Compassionate
Occupational Therapy
At Accelerate Abilities we believe that developing meaningful relationships with our clients is essential to how individuals develop their independence. Ensuring that our clients feel connected and supported in all settings is key to what we do at Accelerate Abilities.
Our team of compassionate and connected Occupational Therapists work closely with each individual, their families and support network to understand their current strengths, areas of need and develop an individualised program to improve independence at home, at school and in the community.
We support our clients to overcome barriers to everyday life by focusing on promoting recovery and supporting them to engage in meaningful tasks, provide coping strategies for symptoms, building life skills and assisting with applying these skills to everyday life.
The Team
Peter Pazios
Director & Occupational Therapist - AdelaideOne of the co-founders and directors of Accelerate Abilities, Peter Pazios is a graduate of the University of South Australia with a Bachelor of Applied Science (Occupational Therapy). With experience working with children, teenagers and adults locally, overseas and across private, respite and educational settings, Peter brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to Accelerate Abilities.
Peter has a strong passion for working holistically alongside individuals and the support networks that are involved in an individual’s life. He focuses on identifying the areas of need for individuals and works on functional-based goals to support growth and independence.
Peter has also completed further training in behavioural therapy, feeding therapy, toileting and sleep, and has experience working with a range of both physical and cognitive disorders. He works closely with each individual, their family and support networks to collaboratively develop an individualised program to suit the needs of each individual.
Jessica Hank
Occupational Therapist - AdelaideAs an occupational therapist for almost 10 years, Jessica Hank is experienced across a broad range of sectors including both inpatient and community rehabilitation, and compensable injury.
Jess is passionate about a person-centred approach to therapy and loves working with clients to find a meaningful approach to achieving their individual goals. Jess values the diversity of what Occupational Therapy can offer clients whether it be learning or relearning skills, finding solutions to maintain or improve independent living skills such as assistive technology, or rehabilitation.
Jess's warm and nurturing approach, together with her knowledge and experience, maximises her clients’ ability to achieve their individual goals.
When she isn't working, Jess spends her time looking after her two-year-old daughter. She lives near the beach so you will often find her walking with coffee in hand and throwing the ball to her Boston Terrier, Frankie.
Sarah Barr
Occupational Therapist - Sunshine CoastSarah Barr is a devoted Occupational Therapist who is passionate about working with clients to support them in reaching their valued goals in life through engagement in meaningful and fun activities. She completed a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy at the University of South Australia and has experience in working alongside clients and their families with a variety of needs to develop therapeutic interventions that are goal-oriented, purposeful and stimulating.
Sarah has a strong passion for developing play skills and social development, gross motor and movement skills, fine motor and handwriting skills, school readiness and activities of daily living (ADLs)
Sarah enjoys working collaboratively with support networks and values their contributions during therapy, acknowledging this as a key factor in an individual’s development. She has experience working with children and adults of a variety of ethnic and cultural backgrounds, understanding the importance of culturally sensitive practice.
Sarah is an enthusiastic and creative therapist with a strong drive to deliver therapy sessions that are fun, stimulating and tailored to the individual’s needs, interests and priorities.
Eleni Kasidis
Occupational Therapist - AdelaideEleni Kasidis is a Paediatric Occupational Therapist who is passionate about working with children and young adults to assess functional limitations arising from illness, disability or mental health and providing them therapy to help them perform daily activities and achieve personal goals.
Eleni seeks to develop their skills to facilitate their success in whatever they put their minds to.
James Ridgwell
Occupational Therapist - AdelaideJames is a graduate of the University of South Australia with a Bachelor of Human Movement and a Master of Occupational Therapy. James has diverse experience in working with children and teenagers of all abilities across different settings such as therapy, education, sports and mentoring.
James has a passion for inclusivity and enhancing the lives of others in any way possible. He loves tailoring therapy to accommodate the interests of each individual and helping them to achieve their goals. He focuses on supporting the individual and working with their support networks to collaboratively work towards their goals.
Outside of work, you will likely find James playing and volunteering for his local football club, at the gym or walking his dogs.
Alanah Brown
Early Intervention Occupational Therapist - AdelaideAlanah is an Occupational Therapist who has experience working with clients across the lifespan. Alanah is a graduate of the University of South Australia’s Master of Occupational Therapy program with an undergraduate degree in Exercise and Sports Science. Through multiple years in the field, Alanah has focussed her professional/skill development on early intervention, particularly focusing on children aged 0-6 years. Her passion lies in providing targeted support during these formative years to foster optimal development and well-being.
Alanah's practice encompasses a diverse range of disabilities, including Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), genetic conditions, Cerebral Palsy, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), developmental delay, and intellectual disabilities. She is committed to working closely with individual clients and their support networks to achieve personalised goals and enhance day-to-day life.
Her approach is characterised by a holistic perspective, ensuring that therapy addresses specific challenges and integrates seamlessly with the client's everyday life. By collaborating with families and caregivers, Alanah strives to create meaningful, sustainable outcomes that support each client’s unique journey.
Sarah Josefsberg
Senior Occupational Therapist - MelbourneJames is a graduate of the University of South Australia with a Bachelor of Human Movement and a Master of Occupational Therapy. James has diverse experience in working with children and teenagers of all abilities across different settings such as therapy, education, sports and mentoring.
James has a passion for inclusivity and enhancing the lives of others in any way possible. He loves tailoring therapy to accommodate the interests of each individual and helping them to achieve their goals. He focuses on supporting the individual and working with their support networks to collaboratively work towards their goals.
Outside of work, you will likely find James playing and volunteering for his local football club, at the gym or walking his dogs.
Ashley Bennett
Senior Occupational Therapist - PerthAshleigh Bennett has a Bachelor of Science Occupational Therapy and a Masters in Medical Management and Health Leadership (Distinction). She has worked in the public mental health system for over 13 years in assertive treatment teams with adults, families, children and youth alike.
Moving from Senior Occupational Therapist positions to Service Manager and General Manager she has a breadth of experience working with people who experience mental ill health and navigating various health systems.
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