What is the COPE program? Care of People with Dementia in their Environments, the COPE program, is designed to enhance the well-being and quality of life of both the individual with dementia and family carer, including by delaying nursing home placement.
On the 18th and 19th of February I attended the Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Beginner’s Two-Day Course in Melbourne facilitated by Russ Harris; a world-renowned trainer of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. It was a cold two days for this Townsville girl who wears a jumper most of the year.
What is the COPE program? Care of People with Dementia in their Environments, the COPE program, is designed to enhance the well-being and quality of life of both the individual with dementia and family carer, including by delaying nursing home placement.
On the 18th and 19th of February I attended the Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Beginner’s Two-Day Course in Melbourne facilitated by Russ Harris; a world-renowned trainer of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. It was a cold two days for this Townsville girl who wears a jumper most of the year.
Stephanie
Occupational Therapy Assistant
Stephanie is an Occupational Therapy Assistant who is currently studying an Occupational Therapy (Honours) degree at James Cook University. Stephanie has an interest in working within the field of Community since having her position at OpportunOTy, but is open to exploring all areas that OT can offer.
Stephanie has travelled to Papua New Guinea on multiple occasions before beginning her degree at university where she spent her time helping schools, communities, and individuals in need of various resources. With a love for this country, Stephanie wishes to return to PNG after her studies. Outside of work, Stephanie enjoys playing social sports, swimming at local creeks, and spending time with her two ginger cats.
Sarah
Administration / Scheduling Officer
Bio coming soon
Emma
Administration / Scheduling Officer
Bio coming soon
Stacie
Receptionist
Bio coming soon
Crystal
Administration / Scheduling Officer
Bio coming soon
Rebecca
Administration Officer
Rebecca has a certificate 3 in business admin and is currently working towards furthering her skills by completing a certificate IV in Health Admin. Rebecca enjoys the diversity of the role and the challenges and growth of being an administrator.
Rebecca is a mum to 4 boys who love sport and spends most weekends attending various games. Rebecca was born in NSW and grew up in Mount Isa. Rebecca is now settled in Townsville with her family and enjoys the community.
Further Training:
Cert III Business Administration
Maddison
Occupational Therapy Assistant
Maddison is an Occupational Therapy Assistant and currently studying an Occupational Therapy (Honours) Degree at James Cook University. Maddison has a strong interest in working in the paediatrics field.
Outside of work, Maddison enjoys spending time with her family camping and taking her dogs to the beach.
Shania
Occupational Therapy Assistant
Shania is an Occupational Therapy Assistant currently studying Occupational Therapy (Honours) degree at James Cook University. Shania has an interest in working in the field of paediatrics and mental health.
S’vahna
Occupational Therapist
S’vahna completed her Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) at James Cook University and graduated in 2022. Throughout her academic journey, S’vahna completed her clinical placements in various practice settings, including paediatrics, rural & remote, outpatient vascular and home modifications. S’vahna is passionate about supporting people across the lifespan to achieve their goals and develop their skills, with a strong focus on evidence-based practice and a goal-based approach. S’vahna completes regular monthly outreach trips to Mission Beach, Tully, Innisfail and surrounding areas.
Outside of work, S’vahna enjoys spending time with family & friends, reading books and exploring new restaurants.
Sarah
Occupational Therapist
Sarah completed her Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) at James Cook University and graduated in 2022. Sarah completed her clinical placements in a variety of settings, including hand therapy, rural and remote and occupational rehabilitation. Prior to joining OpportunOTy, Sarah previously worked in the occupational rehabilitation space. Sarah has interests in assistive technology, home modifications and working with teens through to older adults and is keen to learn and develop skills in these areas of practice.
Sarah has called Townsville home since 2011 and when not at work, Sarah enjoys spending time with her friends and family and playing sports such as soccer.
Madelyn
Occupational Therapist
Madelyn completed her Bachelor of Occupational Therapy at James Cook University in Townsville in 2021. Madelyn completed her practice placements in variety of areas including hospital, community and within schools. Madelyn is passionate about her work with her paediatrics clients and developing skills across the lifespan. Madelyn is one of our therapists that provide monthly services to Mount Isa and surrounding areas.
Madelyn is born and bred in Townsville. When she is not at work, Madelyn enjoys collecting earrings and spending her time with family and friends.
Aida
Senior Occupational Therapist
Aida is an Occupational Therapist who graduated from James Cook University in 2019. Whilst studying, Aida completed her placements in a range of settings including; paediatrics, neurological upper limb rehab and vocational rehab. Aida has a special interest and is passionate about neurological upper limb rehab and paediatrics. Aida has developed specialised skills in the area of paediatrics and is always keen to further develop and enhance her knowledge and skills in this area.
Aida is passionate about providing her clients with the support, skills and encouragement they need to allow them to develop their skills and quality of life, in every environment. Aida completes regular monthly outreach trips to Mission Beach, Tully, Innisfail and surrounding areas.
Aida is born and bred in Townsville and in her spare time enjoys spending time with family and friends.
Further Training:
Early Start Denver Model Advanced Workshop
The Art of Paediatrics Course
Supporting People with Autism Spectrum Disorder & Their Families Course
SleepAbility: Promoting Positive Sleep Practices with Children Course
Entrepreneurial Business School (EBS) Program
Member of:
Lisa
Administration Officer
Lisa has had experience as a successful travel agent sending clients all around the world on exciting adventures and relaxing holidays. Lisa enjoys communicating with client’s and values the impact and importance of being an administrator. Lisa is a dedicated and committed to learning and developing her skills in administration.
Lisa has lived in different parts of far north Queensland all her my life. Some of Lisa’s most memorable holidays were walking around the Taj Mahal, riding a camel in Egypt and trekking through the jungle of Borneo. For the past 10 years Lisa has been raising her child with the support of some wonderful, allied health professionals. This inspired her to help others in similar situations.
Further Training:
Cert III Business Administration
Diploma of Tourism
Krisa
Administration Officer
Krisa comes from a background in Aged Care, where she developed her amazing relationship building and people skills. Krisa enjoys working in a diverse and close kit team environment.
Krisa has a love for animals and In her spare time she enjoys spending quality time with her family, the outdoors and going on adventures.
Further Training:
Cert III in Individual Support – Ageing and home and community care.
Kirby
Administration Manager
Kirby has joined us from the Renewables and construction industry where she held a position as a Lead Site Administrator for Australia and New Zealand for the last 6 years. Kirby’s experience navigating the issues associated with multiple projects, across different countries means she has the skills to navigate and lead our administration team.
Kirby is currently completing her Diploma of Human Resource Management and Leadership Management.
When Kirby is not at work she enjoys, cooking for family and friends, gardening and putting her feet up!
Further Training:
Cert III Business Administration
Vicki
Senior Administrator
Vicki has 8 years’ experience working in a doctors practice and has a Certificate 3 in business administration. Vicki has spent most of her life in Townsville and enjoys the lifestyle Townsville and the surrounding region offers.
When not at work, Vicki enjoys spending time with her friends and family, reading, camping and travelling.
Further Training:
Certificate III in Business Administration
Zali
Occupational Therapy Assistant
Bio coming soon
Grace
Occupational Therapy Assistant
Bio coming soon
Mackenzie
Occupational Therapy Assistant
Mackenzie in an Occupational Therapy Assistant at OpportunOTy who is currently studying a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) degree at James Cook University. She has a passion for working with children and the elderly to help them achieve their goals.
Mackenzie grew up in a small town south of Townsville, moving here to pursue her studies. She is excited to learn and develop new skills and knowledge in the field of Occupational Therapy. Mackenzie is excited to see where the future takes her as an Occupational Therapist.
Outside of work and study, Mackenzie enjoys playing Netball and spending time with friends and family.
Cherry
Occupational Therapy Assistant
Cherry is an Occupational Therapy Assistant who is currently studying a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) degree at James Cook University and is set to graduate at the end of 2023. Over Cherry’s studies, she has enjoyed placement experiences in, trauma-informed paediatric care, acute geriatric and community settings. She is eager to gain and expand her knowledge in a range of practice settings and do outreach to provide Occupational Therapy services.
Outside of work, Cherry enjoys catching up with friends and family and taking her dog to the beach.
Freya
Occupational Therapy Assistant
Freya is an Occupational Therapy Assistant who is currently studying a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) degree at James Cook University. Freya is in her 2nd year of studies and is interested in many aspects of OT, including mental health and assistive technology.
During Freya’s spare time she enjoys playing rugby union, camping and spending time with her friends and family.
Shelby
Occupational Therapist
Shelby graduated from James Cook University in 2021 with a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours). Shelby has eight years of experience working within the aged care and disability sector which cemented her passion for pursuing a career in Occupational Therapy. Shelby is passionate about working with assistive technology solutions to increase engagement and participation across the lifespan.
Shelby is a mother of two and when not working, enjoys spending time with her family and friends.
Lucia
Occupational Therapist
Lucia completed her Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) at James Cook University and graduated in 2022. Lucia completed her clinical placement in a variety of settings, including – home modifications, rural and remote, paediatric, and rehabilitation (hospital). Lucia has an interest in paediatrics and is keen to learn and develop skills in this area of practice.
Outside of work, Lucia enjoys, spending time with her friends and family, walking her dog and exercising.
Jena
Occupational Therapist
Jena graduated from James Cook University with a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy – Honours in 2020 and is registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). Jena is a proud Torres Strait Islander with goals of returning to her home in the Straits to deliver occupational therapy services as an experienced therapist. Throughout her university studies, Jena completed her clinical placement in a variety of settings including – rural and remote, community mental health, paediatric (private) and equipment. Jena currently works with people across the lifespan with both physical and cognitive conditions. Jena’s interest areas include – complex assistive technology, mental health and home modification.
Outside of work Jena enjoys, spending time with her friends and family, walking her dog and baking delicious treats.
Member of:
Andrea
Senior Occupational Therapist
Andrea is one of our senior Occupational Therapists who has a special interest in paediatrics and using meaningful occupation to meet people’s needs. Andrea has a strong background of working with vulnerable populations who have experienced trauma, people who are non-verbal, as well as working with children with neurodevelopmental disabilities such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADD/ADHD, learning disabilities and conduct disorders.
Andrea understands that all behaviour is a form of communication and loves to help children and families build and understand the strategies needed to be able to participate in the activities that are meaningful in their lives. Andrea has a passion for working with families as a whole to ensure that the therapy is implemented in a way that can be easily incorporated into everyday life.
Andrea is originally from a small rural town in North QLD, and she loves to spend her free time with her family, walking through the rainforest and swimming. Andrea also loves hiking, and is passionate about animals, plants, spending time in nature, as well as filling her space with plants and things that remind her of nature.
Further Training:
Post Graduate Certificate in Positive Behaviour Support
Accredited Wee-FIM Clinician
CO-OP Training
Child Restraints Training (Accredited Type 1 Child Restraint Fitter)
Entrepreneurial Business School (EBS) Program
Member of:
Michelle
Accounts Receivable and Service Agreements Officer
Michelle has extensive experience in Medical, Dental and Allied Health Administration where she has previously managed teams. Michelle is well known in the community through working in large clinics and providing exceptional customer service. Michelle has managed NDIS, Work Cover, Centrelink and health medical requirements. Michelle has worked for over 18 years in a large corporation where she gained experience in customer service and sales.
Michelle was born and raised in Sydney and moved to Townsville in 1997 with her husband. Michelle is an avid NSW Blues supporter and also speaks fluent Arabic, being her first language. Michelle has 5 beautiful children and when she isn’t working, she spends time with her husband and kids enjoying the walks at the beaches with their dogs and enjoying time together in their big pool.
Lori
Administrator
Lori is a Business Administrator with 3 years of experience from working within a public school. Lori is from a small town just South of Townsville where she was raised to help those in need. Lori has decided to further her in Business Admin knowledge by Completing her Certificate IV in Business Administration.
Tamara
Compliance Administrator
Tamara has come from a background in assistive technology and now works within the company as our compliance officer, she is currently completing a Cert IV in WH&S.
Tamara has been in Townsville for 10 years after moving from Christchurch, New Zealand. When Tamara is not at work, she enjoys going on adventures, arts and crafts, reading and spending time with friends.
Sarah
Practice Manager
Sarah is our Practice Manager, who has been in the Administration sector for over 15 years. During this duration in Australia and the UK (where she is from), Sarah has worked within different fields of Administration varying from Personal Assistance for house builders, Colleges and Occupational Therapy Practices. Sarah has a high knowledge of the NDIS and continues to upskill in these areas.
Sarah has previously worked with vulnerable individuals who are homeless, experienced homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless. This job provided Sarah a wealth of experience in the Community Sector, anywhere from administration right through to an acting management capacity. Sarah has a fantastic attention to detail which allowed her to support all of these identified individuals at such a vulnerable stage in their life and provide them with the essentials and motivation to enhance their situation. Although many called this place the ‘unofficial homeless hub of Townsville’, many would call it home due to Sarah’s willingness to listen, not judge and impart her knowledge, wisdom and drive to make a difference into these vulnerable members of our community.
Further Training:
Entrepreneurial Business School (EBS) Program
Liam
Occupational Therapy Assistant
Liam joined our team at the start of 2022 and is currently studying a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy with a passion for paediatrics and mental health. Liam enjoys following client’s treatment journeys from start to finish and being alongside them throughout the process to see them flourish and progress.
“I chose Occupational Therapy because I love to be able to provide assistance to a client, to get them back to what they enjoy doing and what they find meaningful.”
During Liam’s spare time he enjoys playing volleyball, indoor rock climbing, having a dance in town and having a quiet night with his daschund.
Daniella
Occupational Therapy Assistant
Daniella is an Occupational Therapy Assistant who is currently studying an Occupational Therapy (Honours) degree at James Cook University. Daniella has a passion for working with children and assisting them to reach their goals.
In her free time, Daniella enjoys spending time with her family and friends, playing team sports, camping and exploring waterfalls.
Claudia
Occupational Therapy Assistant
Bio to come.
Adam
Occupational Therapy Assistant
Adam is an Occupational Therapy Assistant who is currently studying an Occupational Therapy (Honours) degree at James Cook University. Adam has a passion for working in hand therapy, rehab, home modifications and assistive technologies.
In his free time, Adam enjoys photography, playing soccer, mountain bike riding and going on adventures searching for hiking trails and waterfalls.
Jasmin
Occupational Therapist
Jasmin completed her Bachelor of Occupational Therapy at James Cook University in Townsville in 2021. Throughout her time of study, Jasmin has completed practical placements in a variety of settings across Townsville, Charters Towers, Ingham and Magnetic Island. Jasmin has had placements in both the public and private health systems in areas such as community mental/physical health, geriatrics, acute rehabilitation, return to work programs and acute mental health.
Jasmin has a passion for working with clients in the mental health field, as well as children with neurodevelopmental disabilities such as ASD and also working closely and alongside their families for a collaborative approach.
Jasmin is originally from the United Kingdom but has called Townsville home since being a young child. When not at work or studying, Jasmin enjoys spending time with her family, catching up with friends over coffee and taking her dog on hikes around Townsville and surrounds.
Further Training:
ACT Certification
Hayley
Occupational Therapist
Hayley completed her Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) at James Cook University and graduated in 2021. Hayley has completed practical placements in community and mental health practice areas. Her final placement at a rural community rehabilitation placement.
Hayley initially started at opportunOTy on a student placement. After a positive placement experience, and discovering a strong interest for community practice, Hayley continued to work with us as an Occupational Therapy Assistant and then as an Occupational Therapist. Hayley completes regular monthly outreach trips to Mission Beach, Tully, Innisfail and surrounding areas.
Hayley is originally from Cairns but enjoys the similar lifestyle that Townsville has to offer. Outside of work, Hayley enjoys being active, spending time in nature and spending time with her friends and family.
Maddison
Occupational Therapist
Maddison is an Occupational Therapist working with clients of various intellectual and physical abilities across the lifespan. Maddison has experience working in the areas of assistive technology, life skill development, minor home modifications and paediatrics. Maddison’s interest areas are neurological and degenerative conditions and palliative care.
Maddison completed her Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) at James Cook University and during her studies completed a number of placements in an array of public, private and rural contexts. Maddison initially joined the opportunOTy team as a therapy assistant prior to finishing her studies in 2019 and has made the transition from therapy assistant to full-time therapist.
Maddison has always had an interest in healthcare and decided to study occupational therapy after meeting an occupational therapist for the first time in 2014 and observing their role in her father’s palliative care journey. Maddison is a born and bred Townsville local who is passionate about providing a high standard of care with respect, compassion and integrity to her local and outreach communities. Outside of work, Maddison enjoys spending time with her family and friends, staying active and exercising outdoors.
Further Training:
Complex Home Modifications Assessor
CPPACC4020A – Provide Access Advice on Building Renovations
CPPACC5016A – Provide Expert Access Advice on Renovations to Private Dwellings
Entrepreneurial Business School (EBS) Program
Member of:
Kathleen
Senior Occupational Therapist
Kathleen is one of our senior Occupational Therapists who has been with the OpportunOTy team since 2019. Kathleen graduated with a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy from James Cook University in 2018 and has developed experience in the areas of paediatrics, aged care, cognitive rehabilitation, minor home modifications, assistive technology and life skills development.
Kathleen has a passion for working within the community setting as it allows her to work with clients of various intellectual, neurological and physical abilities across the lifespan. Kathleen is passionate about delivering an inclusive, client-driven service and assisting them to do what they need or want to do in their everyday lives. Kathleen is currently our occupational therapist providing services to those on Magnetic Island, Ingham and surrounding areas.
Outside of work, Kathleen enjoys filling her days catching up with friends, exploring new interests and attending Pilates.
Further Training:
ACT Certification
Entrepreneurial Business School (EBS) Program
Member of:
Talisha
Team Leader/Senior Occupational Therapist
Talisha is our Team Leader and senior Occupational Therapist, who has clinical experience providing support, education and advice to support quality of life, independence and meaningful occupations and activities. Talisha has prided herself on creating and maintaining positive and client-centred working relationships. Talisha has high levels of experience with equipment/assistive technology prescription and problem solving, static and progressive neurological conditions, end of life support, musculoskeletal and motor deficits & aged care.
Talisha supervises and works closely to support University students studying Occupational Therapy with a supportive learning opportunity for a community placement. Talisha is also a mentor to our new graduate therapists to provide support for further clinical & skill development and learning opportunities. Talisha has also enjoyed leading the development of training and education programs within our team and within other organisations. Talisha enjoys providing outreach services to rural and remote locations, and is one of our therapists that provide monthly services to Mount Isa and surrounding areas.
Talisha has lived in Townsville for most of her life and enjoys the community and lifestyle Townsville and the surrounding region offers. When she’s not at work, Talisha enjoys spending quality time with her close family and friends.
Further Training:
Accredited FIM Clinician
Post Graduate Certificate in Leadership & Coaching
Sensory Defensiveness Certification
Entrepreneurial Business School (EBS) Program
Member of:
Esther
Business Owner/Principal Occupational Therapist
Our principal therapist is a proud mother of two young adults. She started opportunOTy as she strongly believed in the opportunities the NDIS provided for both the participants and occupational therapy. The values which motivated the creation of opportunOTy continue to be the values Esther holds herself and her team too. These values include accountability, accessibility, communication, down to earth, evidence based and well resourced. Esther takes a lot of pride in both the growth of opportunOTy and the growth of her individual team members.
Further Training:
Entrepreneurial Business School (EBS) Program
Member of: