ACT Divisional Council

Leah is a registered Occupational Therapist with 24 years of experience in a variety of clinical settings in both public and private practice. She completed her bachelor’s degree in the Philippines and has worked in acute care, community health and occupational rehabilitation to name a few. She also has a special interest in aged care, palliative care and women’s health care.

Leah is an active participant in a number of online OT focus groups where various topics related to clinical practice and professional development are discussed. She has also been an active member of OT Australia since 2012, including the inaugural members’ commemorative roll.

Leah considers herself at a point in my career where she would like to be able to give back to the profession. Coming also from a non-English speaking country and a first-generation migrant to Australia, she can provide representation for members who share a similar background. She is keen to share her insights, views and experiences with other colleagues in the ACT divisional council to help advocate for the OT profession which she is very passionate about.

Alison is an occupational therapist, a Navy veteran, a Mum of three and a member of the OT Australia ACT Divisional Council. She completed the Masters of Occupational Therapy at the University of Canberra as a mature age student. Alison has worked in orthopaedic wards, occupational rehabilitation, in mental health occupational therapy in an acute mental health ward and with Open Arms veterans and families counselling service and is now working part time as a pain specialist occupational therapist at the ACT Pain Centre, as well as developing a role focused on post-high school autistic youth and adults with employment readiness at Employ for Ability.

Dee is the Director and Principal Occupational Therapist of Enhanced Health Therapy Services, a private practice located in Townsville, regional Queensland.

Initially Alison joined the Divisional Council as a student and continues to enjoy being part of the council to connect with and support the ACT Occupational Therapy community. She has a passion for supporting people to overcome barriers, to support participation, and improve their capacity to achieve their goals and live their best life and extends this to clients and advocacy for the occupational therapy profession.

Asimina has worked in a variety of settings including: dementia support specialist with Dementia Australia, community based blood cancer support services; general community rehabilitation including home modifications, and prescription for specialist aids and equipment; NDIS and My Aged care provider; and adult and older person’s community mental health.

Asimina has an interest in health policy, especially as it relates to community services. She has been employed by the Commonwealth Government in policy and program management positions with Comcare, (Commonwealth Government’s worker’s compensation insurer), the National Health and Medical Research Council (NH&MRC) as manager of the area that developed evidence-based health clinical health advice, the Commonwealth Government’s Office for Women, and the Commonwealth and ACT Departments of Health in primary health policy areas.

Bec is an Occupational Therapist currently working in NDIS. Bec is a second-year graduate. After completing her studies, Bec worked in aged care in the community and registered aged care facilities where she developed an interest in pain, dementia and lymphedema.

Bec completed her Master of Occupational Therapy at the University of Canberra as a mature aged student. Prior to becoming an Occupational Therapist, Bec worked in the Australian Public Service for 10 years. Bec had placements at the University of Canberra Cancer Clinic, within the community, occupational rehabilitation and an older person’s mental health unit. In 2022, Bec commenced a Master of Dementia Care at the University of Tasmania.

Bec has joined the council to gain a new perspective on occupational therapy within the wider community, understand barriers within the community and to support new students and graduates.