INSPIRING ABILITY THROUGH CREATIVITY

Zoe McInnes

Occupational Therapist
“I love using creativity, play and movement to help kids build their confidence and ability, with that they can achieve so much!”

Qualifications and Experience
Zoe graduated from the University of Newcastle with a Bachelor of Therapy with First Class Honours, and a University Medal.

Zoe has completed the following courses:

  • An Introduction to DIR® and DIRFloortime
  • Certificate IV in Fitness: Personal Training
  • Exercise for children and adolescence
  • Pilates instructor

Prior to her OT degree Zoe was a rehabilitation focused Personal Trainer for 7 years, assisting clients with injuries, disabilities and mental health challenges to achieve their physical best.

While studying she worked as support worker group healthy lifestyle program for clients with neurodiversity, intellectual and mental health disabilities. In this role she taught healthy cooking, lead meditations, guided bushwalks and accompanied participant to a range of physical activities.

Professional Interests
Zoe has an interest in neuroplasticity, and believes in the importance of finding the right challenge for children to achieve, to improve their motivation and learning. She aims to support all children to be authentically themselves, by tailoring therapy to their interests, strengths and individual personality, as well as the needs of their family.

Zoe brings her extensive biomechanical and neuromuscular development knowledge, acquired working as a rehabilitation focused personal trainer, into OT, allowing her to ensure movement based play is targeted the child’s goals and ability level. Zoe has recovered from a partial spinal cord injury, so has personal understanding of the challenge, setbacks and emotions that come with overcoming trauma, pain, neurological challenges and loss of ability.

Creative Skills
Zoe’s greatest passion is freestyle dance, which allows her to explore body movement with an expansive variety of music and complete freedom of expression. Zoe is a volunteer coordinator for dance community group.

Zoe has an interest in visual arts and has volunteered at an art based mental health support group lead by OTs. Zoe believes art making is a calming, engaging, and enjoyable way children can express themselves, improve fine motor skills, enjoy sensory systems, and develop focus and attention.

Zoe has also worked in creative festival roles such as running a hat making workshop, guided meditations, encouraging participants to play, dress up or get involved in active play. She creates a fun inclusive environment, while also targeting family goals.

Zoe’s adventurous spirit has seen her work a chef on sailing boats, in her earlier life. Zoe brings her culinary knowledge into the OT clinic, when assisting children who have challenges with diverse food tolerance.

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