Our Team
Zara Barling-Mills
Co-Founder & Occupational Therapist
Zara is a Director of My Health Space, where she combines a compassionate, client-centred approach with a dedication to delivering high-quality care.
Zara is a highly experienced Occupational Therapist with a Master of Occupational Therapy Practice and a Bachelor of Health Sciences from La Trobe University. Zara understands the diverse needs of her clients and is passionate about creating a environments where clients and team members alike feel supported, valued, and empowered.
Zara specialises in Women’s health, stress management, nervous system support, and burnout prevention, while also working with individuals experiencing PTSD. Her trauma-informed approach ensures that care is tailored, respectful, and focused on each person’s journey toward recovery and well-being. Zara also works in Aged Care, Assistive Technology prescription and Neurological rehabilitation.
In addition to her clinical expertise, Zara plays an active role in managing the day-to-day operations of My Health Space. She fosters a collaborative and inclusive team culture through promoting open communication, mutual respect and shared passion to drive success and high quality client care.
Jessie Christiaans
Co-Founder & Occupational Therapist
Jessie is a Director of My Health Space, where she blends a genuine, caring approach with a deep commitment to quality care.
As an experienced Occupational Therapist holding a Masters of Occupational Therapy Practice from La Trobe University, Jessie understands the unique needs of each patient and is passionate about creating a space where both patients and team members feel heard, valued, and supported.
With a natural talent for collaboration, Jessie fosters a team-oriented culture, where open communication and mutual respect are at the heart of everything the practice does.
Jessie is deeply involved in the day-to-day management of business operations, ensuring that the practice runs smoothly while always prioritising the well-being of those served.
Through Jessie’s leadership, My Health Space continues to grow, providing compassionate care and making a positive impact on the lives of those in our community.
Hannah Carracher
Lead Occupational Therapist
Hannah holds a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy from Deakin University Geelong and has gained experience working in the community setting with individuals across all life stages.
Hannah is passionate about supporting older adults, and excels at collaborating with clients, and their families/carers to enhance safety and independence in daily activities, with an overall focus on improving quality of life. Her empathetic, client-centred approach ensures that clients feel supported and heard throughout their journey.
Hannah has a thorough understanding of functional and cognitive assessments, assistive technology, and home modifications. She is dedicated to delivering personalised solutions that enable her clients to achieve their goals. Hannah continuously expands her knowledge through ongoing research and professional development opportunities to ensure the highest standard of care.
Shelley Bagley
Lead Physiotherapist
Shelley is a dedicated and highly skilled Physiotherapist, licensed to practice in both the USA and Australia. She earned her Doctor of Physiotherapy degree from Bond University in 2012 and holds a Bachelor of Exercise Science and Human Movement from Victoria University, completed in 2009.
Shelley’s experience spans a wide range of settings, from acute care to community and in-home services, giving her a comprehensive expertise in the field. Her primary focus is on enhancing the longevity and quality of life for older adults, as well as specialising in neurological rehabilitation.
With a compassionate approach and extensive knowledge, Shelley offers a variety of services aimed at improving physical well-being, mobility, and overall health, all while prioritising dignity and independence.
Sophie Smyth
Occupational Therapist
Sophie is an Occupational Therapist who graduated from the Australian Catholic University in 2020.
With a passion for Paediatric therapy, she specialises in working with children and adolescents aged 0-16 years, helping them develop the skills they need to thrive in everyday life.
Sophie enjoys incorporating sports and physical activity into her therapeutic approach, fostering both fun and functional progress for her clients.
She provides services to children in both Melbourne and Geelong, offering personalised care to meet the unique needs of each child and family.
Katelyn Fichera
Occupational Therapist
Katelyn holds a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy from Deakin University and has a strong foundation in supporting individuals across the lifespan. Through diverse placements, volunteer roles, and her work as an allied health assistant, she has developed valuable skills in collaborating with clients and their families within the Geelong community.
With a particular interest in neurorehabilitation and working with older adults, Katelyn takes a compassionate approach to foster trust and collaboration throughout the therapeutic process.
Dedicated to ongoing professional development, she is committed to enhancing her expertise to deliver evidence-based, client-centered care.
Emma Kleindienst
Occupational Therapist
Emma is an Occupational Therapist who holds a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) from Deakin University. With a broad range of clinical placement experience across diverse settings and clients, she is dedicated to providing personalised, holistic care tailored to each individual’s unique needs.
Passionate about empowering others, Emma excels in collaborating with clients, families, and multidisciplinary teams to help individuals achieve their goals and live life to its fullest potential. She has a particular interest in working with individuals across the lifespan, with a focus on adults, and provides strengths-based, client-centred care grounded in evidence-based practice.
Committed to continuous professional development, Emma consistently refines her clinical skills to ensure clients receive the highest standard of care, supported with both expertise and compassion throughout their healthcare journey.
Molly Greenwood
Allied Health Assistant
Molly is currently studying a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) at LaTrobe University, where she is developing a passion for helping people lead more independent and fulfilling lives.
Molly will be working as an Allied Health Assistant, supporting and working alongside Occupational Therapists and Physiotherapists at My Health Space. Her hands-on approach, and dedication to learning and growing as a future Occupational Therapist, allows her to provide support to both clients, and the team.
Savannah Cook
Allied Health Assistant
Savannah’s dedication to her studies and passion for Occupational Therapy are evident in her commitment to continuous learning and growth. Her time at Deakin University has equipped her with the necessary knowledge and skills to excel in her new role as an Allied Health Assistant.
She is excited to work alongside experienced professionals in the field and is enthusiastic about the opportunity to gain hands-on experience. Savannah’s drive to make a difference in the lives of others is a driving force behind her pursuit of a career in Occupational Therapy.
Savannah’s strong work ethic, coupled with her passion for Occupational Therapy, make her a valuable addition to our team.
Elena Currie
Business Development Manager.
“Authentic inclusion is only possible with quality collaborative practice.”
As a Registered Nurse and business owner, Elena brings over 12 years of business development experience within both the private and commercial health sectors. Elena is also a neurodivergent mother of two beautiful neurodivergent children who ignited her deep passion for authentic inclusion and neurodiversity affirming practices.
Elena is currently studying a Masters of Autism and Neurodivergent studies at the University of Wollongong, with the aim to become a qualified Developmental Educator. With her unique perspective, knowledge, professional and personal experience, Elena supports the growth of My Health Space through streamlining internal and external business operations as well as establishing collaborative partnerships with organisations that share the My Health Space vision.
Lisa Christiaans
Clinic Coordinator
Lisa is a compassionate and dedicated Clinic Coordinator with a deep commitment to providing a nurturing and supportive environment for both patients and staff.
Lisa has over thirty years of administration experience in various professions. She has been previously employed in HR and has been employed for the majority of her working career as a Personal Assistant/Law Clerk to lawyers and Directors in legal firms in Geelong and most recently secretary to a Specialist Department in Geelong’s major public hospital, Barwon Health.
During this time and whilst taking a break for family leave to raise children, Lisa was a business partner in a family trade and services business which operated for 26 years.
Known for her excellent organisational skills, clear communication, and a genuine desire to help others, Lisa fosters a welcoming atmosphere where patients feel valued and comfortable. With a keen attention to detail and a heart for service, Lisa plays a crucial role in ensuring every aspect of the clinic runs efficiently and compassionately.
Sharon Schmidtke
Administration Assistant
“In any given moment, the person in front of you is the only thing that matters…”.
This is the approach Sharon hopes to bring to her role. A client needs to be shown this respect, care and to know they have been heard.
With a diverse working history which began with General Insurance, administration for her husband who is a health professional, to most recently in hospitality concentrating on meals for seniors in our community, Sharon’s desire is to serve others and show kindness.
Sharon’s greatest passion is her family, having been given the privilege of raising two children who are now established in their individual careers of Editorial Coordinator in an AFL Club and a Registered Nurse.