Allied Health Professionals Day

James Fitzpatrick

State Manager VIC

Qualifications

Bachelor of Applied Science (Occupational Therapy), The University of Sydney
Acquired brain injury, Uni of Tasmania
Neurological Rehabilitation, Melbourne University
Current (2024) enrolment in the Allied Health Leadership Development program offered by the Victorian Department of Health and Monash University

Awards

Melbourne Health Awards 2022 – Excellence in Allied Health (Winner – Team)
Royal Melbourne Hospital Allied Health Awards: Excellence in Allied Health (Winner – Individual)
2023 Melbourne Health Excellence Awards: People’s Choice Award (Finalist – Individual)
2023 International Forum on Quality and Safety in Healthcare / BMJ (Melbourne): Presentation – Transdisciplinary Model of Care Forum
2023 MacHSR Research Fellowship
2023 Victoria Department of Health ‘Bright Spot’ invitation

Background

Jimmy started his career in Occupational Therapist with 5 years at a Rehabilitaiton Services provider where he was a principal consultant in multiple locations. Wanting to then further his clinical skillset, Jimmy held Highly Specialist and Rehab Coordinator OT band 7 roles with the NHS in London, focusing on Enhanced Rapid Response and Surgical teams before returning to Australia to hold roles in Darwin, Queensland and Melbourne in Chronic Pain teams. Jimmy is currently in a Senior Clinician role with Melbourne Health with a complex discharge planning team, where he has led a pivotal role in a first-of-its-kind complex acute care pilot project.

This included orchestrating a highly specialised critical allied health assessment service with a tailored approach which provides complementary strategies to those employed by Prudence Rehab’s Occupational Rehab teams. Jimmy has been completing Expert Witness Consulting reports within Workers Compensation in Victoria since 2018 and continues to his proficiency in identifying the impact of injuries across all life domains, utilising clinical reasoning, meta-analysis, and research to support assessments.

Favourite Album

Radiohead – In Rainbows

The PR Value Which Most Resonates With Me

I commenced my tertiary education in Rehab Counselling, prior to switching to OT. Drawing on this, I have strong alignment to Thriving Team, whereby drawing on the unique skillsets of different allied health disciplines can allow better results for the client / patient.

The Cause I Feel Most Attached To

McGrath Foundation. Jimmy has had many of his family members impacted by Breast Cancer, so has led many fundraisers for this cause. Jimmy is a keen distance runner, completing over 2 dozen marathons around the world. In combining these passions, Jimmy ran the New York City Marathon to help raise over $10,000 for the MGF.

Rod Farrell

Head of Injury Prevention

Qualifications

Bachelor of Sport & Exercise Science

Background

From an early age, I have always been interested in physical health and sports. This led me to completing a Sport Science Degree and becoming an Accredited Exercise Physiologist. My journey has allowed me to work with both psychological and physical injuries in the return-to-work sector clinically and as an injury management consultant. With 10 years clinical, operational & leadership experience in the allied health industry I am well-equipped to support clients and customers in the musculoskeletal, injury prevention and workplace rehabilitation setting. Having undergone two ACL reconstructions & a hip arthroscopy, I have direct experience with the recovery and prevention journey which helps me to connect with clients & support improved outcomes for all parties.

Favourite Album

I have a wide variety of tastes and I love going down the algorithm playlists Spotify and the like send me on, but I tend to always go back to Linkin Park as a favourite and their first album Hybrid Theory.

The PR Value Which Most Resonates With Me

Health at Work – I am a firm believer of the benefits of good work and how it is beneficial to people’s health and wellbeing. By being a part of a culture that focuses on health it is easy to impart that knowledge onto others both internally and externally.

The Cause I Feel Most Attached To

Grassroots football (soccer) through coaching and volunteering to help kids stay active and healthy while helping to build confidence through team sports.

Nicole Piccinin

Senior Rehabilitation Consultant

Qualifications

Bachelor of Science (Occupational Therapy)

Background

I have over 11 years’ multi-jurisdictional experience as an Occupational Therapist during which I have gained both clinical experience and led a team of allied health professionals within a workplace rehabilitation setting. Cross jurisdictional vocational rehabilitation experience extends to multiple workers’ compensation schemes including WA, QLD, NSW and Comcare, both with a national rehabilitation provider, and with the Emergency Services in an employer-based role.

Previous experience also includes the delivery of OT services within DVA, Life Insurance and CTP schemes, in addition to clinical roles at both Joondalup Hospital in the orthopaedic and stroke wards and Osborne Park Hospital in the mental health facility.

Favourite Album

Down to Earth, Flight Facilities

The PR Value Which Most Resonates With Me

Trust; Trust makes a person feel listened too, safe and comfortable. It will allow an individual to build better relationships and perform better in their lives whether that is at home or work. It allows for collaboration and strong workplace culture which in turn leads to improved relationships and outcomes.

The Cause I Feel Most Attached To

Beyond Blue- Having worked closely with many individuals requiring mental health support, Beyond Blue provide free mental health services to allow individuals to obtain advice and have someone to talk to when they are feeling ‘blue’.

Lindsey Lynn

Operations & Support Manager

Qualifications

Bachelor of Arts and Social Sciences (Honours)

Background

Originally from Liverpool, UK, I now call Australia home. Starting my career working with young offenders, I have always demonstrated a passion for helping people and am proud to work in an industry that gives back to the wider community and makes a difference.

Favourite Album

Rumours, Fleetwood Mac

The PR Value Which Most Resonates With Me

Employee Fulfillment- This value resonates the most with me because I enjoy working with like-minded, hardworking teammates who strive for success, celebrate their wins and have some fun along the way.

The Cause I Feel Most Attached To

Bush Heritage Australia https://www.bushheritage.org.au/ is an independent not-for-profit charity that helps to protect Australian landscapes and native species. I find being outdoors, whether that be camping or hiking at the weekend contributes to my overall health and wellbeing so it’s important to me that we protect our land and work towards a sustainable future.

Lauren Denniss

Regional Manager

Qualifications

Bachelor of Physiotherapy

Background

I graduated from University of Newcastle in 2014 before working for 3 years in a private physiotherapy practice. I moved to Sydney in 2017 to pursue rugby league with the sharks women’s team which was when I moved into Rehabilitation Consulting which I became really passionate about. Over the past 4-5 years I’ve developed my skills as a Rehab consultant before moving into a team leader and then regional manager role.

Favourite Album

Ed Sheeran x

The PR Value Which Most Resonates With Me

Trust/Accountability, I feel that accountability is one of the most important values when in a leadership position as being highly accountable as a leader results in trust being built with my colleagues and also clients. Trust is something that is hugely important to me, not only within the workplace but within all of my relationships which is why I emphasise this in my work.

The Cause I Feel Most Attached To

Black Dog Institute – mental health has always been important me and Black Dog institute have been very active within the football clubs that I have played with.

Chris Wilson

Psychological Services Manager

Qualifications

Bachelor of Science (Psychology)
Postgraduate Diploma of Psychology

Background

I have enjoyed a variety of working environments within mental health and injury management. Having previously worked in a Counselling practice with a focal point upon anxiety / depression, relationship issues, parenting plans, dispute resolution and anger management. Following a transition into return to work rehab I have enjoyed assisting injured workers in their recovery and return to work while working alongside stakeholders to promote a healthy recovery plan. I am now in a role where I am fortunate to develop, deliver and monitor tailored programs that may serve both workers and employers in managing return to work and workplace mental health needs.

Favourite Album

In Between Dreams – Jack Johnson

The PR Value Which Most Resonates With Me

Health – Physical and Mental Health Wellbeing, to practice what we preach and believe in what we deliver – that this would be both meaningful and effective.

The Cause I Feel Most Attached To

I feel drawn to helping under privileged children and assisting women escape abusive relationships through organisations that assist in provision of a safe / supportive and nurturing environments that fosters opportunity for happiness and a future.

Johan Watson

CTP Account Manager/ Principal Consultant

Qualifications

Bachelor of Health Science (Occupational Therapy)

Background

An Occupational Therapist with 6+ years’ experience in occupational rehab, 4+ years specialising in CTP Insurance. Experience in Injury Management Advisor role for a CTP Insurer. Experience as in-house Return to Work Coordinator for a national Employer.

Favourite Album

The White Stripes, Elephant

The PR Value Which Most Resonates With Me

Integrity is the value that best resonates with me. The value is at the core of Prudence Rehab and is foundational for the truly unique culture that has been fostered within a company that I am very proud to be a part of.

The Cause I Feel Most Attached To

OzHarvest. I appreciate the significant amount of work this organisation does for the community and environment. It is so great to see an organisation that has dedicated their time and work towards minimising wastage and redistributing food to people in need, within the community. Not only are they feeding the community, they provide work experience for those with disability and are also have created an incentive which works to have a significant impact on the preservation of the environment that we live in. Amazing to see an organisation have such a positive impact across multiple pressing issues that are our community is faced with.

Kym McMaster

State Manager QLD

Qualifications

Bachelor of Physiotherapy
APA Titled Occupational Health Physiotherapist

Background

Previously worked within private practice clinical and aged care settings, continue with occasional ad hoc locum private practice musculoskeletal work. Working within Occ Rehab for over 10 years with variety of providers, previously servicing rural/regional QLD on FIFO basis in addition to SEQ work. JCU graduate and regularly travel up to Townsville several times per year to visit family.

Favourite Album

Varies week to week, but anything by Queen is normally a winner

The PR Value Which Most Resonates With Me

Trust/Accountability, being able to depend on your colleagues to support you at work allows individuals to thrive, and creates a caring and nurturing environment for everyone to grow and become their best selves.

The Cause I Feel Most Attached To

Having had several friends and family members experience cancer journeys, the Cancer Council and similar organisations.

Danél Craib

State Manager NSW/ACT

Qualifications

Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy (Hons)
Post Grad in Vocational Rehabilitation

Background

As a South African trained OT I’ve been fortunate enough to have spent the last decade and a half assisting individuals retain and return to work, overcoming complex barriers. My clinical experience includes both physical and psychological injuries and my somewhat unorthodox experience as a life underwriter and disability and claims consultant in health risk management has provided me with an unusual passion for the commercial aspects of premiums and reducing risk in the workplace. At Prudence Rehab I get to assist in steering our fabulous team to do this too and allowing everyone to work to their strengths utilising their phenomenal experience. A casual runner, lover of yoga, mum of two and traveller at heart, I’m always up or a chat and coffee. My ultimate goal is to make a positive impact in our world.

Favourite Album

Always too many to choose from but lets go with: Roxette – Look Sharp!

The PR Value Which Most Resonates With Me

This would be Health. We have one short life and I truly believe that we need to savour it for all its worth, protecting our health in all aspects for our individual and collective well being. It’s a privilege for me to work in an industry which assists individuals restore their health and partner with employers to create healthier and safer workplaces so employees can thrive.

The Cause I Feel Most Attached To

Gift of the Givers. I don’t think you will be ever be able to take the soul of Africa out of me. This is a cause I’ve work alongside since its infancy, its vision is to make a real and telling difference by serving mankind for the ‘Greater Good’. It assists making the world a better place in developing countries through: Disaster response; hunger alleviation, water provision, health care; education and human development. It was started by one man, whose belief is that, our common humanity unites us. A key reminder to me, what just one person can do. https://giftofthegivers.org/

Mitch Clark

National Relationship Manager

Qualifications

Master’s degree of Exercise Physiology

Background

I have 10 years’ experience in personal injury and workers compensation gaining experience in a clinical setting, large National insurers and Rehab Providers as well as managing the Workers Compensation department for a National insurance Broker. I have built an in-depth understanding of the roles of each stakeholder involved in the rehabilitation process and understands the positive impact of quality injury management and rehabilitation. I Pride himself on building strong, lasting relationships underpinned by quality communication, customer service and reliability.

I am also a passionate Sydney Swans fan and trail runner who is well past his prime although still loves a plod through the bush.

Favourite Album

The Whitlams – Eternal Nightcap

The PR Value Which Most Resonates With Me

Health: In a busy industry it is so easy to get caught up in an ever-increasing workload, I love that Prudence has made this a focus to encourage and applaud healthy work practices like fitness initiatives, group walks and walking/mobile meetings rather than giving kudos to workers for being the first to arrive and the last to leave.

The Cause I Feel Most Attached To

I am passionate about the charity “Sunshine Butterflies” which is disability support for individual children with severe needs. I was introduced to this charity through a fundraising event and have never looked back, being able to raise money and assist children and young adults whom are suffering from rare and incurable diseases and to meet them in person and actually see the difference donations make to an individual or their family is just incredible.

Nathan Cook

Head of Client Relations

Qualifications

Bachelor of Business (HR Management) & Bachelor of Laws

Background

I am a proud Queenslander with a legal background, working in Personal Injury firm in Brisbane as a trainee solicitor. My passion for complex injury management saw me move across to an Insurer, where I held various roles across multiple schemes, providing a strong foundation for my role of Head of Client Relations at Prudence Rehab.

Favourite Album

In Between Dreams, Jack Johnson

The PR Value Which Most Resonates With Me

Quality / Excellence – Whether externally or internally, I love being able to trust someone, or have some trust me, to get the job done right.

The Cause I Feel Most Attached To

With support from Prudence Rehab as a sponsor, I was able to travel to Uganda and Tanzania for the ‘School for Life Foundation’, a charity providing schooling, 3 meals a day and clean drinking water to villages. I strongly believe in education and clean water as fundamental human rights and to be able to contribute to that was an amazing experience! As part of the trip, I raised money by summitting Mt Kilimanjaro and donated back to the schools.

Rene Becker

Director, Strategy & Partnerships

Qualifications

Bachelor of Applied Science (Human Movement Studies)
ANZIFF (Senior Associate) Certified Insurance Professional

Background

I’m passionate about human interactions through their ability to influence positive health outcomes. Having completed a full employment circle over the past 18 years within the insurance profession (clinical treatment and rehabilitation provider – CTP and workers compensation insurers – insurance broker – rehabilitation provider), I’ve seen many different aspects to human interaction, and am now fortunate to be able to help lead an organisation which values both people and performance aligned to the delivery of strategical intervention for our partners.

I also have a passion for travel and food, and being based in the sunshine state, enjoy training and competing in triathlons all year round.

Favourite Album

Tri-State by Above & Beyond. Released in 2006, so many amazing memories in my life are attached to the tracks within this album.

The PR Value Which Most Resonates With Me

Health at Work – Optimal health is core to our existence both personally and professionally. Maintaining a healthy work life balance also helps me stay engaged and motivated and I’m a strong believer of practicing what we preach to both our team and clients.

The Cause I Feel Most Attached To

Dry July – Cancer continues to affect so many people yet continues to evade our scientific ability to find a genuine cure. We all know someone that has been or is currently fighting Cancer, which also makes this disease and suffering so personal. Acknowledging the societal pressures associated with the promotion of alcohol (including the insurance industry), Dry July encourages and facilitates improved health through abstinence, whilst raising valuable funds for those affected by Cancer.

Ben Fitzpatrick

Managing Director

Qualifications

Bachelor of Applied Science (Exercise and Sport Science), University of Sydney
Australian Institute of Company Directors Graduate
Certificate IV in Business
Positive Psychiatry and Mental Health, Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney

Background

Born and raised in Wagga Wagga, I moved to Sydney in 2003 for study and sport. I worked with the AFL for 5 years and was keen to pursue a career there, until I had my eyes opened with volunteering with the Cerebral Palsy Alliance. After some clinical experience with CP, I was motivated to assist others with injuries or disabilities, and was encouraged by my identical twin brother, an OT, to pursue a career in Occupational Rehabilitation. I was lucky to have some excellent mentors over my early career. I strongly believed there was a large gap for experienced consultants, which was a vision shared by the directors of Prudence Rehab and I have loved working with Prudence Rehab to ensure our staff are nurtured to complete their work in a supportive environment.

I have enjoyed being a member of The Australian Rehabilitation Providers Association (ARPA) NSW Council since October 2019, which has allowed me to play a part in the bettering the Australian workplace health, return to work and rehabilitation industry. I have previously been involved with the APRA WA council and was the ARPA ACT Treasurer for 18 months. Whilst Occupational Rehabilitation Providers can be competitive, they have a universal commitment to improve lives and are committed to promoting The Health Benefits of Good Work across Australian workplaces and in the healthcare field.

Favourite Album

The hardest question I’ll ever be asked, and I can have 3 different choices pending on my week. My most recent top 4 is the best I can offer: The War on Drugs – A Deeper Understanding, The Stokes – Is This It?, Miles Davis – Kind of Blue, Kendrick Lamar – To Pimp a Butterfly.

The PR Value Which Most Resonates With Me

Our 4th Value, “Employee Fulfilment” is one that resonates strongest with me. We are a close knit group that care about one another, so ensuring our team are thriving and meeting personal and professional goals is something I have always wanted to be accountable for. Our staff give so much to their roles, so they deserve to be recognised and have their strengths, experiences and achievements celebrated. As an empathetic group, they often go above and beyond in their roles to obtain common goals and I enjoy the responsibility to give them a supportive platform to ply their trade, collaborating sharing experiences to drive improvement. The holistic balance we promote allows us to strive to maintain harmony in all aspects of our teams lives.

The Cause I Feel Most Attached To

We have a very empathetic group, and that allows me to see some fantastic charities and causes that I would otherwise be unaware of. As a company, we have always worked closely with the BlackDog Institute, through Manager Training, Staff Awareness, or most recently in their One Foot Forward initiative where we helped raise $7,000 and walked 3,500km as a company. Their research into early detection, prevention and treatment of mental health disorders, as well as funding vital support services for those most at risk is essential in the modern day. The extra piece I feel strong attachment to is the fact that all of their resources and work is free, and evidence based. You can pick up any of their initiatives and know it has been peer reviewed and has gone through rigorous testing. In a world where unchecked information is everywhere, it’s critical to have theirs leading the way.