News Archives - Rehabilitation Specialists

On Friday, May 2nd, some of our amazing TRS team members had the pleasure of attending the 2025 Insurance Ball—an annual highlight for professionals in the rehabilitation and insurance industries. Dressed in their finest, our staff enjoyed a well-deserved evening of celebration, connection, and giving back.

This much-anticipated event is more than just a night of glamour. Each year, the Insurance Ball raises funds for a local charity doing meaningful work in the community. In 2025, the chosen beneficiary was Toora Women’s Inc., a Canberra-based organisation dedicated to supporting women affected by trauma.

Who Does Toora Women’s Inc. Support?

Toora Women’s Inc. provides critical support services for women, non-binary, and feminine-identifying individuals over 18 who are navigating challenges such as:

Domestic, family, and sexual violence
Alcohol and drug dependency
Homelessness or risk of homelessness
Mental health conditions
Reintegration following time in correctional institutions

Toora’s trauma-informed approach recognises the complex needs of its clients, providing tailored, evidence-based therapeutic support to foster long-term healing and empowerment.

Toora’s Services: Building Strength and Healing

Toora offers a wide range of counselling services and group programs, facilitated by qualified, registered professionals. Their services include:

One-on-One Counselling

Using therapeutic models such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, and solution-focused therapy, Toora helps individuals build emotional resilience and reclaim control over their lives.

‍ Circles of Security Parenting Program (COS-P)

This eight-week course strengthens the parent-child bond and helps caregivers understand and meet their children’s emotional needs.

Healing Trauma Group

A six-week program empowering women with practical tools to manage trauma, develop healthy relationships, and practice self-love and care.

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)

An eight-week evidence-based program for women affected by trauma, substance misuse, and domestic violence, focused on emotional regulation and personal empowerment.

Leading the Way in Women’s Homelessness Support

Toora also operates the largest specialist homelessness support service in the ACT for women and children. Their holistic services address a wide range of contributing factors—such as trauma, financial stress, mental health issues, substance abuse, and domestic violence—ensuring clients receive comprehensive and compassionate care.

A Night to Remember for a Cause That Matters

The team at TRS is proud to have been part of this meaningful night. The 2025 Insurance Ball is a cherished tradition we look forward to each year—not just for the celebration, but for the opportunity to contribute to causes that truly change lives.

We are honoured to support Toora Women’s Inc. and the incredible work they do in our community. Here’s to a night of elegance, impact, and hope!

At The Rehabilitation Specialists, one of our favourite things is welcoming university students for their placements — and this time, we’ve hit the jackpot with two incredible Occupational Therapy (OT) students joining us!

For eight weeks, starting from March 24th, we’ve been lucky to have Victor and Liz on board, working alongside our NDIS OTs and gaining valuable hands-on experience.

Meet Victor!

Victor is passionate about learning and always brings a calm, friendly energy to the team. Outside of OT, he’s a huge basketball fan — and a big admirer of King LeBron James.

One of his favourite things to do? Walking his dog! In fact, if you ever want to see Victor light up or have a great conversation, just ask him about his dog — it’s guaranteed to make him smile.

Another fun fact: Victor is multilingual, speaking both Cantonese and Mandarin fluently!

Say Hello to Liz!

Liz is a creative soul with a love for dogs, reading, and all things arts and crafts. She doesn’t just stick to one type of craft either — Liz enjoys exploring it all, with a particular passion for crochet and using her spinning wheel.

Just like Victor, Liz is also a dog lover. Her wonderful service dog, Pixel, even joins her at the TRS office and comes along to OT appointments! Pixel has quickly become part of the TRS family too.

Making an Impact at TRS

Victor and Liz have shared that they’ve felt incredibly welcomed by the TRS team and have already learned so much from their placement so far. From seeing a wide range of clients to gaining new insights and experiences, their journey has been full of growth.

We’re so grateful to have Victor, Liz, and Pixel with us for these two months. Their enthusiasm, kindness, and fresh perspectives have made a real difference — and we can’t wait to see what the rest of their placement brings.

Welcome again to the TRS family — we’re so lucky to have you!

We are thrilled to announce that The Rehabilitation Specialists (TRS) is featured in the latest Commonwealth Bank and Matildas campaign, a wonderful initiative designed to support small businesses – just like ours!

Recently, our inspiring Managing Director, Fiona Fonti, had the incredible opportunity to meet Cameron, a star from Married at First Sight, to discuss both the campaign and the growth of TRS. This exciting partnership has opened many doors, and we are proud to share that TRS will be featured on Commonwealth Bank billboards throughout Sydney and mentioned in radio campaigns across New South Wales!

The Story Behind The Rehabilitation Specialists

The Rehabilitation Specialists (TRS) began its journey on June 18, 2012, when Fiona Fonti recognized a growing demand for boutique, workplace rehabilitation services. Motivated by a desire to provide personalized and effective rehabilitation solutions, Fiona founded TRS to cater to businesses and individuals in need of expert rehabilitation and support.

TRS Expansion Milestones

After a year of offering services from clients’ homes, The Rehabilitation Specialists officially opened its first office in Canberra on January 1, 2013. This move provided a dedicated space for innovation, collaboration, and enhanced service to our clients. Our growth continued, and in 2015, we relocated to a larger office in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) to accommodate our expanding team and client base.

In 2018, TRS reached a significant milestone when we became a registered National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provider in the ACT, enabling us to extend our services to those with disabilities in the region.

The year 2020 marked another important chapter as we opened our Sydney office, expanding our services to better serve the Sydney region. Most recently, in 2025, we relocated to a larger office space right in the heart of Sydney, providing ample room for continued growth and a commitment to offering the best in workplace rehabilitation services.

Join Us on Our Exciting Journey!

Being part of the Commonwealth Bank and Matildas campaign is an exciting milestone for us. Keep an eye out for The Rehabilitation Specialists on billboards across Sydney and listen for our mention in radio campaigns throughout New South Wales!

As a growing business, we’re constantly moving forward and expanding our reach. We are excited about the future and the positive impact we continue to make in the workplace rehabilitation industry.

Some people are just meant to be part of the team, and Rehabilitation Specialist Erin is one of them! After spending a year with us, she took a break for two and a half years—but now, Rehabilitation Specialist Erin returns, and we couldn’t be more excited.

If you don’t already know Erin, let’s reintroduce you to this Rehabilitation Specialist, indoor-plant enthusiast, and 80s rock devotee, whose expertise and passion for rehabilitation services make a real difference in the lives of injured workers.

An Experienced Rehabilitation Specialist Returns

With over nine years of experience, Erin has developed a strong background in rehabilitation services, claims management, and injury recovery. She has worked as both an Exercise Physiologist and a rehabilitation provider across multiple schemes, including:

✅ Workers’ Compensation – ACT, NSW, VIC, WA
✅ Compulsory Third Party (CTP) – ACT & NSW
✅ Life Insurance & Comcare – Extensive experience in claims management

Erin has also worked as a Claims Manager and Account Manager for self-insured licensees within the Comcare scheme, making her highly skilled in the administration of the SRC Act.

Beyond her corporate roles, Erin has worked clinically in the NDIS space, particularly focusing on mental health rehabilitation. Her deep understanding of the barriers to engagement and recovery allows her to empower injured workers to regain their health, confidence, and ability to return to work.

Leading the Way at The Rehabilitation Specialists

Now that Rehabilitation Specialist Erin returns, she is stepping into a key leadership role as our Head of Rehabilitation and Government Services Lead. With her extensive experience across various schemes, she is perfectly positioned to:

Mentor & Lead our rehabilitation consultants, helping them navigate complex cases
Conduct Strategic File Reviews, providing expertise on progressing claims effectively
Enhance Team Skills, ensuring our specialists are equipped to achieve the best outcomes for clients and stakeholders

Her ability to break down barriers and find solutions for complex rehabilitation cases is what makes Erin such an asset to our team—and to the injured workers we support.

Beyond Work: Erin’s Passions & Personality

When she’s not guiding our rehabilitation team, Erin loves to unwind with simple pleasures:

Tending to her ever-growing collection of indoor plants
☀️ Going for relaxing walks with friends
Jamming to her favorite band, Gang of Youths, on road trips (often on the way to buy more plants!)

But if Erin could live anywhere in the world? She’d pick Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory—because nothing beats chocolate, her ultimate guilty pleasure!

We’re Thrilled That Rehabilitation Specialist Erin Returns!

Erin’s return marks an exciting chapter for The Rehabilitation Specialists. Her leadership, expertise, and infectious passion for helping people make her an invaluable part of our team.

Check out our full range of rehabilitation services to see how we help individuals and businesses every day.

Join us in welcoming Erin back! We can’t wait to see the incredible impact she’ll continue to make—one client at a time.

2024 was a year filled with growth, community, and achievement at The Rehabilitation Specialists. We’re thrilled to share a look back at the highlights and milestones that shaped our year.

January: A Golden Start
The year kicked off with a bang as we proudly sponsored the 2024 Australian Deaf Games. Our very own Fi and Nick brought home gold in soccer, a testament to their dedication and athleticism.

February: Love and Laughter
February was a month of love and appreciation. We celebrated Valentine’s Day by spreading kindness and gratitude among our team and clients.

March: A Much-Needed Break
After a busy start to the year, we took some time to recharge and reconnect at a team outing to the Dock in Kingston. It was a perfect opportunity to enjoy good food, great company, and lasting memories.

May: A Warm Welcome
We were delighted to welcome Winnie, a long-time client of Emma’s, to one of Ben’s sessions. It was inspiring to witness the impact of our work and how it can empower individuals to achieve their goals.

July: A Night of Celebration and New Beginnings
Our Rehab Team dressed to impress at the Insurance Ball, a night of glamour and networking. We also welcomed new team members to our growing Sydney office, excited to contribute their skills and passion.

August: Deaf Festival and Community Connection
We were proud to participate in the Deaf Festival, showcasing our skills and connecting with the Deaf community. Meeting incredible individuals like Emma Memma was a highlight of the month.

October: Celebrating Future Healthcare Heroes
October was a month of celebration as we watched our talented students, Imogen, Tim, and Jessica, graduate as Occupational Therapists. Their dedication and hard work are an inspiration to us all.

September and November: Giving Back and Supporting a Cause
In September, our EP student, Dillion, shared his expertise by leading a workout session to improve running performance. We’re excited to have him join our team as a fully qualified EP next year.
November saw us embrace the spirit of Movember, sporting fake mustaches to raise awareness for men’s health. We also had the privilege of hosting Bjarne from Southside Physio, who shared insights into the GLA:BACK program.

December: A Festive Finale
We concluded 2024 with our annual Christmas party, a white masquerade ball filled with fun, laughter, and unforgettable memories.

Looking Ahead to 2025

As we reflect on 2024, we’re filled with gratitude for the opportunities and experiences we’ve had. We’re excited to carry this momentum into 2025 and continue making a positive impact on our clients and community.

Will you take the leap and pursue your dreams in 2025? We can’t wait to see what the future holds!

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This week has been an exciting one for The Rehabilitation Specialists (TRS). On Monday, 11 November, our Founder and Managing Director, Fiona, was featured on the Capital Women show on 2XXfm!

During this insightful radio interview, Fiona shared the core services of TRS and highlighted the diverse ways our expert team supports individuals on their rehabilitation journeys. Fiona also discussed the significant growth and changes we’ve experienced over the past few years, including the expansion of our Sydney team and an upcoming move to a new office space in January.

Since founding TRS 12 years ago, Fiona has led a dedicated team committed to delivering top-quality rehabilitation services to help people achieve the best possible outcomes. Through hard work, innovation, and a deep passion for improving lives, TRS has become a trusted name in the industry.

While Fiona’s journey with TRS has been incredibly busy, she still finds time to enjoy personal activities like walking, playing cricket, and spending quality time with her family.

We are so proud of Fiona’s accomplishments and are thrilled to be part of the TRS family as we continue to grow and serve our community.

Click the link below to listen to Fiona’s full radio interview on Capital Women and learn more about the exciting developments at The Rehabilitation Specialists.

Click the link to have a listen!

Have you ever wanted a reason to grow a mustache? Now is your chance! With November kicking off today, we invite you to grow a mustache for Movember—a movement dedicated to improving men’s health.

Why Movember Matters

Men’s health issues, including mental health challenges and prostate cancer, are often overlooked. Movember is working to change that by funding groundbreaking projects and raising awareness across the globe. You can find more information about their initiatives on the Movember Foundation website. Join the conversation and be part of a movement that truly matters.

Join the Challenge: Compete for Men’s Health

Would you like to compete in prestigious marathons, races, and epic hikes—all while making a significant impact on men’s health? Movember offers several exciting events where your participation can help change lives. Here are some incredible opportunities:

1. Point to Pinnacle (November 17)

Prepare for a challenge like no other as you ascend kunanyi/Mount Wellington in Hobart. This event is known as the world’s toughest road half-marathon, and it’s a fantastic way to push your limits while supporting men’s health.

2. Ride The Dirty Warrny (November 9)

If cycling is more your speed, get ready for an adventure on gravel! The Dirty Warrny is touted as “the truest test of performance, machine, and sense of adventure.” This endurance race will take you through the breathtaking Victorian countryside, all while contributing to a worthy cause.

3. Kokoda Trek (April 14-25, 2025)

Honor the ANZAC legacy on the historic Kokoda Track in Papua New Guinea. This trek not only offers stunning views and a journey through lush jungles but also provides an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on men’s health.

4. Everest Base Camp Trek (May 1-16, 2025)

Is Everest on your bucket list? This trek to Everest Base Camp combines adventure with a purpose. Experience the majestic Himalayan landscape while helping to change the face of men’s health.

Can’t Join the Events? Grow a Moustache!

If racing or trekking isn’t quite your style, you can still make a difference. Simply grow a fantastic moustache and help spread awareness for men’s health. Every bit of effort counts! Check out our tips on how to grow and style your mustache here.

Get Involved Today!

This Movember, whether you’re sporting a mustache, hiking a trail, or cycling through the countryside, you have the power to make a difference. Let’s change the narrative around men’s health together. Join us in this important movement and help raise awareness for a cause that affects us all.

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While many may see this week as just another ordinary week, for us at the Rehabilitation Specialists, it’s one of our most significant weeks of the year—Occupational Therapy Week! This celebration took place from October 21st to October 27th, highlighting the vital role of Occupational Therapy (OT).

What is Occupational Therapy?

You might be wondering, “What is an OT?” Occupational Therapists (OTs) are essential healthcare professionals dedicated to helping individuals maximize their independence and engage in meaningful daily activities. From personal care to leisure activities, OTs work to support you in achieving your goals.

How OTs Make a Difference

Occupational Therapy focuses on enhancing your ability to perform everyday tasks. Whether you’re struggling with dressing, cleaning, cooking, or navigating your home, OTs provide tailored assessments to understand your unique needs. They offer strategies and recommendations that help improve your skills and optimize your independence.

Additionally, OTs can assist with fine motor skills, enabling you to perform tasks like tying shoelaces, picking up objects, and writing with ease.

Success Stories

Many clients have experienced transformative results through OT. For example, John, a stroke survivor, regained his ability to dress independently thanks to personalized therapy sessions. Similarly, Sarah, a parent with arthritis, learned techniques to manage household tasks without pain. These stories illustrate the profound impact OTs can have on daily living.

2024 OT Week Theme: Celebrating 80 Years of Connection

This year’s OT Week theme, “Celebrating 80 Years of Connection,” commemorates the first Occupational Therapists Club in Australia, established 80 years ago. This milestone reflects the growth and evolution of the OT profession and the strong community it fosters.

At Rehabilitation Specialists, we are proud of our dedicated team of Occupational Therapists who contribute immensely to our mission. Their hard work and commitment are what make our practice thrive.

Join Us in Celebrating Occupational Therapy!

We invite you to celebrate the invaluable contributions of Occupational Therapy this OT Week. Let’s acknowledge the past 80 years of connection and look forward to a future where OTs continue to empower individuals in their daily lives.

At The Rehabilitation Specialists, we are proud to introduce Emily Peelgrane, one of our most experienced Occupational Therapists, with nearly 25 years of diverse experience across Australia, the USA, the UK, and Costa Rica.

Expertise and Passion for Occupational Therapy

Emily has excelled in various roles throughout her career, including management, education, research, and clinical leadership. Her dedication to patient-centered, evidence-based services is evident in her work with individuals experiencing disabilities. With a focus on neurology, complex and chronic care, and interoception, she employs sensory strategies tailored to various health conditions and disabilities.

Commitment to Education and Innovation

As the Director of Clinical Services and Innovation, Emily is instrumental in developing innovative solutions to enhance clinical outcomes for clients. She is deeply committed to shaping the future of healthcare by mentoring university students and supporting the next generation of health professionals. Her contributions to the field have been recognized through nominations and awards for excellence in education and leadership.

Emily has also presented at prestigious events, including the Australian Pain Society Conference and the San Diego Pain Summit, showcasing her expertise and dedication to advancing occupational therapy practices.

Balancing Work and Life

When Emily isn’t busy at The Rehabilitation Specialists, she is often found navigating life as a dedicated mother of three. Her role as a part-time “Uber driver” for her kids allows her to indulge in her love for singing—an activity that brings her joy on the go! Emily also shares her home with a lovely Golden Retriever named Lily, who frequently visits the TRS office, bringing smiles to both clients and staff.

A Gratitude for Leadership

Emily Peelgrane’s commitment and expertise have significantly enriched our team. Her passion for high-quality occupational therapy services and her innovative spirit make The Rehabilitation Specialists a better place for both clients and staff. Thank you, Emily, for everything you do!

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Isobel Oughton graduated from the University of Brighton with a Bachelor in Occupational Therapy. Her education provided a strong foundation in therapeutic techniques. With hands-on experience as a Support Worker, Isobel understands the diverse needs of children with various disabilities. She has worked with clients of all ages throughout Sydney.

Specialising in Paediatric Occupational Therapy

At The Rehabilitation Specialists, we focus on paediatric occupational therapy in Sydney. Our high-quality, personalised services cater to the unique needs of children facing developmental challenges. We know that every child is different. Therefore, we create customised treatment plans that build on each child’s strengths while addressing specific challenges.

Comprehensive Therapy Services

Our therapy sessions occur in various settings, including schools, homes, or our welcoming office in Surry Hills. This flexibility allows us to provide support in environments where children feel most comfortable.

Key Focus Areas

Fine and Gross Motor Skills: We help children develop essential skills needed for everyday activities, such as grasping objects and running.
Handwriting: Our programs enhance handwriting skills, ensuring children can express themselves effectively.
Self-Care and Toileting: We support children in developing self-care routines and mastering toileting skills, promoting independence.
Emotional Regulation: We teach strategies for managing emotions, helping children navigate their feelings and build resilience.
Social Skills: Our sessions foster social interactions and teach children effective communication skills to build friendships.

The Impact of Paediatric Occupational Therapy

Research shows that early intervention through paediatric occupational therapy can improve developmental outcomes significantly. By addressing challenges in a supportive environment, we empower children to achieve their goals and build the skills they need. Our team collaborates with families, educators, and other professionals to ensure a holistic approach to each child’s care.

To read more about these services visit – https://rehabilitationspecialists.com.au/paediatric-occupational-therapy-sydney/

Why Choose The Rehabilitation Specialists?

At The Rehabilitation Specialists, our mission is to provide compassionate, effective therapy tailored to each child’s needs. Isobel’s expertise, combined with our collaborative approach, ensures families receive the support they need for their children to thrive.

Get Started Today!

To learn more about our paediatric occupational therapy services in Sydney and how we can help your child flourish, contact us. The team at The Rehabilitation Specialists is excited to support your child in achieving their goals. With Isobel’s passion for making a difference, we are here to help every step of the way.

Paediatric Therapy Sydney

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What Is Occupational Therapy?

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