Education & Work History
Hi, I’m Jessica. I grew up in a small country town in North West NSW called Wee Waa. Though small in size, it has a big heart. My upbringing there instilled in me a strong commitment to ensuring quality health care for people living in rural communities.
I graduated from the University of Sydney in 2003 with a degree in Occupational Therapy.
After university, I spent three years in Mudgee, working for the Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care. From 2006 until early 2022, I worked as a rural generalist Occupational Therapist in Narrabri. During this time, I gained extensive experience working with people of all ages and life stages, both in the community and hospital settings.
In 2022, I spent six months working in a well-regarded private practice, supporting adult clients.
In 2023, my 20th year as an Occupational Therapist, I chose to focus on the area I’m most passionate about: working with children. In 2023, I started a private paediatric Occupational Therapy business, Grow Thrive Shine Occupational Therapy.
What brings meaning to my life
I deeply love my family. I’m a wife to a man whose outside-the-box thinking continues to amaze me after more than 20 years. I’m a proud mother of three wonderful children who bring me joy and help me see the world through fresh eyes. I’m also a daughter, and if there were a list of the greatest parents of all time, mine would surely be on it. Their love, example, and unwavering support have shaped who I am.
As a Christian, my faith in God gives me immense peace. I also find great satisfaction in small, personal joys—like gardening and creating art—which bring a sense of accomplishment.
Being an Occupational Therapist allows me to work with incredible people and adds deep purpose to my life. I look forward to supporting the children I work with to find ways to engage in activities that bring meaning and joy to their own lives.