About us
At Function Focus Allied Health, we’re a passionate bunch of occupational therapists who believe in the power of play and the importance of keeping things fun. We’re not your average healthcare providers – we’re individuals who are on a mission to make your life a whole lot brighter (and maybe a little more stimulating in the process).
Our Approach
At Function Focus Allied Health, we believe in a holistic approach to occupational therapy. We’ll work with you to identify your specific needs and challenges, and then develop a customized plan of action that combines evidence-based practices, creative problem-solving, and a healthy dose of laughter. With us, you’re not just a patient – you’re a partner on the road to better living.
Our team
Joel Wickman
Qualifications:
- Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science (Majoring in Exercise Physiology)
- Master of Occupational Therapy
- Qualified Autism Spectrum Disorder assessor (ADOS-2)
Joel is an AHPRA registered Senior Occupational Therapist based in Geelong, Victoria. Joel has extensive experience working in a variety of settings ranging from adult inpatient Acquired Brain Injuries in a hospital setting, to community-based paediatrics. Joel is a qualified Autism assessor, and regularly collaborates with Psychologists to ascertain diagnosis. Joel is a passionate and dedicated clinician who strives to achieve the best outcomes from his clients by working closely in a strengths based/client-centred manner. Joel lives in Geelong with his wife and two children and has interests in sport, self-proclaimed foodie, and being outdoors. In Joel’s spare time he volunteers as a CFA firefighter, and enjoys working on house projects.
Patrick Brice (Paddy)
Qualifications:
- Bachelor of Occupational Therapy
Paddy has spent the last three years working as a Paediatric Occupational Therapist, specialising in supporting children aged 1-12 with neurodevelopmental conditions. He has worked within a multidisciplinary team and thrives on collaboration, building strong professional relationships with both clients and colleagues. Paddy has a passion for strengths-based, goal-directed therapy, ensuring that all interventions are meaningful and aligned with each individual’s unique needs and aspirations. His approach to therapy is engaging, fun, and highly personalised, considering the physical, cognitive, and communication needs of each client.
Paddy will be will be expanding his expertise to work with adolescent and adult clients at Function Focus Allied Health, applying his skills to support individuals across a broader age range. He is eager to bring his dynamic and client-centred approach to this new population, ensuring that interventions continue to be engaging, functional, and tailored to promote independence and confidence in daily life.
Outside of work, Paddy enjoys keeping active, whether on the footy field or in the pool, and values spending quality time with friends
Sophie Milsome
Qualifications:
Bachelor of Occupational Therapy
Sophie has recently embarked on her career as an Occupational Therapist after completing a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy with distinction from Deakin University, Geelong . While studying, she worked as a Therapy Assistant and Support Worker, providing tailored support to adolescents and adults in the Geelong region. Sophie enjoys working with a range of clients across the lifespan to support them to increase their independence and achieve their unique goals. She has had experience in a range of settings including inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation, community and hospital. Sophie is passionate about making therapy fun and adaptive to suit the needs of each individual she works with. She is committed to getting to know her clients and learning about what is important to them. In her spare time, Sophie enjoys being active, spending time outdoors and with friends and family, and barracking for the Geelong Cats.
Erin Cowley
Qualifications:
Bachelor of Occupational Therapy
Erin is an Occupational Therapist who thrives on supporting people and their support persons progress towards achieving meaningful and activity-based goals. She has experience supporting people to achieve their goals at home, childcare, kinder, school, work and community settings using a strength-based approach. Erin is experienced working within a variety of compensable schemes including Transport Accident Commission (TAC), WorkSafe and National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
Erin has a genuine interest in people and their unique lived experience. Erin’s compassionate and wholistic approach enables individualised and targeted therapy which validates the persons needs and supports outcomes. Erin is a volunteer Community Visitor for the Office of the Public Advocate and enjoys facilitating positive outcomes for people living in supported accommodation.
Erin lives in Geelong with her husband and two kids. They enjoy spending time with their horses, dog, gardening and time with extended family.
Jed Woods
Qualifications:
Studying Bachelor of Occupational Therapy
Certificate III in Education Support
Jed is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy at Deakin University in Geelong. Jed has experience working in both primary and secondary school-based settings, where he has supported children with additional needs and behavioural challenges.
Jed is passionate about challenging himself and collaborating with Occupational Therapists to deliver personalised, meaningful support. He values learning through experience and strives to create positive, engaging environments that promote each client’s growth and independence.
In his spare time, Jed loves to get out on the golf course, have a kick of the footy, and spend time with friends and family.
Lily Stacey
Qualifications:
Studying Bachelor of Occupational Therapy
Lily is an Allied Health Assistant (AHA) at Function Focus Allied health. She is undertaking a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy at Deakin University. Lily has experience working with children in a school-based setting, as well as in adult sub-acute and community-based hospital settings.
Lily is passionate about working closely with Occupational Therapists to support children and their families to improve their overall wellbeing. She aims to provide client-centred practice that optimises independence and allows clients to reach their full potential. Lily is eager to continue to learn and grow in this field to ensure she provides the best support possible to both clients and their families.
In her spare time, Lily enjoys being active, cooking sweet treats, watching tv shows and spending time with friends and family.
Upcoming Events
Our Gross Motor Group for children and adolescents, designed to enhance social skills through engaging physical activities. Visit our Group Programs page for more information!