ABOUT US
Avanza Rehab commenced operation in 2017 offering Case Management and Occupational Therapy services. We specialize in offering services to people with severe injuries after motor vehicle accidents and workplace injuries. We travel all over NSW and ACT for one off assessments and therapy. Our staff have diverse clinical skills and experience with Lifetime Care and Support, Workerscare and CTP schemes.
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We provide assessments and treatment for people with complex injuries following motor vehicle accidents and workplace injuries. We also provide assessments and treatment for people with disabilities including neurological disorders and vision impairments.
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We are registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency AHPRA and members of Occupational Therapy Australia.
KATE POLLARD
Kate is our Director at Avanza Rehab, and works in Case Management and Occupational Therapy. Kate has been working as a case manager since 2008 and has been an Occupational Therapist since 1989. She worked at Access Brain Injury Services in Sydney from September 2008. Prior to that Kate worked at Allianz CTP managing a team of rehabilitation advisors who worked with people with complex and catastrophic injuries.
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Kate is a registered Occupational Therapist and has qualifications in Rehabilitation Counselling, primary education and a Masters in Linguistics having lived overseas in South America for many years. She speaks Spanish fluently.
Kate has extensive experience in paediatrics having worked with children with cerebral palsy, vision impairments and neurological conditions at the Spastic Society of Victoria, Vision Australia and overseas in private practice and in schools. She also has experience with people with vision impairments and blindness.
ABBY COMER
Abby is our Senior Occupational Therapist at Avanza Rehab., Abby is based in the Northern Beaches and completed her PGDip in Occupational Therapy in Scotland in 2004 after first completing a BSc in Psychology. Over the years she has worked in the UK, New Zealand and Australia in a wide variety of roles.
Specialising in Neuro rehab in recent years she has an in-depth knowledge of minor and major home modifications, equipment provision and cognitive and physical rehab. Abby is FIM accredited and proficient in a range of standardised cognitive assessments (e.g. MOCA, OCS, CMOP, Rookwood, Needle) she has a strong functional approach to rehab and enjoys working with a range of cases and complexities.
PAEDIATRIC OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST COMING SOON
Paediatric Occupational Therapist Coming Soon
JOHN SIU
John Siu is the latest addition to our Avanza Rehab team as an Occupational Therapist. John earned his BSc in Occupational Therapy from Hong Kong in 2017. Since then, he has worked in various settings, including acute care hospitals, rehabilitation hospitals, and community outreach services. John has experience with a wide range of disabilities, such as neurological, orthopedic, and mental health conditions.
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His interest in neurological rehabilitation led him to complete a master’s degree in stroke and clinical neuroscience. John is dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities achieve maximum independence and lead meaningful lives.
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COLLEEN FULLER
Colleen Fuller is our dedicated Office Manager with over 10 years of experience in disability administration and group program management. Colleen’s proficiency extends beyond traditional office management, as she also adeptly handles social media and website management. Her ability to navigate the digital landscape has proven invaluable in maintaining a strong online presence and fostering communication. With her comprehensive skill set and commitment to excellence, Colleen continues to make significant contributions in her field. Her blend of administrative expertise and digital acumen sets her apart, making her a vital asset to our team.
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SALLY
PHELPS
Sally Phelps is our experienced Occupational Therapist based in Central West NSW. She graduated from The University of Sydney in 1990.
Over the years, Sally has gained extensive paediatric experience through roles at Cerebral Palsy Alliance, Westmead Children’s Hospital, LifeStart Disability Services, the Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children, and Aruma. Her passion lies in working with children with profound and multiple disabilities, helping them connect meaningfully with their loved ones and the world around them.
In addition to her clinical work, Sally is a Clinical Supervisor for Occupational Therapy students, sharing her knowledge and experience with the next generation. She continues to love her work as an Occupational Therapist and is committed to mentoring and supporting emerging professionals in the field.
