As a team of occupational therapists, we are here to provide support, whilst gently pushing boundaries to expand your child’s skills for the better.

What makes us truly unique is that we are mobile therapists. We work with you to provide individually tailored intervention solutions for you and your child. We are also active in schools, integrating, exposing and supporting all functional skills required to achieve goals. We create groups to expand social skills with peers, whilst also addressing their gross motor, fine motor and academic skills. We collaborate, communicate and work alongside your child’s support network and teachers.

JESS RODGERS
DIRECTOR / OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST

Jess is the Senior OT and Director of Explore & Soar. She has a vast array of life and professional experiences that have shaped her passion, drive and motivation to support and enhance the quality of OT services in the Hunter Valley Region. You can learn more about Jess by visiting her personal website: www.jessrodgers.com.au

LORI CONLEY
CLINICAL MANAGER / OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST

An Occupational Therapy graduate of the University of Newcastle, Lori has a desire to help our families navigate challenges big and small. Having lived in rural Queensland and growing up in Singleton, Lori is very aware of the difficulties parents can face in accessing services for their children. This has made her excited to be part of the Explore and Soar team where OT services can come to you. With her OT knowledge, Lori brings a unique understanding to the clinical manager's role.

LAUREN SAUNDERS
CLIENT SUPPORT

Lauren is a dedicated professional with over 15 years of experience in the disability sector, specialising in Client Support, Finance, Quality Improvement, Risk Management, and Compliance. Her expertise is further bolstered by diplomas in Information Technology and Quality Auditing. With a strong focus on organisation, problem-solving, and compassion, she is committed to providing exceptional support to our families at Explore and Soar.

MADELEINE SIMMS
THERAPEUTIC ASSISTANT SUPERVISOR / OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST

Madeleine has lived in Singleton her entire life and feels honoured to establish her occupational therapy career within the surrounding areas. She enjoys becoming an integral part of her client’s everyday lives and aims to consistently work towards inclusion and equality accessibility for rural communities.

MOLLY BURDEN
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST 

Molly is a New Graduate Occupational Therapist, who studied at the Newcastle University. Having grown up in Singleton, Molly is able to provide a well rounded view of what life in the hunter looks like for children. She has a passion for working with children and their families from their homes to ensure they get the most out of their therapy service. Molly loves to share in laughter and always ensures her clients feel valued and accepted within all sessions. 

LAUREN WHITE
THERAPEUTIC ASSISTANT

Lauren is a 4th year OT student originally from Sydney who moved to Newcastle to study Occupational Therapy. Lauren loves working with clients to help build skills to reach their potential. She sees great benefit in being able to work with children who are outside of metropolitan areas who need access to services. Lauren enjoys working with and learning from our OTs because of their great variety of skills and experience.