Our Team

Zoe

Head of Allied Health Services

Zoe is an experienced clinical leader with a strong background in paediatric and adult disability services. A qualified Speech Pathologist, she combines deep clinical knowledge with strategic leadership expertise to oversee HenderCare’s national allied health operations. Zoe is passionate about delivering exceptional client outcomes, leading teams with a strong focus on clinical excellence, workforce capability, and service models that prioritise long-term support and meaningful outcomes for clients.

With a commitment to innovation and collaboration, Zoe fosters a high-performing, client-centred culture across all allied health streams. She is dedicated to ensuring HenderCare’s services continue to evolve to meet the needs of the community, guided by a commitment to care, professionalism, and continuous improvement.

Jen

Allied Health Manager (SA)

Jen offers over 15 years of professional expertise in providing client-centered therapy solutions to individuals across diverse settings, including hospitals, community programs, and home-based care.

Jen has worked across rural and remote locations in both WA and SA providing an appreciation for clients of diverse backgrounds. Jen provides a unique perspective on meaningful occupations for her clients striving to improve clients quality of life and community engagement.

Jen ensures evidence-based practices, with a deep commitment to supporting clients in managing a wide range of conditions, from physical injuries to cognitive and neurological disorders. She works with clients across various age groups, providing personalised interventions that focus on achieving both short-term recovery goals and long-term functional independence. Jen’s approach is holistic, ensuring that every aspect of her clients' well-being is addressed.

Clinical Interests

• Psychosocial conditions
• Paediatrics
• End of life care
• Home modifications and equipment prescription

Approaches commonly used

• Cognitive behaviour therapy
• Client centred holistic care
• Trauma informed therapy
• Feeding therapy
• Emotional regulation – ALERT program
• Toileting training

Sarah

Allied Health Therapy Services Manager (SA)

With over 14 years of experience, Sarah is deeply passionate about supporting individuals with developmental delays, complex disabilities, and multiple challenges. Her expertise includes working with both children and adults across a wide range of disability and health conditions, including congenital lifelong disabilities, physical and intellectual disabilities, sensory processing disorders, mental health conditions, acquired and traumatic brain injuries, autism spectrum disorder, and progressive neurological conditions.

Sarah provides speech pathology assessment, intervention, and support in various settings such as homes, schools, workplaces, and the community. She places significant importances on collaboration with individuals and their support networks to develop functional, person-centered goals and strategies that promote meaningful engagement and improved quality of life outcomes.

Clinical Interests

• Alternative and augmentative communication (AAC) systems and alternative access methods such as switch access, eye gaze, and head pointing.
• Sensory, profound, and multiple disabilities (e.g., Rett syndrome, cerebral palsy, intellectual disability, and Deafblindness).
• Psychosocial disability and trauma-informed practice.
• Dysphagia assessment and mealtime support.

Approaches Commonly Used

• Intensive Interaction
• Hanen Programs (More Than Words, 4 I's to Socialise)
• Key Word Sign / Auslan
• Pre-linguistic and Play Skill Interventions
• TacPac – Communication through touch and music

Rachael

Occupational Therapist Clinical Lead (SA)

Rachael has specialised in working with adults with complex and multiple disabilities for 15 years.
Her skills and experience include working with people with congenital lifelong disability, physical and intellectual disability, mental health disorders, acquired & traumatic brain injury, autism spectrum disorder and progressive neurological disease.

She has experience in providing assessment and intervention in palliative care, complex equipment, home modifications, functional capacity assessments and sensory processing.

She also has an interest in psychosocial disability, with approaches in trauma-informed care, polyvagal theory and sensory intervention in mental health.

Rachael is passionate about developing relationships with clients, understanding individual circumstances, being creative and adaptable in therapy and providing opportunities for safe exploration of skills and capacity.

Ellie

Occupational Therapist (SA)

Ellie is an AHPRA registered Occupational Therapist. She has experience working across the lifespan in both public and private sectors.

Ellie uses evidence-based approaches to support children in developing essential life skills through interventions that focus on motor skills, sensory processing, self-care, and emotional regulation. She collaborates with families, educators, and other professionals to provide a strength-based and holistic approach to therapy.

With a family-centred focus, Ellie integrates play-based therapy to make learning fun and engaging while working towards meaningful goals. She is committed to empowering families through education, ensuring each child can reach their full potential.

Clinical Interests

• Paediatrics
• Assistive Technology
• Neuro-affirming Practice
• Sensory Processing

Approaches Commonly Used

• Self-care skills (dressing, mealtimes, sleeping, toileting)
• Cognitive skills (transitions, organisation, joint attention)
• Fine and gross motor functional skills (handwriting, visual-motor skills)
Emotional regulation
Play skills

Rachel

Senior Occupational Therapist (SA)

Rachel is an experienced OT working with adults with complex disabilities, including brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and progressive neurological diseases. She has a special interest in Complex Home Modifications, Assistive Technology, and 24-hour positioning/postural care. Rachel is also experienced with Functional Capacity Assessments (FCA), and transfer and mobility assessments. Rachel is certified in FIM, AMPS, and NDIS Complex Home Modifications and has worked across NDIS and LSA.

Her approach is practical, client-centered, and focused on sustainable solutions to enhance independence and quality of life.

Adam

Occupational Therapist (SA)

Adam has worked as an Occupational Therapist for over 9 years. This has included working with adult clients with complex and multiple disabilities or age-related conditions in the community setting (including via NDIS, LSA, My Aged Care; and prior to this through the South Australian pre-NDIS public adult disability therapy service); and in public community health & aged care.

His skills and experience include working with people with congenital lifelong conditions, intellectual or cognitive disabilities, acquired and traumatic brain or other injuries, progressive neurological diseases, and some psychosocial needs.

He has experience and interests in providing assessment and intervention for various Assistive Technology/ complex equipment (including for personal care; sleep; pressure management; transfers; wheeled mobility, seating and positioning; and environmental control and communication mounting systems); minor and major home modifications (including NDIS Complex Home Modifications); transfer and mobility assessments; home safety and risk assessments; and daily living, care and capacity building assessments and support inputs.
He also has experience in completing comprehensive NDIS Functional Capacity Assessments and LSA Care Needs Assessments.

Adam is passionate about working with clients in a person-centred and adaptable way, including through practical, sustainable and creative approaches; and values supporting clients in working towards goals that are most meaningful and important to them and their support systems, and which can enhance their independence and quality of life.

Nadia

Occupational Therapist (SA)

Nadia is a dedicated Occupational Therapist with a strong focus on supporting adults to achieve meaningful and functional goals through personalised, holistic care. She brings experience in working with individuals recovering from physical injuries, neurological conditions, cognitive impairments, and trauma.

Nadia has supported veterans, first responders, and older adults in regaining independence at home and in the community, and she has a special interest in home modifications, equipment prescription, and rural accessibility. She draws on trauma-informed and evidence-based approaches, including cognitive behavioural therapy to support both short-term recovery and long-term wellbeing.

Olivia

Occupational Therapist (SA)

Olivia is an Occupational Therapist providing services to adults with complex and multiple disabilities. Her skills and experience include working with adults with physical disabilities, intellectual disabilities, progressive neurological conditions, genetic conditions, acquired and traumatic brain injury, and autism spectrum disorder.

Olivia has broad experience in the assessment and selection of complex assistive technology and is dedicated to helping her clients select the right equipment to enhance their independence and functional abilities. Olivia also has experience delivering capacity building interventions to assist individuals to increase their independence and skills within activities of daily living; and has experience in conducting comprehensive functional capacity assessments.

In addition to working within the NDIS space, Olivia has experience working with older adults with Home Care Packages to provide assessment for assistive technology prescription and capacity building intervention to enhance the safety and independence of older adults living in the community. Olivia also has experience working with participants of the Lifetime Support Scheme, including completing care needs assessments, assistive technology prescription and capacity building intervention.

With a commitment to continuous learning and using evidence-based practices, Olivia is dedicated to person-centred care and improving the lives of people living with disabilities.

Clinical Interests:

• Assistive Technology Prescription
• Minor Home Modifications
• Functional Capacity Assessments
• LSA Care Needs Assessments

Alex

Senior Occupational Therapist (VIC)

With over 19 years of diverse experience across community health, aged care, and rehabilitation centres in both Hong Kong and Australia, Alex brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and a deep understanding of culturally sensitive practice. Currently working within the HCP and NDIS space, Alex is passionate about helping adults maintain safety and independence at home and in the community.

Alex specialises in home modifications, aids and equipment prescription, dementia care, psychosocial support, and upper limb rehabilitation. He has a strong interest in neurological rehabilitation and employs a range of evidence-based approaches including Remotivation Therapy, Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST), neurorehabilitation techniques, and solution-focused therapy.

Known for a collaborative and respectful style, Alex builds strong therapeutic relationships with clients and families, tailoring support to maximise function and quality of life.

Clinical Interests

• Home modifications
• Aids and equipment prescription
• Dementia care
• Adult psychosocial support
• Activities of Daily Living (ADL) training
• Upper limb rehabilitation
• Neurological rehabilitation

Approaches Commonly Used

• Remotivation Therapy
• Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST)
• Neurorehabilitation strategies
• Solution-focused therapy
• Funding Bodies Worked With
• Home Care Packages (HCP)
• National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)

Alex’s cross-cultural experience and commitment to practical, person-centred care help ensure positive outcomes for every client.

Leah

Occupational Therapist (WA)

Leah is a compassionate and skilled Occupational Therapist with a Bachelor of Science (Occupational Therapy) (Honours) and a Graduate Diploma (Somatics and Dance-Movement Therapy). She brings creativity, expertise, and a holistic approach, tailoring her practice to each child’s unique needs.

Leah creates a safe, supportive, and engaging environment where children feel empowered to achieve their goals. She emphasises collaboration, working closely with children and their support networks to foster connection, growth, and progress. With a lifelong passion for movement, including dance, sports, and outdoor play, Leah uses movement-based interventions to support physical, cognitive, and emotional development, helping children enhance self-regulation, process trauma, and develop a strong sense of self and their world.

Committed to lifelong learning, Leah continually integrates the latest evidence-based research into her practice. In 2022, she completed a practicum at Camp Jabiru in Sydney, an immersive experience focused on relationship-based and sensory integration therapy.

Through real-time mentoring from experienced clinicians, Leah refined her ability to observe, interpret, and respond to children’s evolving needs, enhancing her capacity to provide flexible, child-led, and individualised care.

Clinical Interests

* Paediatrics
* Sensory processing
* Emotional regulation
* Psychosocial conditions

Approaches commonly used

* Client centred holistic care
* Sensory integration
* Emotional regulation
* Movement-based therapeutic interventions
* Eye-Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR)

Varisha

Senior Physiotherapist (SA)

Varisha is a dedicated and passionate physiotherapist with over a decade of experience supporting adults living with disabilities across both public and private sectors. Varisha has built her career on delivering evidence-based, client-centred care that empowers individuals to achieve their goals and enhance their quality of life.

Her clinical focus includes promoting safe mobility, improving strength and balance, and supporting the ongoing maintenance of independence. Varisha is committed to a collaborative and holistic approach, working closely with clients, families, and key stakeholders to ensure that Physiotherapy input is aligned with each individual’s unique needs and aspirations.

Combining clinical expertise with a compassionate, goal-driven mindset, Varisha is dedicated to helping clients live more independent and fulfilling lives.

Clinical Interests:

• Assistive Technology
• Falls Prevention
• Mobility Assessments
• Exercise Therapy (Balance, Strength, and Mobility)
• Transfers and Manual Handling Assessments

Approaches Commonly Used:

• Trauma Informed Care
• Client Centred & Holistic Approach
• Neurodiversity Affirming Practice

Paige

Senior Speech Pathologist (SA)

Paige has worked in the field of adult disability since 2017. She is an experienced speech pathologist with a passion for supporting adults with lifelong, acquired, and progressive communication and swallowing difficulties. She has worked across aged care, disability, and brain injury rehabilitation, providing high-quality services in residential care, community settings, and via telehealth.

Paige has wide-ranging experience in complex communication needs, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), dysphagia management, and capacity-building. She works collaboratively with clients, families, and multidisciplinary teams to ensure tailored, evidence-based interventions that enhance quality of life and independence.

Her experience spans stakeholder engagement, service development, clinical education and advisory panels, reflecting her commitment to the advancement of speech pathology practice.

Clinical Interests

* Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) - low and high-tech.
* Dysphagia (swallowing difficulties)
* Progressive neurological conditions
* Acquired Brain Injury

Approaches Commonly Used

* Person-centred and strengths-based therapy
* Communication partner training
* Multidisciplinary collaboration and holistic care
* Dysphagia (swallowing difficulties) assessment and management
* Dysphagia and mealtime safety education packages for carers

Peich

Speech Pathologist (SA)

Peich has 8 years of experience working with adults, children and young people, across a variety of settings, including in the community, at home, in schools and within residential care facilities. She has worked predominantly in the adult disability sector but also has experience working with people in aged care, on home care packages, and privately.

Peich is passionate about providing client-centred therapy that is holistic and takes into consideration the client’s wider support network and community, culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and neurodivergent identity to ensure outcomes are salient, functional and sustainable.

Clinical Interests

• Dysphagia
• Voice disorders
• Complex Communication Needs
• Low & High-tech AAC
• Progressive neurological disorders

Approaches commonly used

• Client centred holistic care
• Trauma informed therapy
• LSVT
• Neurodiversity affirming practice

Rii

Speech Pathologist/ Team Lead (WA)

Rii is dedicated to transforming lives across the metro and south-west of WA through client-centered support that emphasises strengths. She offers specific and holistic therapy that aligns with her clients and their support networks. By fostering relationships within schools and the community, Rii empowers key carers and stakeholders to drive meaningful change.

With expertise in addressing a wide range of conditions and challenges—such as motor speech, social skills, language development, and early childhood intervention, Rii's passion for enhancing her clients' quality of life shines through. She is committed to supporting skills improvement that resonates most profoundly with each individual.

Clinical Interests

• Motor speech & articulation
• Early childhood intervention
• Family and community education
• Social and play skill development

Approaches commonly used

• Motor learning principles
• Articulation and oral motor therapy
• Social Learning + modelling
• Client-centered + holistic care
• Parent/stakeholder coaching

Caitlyn

Speech Pathologist (WA)

Caitlyn is a dedicated Certified Practising Speech Pathologist with a Bachelor of Science in Speech Pathology. Caitlyn has diverse clinical experience across diverse settings, including schools, community clinics, NDIS service providers, and aged care facilities. She has worked with individuals with Autism, Intellectual Disability, ADHD, stroke, traumatic brain injury (TBI), swallowing difficulties, and voice disorders.

With a strong belief in collaboration and lifelong learning, Caitlyn is committed to making a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals with communication challenges, helping them find their voice and confidence in everyday interactions, and ensuring they achieve their fullest communication potential through person-centred and evidence-based therapy.

Clinical Interests:

• Paediatric speech and language therapy
• Neurogenic communication disorders
• Voice therapy
• Dysphagia management
• Fluency disorders

Approaches commonly used:

• Colourful semantics
• Phonological Awareness Training
• Play-Based Therapy
• Sound Production Treatment
• Multiple Oral Reading
• Fluency Facilitation
• Swallowing Assessment & Management

Michael

Speech Pathologist (WA)

Michael graduated from Edith Cowen University in 2022 with a Bachelor of Speech Pathology. Since then, he has created a reputation for client-centered approaches, by building strong and lasting relationships with both his clients and their support networks.

Driven by his innate curiosity and sense of adventure, Michael continually seeks to innovate with his evidence-based practice to empower individuals to achieve their full potential.

Whilst working across all ages, Michael’s interest lies in providing a unique and targeted approach to adolescents by integrating their hobbies and interests. This ensures that therapy is functional, with outcomes being achieved outside of the therapeutic environment.

Additional qualifications

• Sounds-Write
• Talk for Writing

Kellie

Senior Psychologist (SA)

Kellie has worked in the field of Intellectual Disability for over 20 years providing individualised, person-centered support to adults living with intellectual disability across a range of settings, including independent housing, SIL accommodation, workplaces, community and day programs, and the family home.

Kellie has provided therapy and/ or positive behaviour support for adults living with intellectual disability and mental illness. She has a focus on working with adults with severe or profound intellectual disability, limited or non-speaking communication, and complex behaviour and support needs from adulthood to ageing.

Underpinning Kellie’s approach is a strong focus on advocacy and improving a person’s quality of life – in the ways that are meaningful to them. In addition to direct support, this approach includes providing training in Dual Disability (Intellectual Disability and Mental Illness), Positive Behaviour Support, PBSP implementation and more – to support those who support the person. All training and support provided is evidence based, in line with best practice standards, and regularly reviewed to ensure currency, appropriateness and working toward positive outcomes for the person.

Clinical Interests

• Intellectual Disability and Mental Illness.
• Changes across life span - Adulthood and Ageing
• Identification of support strategies, barriers and risks to quality of life, and least restrictive options
• Training

Approaches commonly used

• Cognitive Behaviour Therapy
• Psychoeducation
• Person-centred approach

Neda

Positive Behaviour Support Team Lead (SA)

Neda has over 8 years experience working with people with disabilities, including 4 years of special education teaching, with a focus on person-centred practice and improving quality of life.

Neda has worked with a wide range of people of all ages, working effectively with people with neurodiversity, physical disability, developmental disabilities, and psychosocial disabilities. Her focus is to work holistically with all of a person's supports, working on bringing together the expertise of the team supporting the person - including families and guardians, therapists, support workers, and informal supports - to encourage a collaborative, transdisciplinary approach to behaviour support.

Her passion for improving a person's quality of life and ensuring that their rights, needs and wants are at the forefront of her practice is evident throughout her work. Neda ensures her practice is tailored to your needs, making sure that any strategies or recommendations work for you and your supports.

Clinical interests

• Neurodiversity
• Family-based support
• Complex behaviour support
• Restrictive practice elimination and fade out

Approaches commonly used

• Person-centred practice
• Trauma informed care
• Trans-disciplinary
• SCERTS

Kiera

Behaviour Support Practitioner (SA)

With a strong foundation in psychology, Kiera is dedicated to supporting individuals by developing person-centred positive behaviour support plans that promote positive outcomes and enable them to live fulfilling lives. Kiera’s passion lies in providing tailored, evidence-based support that honours the unique needs of each individual. She has worked with a diverse range of support needs, including but not limited to, mental health diagnoses, intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, physical disabilities and dual diagnoses.

Kiera prioritises fostering a supportive environment with her clients and their support teams; one that is built on trust, collaboration and effective communication.

Kiera is committed to continual learning and professional growth and is currently completing her Graduate Certificate in Positive Behaviour Support.

Matt

Behaviour Support Practitioner (SA)

Having worked with supporting people with complex and challenging behaviour for over 15+ years, Matt has gained the experience, knowledge and understanding to implement strategies and approved practices for the best support of an individual. Working as a Core Positive Behaviour Support Practitioner alongside a Senior Psychologist and other Positive Behaviour Support Practitioners to develop my skills and capabilities within the field of Behaviour Support.

Matt provides a unique perspective in Positive Behaviour Support with a broad range of skills with regards to Disability but highly specialised in the implementation of high-demand behavioural support, with the goal of improving the individual's quality of life and community engagement.

Clinical Interests

• Providing support to people living with severe intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder, and mental illness.
• Person-centred approach
• Identifying barriers, risks, strategies both proactive and reactive, quality of life, well-being, regulated restrictive practices and the least restrictive options.
• Building strong relationships with those he supports

Approaches commonly used

• Evidence base approach through data analysis

Fran

Allied Health Assistant (SA)

Fran is an experienced and dedicated Allied Health Assistant, with a deep commitment for supporting both therapists and clients across all allied health disciplines. She has assisted therapists to deliver evidence-based interventions for 30 years. Fran has a broad amount of experience, ranging from paediatrics to supporting adults with complex communication needs. She has also worked across diverse settings, including hospitals, community programs, and home-based care.

Fran has accumulated skills and knowledge in the areas of lifelong disability, acquired disability and progressive neurological disease, supporting people with complex communication and access needs.

Clinical Interests -Supporting Allied Health professionals in

• Speech and language intervention with Paediatrics and Adults.
• Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) with Paediatrics and Adults.
• Exercise programs with Adults.

Approaches commonly used

• Person-Centred Approach
• Strength-Based Approach
• Creative and Play Techniques

Dan

Allied Health Assistant (SA)

Dan has been working as an allied health assistant for the past year whilst studying Bachelor of Speech Pathology (Honours). He aims to provide client-centred and culturally safe therapy to assist his clients in the way that best suits them.

Dan has a passion for learning and has worked many jobs across many different fields and brings expertise from different walks of life together to provide the best possible service to his clients.

Whilst studying Dan has learnt the importance of evidence-based research and strives to implement evidence-based practice in his visits.

Dan works across all age groups, with a focus on adults, to help improve quality of life and provide support to his clients.

Clinical interests:

• Voice
• Dysphagia
• AAC Devices

Leanne

Allied Health Assistant (SA)

Leanne is a passionate and caring Allied Health Assistant with over 37 years of experience supporting clients of all ages with diverse needs. Her experience includes providing a variety of therapies and services while assisting physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech pathologists, psychologists, and dieticians. This has allowed her to develop a well-rounded skill set in client care.

Leanne strives to create a positive, fun, and engaging atmosphere for her clients, fostering trust and making therapy more enjoyable. She has much to offer allied health professionals, clients, and families as they work towards achieving their goals.

Leanne strongly believes in a person-centred approach, tailoring her care to meet the individual’s specific needs, preferences, and goals.

Clinical Interests -Supporting Allied Health professionals in:

• Paediatrics speech and language therapy
• Adult physiotherapy sessions
• Creating Low Tech AAC

Approaches commonly used:

• Person-Centred Approach
• Play centred therapy
• Holistic approach