Therapists

My name is Bridget and I am from the beautiful South Island of Aotearoa (New Zealand). This is where I completed my Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition and Master of Dietetics studies. I recently joined the team at Realise Ability and I also work as a dietitian at Esperance Hospital. 

Before living in Esperance, I was working in East Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory. And prior to that I was based in Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand. I have always enjoyed working alongside children and their families and love this part of my job.

My role at Realise Ability involves addressing your child’s growth, nutrient and mealtime challenges. I encourage a child-led approach to feeding therapy and prioritise client and family centered goals when establishing a treatment plan. 

I work in collaboration with our fantastic RA team and I feel passionate about helping others to optimise their nutrition and live healthy lives.

In my spare time I enjoy ocean swimming, reading my book, yoga and hiking. I love making food and value time spent with my friends and family. 

I moved to Esperance and joined our team in 2022.  I completed my studies at Murdoch University, receiving first-class honours for my thesis on resilience amongst persons with MS.  

During my studies I worked as a support-worker for adults experiencing mental health issues. This gave me great insight into the daily struggles faced by these people and taught me just as much about resilience as my thesis did! Since working at Realise Ability, I have enjoyed re-focusing on children's mental health. I believe that the work we do gives our young clients the chance to learn the skills that will eventually help them to fulfil their true potential as adults. As someone who is also interested in the arts and music, I very much enjoy the creative aspects that come with this job too - I don't mind going home covered in paint and glitter at all!

NB:  Lydia and her partner have recently relocated to Perth.  While we find our next Psychologist, Lydia is continuing to support our team and her clients via Telehealth

 Born and raised in Victoria I moved to WA at the beginning of 2022 for a new adventure and some warmer weather. After enjoying Perth for a year, I recently made the move to Esperance where I am loving the scenery and lifestyle that comes with a rural town. In my spare time I enjoy playing netball, going for walks, swimming and surfing. 

Since graduating I have worked primarily within the disability sector supporting individuals of all ages from kids to elderly to make the most of their daily life. I am passionate about child led therapy and believe everyone is the expert in their own lives meaning that therapy should be about helping to achieve their greatest goals regardless of societal expectations. Because of this I enjoy supporting people in their own environments such as at home, school, their favourite playgrounds or shopping centres. 

I love being a Speech Pathologist because it gives me the opportunity to meet new and wonderful people every day and build relationships with the people I support where I learn from them just as much as I may teach.  I feel very privileged to have the opportunity to assist people every day to find their voice and be able to express themselves in their own unique and individual ways.

By far the hairiest member of the team, Molly is always up for a walk, a ball game, a run or simply a cuddle. She is a great listener!

Molly is a Cavoodle who joined the team at 3 months old. Her training has begun with basic obedience and she will shortly start official therapy dog training. She is missing her back left knee cap and you might see her holding that leg in the air every now and again. It doesn’t hurt and it definitely doesn’t stop her from doing the fastest zoomies we have ever seen!