Your Guide in Occupational Therapy Growth
A Little About Me
Hello, I’m Nicole—an occupational therapist, wife, mother of two young boys, and owner of two cheeky dogs! My journey in occupational therapy (for over 20 years now!) has been defined by a commitment to supporting therapists to achieve deliver best practice and compassionate care, while helping my clients achieve meaningful outcomes.
What Sets Me Apart?
Kind, Authentic, Vulnerable and Compassionate
I lead with compassion, kindness and authenticity. I’m a recovering perfectionist and people pleaser who is a work-in-progress whilst also being an experienced and highly competent OT.
Supervision, Leadership & Service Development
I love supervising and supporting therapists as well as building, leading, and improving clinical services.
Academic and Evidence-Based
I’m a bit of a nerd who loves research but especially loves applying evidence to real world clinical practice and making best-practice recommendations.
Experience in complex systems and schemes
I have experience with delivering comprehensive assessment, paired with evidence based recommendations, through independent assessor and medicolegal work. I am confident with navigating systems like National Disability Insurance Scheme, Return to Work SA and Lifetime Support Authority.
Diverse Clinical Background
- Extensive experience across public, private, and not-for-profit sectors.
- I work with adolescents and adults with brain injury, stroke, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s Disease, Functional Neurological Disorder, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, persistent pain, amputation and other neurological and neurodevelopmental conditions.
- I deliver assessment and interventions with a focus on neurological and physical rehabilitation and capacity building as well as OT Driver Assessment Services.
Why I Do What I Do
I think Occupational Therapy is a wonderful profession and I’ve loved so many aspects of my clinical work, in particular with being able to view clients holistically and really work alongside them to support them to achieve things that they want and need to do that are personally meaningful to them.
However, I’ve also been in the trenches at times as an OT where I’ve struggled with high workloads, feeling undervalued or unrecognised for our unique role and working within systems that were not well aligned with my values.
My own burnout experience led me to start Encourage OT with the intention to deliver high quality clinical services founded in compassionate evidence-based care and to combine this with delivering mentoring, supervision and professional development services for other therapists.
I love supporting OTs to be the best therapist they can be clinically, professionally and personally- and to deliver excellent outcomes for their clients but without burning themselves out!
My greatest joy is seeing OTs and fellow health professionals maximise their potential, succeed and feel fulfilled in their roles; knowing they’re doing meaningful and valued work that is making a difference in the community.
My Values
I value kindness, compassion, learning, curiosity and open-mindedness, fairness, authenticity and vulnerability. Developing a deep understanding of each person’s journey and trying my best to make a difference is at the core of my approach.
I strive to provide a safe, supportive space for reflection, skill-building, and growth—whether you’re an individual therapist or an organisation looking to strengthen your team.
As featured in OT Australia’s Connections Magazine
Let's Work Together
If you’re looking for a mentor or consultant who brings warmth, experience, and innovative thinking to every interaction, I’d love to connect!