Emma’s journey into Occupational Therapy wasn’t linear—but it was undeniably led by passion. After two years of studying Sonography, she recognised that her strengths lay outside the traditional medical model. Instead, her role working with horses and supporting equine-assisted personal development programs sparked something deeper.

“Working alongside physiotherapists, psychologists, and equine specialists showed me the power of holistic, client-centred care,” she reflects. “When I discovered OT, it just made sense—it aligned with my values and the way I wanted to work.”

Today, Emma brings that same thoughtful and values-driven approach to her role at Forbes Care, supporting a diverse caseload across the Sunshine Coast, Moreton Bay, and North Brisbane.

Championing Life Skills and Meaningful Progress

Emma’s clinical strengths lie in ongoing therapy and life skills development, particularly for clients navigating challenges related to independence, emotional regulation, or executive functioning. Her sessions are equal parts structured and creative, with a strong emphasis on building trust and psychological safety.

“I love using games like Uno, Jenga, or word walls to create a relaxed space where therapy doesn’t feel like a test,” she explains. “Tools like theraputty and fidgets are great for supporting regulation, fine motor skills and conversation—all without putting too much pressure on the client.”

Whether she's supporting clients with budgeting, routine development, or social confidence, Emma is known for her calm and considered approach that helps clients feel empowered to take the lead in their own journey.

Steady, Supportive, and Solution-Focused

Emma’s work doesn’t go unnoticed by her colleagues. “She leads with such calm and warmth—it helps her develop meaningful connections quickly,” her supervisor shares. “You can see how invested she is in her clients, and that commitment leads to great outcomes.”

A standout moment of Emma’s growth was her recent Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) report for a client with complex physical and psychosocial needs. The family expressed deep gratitude for the care and clarity Emma brought to the process—an example of her growing confidence and clinical capability in navigating complex systems.

A Team Player Through and Through

Emma is not only passionate about her clients but also deeply values her team. “I love the can-do attitude, the collaboration, and the balance between road and admin days,” she says. “Having flexibility and support from leadership has helped me grow and maintain a healthy work-life balance.”

Her colleagues know her as the go-to for troubleshooting (even when Adobe decides to throw a tantrum), for checking in kindly, and for pitching in with a steady hand when things get busy.

Walking Alongside Her Clients

When asked how she builds relationships with clients, Emma shares that her first priority is to make people feel safe and heard.

“I take my time to build rapport, often using games or shared conversation to understand their interests and goals. If someone doesn’t know where to start, we work together using interest checklists or role exploration tools to figure it out together.”

It’s this thoughtful, tailored approach that makes Emma such a trusted presence in her clients’ lives.

A Steady Force with a Big Heart

At Forbes Care, we’re proud to have Emma on our team. Her calm leadership, steady follow-through, and creative problem-solving help clients—and colleagues—thrive.

Whether she's advocating for a school-based client, navigating system reports, or showing up week after week for ongoing therapy, Emma is proof that gentle persistence and a big heart go a long way.

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