Zander is an Occupational Therapist passionate in working with children and families. Zander has an interest in wholistic approaches which aren’t ‘traditional OT’. Zander enjoys looking at emerging fields and how the best of these tools can be tailored to an individual. He supports the use of neuro affirming and lived experience perspectives. Zander will be on the golf course or local coffee shop when switching off. He loves his pet Groodle, Greg!

Shan, the face behind the scenes. After completing a B. Social Science at University of Newcastle, Shannen has worked in the field of Child Protection for a number of years before establishing Hunter Coast Therapy alongside her husband Zander and their fur child, Greg.

Shannen is currently completing additional studies in Counselling with a particular interest area on children and adolescents who have experienced trauma.

Shan’s interests include art, the beach, dogs, and being Zander's golf caddy.

Greg opened Hunter Coast Therapy with his human mum and dad. Greg has taken over the role of head honcho and is often found on-site or working from home. 

Greg is always up for pats, treats and any attention he can get his paws on. 

When away from the office, Greg enjoys going to the park to see his fur friends, long walks on the beach and morning coffee dates catching up with the locals. 

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Greg is proudly the HCT mascot and always keen to meet our beautiful families.

Jess is a seasoned administrative professional with a strong background in both management and recruitment. Her expertise extend to navigating change management and implementing efficient procedures. Essentially, she's a master at streamlining operations and building high-performing teams.

Jess is a passionate advocate for creating a welcoming and supportive environment. She thrives on building strong relationships with colleagues and providing exceptional, personalized service to our Hunter Coast families. 

With a keen interest in OT you may find Jess on the other side in the coming future.

Teharnie is an occupational therapist committed to making a significant impact on the lives of her participant families. Her therapeutic approach emphasises building strong relationships with children and their families. She is particularly passionate about utilising her personal experiences to support neurodivergent individuals. Teharnie has extensive expertise in several areas, including sensory processing, emotional regulation, school readiness, as well as fine and gross motor development.

Recently returning to HCT from maternity leave, Teharnie has enthusiastically embraced her new role as Clinical Director. As a vital member of our management team, she will be a familiar presence in the office, actively networking and representing the HCT team within the community.

Outside of her professional responsibilities, Teharnie enjoys spending quality time with her family, working out at the gym, and engaging in team sports.

We are very excited to have welcomed Tee back in 2025.

Jack has a natural talent for working with children who experience challenges with motor skills, attention, and regulation —particularly those who express big emotions. Jack is also one of our lead OTs running Sense Rugby here each school term. His creativity and sense of humour are consistently appreciated by the children at Hunter Coast Therapy, making each session engaging and enjoyable.

Jack holds a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy from the University of Newcastle. Prior to qualifying as an Occupational Therapist, he gained valuable experience with Hunter Coast Therapy in the role of Occupational Therapy Assistant.

Recently, Jack has stepped into a new leadership position as our Business Development Manager. In this role, he works closely with our Clinical and Company Directors, supports team operations, and manages key relationships within our external networks.

Outside the workplace, Jack is passionate about the outdoors and staying active. A lifelong sports enthusiast, he particularly enjoys playing soccer and basketball.

Fun fact: Jack’s dad was almost the fifth member of The Wiggles!

Zeb is an enthusiastic clinician that places an emphasis on a fun, and a personalised approach to therapy. He has a natural knack for connecting with young people and is committed to creating a safe space where they can feel at home.

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Zeb has a keen interest in addressing developmental challenges and has taken time to development his skills and knowledge in the paediatric occupational therapy space. 

Rachel is a passionate pediatric therapist passionate about the developmental needs of children aged 2-8. With a strong focus on early intervention, child-carer relationships, and developmentally focused therapy, Rachel brings six years of valuable experience to her practice. Her expertise lies in supporting children who face challenges with their social and emotional wellbeing. A dedicated advocate of the DIR-Floortime approach, Rachel integrates this methodology into her therapeutic practices to foster meaningful interactions and developmental growth. Growing up in Halifax, Canada, Rachel is also a mother of two, and she loves indulging in chocolate and pizza. Her personal and professional experiences uniquely position her to empathetically connect with both children and their families.

Sophie brings a warm, client-centred approach to her work. It’s a pleasure to welcome her to the HCT team. 
Sophie graduated from Deakin University in Geelong, Victoria, with a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy and is passionate about supporting children and their families. With her down-to-earth nature and bubbly personality, she strives to create a fun, supportive environment where children feel confident to explore, grow, and thrive, always focusing on their unique interests and strengths.
 

Outside of work, Sophie enjoys pilates, yoga, camping, and spending time with friends and family. Sophie is an animal lover and enjoys watching and playing sport, as well as caring for her ever-growing collection of plants.

Georgia is a passionate paediatric Occupational Therapist with a strong background in Sensory processing challenges, auditory processing interventions, respiration and the functions of breath, sensory-motor development, reflex integration, and early pre-writing and handwriting skills. With a playful personality and a naturally creative approach, she brings warmth, curiosity, and evidence-based practice to every session. Georgia is committed to client- and family-centred care, working closely with families to ensure therapy feels supportive, collaborative, and meaningful.

“I love being a paediatric OT because I get to play and act like the big kid that I am at heart every day! It allows me to use my creativity, problem-solving, and passion for helping others to make an impact on children and families who need support.”

Outside of work, Georgia can be found enjoying just about any sport, sipping good coffee, hunting down sweet treats, getting crafty with hands-on projects, or spending quality time with her dog, Greg.

Georgia supports children to build the skills and confidence they need to thrive—while making therapy feel fun, empowering, and meaningful for the whole family!

Hamish graduated with a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy from the University of Newcastle in 2024. Prior to this, he worked with us in his Therapy Assistant role.

Hamish has a natural knack for assisting children and their families, particularly those with specific needs such as functional goals, PDA profiles, and motor skill difficulties.

Hamish is the friendly face and key driver behind our Surf Therapy program, an innovative initiative that combines the therapeutic benefits of OT with the joy and sensory experience of the ocean. Through Surf Therapy, Hamish supports children in developing motor coordination, confidence, emotional regulation, and social participation in a relaxed, natural environment. He is currently completing and delivering professional development to further expand and refine this program within Newcastle. In addition, Hamish is one of our lead OTs facilitating Sense Rugby in Newcastle, a dynamic, evidence-based program that uses modified rugby drills to help children build strength, coordination, teamwork, and confidence while working toward their therapy goals. His passion for active, play-based therapy shines through in his sessions, creating an inclusive and motivating atmosphere for all participants.

Outside of his professional time, you’ll likely find Hamish socialising with friends or indulging in a few rounds of golf.

Grace is a graduate of Occupational Therapy from the University of Newcastle in 2023. She is passionate about helping children, teenagers, and adults achieve their chosen goals, making therapy fun and meaningful by incorporating clients' interests into sessions. Grace has a keen interest in neurorehabilitation, addressing fine and gross motor challenges, and supporting the social and emotional well-being of children and adolescents.

Outside of work, Grace enjoys hiking and camping with friends and family, swimming, and spending time with her Labrador Ellie 

Fran is passionate about supporting families, guiding parents to find confidence when they feel unsure or stuck. With a perceptive and playful approach, she brings flexibility and compassion to every relationship, helping children & families thrive. Fran has been an Occupational Therapist for over 20 years and draws on her own family’s personal experience to enhance her practice. This led her to explore evidence-based interventions to support their eldest son, resulting in certifications in Project ImPACT (Improving Parents as Communication Teachers) and Early Start Denver Model therapy.

As a local, Fran cherishes the outdoors and loves spending time in her favourite spots, with family and friends. Whether she's walking the dogs, painting, reading, seeing a band, enjoying a movie or a good TV series at home. Fran’s love for life & connection shine, making her a patient & empathetic therapist.

Tahlia is a vibrant and skilled speech pathologist, she has an infectious laugh and builds rapport and long lasting relationships with the people she supports. Tahlia prides herself on working in naturalistic environments with families 

Tahlia has a passion with early childhood intervention, (2-8) with a special interest in speech sound disorders and school-aged language.

Tahlia is trained in Hanen it takes two to talk and more than words. Tahlia is also certified LAMP trained for Augumentative and Alternative Communication devices. 

Outside of work you’ll find Tahlia at the gym, beach or a casual stroll through the markets. 

Bri graduated from Newcastle University with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Hons) in 2016. Bri has worked in paediatrics and neurological physiotherapy since graduating – a combination of clinic and community-based. Bri loves working across both environments to support children and families to incorporate what we do in the office into their everyday routines. Bri is passionate about therapy being fun and engaging, so its something that kids and families look forward to doing rather than feeling like they 'have' to do.

When Bri is not working Bri describes herself as your classic physio, loving all things physical activity – a fiend for yoga, pilates and running.

Allyciah, one of our Allied Health Assistants, is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy at the University of Newcastle, now in her third year of study. With a strong passion for working with children, Allyciah demonstrates a strong commitment to enhancing her expertise within the occupational therapy field. While still on the journey to achieve full qualification as a therapist, Allyciah arrives to each session with a vibrant and optimistic spirit. Outside of work, you can often find her enjoying walks with her border collie Indii, swimming or reading by the beach, or socialising with friends.