Our Team

Qualifications

Bachelor of Occupational Therapy, Graduate Certificate of Research Methods, Master of Public Health-Master of Business Administration, Graduate of the Australian Company of Directors

About

Joanna is an occupational therapist with 15 years experience in the aged support and dementia field.

Joanna has been integral in the development and implementation of innovative health programs, education and partnerships in the North and Central Queensland regions and is passionate about providing contemporary services to support all clients and stakeholders. She is a current Board Director of Occupational Therapy Australia.

Joanna has been instrumental in the development of innovative frameworks to engage students in working with clients in a variety of contexts and locations, including the development of an international collaborative placement model working with the University of Worcester in the UK.

Joanna is passionate about supporting women in business and is a business mentor for start-ups and small business owners. Prior to Apricus Health, Joanna was the founder and managing director of Access Therapy Services for 11 years.

Special Interests

Dementia Rehabilitation, Aged support

Qualifications

Bachelor of Occupational Therapy, Accredited Hand Therapist (as awarded by the Australian Hand Therapy Association), Graduate of The Australian Company of Directors, Certificate of Advanced Soft Tissue Management, Diploma of Business Management.

About

Cassandra is an occupational therapist with 20 years experience in the field of Hand Therapy. Cassandra is extremely passionate about the profession of hand therapy, and the role upper limb rehabilitation has in influencing the health of our nation. She strives to ensure Apricus Health are the leaders of hand and upper limb rehabilitation in North Queensland.

Cassandra has worked in senior positions in both the private and public sector, in Australia and the United Kingdom. Cassandra is a guest lecturer at James Cook University in the subjects of Upper Limb Anatomy, Hand Therapy and Orthotics/Splinting. She is also involved in the training of General Practitioners and other allied health professionals on hand and wrist injuries. She has previously been on the board of the Australian Hand Therapy Association

Cassandra has dedicated her career to Hand Therapy and prior to Apricus Health founded and directed Helping Hands – Hand, Wrist and Arm Clinic for 15 years. She was awarded the Townsville Business Woman of the Year in 2019.

Special Interests

Hand therapy, Scar Management, Pain Management.

About

Emma has been part of our team since 2018 as a receptionist, however, has recently been appointed the role of Operations Manager. Emma has had 14 years of experience working in the Health and Medical fields across administration and management roles throughout Townsville. Behind the scenes she is our liaison officer with third party providers and processes such as Workcover QLD, Department of Veteran Affairs and Defence.

Emma enjoys her role at Apricus Health as she is able to interact with patients and be a part of their treatment journey. She further enjoys the variety and challenges she is often faced with as she is kept on her toes. No day is ever the same for Emma!

Qualifications

Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours), Post Grad Dip – Advanced Hand Therapy, Accredited Hand Therapist (as awarded by the Australian Hand Therapy Association)

About

Stacey is the Clinical Lead for Apricus Health and has been a dedicated member of our team for the past 10 years. Stacey has an honours degree in Occupational Therapy and has over 10 years’ experience in the field of hand therapy. Stacey furthered her studies through attaining a Post Graduate Diploma in Advanced Hand Therapy. Stacey’s qualifications continued and she became and Accredited Hand Therapist in 2017.

Stacey’s clinical background includes occupational rehabilitation, and she has a strong understanding of workplace relations, return to work programs / suitable duties plans, ergonomics, and cumulative trauma (RSI). Stacey has a passion for upper limb chronic pain and complex pain syndromes and has worked extensively in this area where she stays updated with recent advances in pain management.

As our Clinical Lead Stacey is heavily involved with clinical supervision and complex cases. 

Special Interests

Hand Therapy, Shoulder Pain, Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, Workplace Injuries

Qualifications

Bachelor of Occupational Therapy, Graduate Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety, Graduate Diploma in Ergonomics,

About

Kerry is an Occupational Therapist with an extensive 35 years of experience as an Occupational Therapist working in hospitals, community, private practice, and tertiary education. Kerry has recent experience in community aged care and adult disability within NDIS and has developed a keen interest in dementia care.

Kerry has also worked in areas of acquired brain injury rehabilitation, work rehabilitation, ergonomics and private practices throughout Australia and the UK. Kerry was also a lecturer and practice education coordinator at James Cook University in the occupational therapy program from 2004-2018. Her academic areas of expertise include reflective practice, professional practice, and professional reasoning.

Kerry thoroughly enjoys her work as an Occupational Therapist as she is able to continuously learn and rise to new challenges.  Kerry enjoys working with people to provide solutions to assist them in participating in their everyday activities.  Kerry grew up in Ingham however has called Townsville home for the past 30 years.

Special Interests

Dementia Care, Acquired Brain Injury, Equipment Prescription

Qualifications

Bachelor of Occupational Therapy

About

David is the Team Leader and one of our Senior Occupational Therapists working across the lifespan. He has substantial experience working in community aged support and the disability sector. He works with a range of clients with varying physical and intellectual abilities in the clinic and in the community including school visits.

David completed his Bachelor of Occupational Therapy where he completed multiple placements in several different contexts. David decided on Occupational Therapy as a profession after accompanying his cousin on various health appointments and saw the benefits that his cousin’s occupational therapist brought to his life.

David has project management experience working closely with James Cook University to coordinate community student placements. David also works with schools in North and Northwest Queensland to support children of all abilities in the classroom. David is passionate about all areas of his practice, enjoys the Townsville lifestyle as he has grown up here and loves to stay active and outdoors on his weekends.

Special Interests

Life Skills Development, Aged Support

Qualifications

Studying Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours)

About

Sara is a Therapy Assistant and our Therapy Assistant Team Leader who joined our team in September 2020 and is currently studying a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours).

Sara is passionate about the importance of mental health education for young children and would like to specialise in Paediatric Occupational Therapy. She has a particular interest in working with families to achieve a happy and healthy home environment. 

Special Interests

Paediatric Zones of Regulation, Family Therapy, Paediatric Mental Health

Qualifications

Bachelor of Occupational Therapy

About

Hannah completed her Bachelor of Occupational Therapy in 2018. Hannah works with paediatric clients both in the clinic and in the community including school visits and enjoys working with the clients and their families to support them to achieve their goal. Hannah has previous experience working in age care facilities where she provided personal -centred interventions to help promote quality of life for elderly people. Hannah has completed a wide array of placements in the allied health services including hand therapy, aged-care, community care, and mental health.

Hannah aspires to continuously build her skills and experience in different settings as she has a passion for helping people of all ages and diverse cultural backgrounds to achieve the best possible outcomes. Hannah also thoroughly enjoys working in paediatrics as “not only are the kids fun to work with, but they make me feel normal sized being 148cm tall!”Bachelor of Occupational Therapy

Special Interests

Paediatrics, Aged Support, School Based Programs

Qualifications

Bachelor of Occupational Therapy

About

Brittany joined our team in 2017 as an Occupational Therapist and is the Clinic Manger at our North Shore Clinic. Brittany has been involved in hand therapy caseloads where she works with Defence, WorkCover, DVA and private patients.

Brittany loves working in hand therapy as she enjoys helping her clients achieve their goals and best outcomes. She also enjoys the variety and problem solving that comes with a hand therapy caseload. Brittany also has a keen interest in supervising and training Occupational Therapy students during their clinical placements.

Brittany is an associated member of the AHTA and is currently working towards becoming an Accredited Hand Therapist. She has attended multiple professional development workshops and courses to ensure that she is up to date with all the latest hand therapy modalities and treatment options.

Special Interests

Hand Therapy, Wrist Injuries, Arthritis

Qualifications

Bachelor of Physiotherapy

About

Luke completed his Bachelor of Physiotherapy in 2015. Luke has widespread experience working in both the public and private hospital systems developing a diverse range of skills in musculoskeletal, neurological rehabilitation and orthopaedic post-operative care.

Working in the hospital setting, Luke has experience and special interest in spinal assessment and rehabilitation which he utilises in the treatment and assessment of upper limb conditions. By moving into the speciality of upper limb therapy, Luke is able to draw on these skills to provide quality care and rehabilitation for his clients.

Qualifications

Cert IV in Allied Health Assistance (Occupational Therapy), Cert III in Health Services Assistance, Cert III Children’s Services

About

Kellie joined the team as a Therapy Assistant in April 2021 and works under the guidance of the senior clinicians to assist with delivering therapy plans.  After a long career working as a passionate Early Childhood Educator, she is excited to be embarking on a new career in health care; learning all about the world of Occupational Therapy and how best to support the team of therapists. 

Kellie has always had a strong passion for helping others and is drawn to the diversity of a Therapy Assistant role and the meaningful work they do.  Kellie has a special interest in hand therapy and paediatrics.

Special Interests

Hand Therapy, Paediatrics, Hand Writing

Qualifications

Bachelor of Occupational Therapy – Practitioner of Hand Therapy

About

Laura is an occupational therapist who has experience in aged care, paediatrics, and hand therapy. Laura is in her 4^th year of post graduate accreditation with the Australian Hand Therapy Association. Laura oversees our new graduate and early hand therapy career training within the clinics. Laura is a compassionate clinician who enjoys sharing the hand therapy journey with clients as they work towards achieving a full recovery and return to their daily activities.

Special Interests

Neurological Hypertonicity, Paediatrics Handwriting, Chronic Pain

Qualifications

Bachelor of Occupational Therapy

About

Lauren is the principal Occupational Therapist and Clinic Manager at our Burdekin Clinic and is passionate about providing highly skilled, evidence based, hand and upper limb treatment in a rural setting. Lauren completed her studies of Bachelor of Occupational Therapy in 2005 and has experience working in both the private and public practice settings, in a diverse range of clinical areas including acute and community paediatric care, acute burn management and acute upper limb and hand management.

Lauren joined our team in 2012 and has since worked exclusively in the area of hand, wrist, and elbow rehabilitation as well as upper limb neurological rehabilitation. Lauren is an associate member of the Australian Hand Therapy Association and has attended numerous hand and upper limb workshops and conferences to enhance her skills.

Lauren is trained in the use of dry needling and has obtained postgraduate training in soft tissue treatment. In 2015 Lauren was awarded JCU Outstanding Alumni Award for excellence in her field. 

Special Interests

Hand Therapy, Upper Limb Fractures care, Upper Limb Neuro

Qualifications

Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours), Bachelor of Human Biology and Anatomy

About

Sophie completed her honour’s degree in Occupational Therapy in 2019 alongside her studies in Bachelor of Human Biology and Anatomy. Sophie has been working as a Practitioner of Hand Therapy with our team since joining the clinic in August 2020, with previous experience as a soft tissue occupational therapist.

Sophie is an associate member of the Australian Hand Therapy Association and aims to become a full member with her passion and dedication to hand therapy.

Special Interests

Fractures, Finger Injuries and Sports Injuries.

Qualifications

Bachelor of Community Welfare, currently studying Bachelor of Nursing Science

About

Karey is new to the Occupational Therapy field and has been a Therapy Assistant with our team for almost 12 months. Karey has extensive experience with working in helping roles including retail, government departments, small business, mining, and the fitness industry. Karey runs the retail arm of Apricus Health – Sisu7, as well as seeing a variety of clients at the clinic, in schools and at their homes.

Special Interests

Paediatrics, Sensory Equipment

Qualifications

Bachelor of Applied Science

About

Amanda joined our team in July 2018 as our Administration Assistant. Prior to working with us, Amanda worked in various administration and financial roles within the retail and recruitment industries, and a state non for profit organisation.

Amanda is passionate about her role as she is able to focus on providing support services to individuals and members of the community.

Qualifications

Studying Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours)

About

Alyssa is an Therapy Assistant who joined our team in early 2017. Alyssa is currently studying a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours). Alyssa has experience working in the public sector primarily Hospital to Home care, in addition to observations of ward, surgical, ER and vascular OT through university placements. The direct feedback from clients and positive work environment, along with the support from the team, shows her how truly rewarding a career in Occupational Therapy could be.

Special Interests

Paediatrics, Adult Disability, School Programs

Qualifications

Bachelor of Occupational Therapy

About

Zach is one of our Senior Occupational Therapist working across the lifespan and has experience in both the public and private sector of the allied health field. Zach has substantial experience in the NDIS and works in the areas of paediatrics, mental health, assistive technology, home modifications and life skill development/training. Zach joined our team at the beginning of 2017 and enjoys the challenges and problem solving with clients to achieve the best outcomes possible.

Zach has lived in Townsville most of his life. However, he has also spent time living in Scotland and South Africa. Zach had an interest in Occupational Therapy ever since leaving school and knew it was something he wanted to, in order to give back to the community. Zach has a strong passion for mental health, disability, and the aged care sector.

Special Interests

Seating and Wheelchair Prescription, Adaptive Equipment, Mental Health

Qualifications

Bachelor of Occupational Therapy

About

Liana is a new addition to our team working from our Ayr Clinic. Liana has attained a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) and has an extensive 11 years of experience working as an Occupational Therapist in the public sector. Liana has worked in a variety of clinical areas and began specialising in hand therapy in 2015 with a particular interest on management of burns and trauma injuries. Liana is also an associated member of the Australian Hand Therapy Association.

Special Interests

Management of burns, trauma injuries, adult dis

Qualifications

Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours – Class I)

About

Alexandra completed her Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours – Class I) in 2020.  She completed her final clinical placement at Helping Hands where her passion for hand therapy emerged, enabling her to truly appreciate the importance of our upper limbs in everyday activities.

Alexandra is also an associate member of the Australian Hand Therapy Association (AHTA) and is pursuing her accreditation as a hand therapist.

Special Interests

Special interest: Fractures, Tendinopathies and Finger Injuries

Qualifications

Diploma College of Occupational Therapy (DipCOT)

About

Rachel is an Occupational Therapist with over 25 years’ experience and joined our team in April 2021. Rachel has extensive practice in both private and public sectors in Australia and the UK where she works with patients through the lifespan alongside a wide variety of other clinical areas including NDIS and DVA. Rachel also has experience in undergraduate teaching and supervising students on clinical placements, alongside being involved in individual and group programmes. 

Rachel enjoys the variety of working in different fields with an array of complex cases which keeps her learning! She enjoys trying to find solutions to client’s functional difficulties.

Special Interests

Home Medications, Adaptive Equipment, Pain Management

Qualifications

Bachelor of Occupational Therapy, Certified in NDTA (Neuro-Developmental Treatment Association)

About

Juliet is an Occupational Therapist who graduated in 2007. Juliet spent the first 7 years of her career working in the area of paediatric neurological and physical rehabilitation. During her time working in this area, Juliet developed a passion for upper limb rehabilitation and in particular hypertonicity management. Juliet joined our team in 2014 and developed further skills in assessment and treatment of the upper limb. Juliet is passionate about combining her skill sets and regular treats clients post botox injections, casting and splinting for hypertonicity, post stroke rehab, children’s development and upper limb trauma.

Special Interests

Paediatrics, Upper Limb Hypotonicity, Handwriting

Qualifications

Diploma Practice Management

About

Following extensive administration experience in other allied health practices, Ann joined our team as an Administration Assistant in November 2017 and is working remotely at Apricus Health as she relocates to New South Wales. Ann enjoys being part of the caring and supportive Apricus Health team where she provides support to people of all ages in the community to enhance their self-esteem and sense of accomplishment.

Ann has substantial experience with NDIS and DVA administrative processes and provides invaluable support to the therapists and clients.

Qualifications

Diploma in Practice Management

About

Anne has been a receptionist in the allied health field for the past 5 years and joined our team in 2017. Anne is often the first smiley face you see as you walk through the doors of our Fulham Road clinic. Anne has attained a Diploma in Practice Management. The Diploma covers off on key managerial topics such as staff recruitment and induction, managing team effectiveness, ensuring quality customer service, and harbouring a culture of continuous improvement.

Anne enjoys her role as a receptionist at Apricus Health as it is an important aspect of each patient’s experience at the clinic, and she enjoys being a part of the patient’s treatment journey.

Qualifications

Bachelor of Physiotherapy, Accredited Hand Therapist (as awarded by the Australian Hand Therapy Association)

About

Letitia has completed her bachelor of Physiotherapy and has been a part of our team for over 7 years. As a physiotherapist Letitia brings to the clinic not only skills in upper limb therapy but also a comprehensive understanding of the neck and shoulder.

Letitia has attended numerous advanced courses in shoulder management making her a leader of shoulder injuries in North Queensland. Letitia is able to perform dry needling, hydrotherapy and has excellent skills in the use of sports and dynamic tape as an adjunct to therapy

Special Interests

Wrist Instability, Shoulder Impingement, Elbow Tendonitis, Sports Injuries

Qualifications

Bachelor of Occupational Therapy

About

Georgia completed her Bachelor of Occupational therapy in 2016 and has been working as a Practitioner of Hand Therapy since joining our team in October 2017, with previous experience with occupational rehabilitation caseloads.

She is an associate member of the Australian Hand Therapy Association (AHTA) in her last year of accreditation as a hand therapist. Georgia is proficient in the use of technology in healthcare and is our specialist in InterX for non-invasive interactive neurostimulation. She is a friendly clinician who enjoys working with a variety of clients, striving to achieve best outcome in upper limb injuries and conditions

Special Interests

Finger injuries, Cumulative trauma, Red Light Therapy / Laser and InterX Modalities for Pain Relief.

Qualifications

Studying Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours)

About

Kate is in her final year of studying a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) and joined our team as a Therapy Assistant in May 2021. Kate has experience working in rural, remote and regional locations both in community and hospitals settings during university placements. During her placements Kate gained experience in the practice areas of hand and compression therapy, paediatrics, rehabilitation, geriatrics, mental health and home modifications.

Kate works with clients across the lifespan, and she is grateful to work in a profession that allows her to listen to and connect with people for a living. Kate also enjoys working in partnerships with individuals and families to help clients reach their goals to live their most meaningful and fulfilling life.

Special Interests

Sensory Processing Disorders, Palliative Care, Persistant Pain, Cultural Inclusion

Qualifications

Cert IV Legal Services

About

Heather joined our team in mid-2020 as part of the Administration team.  She has worked in the office administration field in the Legal, Hospitality and Transport industries and is excited to learn about the Allied Health area.

Heather enjoys providing organisational support to the clinical team and to our clients; and is thriving on the challenge of learning a whole new industry.

Qualifications

Studying Bachelor of Occupational therapy (Honours)

About

Lachlan is in his final year of studying a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) and has recently joined our team as a Therapy Assistant with prior experience in hand therapy and practice in both rural and regional community-based settings. Prior to commencing his studies in Occupational Therapy, Lachlan worked as a chef for 12 years where he learned to appreciate and respect the importance of complete hand functionality.

Lachlan has a great interest in upper limb anatomy and is passionate about helping clients through their treatment journey, so they are able to return to doing things that they need and want to do. Lachlan is excited to develop his skills and work towards becoming an accredited hand therapist in the future.

Special Interests

Hand Therapy, Sports Injuries, Workplace Injuries

Qualifications

Studying Bachelor of Psychological Science

About

Alana has been a part of our team since 2020 and is one of our bright and bubbly receptionists that will greet you on your visits to the Fulham Road Clinic. Alana has a passion for the allied health fields and loves following clients’ journeys from initial consultation to recovery.

Alana is extremely passionate about mental health where she is currently studying a Bachelor of Psychological Science. Alana also volunteers as a Lifeline Phone Crisis Support.

Qualifications

Bachelor of Applied Science (Occupational Therapy) Honours, Master of Occupational Therapy (Paediatrics).

About

Alison joined our team as an Occupational Therapist in September 2021 and has an extensive 15 years’ experience in the field. Alison has worked in Australia, England and Bhutan, and has recently worked as an Occupational Therapist with the Department of Education in the Northern Territory where she supported teachers and schools across the Territory.  Alison’s skills and experience are within paediatrics and rural and remote health.

Alison thoroughly enjoys her role as an Occupational Therapist as it allows her to travel and work in unique places with great people!

Special Interests

Paediatrics, School Based Programs

Qualifications

Studying Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours)

About

Liam joined our team in June 2021 and is one of our friendly faces at reception at our Fulham Road Clinic. Liam 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 which is what I believe Apricus Health will achieve and why I love to work for the company.”