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.
Leisa
no bio yet
Stephanie
Occupational Therapist
no bio yet
Further Training:
N/A
Member of:
Grace
Occupational Therapist
no bio yet
Further Training:
N/A
Member of:
Esther
Business Owner/Principal Occupational Therapist
Esther graduated from James Cook University with a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy in 2005. Esther has a wide range of experience as an occupational therapist, including working within the Child Protection Advocacy and tutoring for James Cook University. Esther also has experience working within aged care facilities and in the private sector, before becoming the business owner of Brainy Blocks Occupational Therapy (now known as opportunOTy).
Initially a sole practitioner, Esther has developed and expanded the Brainy Blocks name, to develop opportunOTy – a business that has grown to currently employ multiple other therapists.
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Erin
Occupational Therapist
no bio yet
Further Training:
N/A
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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.
Shelby
Occupational Therapy Assistant
no bio yet
Hayley
Occupational Therapy Assistant
Hayley is completing her Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) at James Cook University and is in her fourth and final year of study. Hayley has completed practical placements in community and mental health practice areas. Her final placement will be 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.
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.
Jasmin
Occupational Therapy Assistant
Jasmin is currently in her final year of studying her Bachelor of Occupational Therapy at James Cook University in Townsville. 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 their families.
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.
Samantha
Occupational Therapy Assistant
no bio yet
Rachel
Occupational Therapy Assistant
Rachel is an Occupational Therapy Assistant who is currently studying an Occupational Therapy (Honours) degree at James Cook University. Rachel has an interest in working in the field of paediatrics and has had previous experience as a disability support worker and behavioural learning aid. Outside of work, Rachel likes to spend time with her family and travelling.
Andrea
Senior Occupational Therapist
Andrea is one of our senior Occupational Therapists who has a special interest in paediatrics and using meaningful occupation to adapt behaviour. Andrea has a strong background of working with vulnerable populations in drug and alcohol rehabilitation, 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 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:
Accredited Wee-FIM Clinician
CO-OP Training
Child Restraints Training (Accredited Type 1 Child Restraint Fitter)
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Dakotah
Occupational Therapist
no bio yet
Further Training:
N/A
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Darius
Occupational Therapist
no bio yet
Further Training:
N/A
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Aden
Occupational Therapist
no bio yet
Further Training:
N/A
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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, pediatric (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.
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Aida
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 in neurological upper limb rehab and paediatrics; and is eager to further develop her skills in these areas.
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 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.
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Helen
Occupational Therapist
Helen is an Occupational Therapist who graduated from James Cook University with a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) in 2019. Helen completed placements in a range of settings including remote paediatrics, upper limb rehabilitation, cognitive rehabilitation and acute geriatrics.
Helen has experience working with adult and paediatric clients providing intervention in emotional regulation, fine motor skills, life skills and assistive technology. Helen completes regular outreach trips to Mission Beach, Tully, Innisfail and surrounding areas.
In her spare time Helen enjoys a good coffee, the outdoors and spending time with her friends and family.
Member of:
Sheridan
Administrator
Sheri is self-motivated, with a can-do attitude, a desire to help others and make a positive impact in our community. Sheri is from Horsham, a small town in Victoria where helping others and working together always went hand in hand. Sheri is passionate about raising awareness of domestic violence and helping animals. During her free time, Sheri enjoys gaming, reading, listening to music and most importantly spending time with her wonderful family.
Matt
Compliance Coordinator
Matt comes to the team with experience across multiple backgrounds including homelessness, mental health and disability. Matt managed the Townsville Drop-in Centre where he worked collaboratively with QPS, the Townsville City Council, Local members, and local agencies to provide services to the vulnerable and often forgotten homeless population.
Matt has also worked as a Planner for the NDIS and continues to expand his skills in disability services. He has experience in many aspects of service delivery ranging from NDIS plan development, day to day individual needs and 24/7 supported living households.
Matt has two young daughters that take up most of his spare time however, he does like to get out into his shed to build furniture, bar accessories and has spent hours on his lathe making things for friends and family.
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.
Heather
Occupational Therapist
Heather is an Occupational Therapist working with clients of various intellectual and physical abilities across the lifespan. Heather has a range of experience working with the NDIS and primarily works in the areas of assistive technology, paediatrics, minor home modifications, and life skill development. Heather is particularly interested in how pain plays a role in a person’s function and daily life, and also expanding her knowledge into palliative care therapy.
Heather completed her Bachelor of Occupational Therapy at James Cook University in 2018. During Heather’s studies she completed placements in vocational, hospital and paediatric clinic settings. Heather is currently our occupational therapist providing outreach services to the Ayr and Home Hill regions.
Heather loves occupational therapy and has a strong passion for working alongside people to meet their goals and share in their journey. Heather looks forward to serving the community with respect, integrity, and compassion to assist those in need, and continuing to grow her knowledge within the expanding and evolving disability sector.
In her spare time, Heather enjoys a good ‘dad joke’ and playing board games.
Further Training:
Accredited Wee-FIM Clinician
Member of:
Charlotte
Occupational Therapist
Charlotte is an Occupational Therapist working with clients of various ages across the lifespan. Charlotte has experience in providing a wide range of occupational therapy interventions including assistive technology, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, cognitive stimulation therapy, dementia calming and sensory processing in mental health.
Charlotte completed her Bachelor of Occupational Therapy at James Cook University and during her studies completed a number of placements in both public and private settings, as well as remote locations in The Cape York. In February 2020, Charlotte attended an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for Beginners course in Melbourne and is a qualified ACT facilitator.
Charlotte decided to study occupational therapy after observing occupational therapists at Townsville Community Learning Centre in high school and attending James Cook University’s Open Day. Charlotte has lived in North Queensland for over a decade and is dedicated to providing high quality occupational therapy services to North Queensland, particularly rural and remote areas such as Charters Towers.
Further Training:
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Facilitator
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Kathleen
Occupational Therapist
Kathleen is an Occupational Therapist 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, neurological upper limb rehabilitation, 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.
Outside of work, Kathleen enjoys filling her days catching up with friends over brunch, going to the movies, spending time at the Strand and attending group fitness.
Member of:
Jack
Occupational Therapist
ack is an Occupational Therapist working with clients of various intellectual and physical abilities across the lifespan. Jack has a range of experience within the NDIS and primarily works within the areas of assistive technology, mental health, paediatrics, life skill development and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health.
Jack decided to study occupational therapy after observing the therapist’s role in his father’s palliative care journey and went on to complete his Bachelor of Occupational Therapy at James Cook University. During his studies, Jack completed a number of placements both within an array of public and private sectors. Jack initially joined the opportunOTy team as a student and we thought he was such a great fit for our team that he quickly transitioned from student to full-time therapist after graduation.
Jack is a born and bred Townsville local, who is passionate about serving his local community.
Member of:
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 enjoys providing outreach services to far North Queensland and is one of our therapists who services the Cairns region on a monthly basis.
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, playing touch football and exercising outdoors.
Member of:
Catherine
Occupational Therapist
Catherine is an Occupational Therapist who graduated from James Cook University with a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) in 2019. Catherine completed placements in a range of areas including, community rehabilitation, outpatient paediatrics, adults, NDIS services, and equipment.
Catherine has experience working with clients across the lifespan with various diagnoses and physical and intellectual abilities. Catherine works with clients of all ages providing interventions in emotional regulation, fine motor skills and life skills, cognitive stimulation therapy, sensory modulation, assistive technology, and equipment. Catherine’s interest areas are dementia, home modifications, and outreach services. Catherine is currently part of the team providing monthly outreach services to the Cairns region.
Catherine grew up in rural north Queensland on a small property before relocating to Townsville for university and work. Catherine enjoys macro photography, cooking and relaxing with her family and friends in her spare time.
Further Training:
COPE Program (Care of People with Dementia in their Environments)
Member of:
Mason
Occupational Therapist
Mason is an Occupational Therapist who recently joined the team in August 2020. Mason graduated with a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy from James Cook University in 2018 and has experience within aged care, home modifications, assistive technology prescription and neurological conditions.
During his studies, Mason completed clinical placements in a variety of public and private settings, involving the handling of paediatric, young adolescent and geriatric community caseloads. These placements have given Mason experience working in Townsville, to providing therapy for clients in rural and remote areas, to working with clients with the rehabilitation team in Dili, Timor Leste.
Mason was born in Kalgoorlie, Western Australia and has a passion for providing a professional, respectful and inclusive service.
Outside of work, Mason enjoys travelling, spending time with friends and family, drinking too much coffee and training his labradoodle, Kobe.
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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 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
Member of:
Jess
Occupational Therapist/Clinical Systems, Marketing & Culture
Jess received her Bachelor of Occupational Therapy from James Cook University in 2018 and is registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). Jess has completed practical placements in a variety of settings including acute neuro and community mental and physical health. Jess has also enjoyed volunteering overseas in Timor-Leste at a local rehabilitation centre as part of her university degree.
Jess initially started at opportunOTy on a student placement and soon realised she loved it so much that she quickly asked for a job afterwards. Since then, Jess has gone on to work as an occupational therapy assistant, before graduating and working as a full-time therapist.
Jess currently works with individuals across the lifespan and has experience working with a multitude of both physical and cognitive disabilities. Jess has strong interests in progressive neurological conditions, assistive technology and home modifications.
Jess loves a good project, and is also responsible for overseeing all of our marketing and workplace culture events, including monthly charity fundraisers and lunches.
Outside of her work, Jess enjoys travelling, the outdoors and spending time with her family, friends, and two rescue cats.
Further Training:
Accredited FIM Clinician
Member of:
