Our Team - Coastwide Therapy Services

BEC PENFOLD – FOUNDER, SENIOR OT, MENTOR & CHIEF CHAOS COORDINATOR

Bec has been an OT longer than some of her team have been alive - graduating from Newcastle Uni back in 1999 and never looking back. She founded Coastwide Therapy in 2011 with a deep belief that therapy should be real, responsive, and rooted in connection. These days, she leads a team of 15+ OTs, but don’t call her "the boss" … she’s far more likely to be described as the brain behind the chaos, the sounding board when things are tough, and the one with the next big idea before most of us have had our coffee.

With over 25 years’ experience, Bec’s work has spanned across complex disability, neurodivergence, trauma, behaviour, and mental health - from early intervention to adulthood. She no longer delivers week-to-week therapy but works across community, school, homes and alongside other organisations to provide consultations, capacity building, complex assessments, equipment prescription, and high-level collaboration for children and families doing it tough.

She’s the creator of our whole-school consulting model… embedding OTs in schools alongside educators to support students who fall through the cracks of traditional services. She mentors our team, supports a killer new grad program, and delivers workshops that get people thinking differently about behaviour, regulation, and what kids really need to thrive.

Bec is a fierce advocate for inclusion, a relentless outside-the-box thinker, and someone who doesn’t believe in doing things “just because that’s how it’s always been done.” She’s more about purpose than promotion, more about people than performance, and 100% about showing up for the kids and young adults who need it most.

Outside of the therapy world, Bec is a wife (to Shayne - Coastwide’s calm-to-her-chaos), a mum to two adult kids, a sourdough baker, and someone who recharges by hiking, heading to the beach, or catching up with friends. She has an open-door policy at home and at work and is the kind of leader who genuinely listens, asks curious questions, and believes in walking alongside her team, not above them.

Micromanager? Not even close. Bec builds trust, champions autonomy, and creates a culture where people feel seen, heard, and supported to do their best work… because she knows that when therapists feel valued, they come up with the best ideas and feel safe enough to push their boundaries and do incredible things for the kids and families they support.

She’s not just the heart of Coastwide - she’s the soul.

ALICIA – SENIOR OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST

Meet Alicia - one of our Senior OTs, known for her fierce passion, fast brain, and deep commitment to the kids and families who need it most. Alicia joined Coastwide back in 2019 and now works three days a week while raising her two gorgeous girls, Lyla and Pippa. She’s a key part of our senior clinical team and a huge driver of our trauma-informed practice across the service. Whether she’s supporting her own caseload, supervising other OTs, or delivering workshops to educators and SLSOs, Alicia leads with curiosity, compassion, and a tonne of energy.

She has consulted at Gorokan Public School one day a week over recent years as part of our school OT program. She’s become a highly valued member of the school community, helping teachers and support staff better understand behaviour through a trauma and nervous system lens. It’s big work, in a big school…and Alicia meets it head-on with calm, clarity, and loads of clinical strength. Alicia is also a strong and articulate advocate in meetings, always showing up for families with warmth, clarity, and tenacity. Her parent coaching sessions are supportive, practical, and full of lightbulb moments that ensure therapy goes far beyond the clinic. She also writes clear and individualised Functional Capacity Assessments (FCAs), capturing not just the clinical picture, but the things that are most important to the child and those around them.

With a passion for little tuckers and early childhood development, Alicia sees children through the lens of safety, connection, and regulation; always looking beyond behaviour to understand the “why.” She’s a relentless information seeker, always reading, listening to podcasts, and hunting down resources to creatively support kids who often fall through the gaps, especially those impacted by trauma but ineligible for traditional NDIS supports.

She’s efficient, insightful, and somehow fits more into a day than most people fit into a week… while still making space to reflect, think outside the box, and support kids, families, and her colleagues with kindness and integrity. She brings a level of dedication and depth that inspires everyone around her. She’s not just an OT who supports kids; she shifts systems, uplifts teams, and leaves a lasting impact wherever she goes. We’re so grateful to have her.

Alicia works from our Killarney Vale clinic and supports families across homes, preschools, and schools. She’s efficient, insightful, and somehow fits more into a day than most people manage in a week… while still finding time to reflect, think outside the box, and support kids, families, and colleagues with kindness and integrity.

She brings a level of dedication and depth that inspires everyone around her. She’s not just an OT who supports kids — she shifts systems, uplifts teams, and leaves a lasting mark. We’re so grateful to have her.

DANIELLE – SENIOR OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST

Meet Danielle - one of our Senior OTs, known for her huge heart, calm presence, and deeply thoughtful approach to everything she does. Dan has been part of the Coastwide Therapy family since the end of 2017 and now works part-time while raising her beautiful little boy, Toby. As part of the senior clinical team she provides supervision to OTs and Allied Health Assistants, and consults a day a week as part of our school OT program at Glenvale SSP (North Entrance), where she brings creative and practical strategies to help students feel safer and more supported… not just in the classroom, but in the playground too.

Dan is passionate about working with complex teens and young adults, particularly those transitioning into supported employment, day programs, and post-school pathways. She’s built strong connections with local disability employment services and support agencies, helping forge clearer and more coordinated pathways into adulthood; always with the young person’s goals and autonomy front and centre.

She also delivers education sessions for teachers, SLSOs, and support workers, ensuring that everyone around the child or young adult feels confident, included, and part of the support plan. Collaboration is her superpower and she’s a big believer in wraparound support that works in real life, not just on paper. Dan works from both our Wyoming and Killarney Vale clinics and supports families across homes, schools, and community settings.

Her therapy is never one-size-fits-all, whether she’s working on building independence, regulation, mealtime confidence, or travel training, she’s always tailoring her support to what matters most to the individual. Outside of work, Dan gives back to her local surf lifesaving community, volunteering her time to train kids in and out of the ocean, even when the weather isn’t playing nice. She’s also the queen of op-shop resource finds, turning budget-friendly treasures into magic tools for therapy. There’s something quietly powerful about the way Dan shows up. Families and team members alike tell us they are understood, supported, and inspired in her presence… and we couldn’t agree more.

MADDIE – SENIOR OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST

Meet Maddie - one of our Senior OT’s, supervisor, creative thinker, and a powerhouse of energy and passion. She joined the Coastwide team back in 2018 and has grown into an integral part of our senior crew. She works across our Toukley and Killarney Vale clinics, as well as in homes, preschools, and schools across the Coast. She also consults one day a week at Glenvale SSP, collaborating with educators to create safer, more supportive spaces for students who often don’t have a voice and are misunderstood. Maddie is known for her big energy, sharp clinical mind, and ability to roll with the ever-changing landscape of disability supports…always looking for smarter, more effective ways to deliver supports that actually makes a difference.

Maddie provides clinical supervision and mentoring to both OTs and Allied Health Assistants, and has recently stepped into delivering workshops for educators and support staff in schools and early childhood settings. She’s also one of our go-to therapists for complex Functional Capacity Assessments (FCAs), fiercely advocating for children and young adults needing supports across a wide range of environments - including SDA, respite, community access, and post-school pathways.

She’s passionate about supporting teens and young adults to build independence, identity, and confidence as they move into adulthood, and is always coming up new group programs to make that journey just a little easier. Maddie is one of those rare people who somehow fits more into a day than seems humanly possible… balancing busy days with early gym sessions, beach walks, and yep…she is also a secret potter.

She’s thoughtful, skilled, and deeply committed, not just to the families she supports, but to the development and wellbeing of the team around her. Educators and parents alike often tell us how much of a difference she’s made. She’s creative, reflective, and constantly learning… and she brings all of that back into how she leads, supports, and shows up every single day. We’re incredibly lucky to have her. And if you’ve ever worked with Maddie; you already know why.

BECY – OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST

Meet Becy (yep, another Rebecca) and one of our quietly brilliant OTs who brings thoughtfulness, curiosity, and a big heart to everything she does.

Becy officially joined the Coastwide team in 2024, but her journey with us actually began years earlier during a work experience day; which cemented her dream of becoming a paediatric OT… and we’re so glad she followed through.

Since then, she’s studied Medical Science, Exercise & Sport Science, and eventually found her true fit in Occupational Therapy. She completed her Honours degree at the University of Newcastle with a research project that’s since been published in the Australian Occupational Therapy Journal (no big deal… just casually trailblazing). Her scoping review on trauma-informed and sensory-based practices in preschool settings reflects how Becy works… deeply considered, grounded in evidence, and always led by what’s meaningful to the child.

Becy has a calm, caring presence that helps children and families feel safe, heard, and supported. She’s a natural at following a child’s lead, finding creative ways to embed goals into play, and translating the science of neuroplasticity into sessions that are purposeful, playful, and practical. She’s based between our Killarney Vale and Toukley clinics, and works across homes, schools, and preschools in between, always meeting children where they’re at (literally and figuratively).

Outside of work, she’s either chasing snow in the winter or saltwater in the summer snowboarding, surfing, or walking the coast with friends and a coffee in hand (once a Coastie, always a Coastie). Becy is considered, she’s clever, and she is exactly the kind of person you want in your corner. We’re so lucky she found her way back to us.

BONNIE– OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST

Meet beautiful Bon - one of our absolute gems who joined Coastwide in 2024 and hit the ground running. Bonnie started with us as part of our new graduate program, and honestly, she’s the kind of therapist you’d think had been doing this for years. Calm, capable, and full of curiosity, Bonnie brings a beautiful balance of energy, empathy, and insight to every child and family she supports… and we feel very lucky to have her.

Before becoming an OT, Bonnie worked across a range of healthcare settings (from the kids ward at Gosford Hospital to the whirlwind world of COVID testing clinics), and it shows in the way she builds trust, stays grounded, and always sees the big picture. She works across both ends of the Coast, seeing children in schools, preschools, and homes on the peninsula while also spending time up north in our Toukley clinic and surrounds. You’ll also catch her working her magic from our Wyoming clinic; truly Coastwide in every sense.

Bonnie’s big on relationships - she knows that genuine connection is what makes therapy meaningful. She has a soft spot for supporting social opportunities and helping children feel seen, safe, and successful across all environments.

She grew up right here on the Central Coast, and you’ll often find her running, playing soccer, or part of an Oztag comp - it’s no surprise she’s a total natural when it comes to movement-based sessions and tapping into kids’ interests.

Inspired by her midwife mum and a deep desire to support families through life’s big moments, Bonnie chose OT and has never looked back. She brings heart, hustle, and humour to our team every day, and we just love having her around.

INDIA – OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST (Currently on Maternity Leave)

Meet India - a pocket rocket, powerhouse OT, and fierce advocate for the kids and families she supports. India’s been part of the Coastwide Therapy family since 2019 and quickly became one of our most dynamic (and fast-talking!) team members… which is no small feat with this crew. She’s currently on maternity leave (returning Feb 2026), but we know she won’t be far…she’s rarely still and never stays away from the action for long.

India is known for her unmatched efficiency and creative brain, always delivering individualised, meaningful therapy. She works out of our Killarney vale and Toukley clinics and appears to visit most schools and preschools in between. She develops engaging, goal-focused sessions using whatever she can get her hands on and her practical, fun, and inventive resources have become staples across the clinics. She’s committed to helping children find their voice and the confidence to self-advocate; especially those who aren’t always understood by mainstream systems.

She previously led our TEPS school consulting program, embedding real-time coaching and regulation support for educators and SLSOs. She’s also a strong, articulate advocate in case meetings and a passionate parent coach sharing strategies that extend therapy far beyond the clinic and into everyday life.

Outside of work, India lives big and laughs loud. She’s travelled around Australia in her van, never misses a morning walk (coffee firmly in hand), lifts weights at the gym, proudly blasts her country music, and finds any excuse to catch up with friends. She’s also a top-tier prankster and somehow always ends up with Shayno for Secret Santa; a match that guarantees chaos (and laughter) every time. India is sharp, kind, courageous, and so very valued. We will miss her while she’s off adventuring in motherhood… but we can’t wait to welcome her back in 2026.

JASMINE– OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST

Meet Jas - an absolute firecracker who joined us in 2025 and has hit the ground at full speed (possibly in a pet stroller… ask her later).

Jas is part of our new graduate education program and brings with her a rare mix of energy, out of the box thinking, and deep care for the kids and families she supports. She works across the Coast, in our Wyoming and Killarney Vale clinics, along with schools, preschools, and homes on the south end too. She spends one day a week based in our school consulting program at TEPS, where she’s absolutely killing it.

Before becoming an OT, Jas studied Medical Radiation Science (Nuclear Medicine) for two years until she realised what she truly wanted the creativity, connection, and whole-person approach that defines our profession as OT’s and so she went for it …. And here she is.

She landed with us for 3 months in 2024 for her final Uni placement and she was so impressive, we found her a position on our team.

Jas has a passion for helping kids see their strengths and step into their potential with confidence, humour, and heart. She loves building relationships, getting creative, and bringing positive energy into everything she does. Whether she’s working on regulation, life skills, or just helping a child feel safe and seen, she does it with intention and impact.

Born and raised on the Central Coast, Jas now lives with her partner Lucas (allied health dream team) and their three fur babies: Maggie, Marvin, and Bear. Yes… she walks her cats in a stroller. And yes… it’s as iconic as it sounds.

Outside of work, Jas is a bundle of movement and adventure. She dances, camps, reads, snowboards, surfs (learning!), rock climbs (beginner!), and recently completed the T21 at the Tarawera Ultra Trail in NZ. If you know Jas, you know she’s always up for a challenge.

She’s curious, kind, fiercely capable, and a huge asset to our team. We're stoked to have her on board.

JODI – OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST

Meet Jodi, who joined our team as an OT in 2021. She has a degree in Primary Teaching, along with one in Environmental Science and finally a masters in OT. She is a mum to two kids and two very cute sausage dogs. Even though she had two degrees, she fell in love with OT after a first-hand experience when she had to take her son to Occupational Therapy. She knew right there and then that giving people practical, hands on advice and suggestions that truly make a difference to kids, is what she wanted to do….. and here she is in her dream job. She works out of our Woy Woy clinic and see’s kids at home, school, preschool and in the local community. She is fun and caring and is a very organised planner, often putting my skills in this area to shame.

She is quick to develop a rapport with kids and their families and is a self-directed learner who is always keen to know more. She has settled into our team so well, hitting the ground running and families love her (as do we). When she isn’t wearing her OT hat she loves to travel (well she did prior to COVID -19), ride her bike, walk her dogs and head to the beach. So chuffed to have her as part of our team and in the Coastwide Therapy family.

LANA – OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST

Meet lovely Lana - a creative soul with a kind heart, gentle presence, and deep passion for helping children feel seen, heard, and successful. Lana joined our team at the end of 2021 after completing her Bachelor of Occupational Therapy at the University of Newcastle. She works from our Killarney Vale and Toukley clinics, as well as in schools, homes, and preschools across the Coast — always meeting families where they’re at with warmth and a whole lot of fun.

Lana uses her beautiful way with words to advocate for children and young people who need their voices heard- completing functional capacity assessments and reports for those who need someone in their corner. Her reports are thoughtful, clear, and grounded in empathy and families regularly tell us how seen and supported they feel working with her.

She’s a creative thinker who finds meaningful ways to build functional skills into everyday routines. From visuals to routines to resource creation, Lana is always focused on participation… using adaptive strategies and practical supports that work in the real world, not just in clinics.

Outside of work, Lana lives with just as much heart. She’s a free spirit who loves camping, Pilates, exploring new places, learning to surf, and making a whole lot of memories.

She brings that same sense of curiosity and openness to her work; always seeking new ways to connect and empower the kids she works with. She is quietly brilliant; families adore her, her reports speak volumes, and her work reflects the kind of OT she is - thoughtful, joyful, and always going above and beyond.

MELISSA – SENIOR OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST

Meet Mel - one of our creative, hands-on OTs who brings imagination, and a huge heart to every session. She joined the Coastwide team in 2020 and works primarily from our Wyoming clinic, also supporting children and teens in homes, schools, and preschools across the Central Coast. She’s known for her ability to connect with kids quickly and meaningfully; always finding ways to engage them through their strengths and interests, to build their confidence.

She’s not afraid to think outside the box (or the therapy room) - whether that means bringing in her sewing machine, pulling out tools for a woodworking project, or setting up life skills activities that help kids feel competent, and proud of what they can do. Mel has a particular passion for group programs and loves facilitating connection and growth through shared experiences. She runs our Girls Group across the term at Wyoming, and also supports life skills intensives and cafe skills groups during school holidays, creating spaces where children and teens can build independence and friendships in ways that feel fun and safe.

Her journey into OT was inspired by years spent attending therapy sessions alongside her sister… a lived experience that gives her unique insight into what families need and what real, meaningful support looks like. She is a gem always showing up with warmth, patience, and a commitment to helping kids feel seen, capable, and celebrated.

OLIVIA – OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST

Meet lovely Liv - one of our warmest, most creative OTs who brings heart, curiosity, and a deep understanding of regulation and connection to everything she does. Liv joined Coastwide at the end of 2021 after completing her Bachelor of Occupational Therapy at ACU. She works across our Wyoming and Killarney Vale clinics, as well as in homes, preschools, schools, and community settings across the Coast. She heads up our consulting day at The Entrance Public School (TEPS), where she partners with educators and SLSOs to provide real-time coaching and practical strategies around regulation, nervous system awareness, and environmental adaptations. Her calm nature, and strong belief in capacity-building make her a powerful force for positive change in the school space.

Liv is endlessly creative and never subscribes to a one-size-fits-all model. She designs truly individualised supports for every child she works with; always leading with empathy and using play-based, interest-led strategies that reflect each child’s unique needs and strengths. She’s constantly thinking outside the box and creating thoughtful, purposeful sessions that help kids feel seen, capable, and understood.

RYAN – OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST

Meet Ryan - one of our super creative, high-energy OTs who brings fun, laughter and, purpose to every session he runs. He graduated with a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy from the University of Newcastle and joined the Coastwide team in 2022. Born and raised on the Central Coast, Ryan brings local knowledge, a love of the outdoors, and nearly a decade of experience as a support worker into his work as an OT.

You’ll find Ryan primarily at our Toukley clinic (though he pops into Killarney Vale now and then), as well as out in the community, schools, homes, and wherever kids are most comfortable. He works flexibly across environments and is known for collaborating with families, informal supports, and support workers to make therapy practical, meaningful, and engaging. Ryan runs some of our most creative and popular groups; from Dungeons & Dragons and gross motor/sports-based sessions, to work skills, and life skills intensives. He’s also great at building dyads and small groups that naturally foster social opportunities, while targeting key areas like planning, conflict resolution, flexible thinking, and executive functioning. He’s playful, goal-focused, and has a knack for designing sessions that kids genuinely look forward to.

Outside of work, Ryan will try his hand at most sports including tennis, rugby, baseball, basketball, surfing and snowboarding. He’s also a low-key foodie and loves whipping up (and demolishing) simple, tasty meals when he's not deep into a video game session of Call of Duty, FIFA, and NBA 2K which are just a few favourites. Ryan is passionate about helping young people develop the skills they need and want to live their best lives. And just quietly… Shayne is pretty stoked to have another bloke on the team.

SARAH – OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST

Meet Sarah - a pocket rocket with a giant smile, infectious laugh, and a brain that never stops inventing new and exciting ways to engage kids in therapy. She studied her Bachelor of Occupational Therapy at ACU, graduating in 2021, and worked locally as a support worker throughout her uni years. Since graduating, she’s worked exclusively in paediatrics and joined the Coastwide Therapy crew in 2023. Sarah works from our Killarney Vale clinic and supports children and teens across home, school, preschool, and community settings. She’s a brilliant planner who’s always thinking outside the box; designing sessions that are not only fun and interest-led, but packed with regulation, interoception, and executive functioning opportunities (some even include lab coats and science experiments (yes, really). It’s this playful, purposeful approach that makes her such a hit with the kids and families she works with.

Sarah is passionate about creating space for every child to build skills in their own unique way. She doesn’t believe in one-size-fits-all therapy instead, she blends connection, curiosity, and creativity to tailor supports that actually work in real life. When her OT hat is off, Sarah’s usually at the beach, hanging with friends, running around the OzTag field, or playing soccer. She grew up on the Central Coast and is dog mum to a very loved German Shepherd named Poppy. Fun fact: Sarah almost studied physiotherapy before seeing the OT light and we’re very glad she did. She brings huge heart, great clinical instincts, and so much joy to our team… we love having her on board.

TARYN – OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST

Meet Taryn – who joined the Coastwide crew in 2025, and whose gentle nature and quiet confidence make her a natural fit on the team. Taryn completed her Occupational Therapy degree at ACU North Sydney and spent her new grad year in a community-based paediatric role on the Coast - where she realised that working with kids and families was where she truly wanted to be.

Her connection to OT runs deep. When she was in Year 10, her dad became a paraplegic, and Taryn saw firsthand the role allied health professionals play in rebuilding everyday life. From cooking groups to creative adaptations, she saw how OT was about more than therapy; it was about dignity, independence, and making life work again in a way that is meaningful. That experience set her on a path, and she hasn’t looked back.

Taryn brings a calm, relational presence to every session. She’s passionate about early intervention, as well as working with older kids on real-world life skills like meal prep, travel training, and community access - helping young people build confidence and independence, one meaningful step at a time.

She works between our Killarney Vale and Toukley clinics, as well as in homes, schools, and preschools across the region. Taryn also has a long history of supporting children as a disability support worker, and even used to attend Coastwide OT sessions as a support person for a child she worked with, so she’s truly come full circle. Born and raised on the Central Coast, Taryn lives locally with her family and spends her downtime catching up with friends, walking, travelling, and doing Pilates… always with a coffee in hand. She’s thoughtful, dedicated, and full of quiet strengths… and we’re so lucky she’s chosen to bring them to Coastwide.

KATHLEEN - ALLIED HEALTH ASSISTANT

Meet Kathleen - one of our quietly brilliant Therapy Assistants, and such a valued member of the Coastwide team. Kathleen completed her Cert III and IV in Allied Health Assistance with us in 2021 and has been an essential part of our service ever since. In 2024, she officially began her Occupational Therapy degree (cue happy tears from our team), and we’re so thrilled to walk alongside her as she steps into the next stage of her journey.

Kathleen supports children and teens across homes, schools, preschools, clinics, and community settings, always delivering sessions that are individualised and engaging. She implements therapy plans carefully written by our OT’s which are based on comprehensive assessment and collaborative goal development. Her attention to detail, follow-through, and gentle approach means kids feel safe, supported, and successful.

She’s also the ultimate behind-the-scenes teammate, helping our OTs stay organised, developing resources, and always offering a hand wherever it’s needed. Because she’s been part of our team for so long, Kath brings skills and confidence far beyond her years, and is trusted by both families and colleagues alike.

Outside of work, she’s just as motivated, whether she’s training at the gym, kicking goals on the AFL field, or buried in Uni study. She has a heart of gold, a steady presence, and a genuine passion for supporting children and young people to participate more fully in everyday life. We absolutely love her being part of our Coastwide family.

MADDY - ALLIED HEALTH ASSISTANT

Meet Maddy - one of our much-loved Therapy Assistants who brings creativity, care, and a whole lot of passion to everything she does. She first joined Coastwide Therapy in 2020 during her Cert IV Allied Health Assistance placement, and we knew straight away we couldn’t let her go. Since then, she’s become a core part of our team and is now studying Occupational Therapy at the University of Newcastle, with plans to graduate at the end of 2026.

Maddy supports children and teens across home, school, preschool, and community settings, and also works alongside OT Alicia one day a week at Gorokan Public School as part of our OT consulting program. She has a gift for building strong, trusting relationships with kids, families, and educators… and the feedback we get about her work is always amazing. She has a warm, playful presence and always manages to make sessions feel fun and meaningful. Guided by therapy plans written by our OTs, Maddy works toward interest-led goals, supporting kids to build new skills, navigate social situations, and participate more confidently in daily life. She’s also our resident resource queen, always coming up creative activities and visuals that help our team work smarter and support kids more effectively.

With a background in OOSH programs and nannying, Maddy brings adaptability, initiative, and deep care into every session. She’s kind, thoughtful, and driven… and an absolute favourite among many of the families she supports. Outside of work, you’ll find her catching up with friends, planning her next travel adventure, or fitting in study time between it all.

We feel so lucky to have Maddy on our team, she’s an absolute gem, and the kind of teammate everyone hopes to work alongside.

SUE - ALLIED HEALTH ASSISTANT

Meet Sue – she is one of our creative, and connection-driven Therapy Assistants. Sue joined the Coastwide Therapy team in 2021 and brings with her a wealth of knowledge from the world of early childhood, special education, and learning support. She works across our Wyoming clinic and the south end of the Coast, supporting kids at home, in schools (including Glenvale SSP), and in the community.

Sue has been an SLSO and swimming instructor at St Lucy’s, she was part of the learning support team at Knox Grammar school, she was an early educator for 10 years and has a diploma in Early Childhood Education and a Cert III Teachers Aid Special Needs. She understands children deeply, especially those who need a little more time, flexibility, and self belief. Her background means she gets that connection isn’t just important it’s everything and it’s not uncommon to find her mid-session in a superhero cape, surrounded by a swarm of kids, mesmerised by the bag of tricks.

Sue implements therapy plans developed by our OTs, guided by assessment and collaboratively set goals. She works on what really matters to each child, building independence and functional skills like dressing, personal care, communication, travel training, and social participation in ways that feel fun, safe, and achievable. She’s loves to be interest-driven, and is always attuned to the individual needs of the children and young people she supports. She’s also super respected by the families she works with because of her calm, nurturing nature and steady belief in the kids she supports. She’s patient, and brings so much heart and wisdom to our team.

Outside of work, Sue loves spending time with her husband and kids, enjoying a good walk, grabbing a coffee with friends, or getting lost in a good book. We feel incredibly lucky to have her — she’s the kind of support person every child deserves.

SHAYNE – OPERATIONS MANAGER

Meet Shayne, he is the co-founder of Coastwide Therapy, our steady anchor, and the kind-hearted brain behind the scenes who keeps everything running smoothly. He’s not just the business guy, he’s the quiet force behind our mission, always thinking of better ways to support families and he is always looking for ways to support our team so they can show up at their best.

Shayne started Coastwide Therapy back in 2011 with his wife (and partner in organised chaos), Bec. With a background in customer service and operations management in the medical industry, he brought a wealth of experience… but more importantly, he brought compassion, vision, and unwavering patience. He’s not in it for the numbers… he’s in it for the people; the children, families, and community we work so hard to support every day.

Whether he’s helping a parent navigate supports, streamlining our systems with his admin crew- so our therapists can focus on what matters, or checking in with a team member who’s had a tough day, Shayne does it all with calm, kindness, and a big heart. He’s the quiet achiever who carries a big load without needing the spotlight; but we all know that without him, there is no us.

He’s also a devoted dad to Ben and Sarah, and somehow manages to juggle the full chaos of family life while keeping Coastwide ticking along. Shayne is the glue that holds our crew together and we’re endlessly grateful for his support, heart, and belief in what we do.

KAREN - ACCOUNTS QUEEN & VIBE MANAGER

Karen has been with us forever (in the best possible way), and we honestly couldn’t imagine Coastwide Therapy without her. She’s our behind-the-scenes legend… part admin wizard, part team DJ, and full-time meme dealer. From making sure our clinics have the perfect playlist, to sending the daily dose of team laughs, Karen keeps our mood on track.

But don’t be fooled, Karen’s job is no joke. As our account’s superstar, she’s the one who keeps the money side of things moving. Her fingers fly across a calculator faster than a toddler running toward an unlocked iPad, and she reconciles to the exact cent (which, frankly, blows Bec’s mind). She gets genuine satisfaction from ticking off her sticky notes, clearing her inbox, and knowing that every invoice is sorted at the end of every. single. day.

She’s Shayne’s right-hand woman when it comes to wrangling the billing beast, especially when our therapists are too caught up in all the fun stuff to remember to actually charge for their time. Karen gently (and not-so-gently) keeps us all on track… with a spreadsheet in one hand and large vanilla latte in the other.

Her pommy humour, quick wit, and straight talking are just the icing on the cake. She makes us laugh on the daily, keeps us on track with her efficiency, and brings something truly special to the team. Karen, you’re an absolute gem, and we’re so lucky you’re part of our crew.

KATIE – SYSTEMS QUEEN & ADMIN LEGEND

Meet Katie - our admin superstar, systems guru, and Bec’s right-hand organiser (which, let’s be honest, is a full-time job on its own). Since joining us in 2017, Katie has been the engine behind so much of what keeps Coastwide Therapy running smoothly. She’s the voice on the phone when families first reach out, bringing warmth, lived experience, and genuine understanding to every conversation.

Katie is the queen of coordination. She works tirelessly to group families geographically to reduce travel costs, juggles therapist schedules to make sure supports are where they’re needed most, and keeps the whole team on track with her unmatched knack for spreadsheets, formatting, and forward planning. If there’s a more efficient way to do something, Katie and Shayne have probably already thought of it - and they’re already testing it to make sure it works.

She’s also a mum to two beautiful boys, one of whom is Autistic, giving her the kind of insight and empathy you can’t teach. She gets it - the stress, the juggling, the emotional toll, and she listens with compassion and care. Katie is an admin wizard behind the scenes, turning chaos into clarity and always pushing us to do better, be better, and never rest on “good enough.” We honestly don’t know what we’d do without her – she is the order to our craziness.