Our Team

Our highly experienced multidisciplinary team is dedicated to delivering the best possible outcomes to help you reach your goals. Comprising skilled professionals across various allied health disciplines, our team is passionate about providing tailored support and evidence-based interventions that empower clients of all ages. Whether you're seeking assistance with speech pathology, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, or allied health assistance, we’re here to help.

Physiotherapist smiling assisting client who is using the motomed rehabilitation clinic at the Thrive Health Therapies rehabilitation gym and clinic in Findon, Adelaide

Management Team

Rachel King (she/her)

Director & Physiotherapist

Rachel has 10 years experience working in community rehabilitation both in Australia and in Cambodia. She is passionate about helping clients reach their goals through her clinical work and by working to ensure Thrive Health Therapies provides fair, professional and knowledgable services. Outside of work, Rachel enjoys spending time with family and keeping her kelpies entertained!

    • Age Groups: Adults & teenagers

    • Service Locations: Findon Clinic & throughout metropolitan Adelaide

    • Therapy Services: Ongoing therapy, hydrotherapy, assistive technology reviews, manual handling reviews, exercise prescription

    • Clinical Expertise In:

      • Neurological disorders: stroke, TBI, MS, Parkinson’s disease, SCI, dementia & cerebral palsy

      • Chronic & genetic conditions: osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, fibromyalgia, POTS

      • Autism

      • Intellectual Disabilities

      • Musculoskeletal Conditions - osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis

      • Mental Health Conditions

      • Post-Surgical Rehabilitation

      • Dementia & Aging

Ivana Fittock (she/her)

Practice Manager

Ivana brings a wealth of experience in healthcare administration and client support to her role as Practice Manager at Thrive Health Therapies. She is passionate about creating a welcoming experience for clients and ensuring the team at Thrive can deliver high-quality, person-centred care. Ivana is deeply committed to fostering a supportive environment for both clients and staff.

Occupational Therapists

Clinical Director/Senior Paediatric Occupational Therapist

Renee has 18 years experience working as an OT with paediatric clients. She works with children with Autism, Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder, developmental disorders, genetic disorders, learning difficulties and other developmental areas. As our Clinical Director, Renee provides guidance and training to our therapists and is the first point of call to answer any clinical enquiries from clients, parents and other informal and formal supports. Outside work Renee enjoys cycling, surfing and spending time with her family.

Renee Romeo (she/her)

    • Age Groups: Children

    • Service Locations: Findon Clinic & throughout metropolitan Adelaide

    • Therapy Services: Ongoing therapy, functional capacity assessments

    • Clinical Expertise In:

      • Autism

      • ADHD

      • Learning difficulties

      • Developmental disorders

      • Genetic disorders

Senior Occupational Therapist

Deb is an Occupational Therapist with over 20 years of experience across clinical, leadership, and management roles. Her background includes work in acute and subacute health, disability, medico-legal, vocational rehabilitation, mental health, and teaching. She has worked in both public and private sectors and is passionate about helping clients achieve their goals through evidence-based practice. Outside of work, Deb enjoys gardening, horse-riding, the beach, and spending time with her family and friends.

Deborah Harvey (she/her)

  • Deborah provides support across the following:

    • Age Groups: Adults

    • Service Locations: Northern, Western & Eastern suburbs

    • Therapy Services: Functional capacity, assistive technology, manual handling & home modification assessments

    • Clinical Expertise In:

      • Neurological disorders: stroke, TBI, MS, Parkinson’s disease, SCI & cerebral palsy

      • Chronic & genetic conditions: Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, fibromyalgia, POTS

      • Autism

      • Intellectual Disabilities

      • Mental Health Conditions

      • Dementia & Aging

Occupational Therapist

Elise is a compassionate Occupational Therapist with experience supporting children and adults with varied disabilities, including complex trauma. She provides 1:1 assessment and intervention, conducts formal and informal assessments, and supports families through parent and carer education. Elise has undertaken further professional development in areas including toilet training and mental health. She creates neurodiversity-affirming and trauma-informed environments where young people feel safe, supported, and understood. Outside of work, she enjoys Pilates, wakeboarding and catching up with friends and family.

Elise Vaughan (she/her)

  • Elise provides support across the following:

    Age Groups: Children & Adults

    Service Locations: Findon Clinic & metropolitan Adelaide

    Therapy Services: Ongoing therapy, functional capacity assessments, sensory processing assessments

    Clinical Expertise In:

    - Neurodivergent Support (including autism, ADHD, PDA, sensory processing disorders)


    - Developmental difficulties

    - Intellectual disabilities

    - Mental Health

Senior Occupational Therapist

Sonja has 15 years of experience as an OT, working mainly in the hospital setting across a number of wards (brain injury, renal, geriatric) and in day rehabilitation with people with neurological, orthopaedic, geriatric and chronic conditions. She was the lead senior clinician in the clinical trial of the Care of People with Dementia and has published a systematic review regarding OT & Parkinson’s Disease. Outside work, Sonja enjoys going to the park, baking and reading.

Sonja Kumar (she/her)

  • Sonja provides support across the following:

    • Age Groups: Adults

    • Service Locations: Findon Clinic & throughout metropolitan Adelaide

    • Therapy Services: Functional capacity, assistive technology & manual handling assessments

    • Clinical Expertise In:

      • Neurological disorders: stroke, TBI, MS, Parkinson’s disease, SCI, dementia & cerebral palsy

      • Dementia

      • Autism

      • Intellectual Disabilities

      • Mental Health Conditions

Occupational Therapist

Caitlyn graduated with a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) from the University of South Australia in 2021. She has experience supporting children across clinic, school, home, and community settings. Caitlyn is passionate about helping children feel confident and capable in their everyday routines, with particular interest in sensory processing, emotional regulation, daily living skills, and social participation. She is dedicated to providing individualised, neurodiversity‑affirming, trauma‑informed support in collaboration with families, educators, and other professionals. Outside of work, Caitlyn enjoys travelling, spending time with family and friends, and settling in at home for some relaxing downtime.

Caitlyn Yeo (she/her)

  • Caitlyn provides support across the following:

    Age Groups: Children & Adolescents

    Service Locations: Clinic, home, and school visits across Adelaide (including western, inner northern and eastern suburbs)

    Therapy Services:

    • Comprehensive Occupational Therapy intervention

    • Standardised and observational assessments

    • Functional capacity assessments

    • Sensory processing assessments

    • School consultation, observation, and program planning

    • Caregiver education and strategy development

    Clinical Expertise In:

    • Autism & Neurodivergent Support

    • ADHD

    • Sensory Processing Differences

    • Emotional Regulation

    • Developmental delays

    • Trauma-informed practice

    • Social Participation & Peer Relationships

    • Daily Living & Independence Skills

    • School Readiness & Participation

    • Family-Centred & Strengths-Based Practice


Senior Occupational Therapist

Jessamy has 10 years of experience working as an OT in a community setting with NDIS participants. She has a strong interest working with adults with neurological conditions, and has predominantly worked with individuals with Acquired Brain Injury (ABI). She also has experience working with individuals with intellectual and psychosocial disabilities and spinal cord injuries. She has completed trauma informed training for developing interoception awareness.

Jessamy Blair (she/her)

    • Age Groups: Adults

    • Service Locations: Adelaide central & eastern suburbs, Adelaide Hills

    • Therapy Services: Functional capacity, assistive technology, manual handling & home modification assessments

    • Clinical Expertise In:

      • Neurological disorders: stroke, TBI, MS, Parkinson’s disease, SCI, dementia & cerebral palsy

Senior Occupational Therapist

Jess has over 11 years experience in acute, rehabilitation and community settings working with adults with a range of diagnoses including orthopaedic/vascular conditions, geriatric conditions, neurological disabilities and a range of medical and surgical conditions. Jess has a great interest and passion to work with NDIS participants and support them to achieve their goals and develop new skills and greater independence to maximise their health and wellbeing throughout daily life. In her spare time, Jess enjoys spending time with her family and friends and is a mum to two young daughters.

Jessica Ciarla (she/her)

  • Jessica provides support across the following:

    • Age Groups: Adults

    • Service Locations: Findon Clinic & throughout metropolitan Adelaide

    • Therapy Services: Functional capacity, assistive technology, manual handling & home modification assessments

    • Clinical Expertise In:

      • Neurological disorders: stroke, TBI, MS, Parkinson’s disease, SCI, dementia & cerebral palsy

      • Autism

      • Intellectual Disabilities

      • Dementia & Aging

Occupational Therapist

Chanteal has experience working as an occupational therapist with children. She supports autistic children and young people, those with ADHD, global developmental delay, and a range of other diagnosis. As a neurodiversity-affirming therapist, Chanteal is committed to supporting individuals in a way that embraces and celebrates their unique ways of thinking and being. She is passionate about creating a safe space for young people to be their authentic selves. Outside of work, Chanteal enjoys cooking, listening to podcasts, and spending quality time with friends and family.

Chanteal Meehan (she/her)

  • Chanteal provides support across the following:

    • Age Groups: Children

    • Service Locations: Findon Clinic & throughout metropolitan Adelaide

    • Therapy Services: Ongoing therapy, functional capacity assessments

    • Clinical Expertise In:

      • Autism

      • ADHD

      • Learning difficulties

      • Developmental disorders

      • Genetic disorders

Senior Occupational Therapist

Gabi completed a Bachelor of Health Science in 2020, and a Master of Occupational Therapy in 2022. She has gained experience in both hospital and community settings. Gabi is passionate about increasing access to health services in country areas, with a keen interest in helping people to engage with the activities that are meaningful to them. Outside of work you’ll find her at the beach, spending time with family (including her kelpie), or cooking.

Gabrielle Brunton (she/her)

  • Gabrielle provides support across the following:

    • Age Groups: Adults & Teenagers

    • Service Locations: Findon Clinic & throughout metropolitan Adelaide

    • Therapy Services: Functional capacity, assistive technology, manual handling & home modification assessments

    • Clinical Expertise In:

      • Neurological disorders: stroke, TBI, MS, Parkinson’s disease, SCI, dementia & cerebral palsy

      • Autism

      • Intellectual Disabilities

      • Dementia & Aging

      • Mental Health Conditions

Senior Occupational Therapist

Nikki Flanagan (she/her)

    • Age Groups: Adults

    • Service Locations: Findon Clinic & throughout metropolitan Adelaide

    • Therapy Services: Functional capacity, assistive technology, manual handling & home modification assessments

    • Clinical Expertise In:

      • Neurological disorders: stroke, TBI, MS, Parkinson’s disease, SCI & cerebral palsy

      • Chronic & genetic conditions: Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, fibromyalgia, POTS

      • Autism

      • Intellectual Disabilities

      • Mental Health Conditions

      • Dementia & Aging

Kathleen Whittlesea (she/her)

Senior Occupational Therapist

Kathleen has 30 years experience as an Occupational Therapist and she has worked 4.5 years in the NDIS setting. She has also worked in Occupational Health, acute care, community aged care and residential aged care, the disability employment sector and community health. She has a special interest in working with adults and the aged in the disability sector. She enjoys spending time with her family and going to the beach.

  • Kathleen provides support across the following:

    • Age Groups: Adults

    • Service Locations: Northern & Eastern suburbs

    • Therapy Services: Functional capacity, assistive technology, manual handling & home modification assessments

    • Clinical Expertise In:

      • Neurological disorders: stroke, TBI, MS, Parkinson’s disease, SCI, dementia & cerebral palsy

      • Autism

      • Intellectual Disabilities

      • Dementia & Aging

      • Mental Health Conditions

Occupational Therapist

Tracy is a graduate of the University of South Australia with a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) and has four years of experience working in community private practice supporting clients under NDIS, Return to Work, Home Care Packages (HCP), the DHS Equipment Program, and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA).

Prior to becoming an occupational therapist, Tracy completed qualifications in engineering, computer science, and business administration. Outside of work, she enjoys cooking gourmet meals for friends and family, taking her very excitable Cavoodle to parks, and exploring creative hobbies such as sewing, drawing, painting, crochet, soap and candle making.

Tracy Goh (she/her)

  • Tracy provides support across the following:

    • Age Groups: Adults

    • Service Locations: Adelaide Hills, southern suburbs and inner metropolitan suburbs

    • Therapy Services: Functional capacity assessments, assistive technology, complex seating, home modification assessments, manual handling and ongoing therapy services.

    Clinical Expertise In:

    • Neurodevelopmental Disorders (ASD, ADHD, intellectual disabilities, and learning disorders)

    • Genetic disorders

    • Physical and neurological disabilities (stroke, brain and spinal cord injury, MS, cerebral palsy & Parkinson’s Disease)

    • Mental health conditions

    • Aging and dementia

Occupational Therapist

Amy graduated from Flinders University with a Master of Occupational Therapy in 2021. She has gained four years of experience working in community private practice, primarily supporting participants under the NDIS. She also has experience working with clients funded through Home Care Packages (HCP), Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA), Return to Work programs, and Disability Support for Older Australians (DSOA). Outside of work, Amy enjoys op shopping, exploring new foodie spots, and going for walks with her partner and their energetic Border Collie.

Amy Daymond (she/her)

  • Amy provides support across the following:

    • Age Groups: Adults

    • Service Locations: Barossa Valley, Gawler, northern and metropolitan suburbs of Adelaide

    • Therapy Services: Functional capacity, assistive technology, manual handling & home modification assessments

    Clinical Expertise In:

    • Neurodevelopmental Disorders (ASD, ADHD, Intellectual disabilities, down syndrome and learning disorders)

    • Physical and neurological disabilities (stroke, ABI, MS, MND, CP, Post-Polio and Parkinson’s)

    • Psychosocial disabilities (GAD, BPD, schizophrenia, OCD and major depressive disorder)

Occupational Therapist

Emily is an Occupational Therapist dedicated to helping children build independence, confidence, and participation in everyday activities. She has experience in both clinic and school settings, supporting children to develop motor skills, sensory processing, self-care, social participation, and emotional regulation. Currently completing a Postgraduate Certificate in Autism Studies at Griffith University, she continues to expand her expertise in inclusive education, neurodiversity, sensory and behavioural supports, and person-centred practice. Emily has also completed training in attachment-based and trauma-informed approaches. Outside of work, she enjoys staying active, cooking, and spending time with family and friends.

Emily Ielasi (she/her)

  • Emily provides support across the following:

    • Age Groups: Children

    • Service Locations: Findon Clinic & northern and western suburbs

    • Therapy Services: Ongoing therapy, functional capacity assessments, sensory processing assessments

    Clinical Expertise In:

    • Autism, ADHD, Sensory processing and regulation

    • Emotional wellbeing

    • Developmental difficulties

    • Trauma-Informed Practice

    • Neurodivergent Support (including PDA, sensory processing disorders)

    • Social Participation & Peer Relationships

    • Self-Regulation & Coping Strategies

    • School & Community Integration

Physiotherapists

Lead Physiotherapist

Bianca has 6 years experience in both inpatient acute care services and community Physiotherapy having worked in Perth and Adelaide. Her passions include gait rehabilitation post amputation, upper and lower limb rehabilitation post stroke, as well as working with people with neurological conditions including spinal cord injury, Parkinson's disease and Multiple Sclerosis. Bianca enjoys working closely with participants and providers to create mobility and manual handling plans to optimise function and community participation, including reintegration back into sports.

Bianca Shepard-Furler (she/her)

  • Bianca provides support across the following:

    • Age Groups: Adults

    • Service Locations: Findon Clinic & throughout metropolitan Adelaide

    • Therapy Services: Ongoing therapy, hydrotherapy, assistive technology reviews, manual handling reviews, exercise prescription

    • Clinical Expertise In:

      • Amputees

      • Neurological disorders: stroke, TBI, MS, Parkinson’s disease, SCI, dementia & cerebral palsy

      • Post-Surgical Rehabilitation

      • Dementia & Aging

      • Intellectual Disabilities

Senior Physiotherapist

Nicolette is an experienced Physiotherapist with over 15 years of clinical practice, specialising in rehabilitation and community-based neurological care. Throughout her career, she has worked extensively with individuals living with neurological conditions, including Stroke, Traumatic Brain Injury, Multiple Sclerosis, and Parkinson’s Disease.

Nicolette is dedicated to supporting clients to improve function, independence, and quality of life within their own homes and communities. She takes a person-centred approach to rehabilitation, working closely with clients to understand what matters most to them and to achieve meaningful, realistic goals.

Her practice combines strong clinical expertise with empathy, collaboration, and practical problem-solving to support sustainable, long-term outcomes.

Nicolette Alberts (she/her)

  • Bianca provides support across the following:

    • Age Groups: Adults

    • Service Locations: Findon Clinic & throughout metropolitan Adelaide

    • Therapy Services: Ongoing therapy, hydrotherapy, assistive technology reviews, manual handling reviews, exercise prescription

    • Clinical Expertise In:

      • Amputees

      • Neurological disorders: stroke, TBI, MS, Parkinson’s disease, SCI, dementia & cerebral palsy

      • Post-Surgical Rehabilitation

      • Dementia & Aging

      • Intellectual Disabilities

Director & Physiotherapist

Rachel has 10 years experience working in community rehabilitation both in Australia and in Cambodia. She is passionate about helping clients reach their goals through her clinical work and by working to ensure Thrive Health Therapies provides fair, professional and knowledgable services. Outside of work, Rachel enjoys spending time with family and keeping her kelpies entertained!

Rachel King (she/her)

    • Age Groups: Adults & teenagers

    • Service Locations: Findon Clinic & throughout metropolitan Adelaide

    • Therapy Services: Ongoing therapy, hydrotherapy, assistive technology reviews, manual handling reviews, exercise prescription

    • Clinical Expertise In:

      • Neurological disorders: stroke, TBI, MS, Parkinson’s disease, SCI, dementia & cerebral palsy

      • Chronic & genetic conditions: osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, fibromyalgia, POTS

      • Autism

      • Intellectual Disabilities

      • Musculoskeletal Conditions - osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis

      • Mental Health Conditions

      • Post-Surgical Rehabilitation

      • Dementia & Aging

Senior Physiotherapist

Jonathan has over 5 years of experience in musculoskeletal and community Physiotherapy, with a strong focus on supporting NDIS participants. He is passionate about exercise-based rehabilitation, mobility and strength training, and helping people build independence in daily life. Jonathan has worked with participants living with stroke, spinal cord injury, Parkinson’s disease, Multiple Sclerosis, autism, and other developmental and physical disabilities. He strives to help each participant achieve their personal goals and improve their overall quality of life.

Jonathan Norodom (he/him)

  • Age Groups: Adults

    Service Locations: Findon Clinic, Metro Adelaide, Northern Suburbs

    Therapy Services: Ongoing therapy, hydrotherapy, supervised gym, home exercise program prescription, manual handling care plan reviews.

    Clinical Expertise In:

    • Neurological Disorders: Stroke, Parkinson's Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, TBI, Cerebral Palsy

    • Amputees

    • Autism

    • Intellectual Disabilities

    • Dementia & Aging

    • Chronic & genetic conditions: osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, fibromyalgia, POTS

Speech Pathologists

Caine De Ryke (he/him)

Senior Speech Pathologist

Caine graduated from Flinders University with a Bachelor of Speech Pathology in 2020. Since then he’s been providing therapy to both children and adults across a wide range of disabilities and conditions. Coming from years of working as a rural generalist, Caine has experience in providing comprehensive assessment and individualised therapy for children and adults across a wide range of areas including speech, language, literacy, feeding and dysphagia. In his spare time, Caine enjoys surfing, woodworking and gaming.

  • Caine provides support across the following:

    • Age Groups: Children & Adults

    • Service Locations: Findon Clinic & southern suburbs of Adelaide

    • Therapy Services: Ongoing therapy, speech & language assessments, swallowing assessments

    • Clinical Expertise In:

      • Autism

      • ADHD

      • Learning difficulties

      • Developmental disorders

      • Genetic disorders

      • Neurological disorders: stroke, TBI, MS, Parkinson’s disease, SCI, dementia & cerebral palsy

Shakira Marin (she/her)

Senior Speech Pathologist

Shakira has experience providing adult and paediatric assessment and intervention across a range of practice areas in both clinic and community settings. She has a strong passion for working across the lifespan, with experience in dysphagia and mealtime management, motor speech and voice therapy, AAC, cognitive-communication and neurorehabilitation. She is committed to delivering individualised, neurodiversity-affirming, evidence-based therapy in collaboration with clients, families, educators, and other professionals to support meaningful outcomes. 

  • Shakira provides support across the following:

    Age Groups: Children & Adults

    Service Locations: Findon Clinic & metropolitan Adelaide

    Therapy Services: Ongoing therapy, speech & language assessments, swallowing assessments

    Clinical Expertise In:

    • Autism

    • ADHD

    • Learning difficulties

    • Developmental disorders

    • Genetic disorders

    • Neurological disorders: stroke, TBI, MS, Parkinson’s disease, SCI, dementia & cerebral palsy

Tess Salter (she/her)

Speech Pathologist

Tess graduated with a Bachelor of Speech Pathology from Southern Cross University in 2023. With a strong passion for early intervention and supporting children to communicate in ways that reflect their individual strengths and interests, she uses her experience in speech, literacy, early language development, and AAC to offer comprehensive support. Tess has experience working with children across clinic, school, home, telehealth and community settings and is committed to providing neurodiversity-affirming, evidence-based, family-centred therapy. Outside of work, Tess enjoys reading, exploring cafés and restaurants, and practising/teaching yoga.

    • Tess provides support across the following:

      • Age Groups: Infants, Children & Adolescents

      • Service Locations: Home, School, Clinic, Community & Telehealth

      • Therapy Services: Ongoing therapy, speech and language assessments, early intervention

      • Clinical Expertise In:

        • Neurodivergent Support (including autism, ADHD, PDA, sensory processing disorders)

        • Developmental difficulties

        • Intellectual disabilities

        • Mental Health

        • Learning Difficulties

Lara Williams (she/her)

Speech Pathologist

Lara graduated with a Bachelor of Speech Pathology (Honours) from Flinders University in 2021. She has experience working with both children and adults across clinic and community settings. Lara has a strong passion for paediatrics, with particular interest in speech sound disorders, early intervention, childhood apraxia of speech (CAS), literacy, language, and AAC. She is committed to providing individualised, neurodiversity-affirming, evidence-based therapy in collaboration with families, educators, and other professionals to support meaningful outcomes. Outside of work, Lara enjoys travelling, exploring new restaurants, and winding down with a good movie.

  • Lara provides support across the following:

    • Age Groups: Children & Adults

    • Service Locations: Findon Clinic & throughout metropolitan Adelaide

    • Therapy Services: Ongoing therapy, speech & language assessments, swallowing assessments

    • Clinical Expertise In:

      • Autism

      • ADHD

      • Learning difficulties

      • Developmental disorders

      • Genetic disorders

      • Neurological disorders: stroke, TBI, MS, Parkinson’s disease, SCI, dementia & cerebral palsy

Cara Sukumaran (she/her)

Senior Speech Pathologist

Cara graduated with a Masters of Speech Pathology from Griffith University and is a certified practicing speech pathologist with 12 years of experience supporting children and young adults across clinic and community settings. Cara works with individuals experiencing congenital disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, and speech, language. literacy and fluency challenges. She believes building genuine rapport and listening to clients is essential and is passionate about working collaboratively with participants to use everyday resources in supporting their communication goals. Outside of work Cara enjoys spending time with her family, gardening and walking her dog.

  • Cara provides support across the following:

    Age groups: paediatrics

    Service locations: clinic, western and southern Adelaide

    Therapy services:  ongoing therapy, speech, language and literacy assessments

    Clinical expertise in: congenital disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, speech, language. literacy and fluency

Therapy Assistants

Therapy Assistant (Level 2)

Jasmine Koch (she/her)

Therapy Assistant (Level 2)

Georgia Hasting (she/her)

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