“When I first started, the CEO, Alice, took the time to meet me for a coffee. I was so surprised. I’d never expected a CEO to do that. I feel personally valued here every day.”
Kate grew up in Sydney and studied Occupational Therapy at the University of Sydney. Her interest in the profession was sparked by a personal experience when her mum needed the support of an occupational therapist. Her mum recognised that Kate had the compassion and skills suited to the role and with encouragement Kate pursued the path, and from her very first day in the field, she knew it was the right fit.
For the first 20 years of her career, Kate worked in hospital settings, dedicating herself to adult care. In 2007, she and her husband relocated to the beautiful South Coast when he was deployed to the area with the Navy. Since then, their family has grown to five, and they’ve embraced coastal life wholeheartedly. Kate continued her work at Shoalhaven Hospital for many years but by 2024, she was ready for a new challenge.
A short stint in a wellbeing role at a Canberra school had planted a seed – she loved working with children and felt drawn to do more of it.
That’s when she reached out to the team at Noah’s Inclusion Services. The connection was immediate.
“It just felt like the right fit from the start,” Kate explains.
Despite her extensive experience, shifting into paediatrics was like starting a whole new chapter. She was looking for an organisation that would mentor and support her as she transitioned into working with children, and she found that at Noah’s.
“Moving into paediatrics has been a reinvention of my career halfway through, and I’m so glad I took the leap,” she says. “Noah’s have been supportive from day one. They’ve funded a number of training opportunities, including courses in play therapy, which is such a vital skill when working with children.”
Kate has embraced the challenge and joy of paediatric occupational therapy with enthusiasm. No two days, or families, are ever the same.
“Working with children is different every day. No family dynamic and no child is ever the same,” she says.
One of the most rewarding aspects for Kate is witnessing progress, and being part of that journey over a longer period than is often possible in a hospital setting.
“The great thing about kids is that they can make progress really quickly. I feel like I’m making a real difference for these families every day.”
As a parent herself, Kate finds she can relate to and support other parents on a deeper level.
“My therapy session might just be one hour in a child’s week, so building relationships with the family is key because they’re the ones supporting the child every day.”
Kate now splits her week between Noah’s offices in Nowra and Flinders, commuting from her home in Gerringong. Her day often begins onsite, collaborating with her team of health professionals before heading out to see clients at preschools, primary schools, or in their homes.
A preschool session might include helping a child develop the fine motor skills and independence needed for school readiness, like putting on a hat, opening a lunchbox, or unscrewing a water bottle cap. These small wins build confidence and autonomy in children.
“It’s incredibly rewarding work,” says Kate.
After seeing up to four children in different settings throughout the day, she returns to the office to complete documentation and provide important feedback to families, especially when she hasn’t met with them in person.
Although she’s only been at Noah’s for just over a year, Kate already feels deeply valued.
“When I first started, the CEO, Alice, took the time to meet me for a coffee. I was so surprised. I’d never expected a CEO to do that. I feel personally valued here every day.”
Kate is grateful for the path that brought her to the South Coast. She and her family have embraced the lifestyle. She’s an active patrolling member of the local Surf Club at Werri Beach.
Now, with a fulfilling second act to her career and a life rooted in the South Coast community, Kate feels like she’s found the perfect balance.
Are you interested in finding out more about starting a career as a Paediatric Occupational Therapist on the NSW South Coast?
Paediatric occupational therapists help children develop the skills they need for everyday life, supporting their growth, independence, and participation in school and play. The Bachelor of Applied Science (Occupational Therapy) equips you with the knowledge, practical skills, and professional accreditation needed to start your journey in this rewarding field.
With strong job flexibility, international recognition, and the chance to make a real impact in children’s lives, it’s a career full of purpose and opportunities.
