gender dysphoria and mental health conditions.

Stephen was also employed in hospital and community health settings, helping patients with neurological conditions, chronic disease management and healthy ageing.

At the Department of Defence, he worked with returning Australian Defence Force members who were seriously injured, supporting them with exercise programs to manage amputations, mental health conditions, chronic pain, and musculoskeletal rehabilitation.

Stephen has also developed fitness and wellness programs for detainees in correctional facilities.

A qualified primary school teacher, he spent eight years teaching in Queensland, including two years in a remote indigenous community.

He enjoys learning from NDIS participants, making connections and developing supportive and fun professional relationships. Stephen is excited to be working with participants across Brisbane, providing assessments and tailored exercise programs that empower participants to achieve their goals.

Stephen Martin

Senior Exercise Physiologist - Brisbane

During his exercise physiology career, Stephen has worked in a...

Rachel O’Meara

Rachel O’Meara

Position: Provisional Psychologist - Melbourne

After moving to Australia from Ireland, Rachel worked for more than two years with victim survivors of family violence. She supported women and children to flee to safety and live free from abuse by developing risk management plans that promote their safety and recovery. She provided support to family violence survivors to overcome trauma so they could thrive in their communities.

In Ireland Rachel worked for two years in a service providing support and rehabilitation to people over 18 who have gone through a traumatic brain injury. The clients presented with a range of cognitive, emotional and behavioural difficulties including aggression, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, memory loss, attention deficit disorders, visual impairments, physical disabilities, epilepsy, schizophrenia and aggression.

Her duties included conducting individual therapy sessions with residential and community-based clients, such as cognitive behaviour therapy-based anger management, family therapy, mindfulness, and stroke adjustment therapy. Rachel also developed and implemented psychological interventions and positive behaviour support plans with clients, their families and support workers.

Also in Ireland, Rachel worked for a year in a service that provides support to children aged 0-17 living with physical and intellectual disabilities and their families. Her work enabled children to achieve maximum independence, choice and inclusion in their communities. Her clients presented with a range of difficulties, including autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, intellectual disability, and cognitive delays.

Rachel loves to support people to empower themselves and be confident in their own abilities.

Rachel O’Meara

Provisional Psychologist - Melbourne

After moving to Australia from Ireland, Rachel worked for more...

Tegan Rizzi occupational therapist Melbourne

Tegan Rizzi

Position: Team Leader Occupational Therapist - Melbourne

Tegan is currently not taking on any new participants.

Tegan is an accomplished Occupational Therapist who for the past six years has worked in the field of adult community neurological disability.

She has particular expertise working with co-morbidities and other factors, including mental health and complex social issues.

For the last two and a half years Tegan worked in a hybrid clinician/leadership capacity, overseeing continuous improvement and clinical governance for a provider in the federal government’s Disability Employment Services program.

She has experience in case management and long-term client work, assisting adults to maintain their employment while considering their holistic needs.

In her work, Tegan draws on her experience in:

  • Symptom management – fatigue, pain, sleep, falls, memory and cognition, altered sensations
  • Activities of daily living assessments
  • Aids and equipment assessment/prescription
  • Workplace/environmental/ergonomic assessments

She values helping to empower people, and support their independence to effect meaningful life changes. Tegan supports NDIS participants across south and south-east Melbourne.

Tegan Rizzi

Team Leader Occupational Therapist - Melbourne

Tegan is currently not taking on any new participants. Tegan...

Yaser Yousry occupational therapist Melbourne

Yaser Yousry

Position: Senior Occupational Therapist - Melbourne

As an occupational therapist (OT), Yaser enjoys being able to empower NDIS participants to do the things they love in their own unique way, and watch their sense of achievement and confidence grow over time.

Before joining Ability Action Australia, Yaser worked in hand therapy, treating patients from all age groups with upper limb disabilities ranging from traumatic injuries to chronic conditions.
He thoroughly enjoyed empowering people from all walks of life to take pride in their recovery.

He also worked as an OT in aged care, enabling residents to engage in meaningful activities, maintain fitness levels, and manage their chronic pain and dementia-related behaviours. Yaser utilised various traditional approaches such as sensory modulation, activities of daily living assessments/activities, assessment and prescription of assistive technology/equipment, and pacing and falls prevention classes, as well as multidisciplinary strategies such as brain games, balance and exercise groups.

Previously, he supported clients with lodging insurance claims and returning to work following physical or psychological injuries.

Yaser is thrilled to be working with NDIS participants across the north western suburbs of Melbourne.

Yaser Yousry

Senior Occupational Therapist - Melbourne

As an occupational therapist (OT), Yaser enjoys being able to...

Jenna Rowles

Jenna Rowles

Position: Senior Occupational Therapist - Melbourne

Jenna is an Occupational Therapist who graduated in 2019 and has experience in the Occupational Health and Rehabilitation settings. Jenna has assisted injured workers with their safe return to work, recovery planning and independence within the home following a workplace injury. Through her studies Jenna also has experience within the community, working in the NDIS and Aged Care systems, and has participated in interventions within the mental health setting, including those specific to dementia, depression and anxiety.

As a clinician, Jenna strives to assist all clients to achieve their goals, increase their independence and enable them to live a meaningful and fulfilling life.

Jenna is keen to continue to build her knowledge and experience as an Occupational Therapist as part of the Ability Action Australia team, while working collaboratively with individuals and their support networks.

Jenna’s broader skills and experience includes:

  • Activities of Daily Living Assessments
  • Workplace and Ergonomic Assessments
  • Initial Assessment meetings within the home and the workplace
  • Home modifications
  • Aids and equipment prescription
  • Cognitive Assessments

Goal setting and delivery of client-centred interventions

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Jenna Rowles

Senior Occupational Therapist - Melbourne

Jenna is an Occupational Therapist who graduated in 2019 and...

Briar Johns Teni

Briar Johns-Teni

Position: Senior Occupational Therapist - Melbourne

Before joining Ability Action Australia, Briar was a community Occupational Therapist for three and a half years, working with NDIS participants with physical, neurological and psychosocial disabilities.

She has mainly worked with adults, including younger adults in their 20s, completing functional assessments, complex seating assessments and complex assistive technology applications.

Working with the NDIS and other funding bodies, Briar has experience assisting people with:

  • Minor and major home modifications
  • Assistive technology and aids
  • Activities of daily living training

She has prescribed a lot of equipment through the Statewide Equipment Program, which provides a subsidy towards the cost of assistive technology items and modifications. As a graduate supervisor for 18 months, Briar assisted colleagues and participants through the program’s maze of policies and procedures, and reviewed applications and reports.

She loves enabling people to participate in everyday tasks through interventions, strategies or scripted equipment, and supporting them to work towards achieving their goals.

Briar is thrilled to be working with NDIS participants across the western and north-western suburbs of Melbourne, ensuring they get the same opportunities as everyone else.

Briar Johns-Teni

Senior Occupational Therapist - Melbourne

Before joining Ability Action Australia, Briar was a community Occupational...

Juel Andrade

Juel Andrade

Position: Occupational Therapist - Melbourne

After completing her university studies, Juel was successful in obtaining a role as a paediatric Occupational Therapist working in a private practice that services families in their communities, homes and schools. She worked closely with young adults, adolescents, and children and their families and supports, supporting them to achieve their NDIS goals.

Juel has worked with individuals living with disabilities such as:

  • Autism spectrum disorder
  • Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
  • Sensory processing difficulties
  • Intellectual disabilities
  • Communication difficulties

She particularly enjoys working with toddlers and kindergarten-aged kids, helping them learn and explore their skills through play and develop the abilities they need to take on life with success.

Juel loves helping people do simple and meaningful activities that bring joy and purpose to their lives. Occupational therapy gives her the opportunity to connect with different people and appreciate their unique skills and talents.

She is excited to be on board with Ability Action Australia, supporting NDIS participants throughout the suburbs of south-east Melbourne.

Juel Andrade

Occupational Therapist - Melbourne

After completing her university studies, Juel was successful in obtaining...

Harry

Harry Begg

Position: Occupational Therapist - Melbourne

Harry enjoys putting his skills and knowledge into practice and making a positive impact on the lives of people with different backgrounds and capabilities.

His work experience includes a number of student clinical placements that gave him insights into occupational therapy approaches to mental illness. They include:

  • Monash Health’s Perinatal and Infant Inpatient Unit. The placement gave Harry an appreciation for the mental health struggles of new mothers, including postnatal anxiety and depression, and the importance of a family-centered approach to care.
  • St Vincent’s Hospital’s suicide intervention team. Harry gained valuable experience in supporting clients with mental illness such as major depressive disorder. His duties involved helping to develop safety plans to manage ongoing suicidality, formulating sensory interventions and engaging families and friends to promote informal support strategies.
  • IPAR Rehabilitation where he gained experience working with people experiencing chronic pain, post-traumatic stress disorder, shoulder reconstruction and other workplace injuries.

During these placements, Harry performed many types of assessments, including activities of daily living assessments and home assessments.

He works full-time across the eastern and southern suburbs of Melbourne.

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Harry Begg

Occupational Therapist - Melbourne

Harry enjoys putting his skills and knowledge into practice and...

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Kirsten Harris

Position: Occupational Therapist - Melbourne

Kirsten is passionate about working with clients and their families and has previously worked as a therapy assistant, supporting both children and young adults through participation in a range of therapies that are meaningful to them.

During her university studies, she was heavily engaged in a hospital environment working with acute paediatric mental health clients and gained much experience alongside multidisciplinary teams to achieve client goals.

Kirsten’s outstanding communication skills enable her to easily connect with clients of all ages and with their support network. She finds it extremely rewarding watching her clients build their mental and physical wellbeing and working towards their goals and the lives they want. Her knowledge is available throughout the south eastern areas of Melbourne, where she will offer support across various activities and daily tasks. She looks forward to seeing her clients achieve their life and wellbeing goals.

 

Kirsten Harris

Occupational Therapist - Melbourne

Kirsten is passionate about working with clients and their families...

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