ACTIVOT - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Occupational Therapist / South Australia
- Occupational Therapist Marianne Tan, Occupational Therapist
A confident and experienced communicator, Alethea Sifis is a strong client advocate, with a proven track history of cultivating relationships and removing obstacles to build trust and provide creative problem solving to help her clients achieve their goals.
Job Titles:
- Occupational Therapist
- Occupational Therapist / Blackwood, South Australia
Since graduating, Amy has worked as an occupational therapist across vocational rehabilitation, sub acute and acute hospital settings.
Most recently, she has been focussed on spinal injuries, but also has extensive experience with and a passion for oncology, palliative care and amputee management and rehabilitation.
Amy is a passionate advocate for her participants and their carers and support teams, with a strong focus on maximising independence and achieving client-driven goals.
Job Titles:
- Occupational Therapy Assistant
- Occupational Therapy Assistant Matika Handley, Occupational Therapist
In New York, Andy completed his studies and graduated with a bachelor in Fine Arts. Andy went on to join the world's premier classical Chinese and music performing arts company - Shen Yun, where he performed and toured all around the world for over 10 years.
After his expansive on-stage career, Andy took a pedagogical route in his dance career, and took up the opportunity to teach middle and high school students classical Chinese dance in Taiwan. Having gained valuable experience through teaching, he learnt to understand the significance of being patient and considerate towards each student and their different needs. Through this, Andy developed an amicable personality with a persistent attitude.
After hearing rewarding stories of what the occupational therapy profession can bring, Andy took up the opportunity to begin studying Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance, and shortly joined ActivOT as a therapy assistant in 2022. He believes his past dance career and pedagogical experiences will greatly aid him in his therapy assistant work. In the future, Andy aspires to study occupational therapy at university.
Balancing work and study, in his spare time Andy also enjoys the outdoors, playing sports such as badminton, and spending quality time with his family.
Job Titles:
- Occupational Therapist
- Occupational Therapist Kimberley Phillips
The majority of Anna's career has been in the child and adolescent mental health sector as a Senior Occupational Therapist, with acting stints as Principal Occupational Therapist. She has worked extensively with the Department for Child Protection, adult mental health services and disability service providers to ensure children and families with complex mental health issues and disability are having opportunity to engage in meaningful activities.
Anna has most recently employed in a statewide service working with adults and older persons with complex and severe mental health issues.
Anna has a passion for working with children, adults, older persons and families who experience disconnection from their communities and daily occupations due to disability and mental health issues.
Anna is a holistic practitioner and works systemically ensuring services are enabling engagement in meaningful occupation. Anna marries her psychotherapy background with a functional lens to ensure that clients feel seen, heard and supported whilst working toward their goals. Anna enjoys working with people and learning from her clients. She has strong core values that include equity and respect and she believes the client is the expert in their own journey.
Anna has been an active participant in leadership programs within SA Health and is passionate about ensuring everyone has access to Occupational Therapy services. She is NDIS registered and, in 2022, she is studying for her Masters in Remote and Indigenous Health.
In her spare time, Anna, an aspiring musician, enjoys spending time with her children and family, travelling, singing, getting amongst her rose garden and the beach - you might even catch her on a surfboard!
Job Titles:
- Occupational Therapist
- Business Manager, Queensland
- Occupational Therapist Hilda Ho, Physiotherapist
Georgie completed her Bachelor of Applied Science (Occupational Therapy) at the University of South Australia in 2006.
Georgie is passionate about working as an occupational therapist to make a positive difference and support client-directed goals.
Georgie empowers clients to make informed decisions, enhance their independence, optimise their wellbeing and enhance their quality of life. She has a strong interest in working with people who have complex mental health issues and disability utilising holistic frameworks.
In recent years Georgie has successfully managed the development and redesign of several health services with the aim of improving care and outcomes for clients.
She has extensive experience navigating and facilitating access to health care systems.
She has held various leadership roles in SA Health including Principal Occupational Therapist, Team Manager and Senior Project Manager roles. This experience has enriched her clinical skills to deliver comprehensive occupational therapy services.
Georgie is an active participant in leadership programs and is passionate about ensuring everyone has access to evidence-based and high-quality occupational therapy services.
Georgie provides occupational therapy services to the Department of Veteran Affairs, NDIS and privately funded clients. She offers both individual and group therapy dependent on client needs.
Outside of work Georgie loves spending quality time with her children and cooking up a feast to celebrate with her family and friends.
Annette Howarth, ActivOT Business Manager QLD, spent her early childhood in in Tambar Springs in NSW (no one has ever heard of it) then moved to Wagga Wagga in her early teens.
Together with her husband she was lucky enough to spend two years living in the USA, returning to live in Sydney for a few years before settling in Queensland.
Annette remains a country girl at heart and lives on a small acreage just north of Brisbane with her family and a small menagerie of animals.
With a broad range of experience, Annette defines her skills as ‘eclectic", having worked in marketing and communication roles in both environmental and political arenas, working with state and federal politicians and most recently as a Family Law paralegal.
This electric background and her computer and communication skills combine to make her the perfect "go to person" who loves problem solving and looking for solutions outside the box.
Annette has a passion for helping others and this is what first attracted her to ActivOT and she is excited to work with such a passionate and skilled team.
Outside work hours her interests are as eclectic as her work skills. A keen artist she enjoys sharing her skills with others her home studio and is also a keen equestrian. On weekends you will most likely find her out and about competing in dressage, instructing or organising events at her local pony club.
She also loves gardening and can lose herself in a good book for hours.
Job Titles:
- Occupational Therapist
- Occupational Therapist ActivOT 2022 Talia Dent, Occupational Therapist
Belinda graduated from Monash University with a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy with honours in 2018. She moved from Melbourne Victoria to the Sunshine Coast with her family for the lifestyle in 2020.
Belinda has a wealth of transferable experience from previous work settings. She worked for five years in academia within the School of Psychology at Deakin University with a special interest in simulation-based learning to enhance post graduate psychology student's clinical competence. It was here that Belinda began her occupational therapy journey, combining it with her wealth of lived experience to build therapeutic relationships with her clients and support them in their journeys.
Belinda has a personal relationship with becoming an OT. Her first child was born with Down Syndrome. He is now in his twenties and, with her experience as a mother and an OT, Belinda has been able to advocate and support him in building his independence to meet his goals.
As an occupational therapist, Belinda has worked in a variety of settings, including community aged care, dementia care, disability, acute inpatient mental health, inpatient stroke rehabilitation and community rehabilitation.
Belinda has a range of experience in the following areas of practice:
seating, pressure care, wheelchair prescription, mobility scooter assessments
home modifications, assistive technology, manual handling, falls prevention
pain management, energy conservation, upper limb therapy and relaxation techniques.
developing core life and living skills
Functional Capacity Assessments
In addition, Belinda prides herself on continuing to develop her knowledge and skills by participating in professional development opportunities to provide the best up to date care for her clients
In her downtime Belinda enjoys making candles, visiting the local markets, exploring the local community landscapes and spending time with her family and their menagerie of animals.
Job Titles:
- Therapy Assistant
- Therapy Assistant / Rostrevor, South Australia
- Therapy Assistant Sarah - Beth Schiappadori, Occupational Therapist
Callum Banks, ActivOT TA Rostrevor, was born and raised in Adelaide. In 2018 he graduated from Norwood Morialta high school.
At the age of 15, through an occupational therapist he knew, he began some volunteer work with CARA. Callum thoroughly enjoyed working alongside the occupational therapists, beginning his interest in occupational therapy work.
In 2019 Callum joined the ActivOT team, where he continues working alongside occupational therapists as an occupational therapy assistant. He loves the work he does and is very passionate about it.
In the future, Callum aspires to begin studying occupational therapy at university. For the moment, he's enjoying working as an occupational therapy assistant.
When he isn't working, Callum enjoys the outdoors and rock climbing. He has competed on a national and international level for many years now, as well as working at the local climbing gym through high school.
Job Titles:
- Therapy Assistant
- Therapy Assistant / Alberton, South Australia
- Therapy Assistant Suzy Heeks, Occupational Therapist
Cathy Aldridge, ActivOT TA Alberton, has an accounting background; working for many years in manufacturing and construction, then as a Business Manager at a school for 18 years. She has an avid interest in natural health and wellbeing and it was this interest that led her to study and complete a Diploma in Neuro Linguistic Kinesiology.
As a result, another strong interest emerged with the inhibition and integration of primitive reflexes and Cathy is now one of two Rhythmic Movement Training providers in South Australia.
Her school was keen to have her work with small groups and one on one with students with retained primitive reflexes. She also developed a daily movement program for all class levels, incorporating aspects of specific rhythmic movements, Traditional Chinese Medicine and mental fitness exercises which saw positive results in behavioural and coordination skills.
Cathy finished working at the school two years ago to work in the field of baby and toddler development. She joined ActivOT as a therapy assistant in July 2019 and now carries out occupational therapy programs in Adelaide.
Cathy has a daughter and a son and two beautiful grandsons that happily keep her busy, she likes to spend her free time with friends, reading and travelling.
Job Titles:
- Occupational Therapist / Highbury, South Australia
- Occupational Therapist Katherine Simpson, Occupational Therapist
Job Titles:
- Therapy Assistant
- Therapy Assistant ActivOT 2022 Belinda Wallace, Occupational Therapist
Emile Dabrowski, ActivOT Clear Island Waters, was born and raised in Adelaide.
He graduated Blackfriars Priory School in 2004 having worked in hospitality for the final two years of his secondary schooling.
For the last 20 years Emile has worked in hospitality with a goal to help build relationships with guests, making them feel happy and welcome every time they visit.
Emile's oldest brother Simon Dabrowski has been an occupational therapist since 2003. Emile was inspired by his brother to decide, last year, to venture from the hospitality field and become an occupational therapy assistant. His goal in doing so is to help clients with independence and quality of life.
Emile has started studying Allied Health Certificate 4 and will complete his studies by the end of June 2022.
Emile recently joined ActivOT and enjoys working closely with occupational therapists and clients to achieve goals with patience and a smile.
In the future Emile plans on progressing his studies to become an occupational therapist like his older brother.
In his spare tie Emile enjoys acting, cooking and creating art.
Job Titles:
- Occupational Therapist
- Occupational Therapist Holly Somerfield
Emily has worked as an occupational therapist for 17 years, predominantly in Adelaide, with some time spent living and working as an OT in the UK.
Outside of work, Emily is a mother to two very busy boys. She enjoys spending time with family and friends and loves the outdoors. She is a passionate gardener and is a strong believer in dirt therapy!
Job Titles:
- Therapy Assistant
- Therapy Assistant Kerin Smith, Occupational Therapist
Gareth Wilson, ActivOT Mermaid Waters, was born and bred in the South Island of New Zealand. Having developed a keen interest in how things work led to studying Engineering at Canterbury University where he further strengthened his natural problem solving skills.
Gareth relocated to Melbourne in 2008 and with the experience gained in New Zealand in technical fields, established a successful Audio Visual Integration business that grew year on year for its customer-focused approach.
Gareth and his wife had their third child in 2016 who was unexpectedly born with congenital abnormalities and life-long disabilities. They became well known at the Royal Childrens Hospital in Melbourne, Very Special Kids and the Mito Foundation, where they were a part of fundraisers and events. Their son exceeded all expectations placed on him through the ongoing determination and energy his parents applied. Unfortunately, he passed away before his third birthday.
This lived, and very rewarding, experience prompted both Gareth and his wife to relocate their family to Queensland and translate their skills into assisting others in more vulnerable corners of society.
Gareth is inspired to become an occupational therapy assistant by his son who remains the main driving force on the journey to help others and everything that Gareth does.
Gareth is studying for a Cert IV in Allied Health Assistance.
Gareth has an extensive sporting background, having spent many years playing representative Rugby Union in New Zealand and boxing in both countries, He proudly coaches his eldest son's Rugby Union team.
In his spare time, Gareth enjoys fishing and exploring the Australian wilderness with his wife and children.
Job Titles:
- Occupational Therapist / Fitzroy, South Australia
- Occupational Therapist Annette Howarth
Georgia is a passionate teacher, providing clinical leadership and support to new graduates and also to more experienced clinicians. She has supported students on clinical placements and through University tutoring. Georgia has lead multiple projects aimed to improve allied health and occupational therapy client outcomes and has presented at national conferences.
Job Titles:
- Administrative Assistant
- Occupational Therapist
- Occupational Therapist / Summertown, South Australia
- Occupational Therapist Siobhan Tothill, Occupational Therapist
Hayley began her career as an occupational therapist in residential aged care, doing GP home assessments, and community brain injury rehabilitation. When asked to work full-time in a focussed neurological rehabilitation unit in Adelaide, she quickly found her focus and area of interest.
With years of clinical experience, Hayley has also worked as guest lecturer and tutor at the University of South Australia - School of Occupational Therapy.
The majority of Hayley's career has been in hospital settings, and in the specialty area of neurological rehabilitation. With a special interest and passion in stroke rehabilitation, she has extensively reviewed evidence based practice and trained others to ensure adhering to National Stroke Guidelines. She has also worked with people who have experienced major heart surgery, hip and knee surgery, acquired brain injury, and who are recovering post motor vehicle accident.
Hayley has also worked extensively as senior occupational therapist in inpatient rehabilitation and working closely with people and their families and carers, to get them functioning at their highest level possible to be able to return home as soon as possible. She has also worked in the community setting for SA Heath, helping people set up their home safely, with equipment and home modifications, and modifying and practicing various skills, to return to their chosen meaningful daily occupations that make up their fulfilling life.
Hayley has strong core values of respect and empathy, and loving people no matter what. She believes that the client and their family and carers are the experts on their journey of pain, disability, or struggles in life. She has learned that often what people want is to be listened to and be offered guidance and help to fulfil the roles that are important to them. She is very excited to join the ActivOT team, and looking forward to working entirely in people's own homes and community.
In her spare time, Hayley enjoys working with her husband and four children on their farm in the hills. They have a market garden, roadside stall, and hundreds of chickens that keep them busy. Driving children around the hills community to sporting activities is a major occupation of hers! If you popped into the farm, you may find Hayley stirring a pot of jam on the stove, making sourdough, packing some pasture raised eggs, or chasing a donkey, an alpaca or a gaggle of geese up the track.
Charli James, ActivOT Administrative Assistant, was born and raised in the southern region of South Australia, located within the beautiful vines of McLaren Vale.
Even from a young age, Charli has always had a strong love for school and education, and loves sharing this passion with those around her.
Excelling in all areas of her school life, Charli has achieved much academic success, not only achieving straight A grades, but also achieving the title of "Dux of the College" upon graduating Secondary School in 2021.
Having a strong passion for ancient history, Charli endeavours to become a Professor of Classics, majoring in ancient Greek civilisation through her current studies at the University of Adelaide. With this, Charli has a strong circle of friends and family to support her within this endeavour.
Charli has had previous work experience within the hospitality industry, enhancing her customer service skills by developing the ability to tailor her services to specific customer needs. This is an aspect of customer service that Charli loves, and one that she continues to implement within her daily life.
Outside of school and work, Charli loves to play volleyball, having played competitively during her school years and even playing in the national school championship in Melbourne. Charli also likes to spend time with her partner and family, playing with her dog Koda, and watching movies.
Drawn to the amazing people, team culture, and values at ActivOT, Charli's strong work ethic, love of learning, communication and organisational skills will be an asset to both clients and ActivOT practitioners. It is an environment where Charli can actively continue her love of helping people within the community.
Job Titles:
- First Occupational Therapist
- Member of Occupational Therapy Australia
- Occupational Therapist / Adelaide, South Australia
- Occupational Therapist Danielle Spencer, Occupational Therapist
Helen Whait completed a Bachelor of Applied Science in Occupational Therapy (OT) from the University of South Australia at the end of 1992.
Helen has had a successful 30-year career in occupational therapy - working in a broad variety of settings.
Helen is passionate about occupational therapy and is a strong advocate for the profession and for occupational therapists.
In 2012 Helen became the first occupational therapist in Australia to franchise a private practice. In doing so she has challenged the status quo of OT service delivery while empowering other therapists to benefit from her experience and resources by building their own thriving practices.
Helen Whait is an active member of Occupational Therapy Australia (OTA) and is the South Australian representative on the Occupational Therapy Australia, Department of Veteran Affairs National Reference Group. Helen is also the South Australian representative on the Occupational Therapy Australia Primary Health National Reference Group. Through these roles Helen aims to have a positive impact on government policy development.
Being involved at the grass roots level of occupational therapy service provision, Helen is able to provide insight into government programs and how they work for clients (or fail, as the case may be). She's written and contributed to numerous submissions and discussion papers as well as policy statements, particularly in relation to veteran care. In supporting OT Australia, Helen the ActivOT team are able to achieve much better outcomes for both occupational therapists and their clients.
Helen is an outspoken and respected advocate for occupational therapy as a profession. Through her involvement with OTA, Helen has been an invited speaker at their inaugural private practice symposium held in 2018. Helen describes her experience as guest speaker as "an honour and a privilege to be able to address my industry peers and to discuss the unique business model I've developed to help OTs succeed in private practice while maintaining very high standards of service provision and remaining client centred".
Helen and the ActivOT team diligently work together on innovative ways of improving the way occupational therapy is practiced. In doing so, their approach includes:
actively seeking and building new relationships within our communities and industry
shaping the future of occupational therapy through participation in university projects including membership on the Adelaide University Advisory Board.
supporting emerging therapists through participating in student projects at the University of South Australia, Australian Catholic University (ACU) in Brisbane and University of The Sunshine Coast (USC). Helen has also provided research support to the rural and remote research team at Sydney University with respect to the use of allied health assistants
establishing research consultancies with University of New South Wales and Sydney University, with an initial review of the sustainability and success of therapy assistant services in the franchise model
undertaking leadership coaching (the Lead ID program with The Edge PR) as part of an ongoing commitment to professional development and building leadership at all levels of the business
expanding our online presence to include Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn and reworking our website with a focus on accessibility and ease of use for clients
seeking new technical solutions for overcoming barriers communication within the team, with our communities and with our clients, including the introduction of online meetings and telehealth services
adapting the ways we practice occupational therapy in alignment with the health needs of our team and clients, such as introducing Covid-19 measures including telehealth, PPE and risk assessment procedures and additional training for all team members.
Helen has continued to build her outstanding business which is supporting occupational therapists in new ways to practice according to their core values as therapists and to deliver outstanding results. The therapists themselves speak highly of Helen and her leadership and stewardship.
Job Titles:
- Physiotherapist / Modbury, South Australia
- Physiotherapist Emile Dabrowski, Therapy Assistant
Hilda Ho, ActivOT Modbury, grew up in Hong Kong and completed her Bachelor Honours degree in Physiotherapy in 2002.
After graduation, Hilda moved overseas and spent almost eight years working in England and Canada. She settled down in Australia and made Adelaide her home in 2011.
Hilda Ho has extensive experience working in a variety of public and private health, inpatient and outpatient settings. She has provided individualised care and rehabilitation to clients with musculoskeletal injuries, orthopaedic, neurological and respiratory conditions.
Before becoming a physiotherapist, Hilda worked as a teacher in schools and centres for students with profound hearing loss, intellectual and/or physical disabilities. These roles inspired her to make a career change and undertake further study and training in physiotherapy.
As a physiotherapist in Modbury, Hilda is a positive and energetic person who enjoys working collaboratively with her clients to identify their challenges, maximise their physical function and achieve their goals. She focuses on detailed assessments and hands-on therapy, recognising the importance of exercises and education.
At the end of 2019, Hilda graduated with a degree in Psychological Science at the University of Adelaide. She learnt how the mind and the brain can significantly impact rehabilitation and rehabilitation participation. Hilda believes that the power of mind plays an essential role in promoting physical recovery, improving health and well-being. She also appreciates the importance of empathetic understanding in enhancing effective communication; building a therapeutic relationship; and providing emotional support to clients and carers during treatments and rehabilitation.
While not at work, Hilda loves gardening, cooking and spending time with her dog.
Job Titles:
- Business Development Manager
- Occupational Therapist
- Occupational Therapist / Kensington, South Australia
Jade has worked as an occupational therapist since completing her studies, providing a wide range of services in injury prevention and management. She also spent two years in London completing injury management and working with clients following serious motor vehicle accidents.
More recently, Jade has provided NDIS and other services including:
functional capacity evaluations
ergonomic assessments
job analyses
medico-legal assessments
activities of daily living assessments
manual handling training
equipment and assistive technology prescription
home modifications
rehabilitation management
Jade Norsworthy is a dedicated occupational therapist who is client centred in her approach to occupational therapy services. From her twenty years spent renovating homes, she has developed first-hand knowledge and experience with home modifications.
Outside of work, Jade enjoys spending time with family and friends and loves the outdoors and travelling.
Holly Somerfield, ActivOT Business Development Manager, was born and raised in Mount Gambier in South Australia. She's a country girl at heart - who loves to travel the world.
Holly's recent employment includes working as a retail travel agent, moving to Corporate Traveller and then into a group incentive travel role. These roles helped Holly to build her confidence and create the stepping stones to learn the skills to run a business and most important deal with all types of clientele. Her biggest achievement in her travel career was successfully moving 150 corporate clients from Australia to the Maldives for an incentive week away.
After 15 years in the travel industry, Holly was in need of a change - a change that would challenge her. She joined ActivOT in mid 2020 and hasn't looked back.
Holly has visited some of her bucket list destinations such as Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Greek islands, cruising the South pacific. She married her high school sweetheart in Koh Samui and saw Mark Wahlberg live on stage in Vegas at her Flight Centre Global Ball.
Holly's passion is her family, including two sisters in Mount Gambier. She also recently became a doting aunty to two little girls, Laney and Daisy.
When not with her sisters and beloved nieces, Holly spends her spare time with her husband at her family's shack in Beachport. Her 12-year-old Spoodle, Keith, also enjoys summers at Beachport.
Holly is a glass half full girl who loves surrounding herself with happy, motivated and kind people, which is why she is a perfect fit at ActivOT.
Job Titles:
- Occupational Therapist
- Occupational Therapist Simon Dabrowski, Occupational Therapist
Jane was awarded her Masters in Occupational Therapy at the University of South Australia in 2015. Jane originally studied psychology at the University of Melbourne in 2006.
From there she developed a career within the training and education industry, running field placement coordination courses along with the role of student support coordinator for a higher education provider in Melbourne. She went on to assist in the development of the early childhood education and education support national vocational competencies.
Jane has always been passionate about assisting individuals and their caregivers to achieve and maintain independence in their every day life in accordance to their own goals. This passion is what sparked her decision in 2013 to pursue a career change into occupational therapy.
Jane has worked predominantly within the military and ex military/veteran world, delivering the Department of Veteran Affairs rehabilitation program and occupational therapy services within the home, community and workplace. This work included ergonomic and workplace assessments, home and activities of daily living assessments.
Jane has experience dealing with complex mental health issues, including PTSD within the veteran population. In addition, Jane has worked within residential aged care facilities and also worked with children with developmental delays and autism.
Jane joined the ActivOT team in 2019, and enjoys providing occupational therapy services to her community in the Copper Coast region of the Yorke Peninsula.
Outside of work, Jane loves the outdoors, in particular hiking, as well as spending time with family, friends and her new spoodle puppy Nala.
Job Titles:
- Occupational Therapy Assistant
- Occupational Therapy Assistant Amy Wigmore, Occupational Therapist
Julie has thirty years experience working for Ambulance Services in England, Queensland and South Australia. Working as a paramedic and, more recently, as a non-emergency ambulance officer for the SA Ambulance Service.
With an appreciation of being out and about in the community, Julie's interest has always been in providing positive assistance to people struggling with difficulties at often their most challenging times.
Julie is keen to be involved in helping clients reach their goals and enjoys witnessing and contributing to their progress.
Julie loves travel, hiking, walking her border collies and spending time with friends. She has a keen interest in all things interior design and shares a fun-filled life with a busy family.
Job Titles:
- Occupational Therapist / Stirling, South Australia
- Occupational Therapist Keeva Simon, Occupational Therapist
As a graduate occupational therapist, Julie worked in Domiciliary Care, gaining extensive experience in community based client services. She also gained valuable experience in inpatient hospital care, rehabilitation and rural and country services.
Julie worked for a time in palliative care as part of a hospital-based community outreach team and spent many years developing a passion for palliative and end of life care.
In 20 years of practicing as an occupational therapist, Julie has gained significant experience in:
equipment prescription
simple and complex home modifications
activities of daily living assessments
service plan development
manual handling techniques
in-home rehabilitation programs.
Julie Kenyon is a mother to two young girls and she enjoys singing, reading and amateur cake decorating.
Job Titles:
- Occupational Therapist / North Adelaide, South Australia
- Occupational Therapist Sandra Afnan, Occupational Therapist
Job Titles:
- Occupational Therapist
- Occupational Therapist Gareth Wilson, Therapy Assistant
Katie has over 16 years of experience working across a range of settings within public mental health services, including community and inpatient services.
Katie holds a high level of clinical expertise and experience working with clients with a range of mental health conditions, including those with high and complex support needs, dual diagnoses and comorbidities.
She is passionate about supporting clients to identify meaningful goals and support them to achieve these, to lead a fulfilled life.
Katie has completed a post graduate Diploma in Youth Mental Health Services at Melbourne University in 2004, and has a keen interest in working with young people experiencing mental illness.
Katie has worked extensively in senior clinician and leadership roles, which have enhanced her skills in working collaboratively and cohesively with clients, carers and other supports and services to achieve the best possible outcomes for clients.
Katie provides occupational therapy services to the Department of Veteran Affairs and she is a registered NDIS provider. She offers both assessment and individual therapy, dependent on client needs.
When she's not working, Katie loves spending time with her family. She enjoys spending time at the beach with her daughters and cooking up a storm in the kitchen.
Job Titles:
- Occupational Therapist
- Occupational Therapist Georgia Hondrovasilopoulos, Occupational Therapist
Since graduation, Keeva has worked as a community clinician, gaining valuable experience in the delivery of community, hospital, and aged care occupational therapy services across NDIS, DVA, CHSP, MAC and private funding models.
Keeva is also an NDIS certified Major Home Modification Assessor.
Keeva's passion has always been to work with people. After a long career within the fitness industry, she really enjoyed prescribing movement. However, Keeva understood that people are holistic beings and emotional health is also very important.
The occupational therapy profession has allowed Keeva to combine her passions, working alongside others while understanding and maximising the physical, spiritual and social essence of a person to better their wellbeing: being part of their journeys and listening to their stories.
Keeva loves being in the community, working with clients in their real-life environments. Home is a sacred place. Each time a client allows her into their home, she feels privileged and honoured.
Keeva joined ActivOT in June 2021 and offers community occupational therapy services including NDIS services.
Keeva remains committed in her pursuit to provide the best level of care for her participants by working towards a Masters of Advanced Healthcare Practice (Occupational Therapy) at Monash University.
Outside of working and study hours, Keeva enjoys time with her family, renovating houses and running.
Job Titles:
- Occupational Therapist
- Occupational Therapist Charli James
Kerin has worked as an occupational therapist for 10 years, predominantly within the areas of:
Job Titles:
- Finance Manager
- Occupational Therapist
Kimberley Phillips started her career as a graduate in 2006, after completing a Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Applied Finance at the University of South Australia. She also completed a Graduate Diploma of Financial Planning in 2010.
Kimberley's experience in the finance industry includes accounting, financial planning and risk protection for Adelaide based accounting firm. It also includes finance administration for a large building company.
For most of Kimberley's career, she has specialised in risk protection, with a drive to ensure people protect themselves and their families.
Kimberley's diverse knowledge of the accounting and finance world, and being a people person, has seen her join the ActivOT team in October 2020. Kimberley's role as Finance Manager, has been met with great enthusiasm! She looks forward to immersing herself in the world of occupational therapy.
At home, Kimberley is a mum of two boys, Jack and Harry. Along with her boys and husband Mark, Kimberly loves all things boats. They enjoy nothing more than taking a drive to Goolwa and spending the day on their beloved little sail boat, moored at Hindmarsh Island.
Kimberley's other interests include building and home décor - when she can. She loves to sit with a good house magazine and a cuppa.
Job Titles:
- Clinical Services Manager
- Occupational Therapist / Clearview, South Australia
- Occupational Therapist Cathy Aldridge, Therapy Assistant
Lisa's first job after graduation was as an occupational therapist for a private Adelaide injury management/prevention organisation. This role initially involved pre-employment functional assessments and WorkCover assessments such as:
job analyses
functional capacity evaluations
activities of daily living assessments
ergonomic/injury prevention assessments.
As her clinical skills and experience grew, Lisa moved into the senior occupational therapist role, which also required her to undertake medico-legal assessments and worksite education and training, for which she completed a Certificate IV in Workplace Training and Assessment.
In 2010, Lisa was promoted to clinical services manager and then manager. In this role she was primarily responsible for:
staff training and development
quality assurance and continuous improvement
customer relations
writing tenders, policies/procedures
marketing, business planning and finances.
During her time as manager, Lisa undertook lead auditor training and gained a wide range of business skills.
Lisa thoroughly enjoyed her management experience, but missed working with clients. In November 2013, she joined the ActivOT team, which presented her with a wonderful opportunity to work with clients, while also using her business/management skills. She is passionate about providing her clients with high quality occupational therapy services throughout Metropolitan Adelaide, the Barossa Valley and the York Peninsula.
Lisa provides services to clients from a multitude of agencies including the Department of Veterans' Affairs, Return to Work SA (previously known as WorkCover SA), consumer directed care packages, recipients of GP lead Medicare Chronic Disease Management Plans and self funded clients (who can then access their private health insurance if applicable). She also continues to work with a number of employers and agencies in providing injury prevention/ergonomic assessment and manual handling training.
Job Titles:
- Occupational Therapist
- Occupational Therapist Alethea Sifis, Occupational Therapist
Lizzy is a dedicated and passionate occupational therapist in Brisbane. She actively seeks learning opportunities to ensure her clinical skills are consistent with best practice guidelines to achieve optimal outcomes for her clients. She establishes rapport with ease and works collaboratively to achieve agreed goals. Her clear communication and creative solutions make her an asset to our ActivOT team.
Job Titles:
- Occupational Therapist
- Occupational Therapist Natasha Chajka, Occupational Therapist
In 2005 Maggie and her family arrived in Adelaide and since then Maggie has settled and flourished in amongst the Australian lifestyle full of light-hearted humour, community and beautiful beaches.
Since graduating, Maggie has worked in adult and forensic mental health, short term and long-term adult rehabilitation, acute hospital settings and community health. She has worked in the public and private sectors allowing her to have a broad understanding of resources and services available to those who need it.
Maggie has a client centred approach to occupational therapy. She believes that the key to good therapy is good communication between herself and the client and aims to assist them to achieve what is important to their lives. With over twenty years of experience, she loves being able to solve new problems and is not afraid of a challenge.
As an ActivOT occupational therapist in Onkaparinga, Maggie is fulfilling her passion for helping those who still have the desire for independence in their own home.
Maggie is a mum and step mum to five school aged children who keep her very busy. Maggie has joined the ActivOT team to provide her with the flexibility in order to spend valuable time with her family. Maggie loves to be by the sea and you will often find her at the beach or enjoying a coastal hike.
Job Titles:
- Occupational Therapist
- Occupational Therapist Emily Tsoutouras, Occupational Therapist
After receiving her Occupational Therapy Diploma with Merit from Nanyang Polytechnic, Marianne completed a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy (Honours) with Trinity College Dublin.
In 2019, Marianne moved to Adelaide and resides in the eastern suburbs. She has three years of occupational therapy experience.
Marianne worked in a government sub-acute rehabilitation hospital where she served adults from multicultural backgrounds experiencing a range of health conditions. She worked across the rehabilitation, palliative care and chronic sick unit (patients in vegetative and minimally responsive states).
While supporting her patients with orthopaedic, neurological, cardiovascular, oncological and general medical conditions, Marianne also provided caregiver training, equipment prescription, home modification recommendations and home assessments. In addition, Marianne participated in quality improvement projects to promote pet assisted activity and falls prevention within the hospital.
Marianne values meeting people from all walks of life and listening to their stories. Being a part of ActivOT, she looks forward to working with people in their homes and in the community. As an occupational therapist in Adelaide, she aspires to support people in living a life that is meaningful to them.
Before becoming an occupational therapist, Marianne gained valuable experiences through a blend of work in photography, church and special education. Marianne volunteered in the Philippines and Lebanon supporting children and adults with disabilities. These experiences led Marianne to explore occupational therapy as a meaningful career.
Away from work, Marianne enjoys a simple life - sunny days by the beach, nature walks, cuddling cats, sipping a warm cup of milk tea, admiring Japanese home designs, light cooking and connecting with her friends and loved ones.
Matika graduated from the Australian Catholic University with a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy in 2018. After graduating university, she made the move back to the Darling Downs to be closer to her family.
In 2020, after spending most of her life on the Darling Downs, Matika was ready to move closer to where her soul thrives, the beach.
Matika's previous clinical experiences enabled her to gain a depth of knowledge in aged care and community practice. Matika has a range of experience with clients of all ages and conditions including stroke, dementia, physical conditions and paediatrics.
In addition, Matika has a strong interest in home modifications and has an extensive range of skills and knowledge in this area, including minor and major modifications. She hopes to continue growing her skills and knowledge in this area.
Due to her clinical experience in aged and community settings, Matika has a range of experience in the following areas of occupational therapy practice:
home modifications, assistive technology, manual handling, falls prevention
pressure care management
home safety assessments
paediatric intervention such as milestone development, executive functioning, social skills and fine motor skills
pain management, energy conservation, falls prevention and upper limb therapy
Functional Capacity Assessments
Matika is a kind and passionate clinician who strives to help her clients reach their full potential. She values and is committed to personal and professional growth. She actively seeks and engages in professional development to ensure her clients are provided with the best possible service. Matika believes that each of us is a beautiful, unique person with different strengths; her aim is to support and empower clients to achieve their goals through a person centred approach.
In her downtime Matika enjoys spending time with her family and friends, going to the beach, renovating her home, indulging in delicious foods and binge watching Netflix.
Job Titles:
- Occupational Therapist
- Occupational Therapist Nora English, Occupational Therapist
Matt Maree completed his Bachelor of Occupational Therapy in 2018 at Australian Catholic University.
Matt provides occupational therapy services to Inner North Brisbane and its surrounding areas.
He is dedicated to providing compassionate care to help his clients achieve their goals and ultimately improve their quality of life.
Matt has a broad range of experience and has worked with clients of all ages with conditions such as stroke, dementia, head injury, brain tumours and cerebral palsy.
On a placement, Matt developed clinical skills allowing him to carry out interventions in the community, which included minor and major home modifications, equipment prescription and rehabilitation. During this placement, he found that there was no better place to help a client than in their own home and decided to pursue a career in the community.
Matt enjoys being able to provide a broad range of interventions as an occupational therapist in Brisbane and has a special interest in upper limb and cognitive rehabilitation. He is committed to lifelong learning allowing him to provide the best possible care in line with the most current research.
Outside of work, Matt is dedicated to maintaining his fitness and enjoys cooking for friends and family. Matt also loves the outdoors, movies and travelling.
Job Titles:
- Occupational Therapist / Northfield, South Australia
- Occupational Therapist Lisa Natale, Occupational Therapist
- Senior Occupational Therapist
Natasha Chajka is committed to working with clients to use their lived experience and expertise to achieve their goals. She is a client centred occupational therapist who is passionate about assisting clients to lead enriched lives and maintain their independence.
When not working, Natasha values family time and being a mum to two young children (who manage to keep her on her toes!). Natasha also loves exploring Australia's unique landscape and history and is interested in photography.
Job Titles:
- Occupational Therapist
- Occupational Therapist Jane Brennan, Occupational Therapist
The move enabled Nora to complete a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy at the University of the Sunshine Coast in 2016. Nora graduated with Honours and was awarded Occupational Therapy Australia's Undergraduate student Academic Award.
During her years of study, Nora worked with families as a therapist for children living with chromosomal disorder and autism. Nora continued to work with children living with autism as a registered occupational therapist in early intervention.
Since graduating Nora has also worked within a residential aged care facility where she gained skills administering mobility and functional assessments, conducting manual handling sessions, equipment prescription, and home modifications. This role allowed Nora to work closely with older adults living with dementia, Parkinson's disease, stroke, lower limb amputation, Dupuytren's contracture, and mental health conditions.
With a lived experience of chronic illness Nora has developed empathy and understanding for people living with chronic pain. Nora is passionate about helping people live a meaningful life through education and empowerment and is the support group leader for Trigeminal Neuralgia on the Sunshine Coast.
As an occupational therapist on the Sunshine Coast, Nora's main goal is to inspire her clients to lead fulfilling lives. Nora prides herself on providing her clients with the best client-centred care with effective strategies and environmental modifications to enable more productive, enriching participation in activities at home and within their communities.
Nora enjoys singing with a cappella barbershop chorus in her spare time and making the most of the beautiful beaches and hinterland of the Sunshine Coast.
Job Titles:
- Occupational Therapist
- Occupational Therapist Callum Banks, Therapy Assistant
Rosetta provides occupational therapy services to the Department of Veteran Affairs, Medicare Better Access Mental Health and she is a registered NDIS provider. She offers both individual and group therapy dependent on clients needs.
Job Titles:
- Occupational Therapist / Bridgewater, South Australia
- Occupational Therapist Rosetta Cafuta, Occupational Therapist
Further to Sandra's occupational therapy studies, she has also achieved a Diploma in Business (Marketing) while working in sales and marketing in various retail sectors, including food manufacturing (L'Abruzzese Pasta - a family business). She has successfully planned and implemented audits and reviews for a number of South Australian food companies to attain Quality Accreditation standards.
Sandra has over 20 years of occupational therapy experience in a variety of settings in Adelaide, Country SA/ NSW and overseas (London and Scotland, UK), including:
community based aged care
outreach services
hospital inpatients both rehabilitation and acute care.
Sandra has worked with a number of medical, nursing and allied health professionals in team settings, coordinating rehabilitation, home and pre-discharge plans for adults and the elderly.
Sandra Afnan joined ActivOT in March 2012 to enable her to achieve her professional goals while managing her personal commitments as a mother of two boys.
Sandra has been working closely with the veteran community in both metropolitan Adelaide and the Adelaide Hills and some country regions within South Australia. She is regularly invited to speak to GP surgeries, legacy groups, RSLs and other veteran groups about the role of occupational therapy and the services available from ActivOT.
Sandra loves the outdoors. She is a runner, a cyclist, a national champion in Orienteering and Rogaining. She also loves the movies, singing and dancing.
Job Titles:
- Occupational Therapist / Gumeracha, South Australia
- Occupational Therapist Katie De Zeeuw, Occupational Therapist
Since graduating Sarah has gained extensive experience in inpatient service provision, in both the adult acute and rehabilitation settings.
Over the years Sarah has developed more specialised experience and interest in the areas of neurology, stroke and dementia.
Sarah has high-level skills in:
discharge planning
assistive technology prescription
home modifications
Activities of Daily Living assessments.
Sarah Guthrie has a strong understanding of the unique skill set which occupational therapists have to offer. She has a strong focus on occupation and maximising occupational performance.
Sarah understands the importance of client centred care and enjoys seeing individuals given the opportunity for choice and control to achieve their goals and quality of life.
Sarah lives in Gumeracha on a large sheep and cattle farm with her husband and three busy boys. Sarah loves the country lifestyle and very rarely leaves the hills!
When she is not running around after her boys Sarah enjoys squeezing in a few walks with Bingo the dog, Pilates, gardening and spending time with family and friends.
Job Titles:
- Occupational Therapist
- Occupational Therapist Maggie Gibson, Occupational Therapist
Job Titles:
- Occupational Therapist
- Occupational Therapist Lizzy England, Occupational Therapist
- Specialist
Job Titles:
- Occupational Therapist
- Occupational Therapist Anna Westlake, Occupational Therapist
Since that time Simon has worked in a variety of health care settings including community, acute hospital, Transition Care Programs, home care packages, hand therapy, paediatrics (hospital setting), Geriatric Evaluation Medicine (GEM) and Aged Care Facilities.
Simon has worked here in Australia as well as overseas, including Scotland, England, Wales and Saudi Arabia.
Simon's work in the UK involved community, hospital and Day Therapy settings. His work in Saudi Arabia involved the care and treatment for members of the royal family and VIPs. Simon was also the rehabilitation consultant for the Crown Prince and was asked to consult for the King.
Simon has served seven years in the ADF (Army Reserves) as a logistics officer and has family members who have also served time for Australia. He is strongly supportive of assisting our veterans in the community.
Simon has completed projects with Aboriginal Elders in the Port Augusta and Ceduna communities and has worked extensively with the Aboriginal Liaison Officers in the Northern Area Local health Network to support our indigenous members in the hospital and community.
Simon's roles as a senior occupational therapist have included:
manual handling facilitator for The Queen Elizabeth, Lyell McEwin and Modbury Hospitals in Adelaide
supervisor of OT junior staff and allied health assistants
quality improvement projects.
Simon has skills in:
complex discharge planning
communication
manual handling techniques and equipment
equipment prescription
home environment design and modification
problem solving.
In 2020, Simon moved to Queensland to pursue his dream of owning an occupational therapy practice on the Gold Coast. He is passionate about enhancing the independence and quality of life of people living in his community through his Gold Coast occupational therapy practice and is now welcoming new referrals.
Job Titles:
- Occupational Therapist
- Occupational Therapist / Mitcham, South Australia
Siobhan has 17 years of occupational therapy experience working in both South Australia and the United Kingdom. She has worked extensively in private inpatient rehabilitation hospitals, government acute inpatient hospital care, residential and community care.
Siobhan also has extensive experience in the assessment, treatment and rehabilitation of clients presenting with varied clinical conditions including:
neurological
elective and trauma orthopedics
multi-trauma surgery
cardiology, renal, plastics and general medicine
geriatrics, dementia care
oncology
palliative care
chronic condition management.
Through her clinical work Siobhan has developed a strong foundation of knowledge, assessment and treatment skills coupled with an understanding of resources and services available to clients.
Job Titles:
- Occupational Therapist
- Occupational Therapist Matt Maree, Occupational Therapist
Suzy completed her final occupational therapy placement in Ontario, Canada. From there, Suzy was able to explore the world and work as an occupational therapist.
Suzy has worked in Canada, USA, United Kingdom and Australia and found this a wonderful learning opportunity to work in occupational therapy all over the world. Suzy has over 20 years experience working as an occupational therapist in the community setting and across the lifespan.
She has worked in:
paediatrics
aged care
disabilities
older person's mental health
acute and rehabilitation hospital settings.
Suzy has skills in:
home modifications
equipment prescription
activities of daily living retraining
sensory integration
functional and cognitive assessments.
Suzy recently set up and worked in the Short Term Restorative Care Program for Queensland's largest STRC community service provider.
Suzy has a special interest in working with clients with autism both adults and children. She has vast experience prescribing equipment especially seating and wheelchair prescription. Suzy is driven towards delivering occupational therapy services to enhance client's independence and re-ablement and to link clients to beneficial services and supports within the community.
Suzy moved from the Northern Beaches of Sydney in 2014 to the Sunshine Coast with six-week old twins, a five year old and three dogs! As an occupational therapist on the Sunshine Coast, Suzy is able to enjoy both the lifestyle and rapidly expanding health services and supports.
Suzy enjoys activities such as travel, snow skiing, and exploring with her children.
Job Titles:
- Occupational Therapist / Norwood, South Australia
Job Titles:
- Occupational Therapist / Pasadena, South Australia
Job Titles:
- Occupational Therapist / Golden Grove, South Australia
- Occupational Therapist Julie Banks, Occupational Therapy Assistant
Job Titles:
- Business Manager
- Occupational Therapist
- Occupational Therapist / Marion, South Australia
- Occupational Therapist Sarah Guthrie, Occupational Therapist
Brian has a strong passion for providing high-quality personalised care. Since graduating, Brian has worked as a locum occupational therapist visiting clients and carrying out a variety of occupational therapy services in Adelaide.
Brian then worked as a lead occupational therapist in a large residential home. Brian is experienced in managing patients with complex dementia needs.
He is creative and skilled in equipment prescription, rehabilitation and therapy to enable patient's independence and enhance functional capacity.
Brian offers comprehensive functional assessment, fall prevention strategies and pressure area care. He has also completed further training in oedema management.
Brian works closely with the University of South Australia as a clinical educator to occupational therapy students. This helps Brian to keep up to date with the latest research and evidence-based studies to help provide the highest quality and most up to date intervention.
Job Titles:
- Occupational Therapist
- Occupational Therapist Yang Lu, Occupational Therapist