Occupational Therapists
Alex Gugliotti
Occupational Therapist
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Alex completed a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy with distinction at Deakin University, Geelong in 2021. Alex has had experience in a range of Occupational Therapy settings including community, rehabilitation and hospital which has allowed him to work with a range of clients across the lifespan. Alex is passionate about working with individuals to achieve their goals to promote their health and wellbeing. Alex has recently completed his Mental Health First Aid Certificate.
Alex loves his sport, he enjoys playing football, golf and watching the English Premier League. Alex is a passionate Carlton Blues supporter and enjoys spending time with his friends and family. |
Alice Carlin
Occupational Therapist
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Alice is an Occupational Therapist who graduated from Deakin University in 2022. Alice previously worked as an allied health assistant in the hospital inpatient rehabilitation setting. Alice has a keen interest in the NDIS and working with participants to fulfil their goals to maximise their quality of life.
Alice enjoys going to the beach, painting, reading, playing netball and boxing. |
Amy Conheady
Occupational Therapist - Paediatric
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Amy is an Occupational Therapist who graduated from Deakin University in 2021. Amy currently works in the Colac office and provides OT services to the Colac, Cobden, Terang and surrounding areas. Amy currently supports a variety of paediatric participants at Step 2 OT, however has previously spent 4 years working in the residential disability support sector, as a disability Support Worker with adults aged between 18-70.
Amy has completed her Mental Health First Aid Certificate and LEGO based therapy facilitator training. Amy has recently attended Professional Development regarding 'Learn to Play' and 'ASD in girls' Amy enjoys playing netball, going to football/netball on the weekends, watching a good tv series and catching up with friends. |
Ashleigh Robbins
Occupational Therapist - Paediatric
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Ashleigh has completed a Bachelor of Health Sciences and a Master of Occupational Therapy Practice at La Trobe University, Melbourne, graduating in 2015. Ashleigh has spent the last 6 years working for the Victorian Department of Education across a number of different school settings, including: an Autism specific school, primary school, and a girls secondary college. Ashleigh has also been working part-time in a Melbourne-based clinic with Autistic teens, young people and their families using a positive and strength-based approach to help them make connections with others, or build skills in tasks /occupations that are meaningful to them. Ash has recently completed her Mental Health First Aid Certificate and LEGO based therapy facilitator training.
Ashleigh likes to travel and go camping. She loves music, both playing it and when she gets the chance going and seeing it live. |
Bridey Hobbs
Occupational Therapist & Therapy Team Leader
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Bridey has completed a Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science and a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy with Distinction at Deakin University, Geelong. Bridey has previously worked at Bass Coast Health, Gippsland Southern Health Service and with Barwon Health - Transition Care Program as an Occupational Therapist.
Bridey supports participants across the lifespan and has a special interest in working with adults. Bridey has recently completed her Mental Health First Aid Certificate and SoSAFE training. Bridey enjoys exercising including running, surfing and playing basketball. She also enjoys spending time at the beach with her dogs, Buddy + Reggie. |
Candice Chan-Barritt
Occupational Therapist
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Candice completed a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy with Distinction at Deakin University, Geelong. Candice has completed her Certificate IV in Disability and spent two years as a support worker, assisting adults living independently within the community. Prior to joining the Step 2 OT team, Candice enjoyed working with older adults in aged care facilities. Candice has recently completed her Mental Health First Aid Certificate.
Candice enjoys being creative by using different mediums to make jewellery. She loves spending time with her family and going camping. |
Charlie Davine
Occupational Therapist & Therapy Team Leader - Housing & Equipment
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Charlie completed a Bachelor of Health Sciences and a Masters of Occupational Therapy Practice at La Trobe University in 2016. After graduating, Charlie worked in the public hospital system in Victoria before moving to London to work within the National Health Service (NHS) as a stroke specialist OT. Charlie has a background working with people living with neurological injuries and disabilities, and has been working with NDIS clients since 2019. Charlie is passionate about sustainable housing for his clients and is experienced with home modifications, Supported Individual Living, Specialist Disability Accommodation, and Independent Living Options. Charlie has recently completed his Mental Health First Aid Certificate.
Charlie enjoys surfing, playing basketball, and spending time exploring the outdoors. |
Ellie Trewin
Occupational Therapists & Occupational Therapy Driving Assessor - Mental Health
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Ellie has completed a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy at Deakin University, Geelong. Ellie is also a qualified OT Driving Assessor. Ellie has been supporting NDIS participants to achieve their goals for the past 6 years. Ellie is passionate about supporting adolescents and adults to build skills in independent living and manage life transitions including changing schools, moving out of home, obtaining employment and developing relationships. Ellie also supports NDIS participants to meet their driving goals - working to identify barriers and solutions to learning, or continuing to drive safely. Ellie has recently completed her Mental Health First Aid Certificate.
Ellie enjoys baking and being involved in local football and netball teams. |
Georgia Berry
Occupational Therapist & Therapy Team Leader - Paediatric
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Georgia has completed a Bachelor of Health Science, Major in Public Health with Honours and a Masters of Occupational Therapy Practice at La Trobe University, Bundoora. Georgia has worked within the Victorian Department of Education at an Autism specific school in Melbourne and the National Health Service (NHS) within the West London Trust as a Senior Paediatric Occupational Therapist. Georgia works as a Paediatric Occupational Therapist working with young and school aged children to support them to achieve their NDIS goals. Georgia is also a qualified feeding therapist, supporting children to expand the variety of foods they eat. Georgia has also recently completed her Mental Health First Aid Certificate, LEGO based therapy facilitator training and SoSAFE training.
Georgia enjoys the outdoors, exercise and being involved in local sports. |
Jake Stainsby
Occupational Therapist
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Jake completed his Bachelor of Occupational Therapy at Deakin University in 2021. Jake has previously worked as a disability support worker where he was required to support children and adults in out-of-home care. This experience has allowed Jake to work with a variety of participants to best achieve their goals. Jake is excited to be undertaking his graduate year as part of the Step 2 OT team.
Jake recently completed his Mental Health First Aid Certificate. Jake loves to both play and watch numerous sports, in particular, football and basketball. Jake also enjoys playing the PlayStation and travelling. |
Leo Coolhaas
Occupational Therapist & Therapy Team Leader - Mental Health
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Leo is a specialist Mental Health OT with many years of experience working alongside people with mental health concerns. Leo is passionate about supporting new practitioners and is an experienced clinician and community educator facilitating Mental Health First Aid training, which teaches how to support someone with a mental health crisis or illness.
Leo enjoys cooking, reading, sewing and watching a good series on Netflix. Leo loves her mischievous dog Gus, and together they enjoy trekking the trails through the bush. |
Maggie Suhan
Occupational Therapist
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Maggie is an Occupational Therapist who graduated from Deakin University in 2021. Maggie has provided OT services in the Geelong surrounds, supporting a variety of paediatric participants to achieve their desired goals. Maggie also worked as a Therapy Assistant before becoming an OT, gaining valuable experience.
Maggie has recently attended Professional Development courses including ‘ADHD, Sensory Processing and Dysgraphia’ and ‘3 Steps to Improving Interoception: An Evidence-Based Approach’. Outside of work, Maggie enjoys socialising and spending time with her friends and family and loves a coffee. She also likes exercising including netball, running and going to the gym. |
Shamley Woodhouse
Occupational Therapist
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Shamley has completed her Bachelor of Occupational Therapy at Deakin University. Shamley has completed her Certificate IV in Disability and Certificate IV in Child Youth and Family Intervention. Throughout the past year Shamley has also become a certified Equine Experiential Learning Facilitator through her training at the Centre for Equine Experiential Learning. She also completed her Level 1 training in Animal Assisted Play Therapy. Horses have always been a big part of Shamley's life and she is excited to be able to incorporate her love of horses with her profession as an Occupational Therapist. She is excited to capitalise on each participants’ unique strengths and needs by utilising person-centered practise and a holistic approach to positively impact all of the participants and families she works with.
Shamley spent six years supporting children and adults in out-of-home care as they built their capabilities, independence, and life skills in order to lead meaningful lives. Shamley has experience using therapeutic techniques to support participants who have experienced complex trauma. She has developed a skill set from her experiences that includes both verbal and nonverbal competencies. Shamley developed the intuition required to understand the participants' needs as they develop their communication skills. She is able to make her participants feel safe by establishing a peaceful, judgment-free environment. Shamley is dedicated to providing a secure environment for both the individuals and the animals she works with. Shamley recognises the wonderful impact this diverse form of therapy can have on the participants and is excited to share this |
Psychology
Harry Smith
Psychologist
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Harry has completed his Master of Professional Psychology degree at Deakin University, and is a registered psychologist with AHPRA. Harry has worked in psychiatric disability support, alcohol and other drug, youth and adult counselling. Harry has a passion for working with those who have come from a trauma background, to help understand the impact and learnt to live alongside their experiences. Harry utilises a variety of interventions in his work including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Nature Based and Self-Compassion Therapy.
Harry enjoys bushwalking, kayaking and metal working in his spare time. |
Kate Wilson
Provisional Psychologist - Assessment Only
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Kate is a provisional Psychologist who has completed her Honours of Psychology. Kate has an interest in working with those who come from a trauma background and who live with mental health challenges. Additionally, Kate enjoys working with those with Autism. Kate has experience working with a variety of people aged 4 to 50 and enjoys the diversity in clients.
In Kate's spare time, she likes to hang out with her German Shepherd, Wolfgang, and going hiking and bushwalking. |
Counselling
Maude Berry
Counsellor & Therapy Team Leader
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Maude is a counsellor and has been a coordinator of counselling teams at a large health institution for the past 23 years. During that time Maude facilitated drink-driving courses and mens behaviour change programs. Maude has facilitated groups for parents and carers of people suffering mental health and drug/alcohol misuse. She also used art as a therapeutic tool by running art sessions during Drug Action Week culminating in an exhibition. Prior to this Maude managed an art studio for people with disabilities. The art work was on exhibition with many art works sold.
Initially, Maude studied Welfare at Monash University and has completed post-graduate qualifications in Social Science at Swinburne, and Drugs and Alcohol at Turning Point. Maude has qualifications in Management, Disabilities, Mental Health and studied at William Glasser Institute. She has also completed supervising training at Bouverie Centre and with Jane Wrexler. Maude is interested in Neuroscience and how to apply this knowledge to counselling. She is currently enrolled in an art therapy course, and is an alumni of the Change Agent Network, Swinburne and Ballarat University. Maude typically works with older participants and those with complex presentation involving addictions, mental health and often this is underpinned with a trauma history. In Maude's personal time she enjoys gardening, swimming, art and yoga. |
Support Workers & Therapy Assistants
Abbey Mongelli
Support Worker & Therapy Assistant
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Abbey is a Support Worker and Therapy Assistant with Step 2 OT and primarily works with adolescents and young adults providing them with support while building community access skills. Abbey is currently undertaking a Certificate IV in Child, Youth and Family Intervention.
Outside of work Abbey enjoys going to the movies, playing with her cat Lola, crafting and also playing the odd video game. |
Bruce King
Support Worker
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Bruce is a Support Worker with Step 2 OT. Bruce has extensive experience with the Skilled Group and gforce, enabling young adults with the skillsets they need to gain employment. As a qualified boat builder, and a two-time Sailing World Champion, he has also developed School aged youth within the Geelong Grammar Sailing program.
Bruce supports a variety of male participants to build independent living, work readiness and community access skills. Bruce has recently completed his Mental Health First Aid Certificate. Bruce enjoys spending time with his family, the outdoors and building. |
Cody Downard
Support Worker & Therapy Assistant
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Cody is a Therapy Assistant and Support Worker with Step 2 OT. Cody has previous experience in the disability sector and is currently undertaking a Certificate IV in Child, Youth and Family Intervention. Cody has recently completed his Mental Health First Aid Certificate.
Cody is a Colac local, having grown up in the area and currently playing for South Colac in the CDFNL. Cody loves getting outdoors and has a great knowledge of landmarks and activities in the Otway region. |
Ella Charlton
Support Worker
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Ella is a Disability Support Worker working primarily with young adults. Ella holds a Bachelor of Commerce and is currently undertaking a Doctor of Medicine at Deakin University. Prior to undertaking a Medical degree, Ella spent three years working in the Non-Profit sector for Indigenous youth mentoring organisation, AIME.
Outside of study and work, Ella is a keen ceramicist and enjoys spending time at the beach with her dog, Basil. |
Hannah Callahan
Support Worker & Therapy Assistant
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Hannah is a Support Worker and Therapy Assistant with Step 2 OT, working with participants of all ages. She has previously worked as a Primary School Teacher and Childcare Educator. She enjoys getting to know people of all ages and backgrounds, and feels passionate about supporting people to achieve their individual goals. Hannah has recently completed her Mental Health First Aid Certificate.
Hannah enjoys being with her young family, watching movies, seeing live music and catching up with friends. |
James Woodman
Support Worker & Therapy Assistant
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James is a Support Worker and Therapy Assistant at Step 2 OT. James has completed a graduate diploma of psychological science and will be undertaking further studies in psychological science. James has previously worked for four years as a project manager across Victoria, Tasmania and the Northern Territory.
James has many interests which include, sci-fi, surfing/swimming, reading, art, cars and Pokemon. James is an approachable individual who enjoys meeting new people. James is currently supporting a variety of young male participants. |
Jo Khan
Support Worker & Therapy Assistant
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Jo is a Support Worker and Therapy Assistant with Step 2 OT. Jo works with a variety of participants of all ages and genders. Jo has previously obtained her Diploma in Early Childhood Education, Jo has over 5 years ongoing experience as a Childhood Educator.
Jo has also previously obtainer a Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping. Jo spent 8 years in London working as a Business Analyst in Investment Banking, as well as over 8 years working in the banking and finance sector in Australia. Jo loves regular camping trips away, reading, cooking, spending quality time with her husband, 3 teenage kids and her fur babies. |
Kate Redfern
Support Worker
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Kate is a Support Worker with Step 2 OT. Originally from New Zealand, she has lived in Australia for 7 years. Kate studied a Bachelor of Commerce with a major in Marketing prior to travelling the world working on super yachts.
More recently Kate has 2 years experience working in disability support roles and enjoys working with people of all ages. Outside of work Kate enjoys hiking and travelling with family and kids. |
Lee Leeson
Support Worker
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Lee is a Support Worker with Step 2 OT. Lee predominately supports with individuals with Alzheimer's Disease. Lee has previously completed studies in age care, dementia prevention and understanding of the brain in relation to foods we eat and social behaviour at University Tasmania. Prior to becoming a Support Worker Lee working in the finance and banking industry for 31 years.
Lee enjoys spending time with her grandson and family, going for walks, the beach, going out to places and hobbies including sewing, craft and working in the garden. |
Maddie Hickey
Support Worker & Therapy Assistant
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Maddie has recently completed a Bachelor of Health Sciences majoring in Disability, Inclusion and Psychology for Professional Development. In her final year of study, Maddie worked as a support worker assisting participants in completing everyday tasks and fulfilling activities within the community and home. Maddie also works with individuals and groups to assist with cooking and transport needs.
In her spare time, Maddie enjoys going to the beach, spending time with animals and catching up with friends. |
Maddy Jalanski
Support Worker & Therapy Assistant
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Maddy is a Support Worker and Therapy Assistant with Step 2 OT. Maddy completed her Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance in 2020. She has spent her last 2 years working as a Disability Support Worker and has now taken on the role as a Therapy Assistant with Step 2 OT. Maddy's role is to work alongside OT’s and help them and their clients to reach their goals of independent living through implementing routines and programs which are suited for each client. Maddy's passion is working with young adolescent people, helping them every step of the way to reach their goals.
Maddy enjoys working in the garden and swimming in the beach as well as catching up with friends and family as much as possible. |
Meg Courtney
Support Worker & Therapy Assistant
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Meg is a support worker and therapy assistant with Step 2 OT - working with participants in supported housing environments, overnight respite and daily community access. Meg has recently begun supporting Groups such as the 'Step 2 Learners program'.
Meg is a keen footballer - playing locally with St Marys and at a representative level with the Geelong Falcons. |
Melissa Trewin
Support Worker & Therapy Assistant
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Melissa has been working as a Therapy Assistant and Support Worker with Step 2 OT since August 2021. Previously, Melissa worked in the childcare sector for 8 years and currently holds a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care. Melissa is currently undertaking a traineeship with Step 2 OT and is working towards her Certificate IV in Child, Youth and Family Intervention. Melissa has recently completed her Mental Health First Aid Certificate.
In Melissa's spare time she enjoys working on creative projects involving many different art mediums, seeing family and friends, and attending the odd Market. |
Michael Trewin
Support Worker
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Michael is an enthusiastic support worker who comes with experience in working in child and youth residential care settings. Michael is a passionate Geelong Cats fan but appreciates all sport and loves shooting hoops, kicking the footy and trying new things with clients of all ages but has a strength in working with younger age groups. Michael has an interest in music and enjoys collecting vinyls in his spare time.
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Sarah Pigeon
Support Worker
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Sarah is a Support Worker at Step 2 OT and is currently studying a Diploma of Community Services. Sarah has extensive experience working with dogs and other animals.
Outside of work, Sarah spends time with her family, her cat 'Fuzzball' and loves going on adventures with friends. |
Tom Buckenara
Support Worker & Therapy Assistant
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Tom is a Support Worker with Step 2 OT and a qualified plumber who is currently undertaking a Certificate IV in Child, Youth and Family Intervention.
Tom enjoys the outdoors and catching up with friends. |
Wendy Trewin
Support Worker
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Wendy is a Support Worker at Step 2 OT, having completed her Certificate 3 in Aged Care. Wendy supports participants in the home and community, accessing activities according to their individual needs and interests.
Wendy enjoys baking, visiting local markets and spending time with her family and friends. |
Administration Team
Ebony Cole
Business Administration - OT Driving & Therapy Intake
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Ebony is a part of the administration team. Ebony is a busy working mum of 2, who loves working in the industry and assisting to connect participants with their care team.
Ebony loves to go camping with her family and explore the outdoors. Her favourite trip to date was the East Coast of Tasmania, she can't wait to explore more of our beautiful country. Ebony loves catching up with friends and family, keeping fit and playing netball. |
Gemma Hayden
Business Administration - Therapy Intake
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Gemma is a member of our business administration team, supporting participants and families to be linked in with our therapy team. Gemma is currently studying a Bachelor of Social Work at Deakin University. Prior to joining the Step 2 OT team Gemma worked as a support worker within the NDIS.
Outside of work Gemma enjoys coaching junior girls football, studying and spending time with friends, family and her sausage dog 'Winnie'. |
Katie Trewin
Business Administration - Support Worker & Group Programs Coordinator
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Katie is the Support Work/TA coordinator, part of the administration team while also being responsible for groups coordination. Katie has been in the industry for many years as a support worker but with years of management and administration experience wanted to mesh the two and join the team here at Step 2 OT. Katie is also a qualified Makeup Artist and created a program for individuals with ASD to learn how to apply makeup and work on self-care. Katie is currently undertaking a Certificate IV in Disability under a Traineeship with Step 2 OT.
Outside the office Katie loves catching up with friends and family, cooking and baking, and enjoys keeping fit and active. |
Management Team
Chris Kangars
General Manager
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Chris is the General Manager and is a qualified Chartered Accountant (CAANZ) with a Bachelor of Commerce (with Distinction) from Deakin University. Chris has 10 years experience in Accounting and Management roles in both Australia and the UK and has a passion for working with people and in organisations that are working for the betterment of society.
Chris is a passionate Crystal Palace FC supporter, loves seeing live music and hanging out with his young family. |
Damian Hoare
Managing Director
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Damian is the Step 2 OT Managing Director. Upon completing a Bachelor of Business at RMIT, Damian pursued a career in Project Management in private enterprise including Telstra, NAB, Medibank, Qantas and TabCorp. Prior to joining Step 2 OT - Damian led technology integration at Google's European headquarters 'KGX1' in the United Kingdom. Damian is domestically registered as a Certified Practising Project Manager (CPPM), internationally registered as a Project Management Professional (PMP) and is near completion of a Masters of Business Administration.
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Jane Robertson
Resourcing Coordinator
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Jane is the 'Resourcing Coordinator' at Step 2 OT. Jane has a background in nursing with over 20 years experience as a registered nurse. Jane has worked in oncology and wound management.
Jane enjoys the outdoors and has a passion for equine welfare and rehabilitation, recently undertaking a course in barefoot horse trimming. |
Taylor Sobczyk
Supported Independent Living (SIL) Coordinator
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Taylor is the Supported Independent Living (SIL) Coordinator at Step 2 OT. Taylor works closely with the Step 2 OT team, to ensure suitable supports are in place to support young adults to live as independently as possible, whilst working toward and achieving their individual goals. Taylor has previously also worked as a Support Worker for Step 2 OT which she loved.
Taylor has completed a Certificate IV in Community Services and looks to further her studies in the field of Mental Health and Drug and Alcohol addiction. Outside the office Taylor loves going camping, hiking, catching up with friends and family and going to the beach. |
