All of our team members bring experience and passion to the role and are determined to support you in achieving your goals.
GETTING THERE
Use the Accessible Australia app to find information and reviews to help you get around better.
All of our team members bring experience and passion to the role and are determined to support you in achieving your goals.
GETTING THERE
Use the Accessible Australia app to find information and reviews to help you get around better.
We'd love to hear from you! Leave a message here or you can call toll free on: 1300 774 625
Feedback is always welcome from our members, clients and the general public.
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Practice Manager & Occupational Therapist, Brisbane
Rebecca has more than 20 years of experience working as an OT across 2 continents. With her Bachelor of Occupational Therapy from the University of Queensland, she started working in Community Health north of Brisbane before moving to London.
There she spent most of her working time with a wheelchair and seating service. With a newly discovered interest in seating, and its potential effects, Rebecca returned to Australia. She worked for a time with the Department of Housing before joining Spinal Life in 2006.
Rebecca aims to assist clients in living a full and comfortable life and finding solutions to the every day challenges that may arise.
Occupational Therapist, Brisbane
Callum is an experienced Occupational Therapist who joins the Spinal Life Healthy Living Centre in Brisbane. Previously, Callum has worked in private allied health clinics and completed multiple placements in areas including outpatient rehabilitation and equipment prescription. Additionally, while completing his degree Callum sought additional experience and worked as an allied health assistant and support worker which helped him better understand patient care and treatments.
Callum enjoys being able to work with clients to problem solve and find individually tailored solutions that will improve their independence. Callum looks forward to working with clients and continuing grow his clinical skills by working closely with the rest of Spinal Life’s highly experienced allied health team.
Outside of work Callum enjoys travelling, hiking, reading, cooking and is currently learning to play the piano.
Occupational Therapist, Brisbane
Amanda has a number of qualifications and experiences in the Occupational Therapy space, these include a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy, a Masters of Public Health, and a Masters in business administration. Before coming to Spinal Life, Amanda worked at Spinal Bifida and Hydrocephalus QLD for four years. There she worked with adults and school-aged kids, with physical and cognitive disabilities.
At Spinal Amanda will be supporting our customers with neuromuscular conditions to increase their independence in daily life. She will be finding solutions for them to access their homes or the community, access assistive technology equipment, start and return to drive, manage, and prevent pressure injuries, and facilitate participation in their activities of daily living, as well as in their meaningful activities.
What Amanda most enjoys about being a Community Occupational Therapist is the possibility of creating solutions with her clients to ensure they can participate in the activities that are important to them. She loves to collaborate with her clients so they can go and live their life’s as they choose, with the minimal barriers as possible.
Occupational Therapist, Brisbane
Patricia graduated in 2002 with a Masters in Occupational Therapy Studies from the University of Queensland. With over 18 years of experience in providing Occupational Therapy Services, she brings extensive skills and knowledge to the role. Patricia is passionate about delivering holistic, practical, timely, and effective solutions that support and enhance her clients’ independence and participation in meaningful activities. With a thorough understanding of current state and federal funding schemes, Patricia supports her clients each step of the way through their rehabilitation journey. As a native Spanish speaker, she believes that variety is the spice of life and loves that no two days are the same as a community-based Occupational Therapist.
Occupational Therapist, Brisbane
With Bachelor’s Degrees in Health Science and Occupational Therapy, and having completed her placement with Spinal Life as part of our Cairns unit, Yvette has hit the ground running since she joined the Allied Health Team and been delivering excellent results for her clients.
This includes a client with complete C4 quadriplegia who is back fishing after Yvette’s assistance helped fit a boat hoist and custom fishing chair with chin control and electrical reel.
Examples like this show the determination for results that saw Yvette represent Australia in water polo. She’s not all machine though and does like getting her Betty Crocker on and doing some baking.
Occupational Therapist, Brisbane
Sarah joins the Spinal Life Healthy Living Centre team in Brisbane as an Occupational Therapist, bringing with her a diverse background in aged care and NDIS sectors. She holds a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy from the Australian Catholic University (ACU) and has specialized expertise in Complex Home Modifications for NDIS. Before joining Spinal Life Australia, Sarah worked for 1.5years in aged care and 3.5 years in the NDIS sector. Her roles included assisting clients in the areas of home modification, therapy for clients aged 5 and up, assistive technology, housing assessments, and functional assessments. Sarah is passionate about helping people utilise their goals to guide the intervention that she provides. She finds immense joy in seeing her clients thrive and accomplish things that they once thought impossible.
Outside of work she enjoys yoga and art. She also plays touch football, a hobby she has maintained with the same team since high school for over ten years.
Occupational Therapist, Cairns
Jade joins the Spinal Life Healthy Living Centre team in Cairns as an Occupational Therapist, bringing with her a diverse background in client care. Prior to this role, she gained valuable experience as a client home services planner at a disability and aged care service provider while completing her coursework. Jade first became part of the Healthy Living Centre team during her university placement, before moving into the role of an Allied Health Assistant, and now Occupational Therapist upon completion of her studies.
Her extensive background includes diverse experiences, from her role as an Allied Health Assistant specialising in hydrotherapy, gym therapy, and upper limb therapy, to her Bachelor of Nutrition studies that led her to advocate for food-positive relationships in schools and daycares. With a focus on paediatric health, particularly in autism and ADHD contexts, Jade’s Occupational Therapy study experience has equipped her with invaluable insights into emotional, behavioural, and relationship management within various settings.
She considers Occupational Therapy as a holistic and rewarding profession, and enjoys the opportunity to connect with clients, learn their stories, and employ creativity to navigate challenging moments, ensuring that no two days are alike.
Outside of work she enjoys art, roller skating, yoga, tenpin bowling, and spending time with family.
Occupational Therapist, Bundaberg
Larissa joins the Spinal Life team in Bundaberg as an experienced Occupational Therapist. In addition to obtaining a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy, Larissa has experienced in community home assessments, rehabilitation, acute hand therapy, and acute medical and orthopedics. Larissa is a passionate about advocating and supporting her client’s needs and is eager to assist clients with spinal cord injuries to achieve optimal and holistic engagement in activities of daily living.
In her spare time, Larissa teaches a group fitness class ‘Pound’, attends yoga classes, plays golf, and enjoys catching up with family and friends, over coffee and sweet treats.
Community Nurse Specialist, Brisbane
Deb knows the medical complexities that come with sustaining a spinal cord injury after working for six years as a nurse in the Spinal Injuries Unit at Princess Alexandra Hospital
In 2020, she brought her skills and experience to Spinal Life as a Community Nurse Specialist to assist clients in the greater Brisbane region with bladder and bowel management, continence assessments, wound assessments and dressings, NDIS assistance and more.
Deb describes herself as a ‘tragic’ but keen golfer and says she’s happiest when she’s spending time with her family in Cairns or whipping up something in the kitchen.
Community Nurse Specialist, Brisbane
Zarah rejoins the Spinal Life Healthy Living Centre team in Brisbane as a Community Nurse Specialist. She was previously a Personal Support Worker at Spinal Life for two years. She brings a wealth of experience from her previous roles at BlueCare, Mount Isa Mines Injury Clinic, and Urology Ward. With a background in tertiary hospital nursing and public health, Zarah is dedicated to advocacy and empowering others. Her positive outlook is centred to help clients with spinal cord injuries, guiding them to lead the lives they desire. She loves witnessing clients not only achieve their goals but also thrive in the lives they envision, even after sustaining spinal cord injuries.
Outside of work, Zarah enjoys playing in her love for ping pong and volleyball. On days when she is not in the kitchen, she explores various cuisines in new restaurants and enjoys visits to local Sunday markets.
Community Nurse Specialist, Brisbane
Sharon has more than 48 years’ experience as a nurse, with four of these working in the Spinal Injuries Unit at the Princess Alexandra Hospital.
Sharon is excited to be part of the experienced nursing team at Spinal Life, assisting clients in the greater Brisbane region with wound care, tracheostomy care, training Spinal Life Personal Support Workers and more.
In her spare time Sharon likes to spend time with family and friends, dining out, travelling overseas, gardening, bush walking, exercise and reading. She is also a very proud fur mum of two dogs.
Community Nurse Specialist, Brisbane
Eleanor brings a wealth of experience from the aged care sector in Australia and six years of Community Nursing in New Zealand. Originally from South Africa, Eleanor has worked as a Community Registered Nurse, providing comprehensive care, including for clients with spinal injuries.
Passionate about helping clients remain in their homes and learning from diverse life experiences, Eleanor is excited to be part of the Spinal Life Australia team, ready to learn new skills and meet new clients in Brisbane.
Outside of work she enjoys reading, watching Netflix series, and spending quality time with family, exploring new places, and taking their dogs to the park or beach.
Exercise Physiologist, Brisbane
Ernest is Spinal Life’s Exercise Physiologist at the Healthy Living Centre in Brisbane. Graduating from Griffith University in 2014 with a Bachelor of Exercise Science he then went on to complete a Graduate Diploma of Exercise Science to further explore his passion for helping people with chronic conditions and diseases as an Accredited Exercise Physiologist.
Ernest has worked with various neurological conditions in all different settings, from clinical rehabilitation to Para-Olympic and national level athletes to completing acute hospital in-services. At Spinal Life Ernest specialises in the tailored delivery of exercises to help prevent and manage a range of chronic health conditions, neurological disorders/injuries and any other health-related issues. With a strong understanding of chronic neurological pathologies such as spinal cord injury, brain injury, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis as well a variety of other conditions, Ernest has helped hundreds of clients achieve their goals and improve their independence and quality of life. Ernest loves a challenge and is happy to help anyone to achieve their exercise and rehabilitation goals.
When not at work you will find him enjoying an active lifestyle from playing soccer and working out, to relaxing on the beach.
Exercise Physiologist, Brisbane
Laura has completed a Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology (Honours) and joins Spinal Life Australia as an Exercise Physiologist at our Healthy Living Centre in Brisbane. Throughout her degree Laura had multiple placements that included working with people who had neurological, cardiac and musculoskeletal conditions. These opportunities allowed Laura to find her area of passion in neurological-based work, creating exercise programs to achieve individual goals, improve independence and enhance her clients’ quality of life.
Outside of work Laura enjoys spending time with her family and friends, training for triathlons and being outdoors!
Exercise Physiologist, Brisbane
Tess is an Exercise Physiologist at the Spinal Life Healthy Living Centre in Brisbane. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Clinical Exercise Physiology from QUT and has experience working in a private allied health clinic in Toowoomba, where she supported clients with a range of conditions, including musculoskeletal, neurological, cardiovascular, diabetic, and oncology issues.
Tess is passionate about fostering relationships with her clients to enhance their daily lives through exercise and is dedicated to contributing to Spinal Life’s mission. Outside of work, she enjoys playing rugby union and spending quality time with family and friends.
Exercise Physiologist, Cairns
Paul joins the Spinal Life Healthy Living Centre team in Cairns as an Exercise Physiologist. Graduating from James Cook University in 2020 with a Bachelor of Exercise Physiology, he brings a wealth of experience at an allied health practice providing disability support.
He has experience in neurological health and rehabilitation, mobility, falls prevention, and functional movement. Additionally, he specialises in musculoskeletal/sporting injury rehabilitation and chronic pain management. He enjoys being able to assist people in improving their health, wellbeing, and quality of life.
Passionate about improving people’s health and quality of life, Paul is dedicated to leading by example, maintaining a rigorous weight training regimen for nearly three decades. Outside of work, he enjoys road cycling, mountain biking, stand up paddleboarding, and motorbike road trips.
Physiotherapist, Brisbane
Linda brings over 11 years of physiotherapy experience to the Healthy Living Centre Brisbane with nine of those years working in spinal cord injury rehabilitation and other disabilities including acquired brain injuries, spina bifida, motor neuron disease, multiple sclerosis, amputations, and polytrauma.
Linda completed her master’s degree (MPhysT) in 2016, focusing on community reintegration after sustaining a spinal cord injury. She has a keen interest in sports physiotherapy and has substantial experience in working with musculoskeletal injuries.
She is passionate about supporting people to reach their full potential and be the best version of themselves, working together to overcome obstacles to live their best life.
Outside of work Linda enjoys spending time with friends and family and being outdoors in nature.
Physiotherapist, Brisbane
Luke is an experienced Physiotherapist and joins the Spinal Life Healthy Living Centre team in Brisbane. In addition to completing his Bachelor’s degree in Physiotherapy, Luke has experience working in hydrotherapy clinics, hospitals, aged care facilities and private practices supporting people with orthopaedic surgery recovery, workplace injuries, disabilities and chronic health conditions. Luke enjoys being able to work with a variety of clients to develop individual goals and treatments to empower them to live their life their way.
Outside of work Luke enjoys skateboarding, cycling, gardening and sewing.
Physiotherapist
Shannon brings valuable experience from the Gold Coast University Hospital to the Spinal Life Australia team. With a Bachelor of Physiotherapy from James Cook University in Townsville, she has been dedicated to helping patients since graduating in 2021. Shannon is passionate about building strong relationships with patients and enjoys the collaborative environment of a multidisciplinary team. At Spinal Life Australia, she looks forward to expanding her skills and knowledge in spinal cord injuries, following patients through their rehabilitation journey in a community setting.
Outside of work, she loves staying active, whether at the gym or running. A social person at heart, Shannon enjoys making plans, exploring new places, and dining out with friends.
Physiotherapist, Cairns
Adam is a multifaceted Physiotherapist who is part of the Spinal Life Healthy Living Centre team in Cairns, bringing a wealth of experience and a diverse background.
Originally from Perth, Adam’s passion for sports, particularly soccer, led him to study physiotherapy. With a career that encompasses private practice, sports physiotherapy, occupational health and dry needling therapy, Adam is no stranger to the diagnostic process and the meticulous detective work required to unravel the complex factors underlying a patient’s condition. He thoroughly enjoys this aspect of his work, keeping it consistently engaging and thought-provoking.
Adam is currently embracing the Cairns lifestyle, particularly fishing, scuba diving, snorkelling, camping, and four-wheel driving.
Physiotherapist, Cairns
As a physiotherapist, Olivia can support you on a variety of services, including creating an individually tailored treatment plan focused on your goals.
Olivia has worked in areas including community rehabilitation and impatient orthopaedics at Health New Zealand. She enjoys being a part of the rehabilitation journey and helping clients exceed and challenge their expectations on what is possible. Olivia is ready to support you and the team at the Healthy Living Centre facility in Cairns.
Physiotherapist, Cairns
Julie has worked as a Physiotherapist in regions around the world, including England, North America, Tonga and Sydney with her current work at the Healthy Living Centre in Cairns.
She provides physiotherapy services to people with physical disabilities, helping her clients with things like pain management, strengthening, stretching, wheelchair skills training, neurological rehabilitation, hydrotherapy and gym programs.
Julie said after travelling the world, she hoped Cairns is now her ‘forever home’ and she’s looking forward to working with the Allied Health team at the Healthy Living Centre to make a difference in people’s lives.
Allied Health Assistant, Brisbane
Grace joins the Spinal Life team as an experienced Allied Health Assistant at the Brisbane Healthy Living Centre. Previously Grace completed a Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy and worked in hospitals, community clinics and rehabilitation clinic settings, treating patients with spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries and acute or chronic musculoskeletal-neurological conditions. As an Allied Health Assistant Grace will support clients at the Healthy Living Centre to follow their tailored exercise plans developed by either a Physiotherapist or Exercise Physiologist. Grace enjoys being able to use her knowledge to help support the community and looks forward to continuing to grow her skills.
Outside work Grace enjoys bushwalking, badminton, going on road trips and completing large jigsaw puzzles.
Allied Health Assistant, Cairns
Douglas is an experienced allied health professional who holds a Bachelor in Physiotherapy and a Master of Health and Welfare. As an Allied Health Assistant at the Healthy Living Centre in Cairns, Douglas supports and assists clients to follow their tailored exercise plans developed by either a Physiotherapist or Exercise Physiologist, to help them achieve their personal goals.
Allied Health Assistant, Cairns
Monika brings seven years’ experience as an Allied Health Assistant, having worked in diverse settings such as community health, Cairns Private Hospital, and Cairns Hospital before joining the Spinal Life Healthy Living Centre team. Prior to her move to Australia in 2011, she spent seven years as a Physiotherapist in Prague. Passionate about empowering clients to achieve independence and fostering strength, motivation, and happiness in their lives, she eagerly anticipates contributing to their journey towards their goals. Monika is also a Yoga instructor and likes to combine yoga and physiotherapy knowledge together.
Outside of work, Monika cherishes spending quality time with her family and immersing herself in the breathtaking beauty of FNQ. She finds joy in camping adventures, leisurely walks in nature, and indulging in music.