Bernadette Collins

Occupational Therapist

Bernadette graduated from the University of Newcastle with a Bachelor of Health Science (Occupational Therapy) (Hons) in 1995. Bernadette commenced Bernadette Collins Occupational Therapy in 1997 which has grown over the past 25 years and has now rebranded to Key Therapy Services. Bernadette’s private practice work incorporates areas from general therapy, functional assessments, equipment prescriptions, modification assessment, medico legal assessment and rehabilitation.

Bernadette participates regularly in ongoing professional development to facilitate the best outcomes.

Bernadette is a qualified Complex Home Modifications Occupational Therapist and is also a DVA Approved Provider and registered for NDIS.

Christine O’Brien

Occupational Therapist

Born and raised in the Lismore area, Christine completed her Bachelor of Applied Science in Occupational Therapy from Sydney University in 1993. She has worked in both Australia and the UK in a variety of community and hospital settings. Christine has been working for Key Therapy Services since 2007. She has expertise in the areas of functional assessment, equipment prescription, home modifications, pressure care, cognitive assessment and adult rehabilitation.

Christine enjoys working in a client centred multidisciplinary setting supporting people to reach their full functional potential.

Christine is a qualified Complex Home Modifications Occupational Therapist, registered NDIS provider and is also a DVA Approved Provider.

Melanie Hockings

Occupational Therapist

Melanie graduated from Southern Cross University in 2022 and has four years of experience working as an Occupational Therapist across the NDIS and aged care sectors. Melanie has a particular interest in supporting people living with dementia and sensory loss, including hearing and vision impairment. She is passionate about finding practical, person-centred solutions that promote independence, safety, participation and quality of life.

Her experience includes assistive technology prescription and review, home modifications, functional assessments and developing individualised strategies to support people in their everyday environments. Melanie takes a strengths-based and collaborative approach, working closely with clients, families and support teams to identify solutions that are meaningful and achievable.

Melanie is committed to ongoing professional development and enjoys learning about each person’s unique experiences, goals and strengths. Melanie is a DVA Approved Provider and a registered NDIS provider.

Katie Slattery

Occupational Therapist

Katie is an Occupational Therapist with over 10 years of experience supporting people to build confidence, independence and greater participation in everyday life. She also holds a degree in Sport and Exercise Science, which she completed prior to her Occupational Therapy degree in 2015.

Her main areas of expertise are mental health, neurodevelopmental conditions and intellectual disabilities, with extensive experience working within the NDIS. Katie has a particular interest in functional capacity assessments, practical therapy interventions and helping people develop strategies that are realistic, meaningful and suited to their individual needs.

Katie takes a relaxed, practical and person-centred approach to therapy. She values building genuine rapport with her clients and aims to create a space where people feel comfortable, understood and supported to work towards goals that matter to them.

Katie is a registered NDIS provider.

Keely Mobley

Occupational Therapist

Keely graduated from Southern Cross University in 2024 and is passionate about supporting people to maintain their independence, safety and quality of life.

She has experience working across NDIS, and Aged Care settings with a particular interest in assistive technology, home modifications, functional assessments and supporting people to participate meaningfully in their everyday lives.

Keely brings a warm, collaborative and practical approach to her work, taking the time to understand each person’s individual needs, goals and environment to develop solutions that are meaningful and achievable.

Keely is a DVA Approved Provider and a registered NDIS provider.

Kelda Hjelmström

Occupational Therapist

Kelda has grown up in the Northern Rivers area and graduated with a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy degree in 2019 from Southern Cross University. Kelda has previous experience working in early intervention with NDIS participants aged between 3-16 years, supporting development of emotional regulation, fine and gross motor skills, self-care and daily living skills, social skills, and executive function skills. Kelda has completed post-graduate study and graduated with a Masters in Mental Health Art Therapy degree from the University of Queensland in 2023 and is eager to utilise these skills in mental health across all age groups.

Kelda is a registered NDIS provider.

Kate

Occupational Therapist

Kate is an AHPRA-registered Occupational Therapist with a strong interest in dementia care and supporting our community’s most vulnerable. Kate brings a wealth of lived experience, including years travelling before settling in the Northern Rivers. Kate’s worked across the lifespan from children to adults, finding her true passion in aged care. Kate’s practice is genuinely client-centred, blending functional assessments, home modifications, and assistive technology with compassionate advocacy for individual needs. Kate believes every client deserves to be heard and treated with dignity.

Kate is a registered NDIS provider.

Jane 

Office Manager

Jane moved to the Northern Rivers in 1990 and completed a Bachelor of Business through the University of New England. Jane has extensive experience in medical administration, having been the backbone to Key Therapy Services since 2004. Jane is our Operations Manager and ensures all the behind the scenes administration is completed. Her efficiency ensures the practice runs smoothly.

Wendy

Scheduler

Wendy, our second wonderful administrator, started working at Key Therapy Services in 2022. Wendy is also a born and raised local; and has had many years’ of experience in customer service, having moved into Allied Health after a career in banking. Wendy’s friendly outgoing manner endears her to all our clients and her organisational skills ensure our clients get a timely service.