BACK TO BASICS HEALTH GROUP - Key Persons
Andrew is an experienced Occupational Therapist who has worked with individuals with ASD for over 15 years. Andrew has worked as an Occupational Therapist at a special school and currently contracts to several schools in the Eastern Suburbs. Andrew continues to improve his skills and engages in continued professional development to ensure he provides the most up to date, evidence based therapy for all his clients. Andrew has a particular interest in behavioural management, fine and gross motor development and sensory integration therapy. Andrew is also a registered Osteopath who is passionate about providing a unique experience for all his patients. A high achiever, Andrew recently graduated from Victoria University with a Masters of Health Science (Osteopathy) receiving the Osteopathy Australia graduate prize as dux of his year level whilst also receiving the Victoria University Medal of Excellence as the most outstanding postgraduate student. Andrew incorporates a number of techniques in his treatment regime which include soft tissue techniques, mobilisation, manipulation and indirect treatments such as BLT (Balance Ligamentous tension) and counterstrain. Andrew is also qualified in Level 2 myofascial dry needling and cupping which adds another treatment option for his patients. Andrew can proficiently treat any type of musculoskeletal complaint including back pain, sciatica, neck pain, headaches, joint pain and sports injuries through a combination of hands on treatment, advice and rehabilitation.
Bryce comes to occupational therapy from a broad and varied career history. Having spent almost 8 years working as a trade qualified chef, Bryce has also split his time across sporting and athletic pursuits. Having spent time as a personal trainer, strength & conditioning coach and even a brief stint playing college football in the US.
More recently Bryce has worked within inpatient physical rehabilitation working with clients to find practical solutions to meet their needs.
Bryce brings these experiences and passions to the profession graduating from the Masters of Occupational therapy at Swinburne university of Technology.
With a keen interest in continuing development Bryce is currently enrolled in further study around exercise rehabilitation and is working on developing his practice in a variety of areas. Most notably; motor development, skill acquisition and upper limb rehabilitation."
Helen completed her Bachelor of Social Work and Bachelor of Arts (Major in Criminology and minor in Sociology) at Monash University at the end of 2012. Helen is currently also completing a Diploma in Counselling. She has completed the online Applied Behavioural Analysis Training through ABA Link this year Helen has over 8 years' experience in the social work sector (with Children, family and Youth), working with both mandatory and non-mandatory clients with experience in management and supervisory roles.
She has worked extensively with children and youth with high risk behaviours and assisted families with this. Helen is a behavioural support practitioner providing support for individuals with complex behaviours. Helen has experience developing behavioural support plans (BSP) and completing functional behavioural assessments to inform the BSP.
Jakob is currently completing his final year in a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy and will be joining Back to Basics Health Group as an Allied Health assistant (AHA)..
Jakob‘s motivation and passion for becoming an Occupational Therapist originated from his experience's working in the disability field as a Support worker for 2 years and from completing voluntary work with Andrew as a requirement of his Monash University Studies. Jakob is passionate about improving an individuals independent living skills within the home and community and continues to modify expectations and implement strategies to assist the individual to achieve their goals.
Throughout the course of his degree, he has complete a variety of placements which have allowed him to develop his knowledge in the occupational therapy field and further develop his communication skills. Jakob currently works as a disability support worker and has experience completing therapy activities within this role. This role has allowed Jakob to build relationships with individuals and their families and tailor his practice to work toward client-centred goals.
Jakob is excited to commence his role as an AHA with Back to Basics Health Group, to learn and tailor his current practice to be the best occupational therapist he can be. Jakob looks forward to supporting individuals and their families to meet their potential.
Louise completed her Bachelor in Health Science in 2011 at Endeavour College of Natural Medicine, a Graduate Certificate in Community Development in 2015 at Monash University and her Master in Social Work at Monash University in 2021. She has also completed various short courses including Therapeutic Crises Intervention training and Engaging in Positive Behaviour Support Practices.
Louise has diverse experience encompassing managing community programs and through direct Social Work practice with both voluntarily and involuntary individuals that display complex behaviours across government agencies and not for profit organisations. As an experienced and qualified Social Worker with a demonstrated and unwavering commitment to achieving client outcomes, Louise always ensures that the duty of care of the client remains priority and is the centre of all decision making. Additionally, Louise focusses on evidence-informed strategies to improve the person's quality of life and uses a strength based and trauma informed approach to support clients towards positive change.