Anne is passionate about enabling individuals to participate fully in their everyday occupations. Since graduating from UniSA in 1986 with a Bachelor of Applied Science (OT), Anne has worked in a variety of settings providing OT services for children and adults. This has involved both physical and mental health. In 1991 Anne opened her private OT practice in Adelaide and this has continued to grow and develop.
Anne has continued to invest in personal study and attend conferences and workshops to develop her skills as an OT. As further evidence-based practice has emerged, Anne has modified the treatment techniques that she uses to ensure that the most current and evidence-based practices are used to assist individuals achieve their goals. Anne is a member of ECIA – Early Childhood Intervention Australia.
Training has included Co-Op training – Cognitive Orientation to Daily Occupational Performance in July and October 2018 and further training in ACT with Dr. Louise Hayes and her model DNA-V based on the work to assist adolescents to thrive. Also training with Michelle Garcia Winner and her Social Thinking model. Other training has included the Autism SA supported workshop with Kari Dunn-Buron and her Incredible 5 point scale. Also toilet training with Debbie Atkins, OT. Anne attended the “What’s the Buzz” training with Mark Le Messurier and runs small social skills groups based on this program.
Over the years Anne has undertaken training in Sensory Integration theory, Rhythmic Movement Training, Pain Management with Professor Michael Sullivan from McGill Institute in Toronto, ACT with Dr Russ Harris. She has trained in The Listening Program, Move to Learn, Motivational Interviewing applying this with both children and adults. As more evidence has become available, Anne has ceased practicing some of these methods.
Anne has worked with many children, adolescents and adults diagnosed with Autism. She has found that there are many ways to assist the families and children achieve many everyday functional activities. She also works with children with anxiety and how this impacts on their function and behaviour. She has had some great success with assisting children to manage their anxiety, both via sensory integration theory and other more traditional methods including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment therapy (ACT), Mindful Self Compassion (MSC).
Anne has also worked with children and adults with Aquired Brain Injury, Intellectual Disability and Neurological disorders. The teaching of life skills such as meal planning and cooking, cleaning, laundry and money management are also what Anne can focus on.
Anne is also able to assess if any Assistive Technology/Equipment will assist an individual to achieve a greater independence in everyday activities.
Anne’s goal setting and treatment supports the client/family centred approach focusing on strengths and skills and enhancing these through everyday occupational activities.
