Meet the team

Vanessa Arratia (she/her)

Program Coordinator / Speech Pathologist >
Extensive experience in rehabilitation, palliative care and sexuality services.

Let us introduce Vanessa, a highly experienced professional with a background in both palliative care and rehabilitation. Having worked across various healthcare settings, including inpatient and community services, Vanessa brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role. She has primarily focused on supporting individuals with acquired brain injuries such as stroke and traumatic brain injury, as well as those with neurodegenerative conditions like Parkinson’s disease. Her interventions center around communication, speech, and swallowing goals, empowering her clients to enhance their quality of life.

What truly excites Vanessa about her work is witnessing the progress and achievements of her clients, particularly in the realm of communication related to sexuality, intimacy, and dating. She is passionate about helping her clients navigate these aspects of their lives, fostering a sense of empowerment and confidence.

Vanessa finds immense reward in hearing about her clients’ successful dates or fulfilling conversations on dating apps. It is a testament to their growth and the positive impact she has had on their journey towards meaningful connections.

With Vanessa’s expertise and guidance, clients can expect a compassionate and skilled therapist who is dedicated to helping them overcome communication barriers and achieve their goals. She understands the importance of open and honest communication in fostering healthy relationships, and she is committed to providing the necessary support and strategies to facilitate her clients’ success. Vanessa’s person-centered approach ensures that each individual’s unique needs and aspirations are taken into account, creating a safe and supportive space for growth and exploration.

Ashleigh Ewen

Senior Physiotherapist

Ashleigh is a Senior Physiotherapist specialising in neurological physiotherapy, passionate about enabling clients’ meaningful goals.

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Iain Irving

Senior Occupational Therapist

Iain is an OT with 17+ years of experience at Royal Rehab across Brain Injury and Sexuality Services. He is passionate about advocating for clients’ goals.

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Isabella (Bella) Pelagio

Isabella (Bella) Pelagio

Physiotherapist

Isabella is a physiotherapist experienced in acute care, community settings and advanced technology.

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Jason Redhead

Jason Redhead

Senior Physiotherapist & Advanced Technology Clinical Lead

In his role as the Advanced Technology Clinical Lead at Royal Rehab LifeWorks in Ryde, Jason's passion lies in harnessing the power of technology to enhance client engagement and improve therapy outcomes

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Jessica Beauman

Jessica Beauman

Occupational Therapist

Jessica has experience in stroke rehab, specialising in upper limb and cognitive retraining with advanced tech.

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Joel Chan

Joel Chan

Physiotherapist

Experienced in neuro rehab, community rehab, and ortho/musculoskeletal therapy, including advanced technology. Excited to empower clients.

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Kate Macindoe

Kate Macindoe

Occupational Therapist

Kate has experience with various diagnoses, assistive technology, and driving assessments, and enjoys promoting independence.

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Katrina Moles

Katrina Moles

Physiotherapist

Neurological rehab specialist excited to offer clients the best outcomes with advanced technology. Passionate about innovation.

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Kylie Chambers

Kylie Chambers

Clinical Operations Manager at Royal Rehab LifeWorks Ryde

As the Clinical Operations Manager, Kylie is thrilled by her staff's problem-solving abilities, as they strive to find the optimal solutions for client success.

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Marie Crema

Marie Crema

Administration Officer

Marie has a background in audiology & allied health, and loves making a difference in a collaborative team.

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Melinda Beecham

Melinda Beecham

Program Coordinator

Disability sector experience across multiple countries. Passionate about tech-driven rehabilitation and client-focused services.

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Natalie Pedler

Allied Health Assistant

Experienced in diverse roles including aged care, sports programs, and hydrotherapy. Is also a skilled swim instructor.

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Brittney Hilliard

Senior Occupational Therapist and Occupational Therapy Driver Assessor

Brittney is a dedicated Occupational Therapist with a passion for neuro-based conditions.

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Bethany Halmy

Exercise Physiologist

Bethany is a dedicated Exercise Physiologist with extensive rehab experience

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Sarah Coorey 

Allied Health Assistant

Passionate about helping clients achieve their goals and improve their quality of life through collaborative therapy.

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Rujun Qiang

Occupational Therapist

Rujun is an accomplished Occupational Therapist specialising in neurological rehabilitation, dedicated to enhancing clients' functionality and independence.

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Alejandra Casarotti Romano

Speech Pathologist

A dedicated Speech Pathologist, fluent in Italian and Spanish, specialising in adult speech, language, and fluency disorders.

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Sonia Feng

Senior Physiotherapist

Sonia is a Senior Physiotherapist with extensive experience in neurological rehabilitation.

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Phillipa Mills

Physiotherapist

Dedicated Physiotherapist with a passion for patient-centered care and background in neurological rehabilitation and geriatrics.

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Derek Chung

Occupational Therapist

Derek is a dedicated occupational therapist passionate about empowering individuals with neurological conditions through innovative interventions.

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Heidi Giewald

Psychosexual Therapist

Heidi is a Psychosexual Therapist with over 15 years of expertise in sexual health and counselling, focusing on enhancing pleasure and supporting clients with diverse sexual and cognitive health needs.

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Vanessa Arratia (she/her)

Let us introduce Vanessa, a highly experienced professional with a background in both palliative care and rehabilitation. Having worked across various healthcare settings, including inpatient and community services, Vanessa brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role. She has primarily focused on supporting individuals with acquired brain injuries such as stroke and traumatic brain injury, as well as those with neurodegenerative conditions like Parkinson’s disease. Her interventions center around communication, speech, and swallowing goals, empowering her clients to enhance their quality of life.

What truly excites Vanessa about her work is witnessing the progress and achievements of her clients, particularly in the realm of communication related to sexuality, intimacy, and dating. She is passionate about helping her clients navigate these aspects of their lives, fostering a sense of empowerment and confidence.

Vanessa finds immense reward in hearing about her clients’ successful dates or fulfilling conversations on dating apps. It is a testament to their growth and the positive impact she has had on their journey towards meaningful connections.

With Vanessa’s expertise and guidance, clients can expect a compassionate and skilled therapist who is dedicated to helping them overcome communication barriers and achieve their goals. She understands the importance of open and honest communication in fostering healthy relationships, and she is committed to providing the necessary support and strategies to facilitate her clients’ success. Vanessa’s person-centered approach ensures that each individual’s unique needs and aspirations are taken into account, creating a safe and supportive space for growth and exploration.