Our Mentors

  • Angie Contreras- COMPLEX CARE/HOME MODS/NEURO (ADULTS)

    “ My vision is to create a therapy and mentoring network that values quality, efficiency and collaboration …a place where occupational therapists can access quality mentoring & coaching from an experienced clinician they can trust, and a safe learning space for them to further develop their skills and confidence in evidence-based clinical practice”

    Angie has been a clinician for over 20 years and is passionate educator with over 8 years teaching at The University of Sydney in various roles including as a clinical educator, sessional academic, unit of study coordinator and Associate Lecturer. She is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, which recognises commitment to professionalism in teaching and learning in higher education aligning with the UK Professional Standards Framework.

    Angie takes care to provide positive learning experiences that allow mentees to build their confidence and critical thinking skills. She has an appreciation for different learning styles and is adept at creating safe learning spaces that foster both professional and personal growth.

    Angie has provided extensive clinical supervision to community occupational therapists in Australia and in Ireland. She previously held the national role of OT Learning & Development Manager at ORS Group, where she was responsible for implementing ORS’ OT competency and professional development programs across the organisation, as well as coordinating required training under the L&D framework for the OT Service division. She has delivered education sessions to public and private OT services and maintained close networks with occupational therapy clinicians, educators, and researchers working in the home modifications space in Australia. She has previously volunteered as a mentor through OT Australia’s Mentorlink program and continues to engage in peer mentoring with private practice occupational therapists who are passionate about improving their home modifications skills and knowledge.

    With over 19 years of clinical experience working with people with disabilities in community and rehab-based settings, in Australia and in Ireland, she draws from a wealth of hands-on clinical practice knowledge to share with others. Her areas of interest include neurological and developmental physical disabilities, and her clinical area of expertise includes complex home modifications for people with MS, Parkinson’s disease, MND, stroke, traumatic brain injuries, dementia and spinal cord injuries.

  • David Hedley - PAEDIATRICS

    “I’m here to support early‑ to mid‑career paediatric OTs who want practical skills, compassionate supervision for clients with sensory and neurodiverse presentations. I know how challenging this work can be, and I’m committed to working alongside you—sharing tools, strategies and encouragement to build your confidence.

    I stay curious and keep learning—attending conferences on adventure therapy, embodiment psychology and trauma, and completing yoga teacher training. I bring that same focus on growth and self‑care to mentoring, so you’ll get practical clinical guidance wrapped in support for your wellbeing and professional development.”

    David is a highly experienced Occupational Therapist specialising in paediatrics, neurodiversity and sensory‑based interventions. He combines 10+ years of clinical expertise across schools, clinics, community and outdoor settings. His recent practice has focused on relationship‑based, trauma‑informed care and supporting children and young adults with sensory processing, social communication and complex developmental needs.

    David enjoys nurturing clinicians’ clinical reasoning, confidence in home‑mod and school‑based practice, and practical skills such as functional assessment, standardised testing and intervention planning. He has supervised international clinicians transitioning to Australian registration and regularly leads intensive therapy blocks, parent education and multi‑disciplinary workshops.

    David adopts a holistic, nature‑informed, is trauma‑aware and emphasises practical, evidence‑informed strategies that improve daily functioning and wellbeing for clients and families.

  • Georgia Erchul- EARLY INTERVENTION/PAEDIATRICS

    “Mentoring is an important role for me both as a clinician and part of the wider OT community. I love working with other OTs and students to help build personal confidence, professional capabilities, and love for the profession. I try to use a gentle and supportive approach to mentoring, ensuring that mentees have the time and space to reach their goals through guided learning and collaborative problem solving. We are all learners in the OT world and I greatly value the ongoing connection through mentoring and the shared journey of being an OT!”

    Georgia is an experienced and enthusiastic clinician who has specialised in Paediatrics throughout her career, spanning 10 years. She has worked across a variety of organisations including NSW Health, Non-Government Organisations, and the private sector. Caseloads have ranged from neonatal, to early-intervention, school-aged and young adults. She also has extensive community OT experience working within a specialist multidisciplinary team, providing high level assessment and intervention to children with, but not limited to, rare genetic conditions, neurological conditions, developmental and physical disabilities.

    On a leadership level, Georgia has held team leader and managerial positions in NSW Health, coordinating multiple Paediatrics programs and services, along with coordinating the rollout of a specialist school-based nursing team. These roles have included clinical supervision of senior staff, staff management, recruitment and implementation of student programs.

    As a mentor with OT Australia for many years, she has provided guidance to both new graduates and those who are entering the area of Paediatrics. Georgia’s clinical supervision and mentoring skills have also expanded into her role as an Associate Lecturer and unit of study coordinator with University of Sydney, across both undergraduate and masters level programs.

    She is excited to help emerging and experienced OT’s build both personal and professional skills to manage in a variety of work environments and with mixed clinical caseloads.