4b25aa82-61ae-4ff6-98b2-b0322bc112b0.png?fit=1200%2C1200&ssl=1

We’re proud to announce that Megan Lane, Employment Consultant & Rehabilitation Coordinator, is a finalist for the Best Support Person of the Year Award at the ACT Insurance Ball 2026.

This recognition reflects the meaningful impact Megan Lane delivers every day. It highlights her ability to support clients, strengthen teams, and improve outcomes across complex systems.

Best Support Person of the Year Award finalist – Megan Lane’s measurable impact

Megan Lane consistently delivers strong outcomes across her caseload. As a Best Support Person of the Year Award finalist, she has achieved:

Over 90% return-to-work success across complex psychological claims
12 successful employment placements in the past 12 months

Furthermore, these results demonstrate her ability to turn complex challenges into practical, sustainable outcomes. She does not rely on standard pathways alone. Instead, she adapts her approach to meet each individual situation.

Best Support Person of the Year Award finalist – navigating complexity with confidence

In addition, Megan Lane stands out as a Best Support Person of the Year Award finalist because she effectively manages complexity across multiple systems.

She integrates support across workers compensation, disability services, and community networks. As a result, she helps clients achieve outcomes that may not be possible through standard processes.

Importantly, her approach focuses on coordination and problem-solving. She identifies barriers early and builds practical solutions that support long-term success.

Best Support Person Award finalist – strengthening teams and client outcomes

Beyond her direct client work, Megan Lane plays a key role within her team. She is widely recognised as a reliable and trusted team member.

Furthermore, she strengthens overall team capability by sharing knowledge and supporting colleagues through complex cases. This collaborative approach improves consistency and lifts outcomes across the board.

Because of her reliability and expertise, colleagues frequently turn to her for guidance in challenging situations.

Recognition of outstanding support in practice

Therefore, Megan Lane’s nomination as a Best Support Person of the Year Award finalist is a well-deserved recognition of her contribution.

She consistently demonstrates professionalism, adaptability, and commitment. In addition, she delivers outcomes that make a real difference for clients and the broader sector.

We are incredibly proud of Megan Lane and look forward to celebrating her achievement at the ACT Insurance Ball 2026.

8fa0ac1e-2d39-488c-8c6e-2c3c1856ec06.png?fit=1200%2C1200&ssl=1

We’re proud to share that Erin Grocott, Allied Health Team Manager, is a finalist for the Excellence in Leadership Award at the ACT Insurance Ball 2026.

Importantly, this recognition highlights Erin Grocott as an Excellence in Leadership Award finalist. It reflects her consistent leadership impact across both team performance and client outcomes.

Excellence in Leadership Award finalist – Erin Grocott delivers measurable impact

Erin Grocott leads with accountability, empathy, and results. As an Excellence in Leadership Award finalist, she has successfully guided her team through a demanding operational period.

Despite these pressures, she maintained strong performance outcomes. For example, the team achieved:

Over 90% return-to-work success across complex psychological claims
100% team retention throughout a high-pressure period

Furthermore, these results show more than operational success. They demonstrate clear leadership strength. Erin builds trust within her team, and as a result, she drives consistent performance even in challenging environments.

Excellence in Leadership Award finalist – strong mentoring and clinical leadership

In addition, Erin Grocott stands out as an Excellence in Leadership Award finalist due to her commitment to mentoring and clinical leadership.

She actively supports her team’s professional growth. Because of this focus, team members feel confident and well supported in their roles. Furthermore, this creates a stable and high-performing work environment.

One strong example highlights her impact. Erin supported a long-term client who had been out of the workforce for more than a decade. Through structured support and consistent guidance, the client successfully returned to sustainable employment. This outcome clearly demonstrates Erin’s ability to deliver meaningful and lasting change.

Excellence in Leadership Award finalist – recognition of leadership excellence

Therefore, Erin Grocott’s recognition as an Excellence in Leadership Award finalist is well deserved. It reflects her dedication, capability, and sustained contribution to the allied health sector.

In addition, her leadership consistently challenges expectations. She focuses on outcomes that matter most to clients, teams, and the wider industry.

We are extremely proud of Erin Grocott. Finally, we look forward to celebrating her achievement at the ACT Insurance Ball 2026.

Meet TRS Clinical Lead Miranda

TRS Clinical Lead Miranda joined the team on 17 February and works remotely from Melbourne in a part-time role. With nearly 30 years of experience as an Occupational Therapist, Miranda brings deep knowledge across health, rehabilitation, injury and disability.

As TRS Clinical Lead Miranda, she supports our clinicians and helps ensure we deliver the best services possible to our clients.

A Career Built on Experience

Miranda has worked across many areas of occupational therapy. Her career spans health, rehabilitation, injury management and disability services. This experience allows TRS Clinical Lead Miranda to guide and support clinicians across the organisation.

If you’d like to learn more about the role of occupational therapists, visit the
Occupational Therapy Australia website: https://otaus.com.au

A Love for Swing Dancing

Throughout life we pick up hobbies and sometimes leave them behind. But a few passions stay with us forever.

For Miranda, that passion is teaching swing dancing. While she doesn’t teach at the moment, she hopes to return to it one day.

Life Outside of Work

When she’s not working, TRS Clinical Lead Miranda enjoys spending time with her family. She loves cooking, going for gentle walks, and spending time in the garden.

She also enjoys giving Fiona Brockhoff a run for her money with her gardening skills. When Miranda is outside in the garden, she often has Double J playing in the background. She’s a big fan of the station.

If you’re curious about Double J, you can listen here:
https://www.abc.net.au/doublej

Miranda’s First Job

Before becoming an occupational therapist, Miranda started working at 16 years old. Her first job was ironing clothes for Rajee Fashions in Launceston, Tasmania.

Later she worked as a checkout operator at Woolworths.

If you had to choose just one food to eat for the rest of your life, what would it be? Chicken? Pasta? Steak?

Not Miranda.

Her pick would be crispy skin fresh salmon — although she jokes it probably wouldn’t be from Tasmania.

A Life Guided by Kindness

There’s a saying: “Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless.”

This quote reflects TRS Clinical Lead Miranda perfectly. She brings a glass-half-full attitude to every day and looks for ways to lift others up.

When asked to describe her life in one word, Miranda chose Kindness. Anyone who has worked with her would likely agree.

Connect With TRS Clinical Lead Miranda

TRS Clinical Lead Miranda is always happy to connect. She’s keen to meet the team and build relationships across the organisation.

cognitive-training-for-return-to-work-assessment-session.jpg?fit=965%2C680&ssl=1

CogniFit Cognitive Training at TRS

At The Rehabilitation Specialists (TRS), we provide CogniFit cognitive training to address cognitive difficulties that may impact work performance and everyday functioning. Through structured, personalised brain training, we help clients strengthen cognitive skills, build capacity, and work toward meaningful goals — including return to work and increased independence.

What Is CogniFit?

CogniFit is a digital brain training platform designed to enhance cognitive health through interactive, evidence-based exercises. Importantly, it combines detailed assessment with targeted training, allowing us to deliver highly individualised programs.

First, clients complete a comprehensive assessment. This assessment evaluates five core cognitive domains:

Memory
Attention
Perception
Coordination
Reasoning

In total, CogniFit measures more than 20 specific cognitive abilities within these domains. As a result, it generates a detailed cognitive profile that highlights strengths as well as areas requiring development.

Because of this structured approach, our consultants can prescribe a program tailored specifically to each client’s needs.

You can learn more about the science behind CogniFit here:
https://www.cognifit.com

How We Deliver CogniFit Cognitive Training at TRS

At TRS, several consultants are trained to prescribe and monitor CogniFit programs. Rather than offering generic brain games, we integrate cognitive training into a broader rehabilitation framework.

Typically:

Clients complete three online sessions per week
Programs run for 8–12 weeks, depending on individual goals
Consultants provide regular face-to-face or telehealth sessions
Progress is monitored and programs are adjusted as needed

Throughout the process, we actively track improvements and provide practical strategies to help clients apply gains in real-world environments.

CogniFit in Workplace Rehabilitation

Cognitive difficulties often affect concentration, memory, emotional regulation and task efficiency following injury or illness. Therefore, we use CogniFit cognitive training to support structured cognitive training for return to work within our workplace rehabilitation services.

As cognitive function improves, clients may:

Perform tasks more efficiently and with fewer errors
Require less supervision
Manage higher task complexity
Sustain attention for longer periods
Tolerate greater cognitive and emotional demands
Recover more quickly after interruptions
Retain and recall information more effectively
Process information better in busy environments

Consequently, improved cognitive capacity often translates into increased work readiness and sustainable return-to-work outcomes.

To learn more about our broader rehabilitation services, visit our Workplace Rehabilitation page.
[Internal link to Workplace Rehabilitation Services]

Additionally, guidance on workplace adjustments can be found via JobAccess:
https://www.jobaccess.gov.au

CogniFit in the NDIS Space

In addition to workplace rehabilitation, we provide CogniFit cognitive training to NDIS participants. Here, our focus shifts toward improving daily functioning, independence and skill development.

How It Works

First, a consultant meets with the participant to identify goals.
Then, we develop a tailored training program aligned with those goals.
After that, the participant completes sessions online while attending regular check-ins to monitor progress and adjust difficulty levels.

How Cognitive Improvements Translate to Daily Life

As cognitive skills strengthen, participants may experience:

Improved attention during conversations
Better short-term and working memory
Faster processing speed
Enhanced planning and organisation
Greater emotional regulation

For example, participants often report improved ability to manage appointments, remember instructions, or respond calmly to unexpected challenges.

To explore related services, visit our NDIS Services page.
[Internal link to NDIS Services]

Who Can Benefit from CogniFit Cognitive Training?

We have used CogniFit with clients who present with:

Physical injury
Psychological injury
Illness or disability
Long-term post-injury cognitive difficulties

Importantly, both early referrals and clients referred more than 18 months post-injury have demonstrated measurable improvements in capacity.

Because cognitive skills remain adaptable, targeted training can support meaningful rehabilitation at multiple stages of recovery.

Interested in CogniFit Cognitive Training?

If you would like to learn how CogniFit cognitive training at TRS can support your goals — whether for return to work or improved daily functioning — contact us today to speak with one of our consultants.

As we move through the early months of 2026, it’s the perfect time to reflect on our 2025 occupational therapy year in review. Throughout the year, our occupational therapy team experienced growth, strengthened community connections, and celebrated meaningful milestones across Sydney and Canberra.

Supporting Small Business During Our 2025 Occupational Therapy Year in Review

One of the major highlights of our 2025 occupational therapy year in review was being selected for the Commonwealth Bank and Matildas small business campaign. As a result, our business was proudly promoted across Sydney.

We were incredibly grateful to be included in this initiative. Additionally, our Managing Director, Fiona, had the opportunity to meet Cameron from Married at First Sight as part of the campaign. Most importantly, we thank Commonwealth Bank and the Matildas for supporting Australian small businesses and community-focused organisations.

Commonwealth Bank Small Business
Matildas Official Website

Team Culture, Student Placements and Workplace Connection

Throughout 2025, we shared many positive moments as a team. For example, we enjoyed team lunches, including a rice paper roll–making session led by our resident expert, Nhi.

At the same time, we delivered many rewarding occupational therapy sessions with our clients. In addition, we welcomed university students on placement and hosted work experience student Ashleigh, who spent a fun and insightful week in our Canberra office. Supporting future health professionals remains an important part of our practice.

A Personal Milestone in Our Occupational Therapy Year in Review

Four years ago, Fiona experienced a significant neurological health event that resulted in epilepsy. Since then, she has worked consistently toward recovery.

In 2025, she achieved a major milestone by returning to driving. Even occupational therapists sometimes need an OT themselves. Ultimately, this achievement reflects the importance of persistence, support, and consistent effort. We are incredibly proud of Fiona and her journey.

Giving Back Through Community Events in 2025

In addition to our clinical work, our team attended several community events. One highlight was the ACT Insurance Ball, which raised funds for Toora Women INC.

Toora Women INC is a not-for-profit organisation supporting women impacted by homelessness, domestic violence, and alcohol and drug challenges. Each year, this event allows our team to connect, reflect, and give back to an important cause.

Toora Women INC

Professional Development and Assistive Technology Training

As part of our 2025 occupational therapy year in review, Fiona and Tina attended an Assistive Technology training summit hosted by Astris PME in Sydney.

During the summit, they trialled a range of assistive technology, including power wheelchairs. As a result, our team gained valuable insight into how this equipment functions and feels for clients. This hands-on experience strengthens our assessments and recommendations.

Astris PME Assistive Technology

Events, Training and Ongoing Professional Standards

Later in the year, we hosted a stall at the Deaf Festival in Sydney. Then, in November, our team completed CPR and First Aid training with Carly’s Helping Hearts. These sessions help ensure we continue delivering safe, high-quality occupational therapy services.

Thank You for Being Part of Our 2025 Occupational Therapy Year in Review

Overall, 2025 was a rewarding year. We are grateful to do the work we do and to support individuals in achieving their goals through occupational therapy and assistive technology.

Finally, we thank our clients, partners, and community for your continued support. We look forward to working with you throughout 2026 and beyond.

Contact our Sydney and Canberra Occupational Therapy Clinics

hinomi-march-blog-post-cover.jpg?fit=1100%2C733&ssl=1

Do you spend most of your day sitting at a desk? If so, how often do you pause to stretch your muscles? Sitting for long periods in a hunched-over position can cause stiffness, poor posture, and tension in your neck, shoulders, and back.

Experts recommend taking short stretch breaks every 30–45 minutes to keep your body moving. These mini breaks not only loosen tight muscles but also boost concentration, energy, and productivity.

Here are some simple desk stretches you can do right at your workstation—no special equipment needed.

Shoulder Stretch at Your Desk

Interlock your hands behind your back while keeping your chest lifted and head up.
Squeeze your shoulder blades together and gently move your arms backward.
Hold the stretch for 10–20 seconds until you feel tension release in your shoulders and upper back.

Tip: Repeat 2–3 times during your workday to reduce stiffness.

Neck Stretch to Relieve Tension

Slowly turn your head to look over each shoulder, stretching the side neck muscles.
Drop your head gently from one side to the other to strengthen and release neck tension.

Pro Tip: Avoid jerking your neck; move slowly and breathe deeply for maximum benefit.

Arm Stretch for Forearms and Shoulders

Raise one arm in front of you, palm facing forward, fingers pointing downward.
Grab your palm with the opposite hand, locking your wrist.
Gently straighten the arm to stretch your forearm and upper arm.

Lower Back Stretch for Desk Workers

Stand with feet shoulder-width apart and place your hands on your lower back, fingers pointing downward.
Gently push your hips forward and downward while exhaling.
Slowly lean backward to stretch the lower back, keeping your muscles relaxed.

Tip: Perform this stretch a few times each hour to prevent lower back pain from prolonged sitting.

Upper Back Stretch to Open the Shoulders

Move your hands in front of your body and interlock your fingers with palms facing outward.
Push your palms toward the ground, gently separating your shoulder blades.
Slightly bend your head forward until you feel a stretch between your shoulder blades.

✅ Benefits of Desk Stretches

Reduce neck, shoulder, and back tension
Improve posture while sitting
Increase energy and focus at work
Prevent long-term musculoskeletal issues

If you’re experiencing persistent upper body tension or want personalised guidance, book an appointment with our team. Our expert therapists can create a tailored plan to help you move better, reduce discomfort, and stay productive.

As a leading Exercise Physiologist in Sydney, Ethan joins The Rehabilitation Specialists team, bringing expertise in rehabilitation and sports performance to help clients stay active and recover effectively.

Ethan brings a strong passion for movement, health, and performance — both professionally and personally. When he’s not supporting clients on their rehabilitation journey, you’ll likely find him playing or watching soccer and basketball, staying active and competitive in true sports-lover fashion.

Music That Fuels Performance

Ask Ethan about his music taste and you’ll get a surprisingly diverse answer. He has a soft spot for 80s music, but when it’s time to focus, “Brain Stew” by Green Day is his go-to hype track. To round things out, his favourite band is Foo Fighters, proving he appreciates a solid mix of classic and modern rock.

Fun Facts That Make Ethan Stand Out

Ethan definitely brings personality to the team. At just three years old, he won a dress-up competition at his local video store — taking home a life-size Harry Potter as the prize. And if that wasn’t impressive enough, he’s also known for delivering a surprisingly accurate chicken impersonation.

Fuel for Recovery and Performance

When it comes to nutrition, Ethan knows the value of balance. If he had to choose just one meal for the rest of his life, it would be chicken curry — a nutrient-rich option that supports recovery, energy, and even a good night’s sleep.

Inspired by Family, Focused on the Future

Like many of us, Ethan draws inspiration from his parents, whom he credits as incredible role models. Their values shaped who he is today — something both he and his fiancée (and their cat) are grateful for as they look toward the future together.

Welcome to the Team, Ethan

We’re thrilled to have Ethan join The Rehabilitation Specialists and look forward to seeing him grow, contribute, and help unlock our clients’ potential through evidence-based rehabilitation and exercise physiology.

Welcome to the team, Ethan — we’re excited to have you on board.

For more on exercise physiology benefits, see Exercise & Sports Science Australia

istockphoto-1397054263-612x612-1.jpg?fit=612%2C408&ssl=1

An Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP) is a university-qualified health professional who specialises in designing and delivering exercise, lifestyle, and behaviour modification programs to prevent and manage chronic diseases, injuries, and other health conditions.

Every AEP holds a minimum four-year tertiary degree and is accredited by Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA). Their extensive education and clinical training equip them with a deep understanding of the complexities of chronic health conditions, enabling them to create individualised, evidence-based exercise programs that support long-term health and well-being.

Why See an AEP?

AEPs play a vital role in helping people:

Prevent and manage chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and arthritis
Recover from injuries and return to physical activity safely
Improve strength, mobility, and overall fitness
Make sustainable lifestyle and behaviour changes for better health outcomes

Exercise Physiology at The Rehab Specialists

At The Rehab Specialists, we are Canberra’s trusted destination for expert Exercise Physiology services. Our dedicated team of AEPs is passionate about empowering you to achieve optimal health and well-being.

Whether you’re recovering from an injury, managing a chronic condition, or striving to enhance your fitness, our exercise physiologists will work with you to develop a personalised program tailored to your specific goals and needs.

We combine evidence-based practice with compassionate care, ensuring that every session supports you in achieving meaningful, long-term improvements in your quality of life.

What Our AEPs Offer

Our Accredited Exercise Physiologists provide a range of clinical exercise interventions, including:

Health and physical activity education
Lifestyle modification programs with a focus on behaviour change
Support and guidance to help you achieve and maintain optimal health

As recognised allied health professionals, AEPs work across a broad spectrum of health, exercise, and sport settings. Their ultimate goal is to help you prevent or manage chronic conditions, restore physical function, and enhance overall wellness.

Take the next step towards better health today.
Contact The Rehab Specialists to learn more about how our Exercise Physiology services can help you move better, feel stronger, and live well.

A couple of months ago, Callum rejoined us as Team Leader / Business Development Manager, Exercise Physiologist, and Rehabilitation Consultant. Some of you may even remember him from back in 2016, when he was part of the TRS team. After a short break, he couldn’t resist coming back—and we’re so glad he did!

Who is Callum?

When Callum isn’t helping clients achieve their rehabilitation goals, you’ll likely find him spending quality time with his partner, Hayley, and daughter, Billie—or kicking a soccer ball around. Despite having had three ACL reconstructions, Callum still makes time to play, whether that’s on the field or with his family.

A fun fact about Callum: he once wore the green and gold, representing Australia in Futsal! Not many people get that opportunity, and it’s something he’s very proud of.

Callum’s Approach to Life

Callum is a big believer in looking on the bright side of every situation. His resilience and positive outlook shape not only his personal life but also his professional approach. When asked who he’d most like to meet, his answer wasn’t a famous celebrity—it was himself in 10 years’ time, reflecting his commitment to growth and continual improvement.

Callum’s Professional Expertise

With over nine years of experience in clinical rehabilitation and occupational health, Callum brings a wealth of knowledge to TRS. He has worked with a wide variety of conditions, including:

Mental health challenges
Musculoskeletal injuries
Neurological conditions
PTSD and other complex recovery pathways

He has a proven track record of supporting individuals through difficult rehabilitation journeys, always with the goal of achieving sustainable recovery and safe return-to-work outcomes.

Services Callum Provides at TRS

At TRS, Callum offers a comprehensive range of services tailored to individuals, workplaces, and organisations:

Management of complex psychological claims
Complex Job Task Analysis
Manual handling training
NDIS Exercise Physiology treatment services
Disability services, including advice on reasonable adjustments
Wellness coaching
New employer services
Initial Needs Assessments
Ergonomic and workstation assessments
Non-standardised functional assessments
Workplace assessments (physical and psychological)
Transferable skills analysis

Why We’re Excited to Have Callum Back

Callum is not only passionate about helping people but also dedicated to building positive, long-term relationships with clients, employers, and the TRS team. His unique combination of personal resilience, professional expertise, and genuine care makes him an incredible asset to our organisation.

We’re thrilled to have him leading the way as we continue to grow and provide high-quality rehabilitation and occupational health services.

Did you know that by 2050, one in four Australians is expected to experience hearing loss? That’s a dramatic increase from one in six in 2021. According to the 2021 Census, over 16,000 people in Australia use Auslan (Australian Sign Language) at home—a number that continues to grow as awareness and inclusion improve.

On August 30th, TRS (Total Rehab Solutions) had the honour of hosting a stall at the vibrant Deaf Festival in Sydney—an event that truly celebrated the culture, strength, and unity of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community.

The festival had something for everyone—from mouthwatering food trucks and handcrafted jewellery stalls to a kids’ corner filled with fun games, face painting, and creative activities. There were also booths showcasing Assistive Technology (AT) and a buzzing entertainment stage featuring talented performers throughout the day.

Connecting with the Community

Being part of this event gave us a powerful platform to connect directly with the community. We were able to educate visitors about the wide range of services we provide, especially for those who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, or living with communication barriers. At TRS, we pride ourselves on offering tailored support to help individuals achieve their goals—whatever they may be.

This mission is personal for us. Our Managing Director, Fiona, and our Operations Manager, Nick, are both profoundly deaf. Their lived experiences shape how we operate as a company and push us to ensure that every person we support feels seen, understood, and empowered.

A Day to Remember

The atmosphere at the festival was electric from start to finish. We had countless meaningful conversations, and the energy of the day was truly infectious. Events like this remind us why we do what we do—to create lasting impact, one person at a time.

A Big Thank You to the TRS Family

This day wouldn’t have been possible without the dedication and passion of our amazing TRS team. The commitment our staff shows—both to one another and to the communities we serve—is what makes moments like these so memorable.

We’re already looking forward to the next opportunity to be part of such a special day.

Here’s to many more years of supporting the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community, celebrating inclusion, and sharing the work we love.