Hunter Coast Therapy brings together a team of Occupational Therapists, Speech Pathologists and Physiotherapists who each contribute different experiences, skills and perspectives.

Based in Newcastle, we support children, families and NDIS participants across the Hunter region with therapy focused on building confidence, independence and participation in everyday life.

Our Team

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Zander Smith

Zander is an Occupational Therapist passionate about supporting children and families. He takes a holistic approach, exploring emerging practices beyond traditional OT and tailoring strategies to each individual. Zander values neuro-affirming and lived-experience perspectives in his work. Outside of therapy, he enjoys time on the golf course, visiting local coffee spots and spending time with his Groodle, Greg.

Practice Director/Occupational Therapist
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Shannen Smith

Shan is the face behind the scenes at Hunter Coast Therapy. After completing a Bachelor of Social Science at the University of Newcastle, she worked in Child Protection before establishing HCT alongside her husband Zander and their Groodle, Greg. Shan is currently completing further studies in Counselling, with a focus on supporting children and adolescents who have experienced trauma. Outside of work, she enjoys art, the beach, dogs and occasionally being Zander’s golf caddy.

Accounts
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Clinical Director/ Occupational Therapist

Teharnie Mitchelhill

Teharnie is an occupational therapist passionate about supporting children and their families to achieve meaningful outcomes. She takes a relationship-based approach, building strong connections with children and their families while tailoring strategies to suit each individual. Teharnie places a strong emphasis on supporting neurodivergent individuals and draws on both her professional expertise and personal experiences in her work.

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Business Development Manager/ Occupational Therapist

Jack Neenan

Jack is an Occupational Therapist with a natural ability to support children who experience challenges with motor skills, attention and regulation. His creativity and sense of humour help make therapy sessions engaging and enjoyable. He leads our Sense Rugby program each school term. He has recently stepped into a leadership role as Business Development Manager, supporting team operations and relationships across our community.

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Speech Pathologist

Tahlia Snare

Tahlia is a vibrant and skilled speech pathologist who is passionate about supporting children and their families to achieve meaningful outcomes. She builds strong, lasting relationships through her warm and engaging nature, and takes pride in working in naturalistic environments alongside families. Tahlia has a particular interest in early childhood intervention (ages 2–8), with a focus on speech sound disorders and school-aged language.

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Occupational Therapist

Grace Hamilton

Grace is an Occupational Therapist who graduated from the University of Newcastle in 2023 and is passionate about supporting children, teenagers, and adults to achieve their chosen goals. She takes a fun and meaningful approach to therapy by incorporating each client’s interests into sessions. Grace has a particular interest in neurorehabilitation, as well as supporting fine and gross motor development and the social and emotional wellbeing of children and adolescents.

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Occupational Therapist

Rachel Gardner

Rachel is a passionate paediatric therapist dedicated to supporting the developmental needs of children aged 2–8. She has a strong focus on early intervention, child–carer relationships, and developmentally focused therapy, bringing six years of experience to her work. Rachel has particular expertise in supporting children with social and emotional wellbeing challenges and is a strong advocate of the DIR-Floortime approach, which she integrates into her sessions to foster meaningful engagement and development.

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Occupational Therapist

Zeb Buchanan

Zeb is an enthusiastic clinician who is passionate about supporting children and young people to achieve meaningful outcomes. He takes a fun and personalised approach to therapy, with a natural ability to build strong connections and create a safe, welcoming environment where people feel at ease. Zeb has a keen interest in addressing developmental challenges and supporting young adults and families through life, school and home transitions.

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Occupational Therapist

Hamish Macqueen

Hamish is an Occupational Therapist who graduated from the University of Newcastle in 2024, after previously working with the team as a Therapy Assistant. He has a natural ability to build strong connections and create engaging, supportive therapy environments. Hamish has a particular interest in working with children with sensory challenges, PDA profiles, and motor skill goals. Hamish leads our surf therapy program and enjoys delivering nature-based therapy that builds confidence and participation.

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Occupational Therapist

Georgia Craven

Georgia is a passionate paediatric Occupational Therapist with interest in sensory processing, auditory interventions, respiration, reflex integration, sensory-motor development, and early handwriting skills. She brings a playful, creative approach to therapy, combining evidence-based practice with warmth, curiosity, and a focus on client- and family-centred care. Georgia works closely with families to make therapy engaging, collaborative, and meaningful for every child.

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Physiotherapist

Brianna Wade

Bri is a Physiotherapist who graduated from Newcastle University in 2016. She is passionate about supporting children and families to achieve meaningful outcomes, using a combination of clinic- and community-based approaches to help therapy fit naturally into everyday life. Bri takes a fun and engaging approach to sessions, making therapy something children and families look forward to rather than feel they “have” to do.

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Allied Health Assistant

Allyciah Kerr

Allyciah is an Allied Health Assistant currently in her third year of a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy at the University of Newcastle. She is passionate about supporting children and brings enthusiasm, positivity, and a commitment to learning to every session. Outside of work, Allyciah enjoys walks with her border collie Indii, swimming, reading by the beach, and socialising with friends

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Occupational Therapist

Sophie Maclarn

Sophie is an Occupational Therapist who brings a warm approach to her work and is passionate about supporting children and their families. With her down-to-earth nature and bubbly personality, she creates a fun and supportive environment where children feel confident to explore, grow, and thrive, focusing on their unique interests and strengths.

Outside of work, Sophie enjoys pilates, yoga, camping, watching and playing sport, and caring for her ever-growing collection of plants.

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Occupational Therapist

Georgia Craven

Fran is an Occupational Therapist with over 20 years of experience, passionate about supporting families build confidence when they feel unsure or stuck. She brings a perceptive, playful, and compassionate approach to her work, using her professional and personal experiences to guide families toward meaningful growth. Fran holds certifications in Project ImPACT and Early Start Denver Model therapy, reflecting her commitment to evidence-based practice.