Ascend Health

We are passionate about empowering people and the community

Our team

At Ascend Health, we have a comprehensive verification checklist for any new professional joining our team. This ensures that they can meet our high standards when providing services to all our clients.

Worker Verification

When starting with Ascend Health, we verify each of our team members' identity, check their police clearances, and ensure a valid working with children’s licence.

Reference Check

We meet with all applicants prior to accepting them into our team. We conduct at least two reference checks and verify their responses following our the interviewing process.

Ongoing verification

We are constantly looking for ways to improve the services we offer to the community by regularly following up with our members. This ensures we know what training or support our team needs.

Meet our team

Our therapists are licensed, trained, experienced, and accredited to provide a supportive and caring space to improve your capacity. Working within the concentrated care model, they'll help you to improve your independence and quality of life so that you can get back to doing the activities that you want to do.

Olivia Firth is a senior occupational therapist at Ascend Health Group

Olivia Firth

Senior Occupational Therapist

Victoria

Olivia brings nine years of experience as an Occupational Therapist in the disability field, demonstrating a deep commitment to enhancing the performance and participation of children, adolescents, and young adults in their daily lives. Olivia also plays a pivotal role in coordinating the training and development of health professionals. Leading from the front, Olivia guides the team of therapists to provide comprehensive and impactful care.

Kat Tran is a dedicated Senior Speech Pathologist in Adelaide at Ascend Health

Kat Tran

Senior Speech Pathologist

South Australia

Kat has been working as a speech pathologist for over 5 years in Adelaide, South Australia. She has special interest in helping primary and secondary students develop their speech clarity, verbal and written language, and social language. Kat has extensive experience advocating for neurodivergent individuals.

Jordy Nixon is an occupational therapist at Ascend Health Group

Jordy Nixon

Senior Occupational Therapist

Western Australia

Jordy brings over two years of experience in the disability and paediatric sector, with a strong emphasis on early intervention. Her passion lies in empowering children and their families to achieve their goals. Through her work, Jordy demonstrates a commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of those she serves, focusing on holistic support that addresses both the individual needs of the child and the broader well-being of the family unit.

Melanie Rochfort is an experienced physiotherapist for Ascend Health in Melbourne.

Melanie (Mel) Gascard

Senior Physiotherapist

Victoria

Mel is an experienced Community Physiotherapist with over five years of dedicated practice in aged care and disability services. She focuses on improving functional strength, balance, and falls prevention, while also integrating activities of enjoyment and leisure into her interventions. Mel works closely with each individual to set achievable goals and provides expert recommendations on assistive technology and manual handling.

Luke Andrews is one of Ascend Health's experienced occupational therapist and key role therapist

Luke Andrews

Occupational Therapist

Western Australia

Luke is an Occupational Therapist with over six years of diverse NDIS experience, including roles as a team leader, therapy assistant,  support worker, and now therapist. He takes a practical, client-centred approach and values strong relationships to help people achieve their goals and improve their wellbeing. Luke has a keen interest in men’s health, mental health, sleep, sports, and the therapeutic use of music, and has a passion for mentoring students that are studying health related degrees.

Deon Noronha is a speech pathologist at Ascend Health that helps members north of Perth

Deon Noronha

Speech Pathologist

Western Australia

Deon is a dedicated Speech Pathologist with a strong passion for the disability industry, and finds fulfilment in assisting individuals to achieve their goals and enhance their quality of life. Deon's special interest lies in early intervention and working with adults impacted by neurological conditions, where he strives to make a positive impact on communication and overall well-being. His commitment to improving the lives of those he serves makes Deon a valuable asset to Ascend Health.

Timothy Squire is a Perth based occupational therapist at Ascend Health

Timothy Squire

Occupational Therapist

Western Australia

Tim is a dedicated Occupational Therapist in the disability field that is passionate about empowering individuals to enhance their daily lives and achieve their goals. Whether in clinical settings or collaborating with other healthcare professionals, Tim is committed to promoting independence, well-being, and an improved quality of life for those under his care.

Macauley Bremner is an experienced speech therapist for Ascend Health in Perth.

Macauley Bremner

Speech Pathologist

Western Australia

Macauley is an experienced speech pathologist who is passionate about helping members achieve meaningful and functional outcomes. She has experience across private practice, the disability sector, as well as conducting research at Curtin University. Macauley has a longstanding passion for supporting children’s speech and literacy development and has further training in orofacial myology, childhood apraxia of speech and literacy interventions.

Aneeka Wheatcroft (Boxall) is an occupational therapist for Ascend Health in Perth.

Aneeka Boxall

Occupational Therapist

Western Australia

With over 13 years of dedicated service in Occupational Therapy, Aneeka brings a unique perspective and a wealth of experience to Ascend Health. Her extensive expertise, coupled with a compassionate approach to care, allows her to make meaningful contributions to the well-being of individuals and their families across their lifespan. She is dedicated to promoting independence, enhancing quality of life, and fostering positive experiences for all of those she works with.

Sophie Waddington is one of Ascend Health's friendly support workers and Team Leaders.

Sophie Waddington

Occupational Therapist

Western Australia

Sophie is an experienced Occupational Therapist that recently relocated to Perth following two years working in the Kimberley, where she had the privilege of supporting First Nations people. Sophie's passion lies in helping individuals of all ages achieve greater independence and engage meaningfully with their communities.

Matt Harrup is an Ascend Health Physiotherapist based in Perth, WA.

Matthew Harrup

Physiotherapist

Western Australia

Matt is a physiotherapist with four years of experience at Ascend as a Support Worker, Team Leader, Therapy Assistant, and now a physio. In 2023, he received the Support Worker of the Year award for his outstanding dedication to member care. Matt is eager to use his experience working with individuals of all abilities and their families to help them achieve their goals and enhance their quality of life.

Selby Bate is a dedicated occupational therapist located in Perth, with a particular interest in Gender Affirming care.

Selby Bate

Occupational Therapist

Western Australia

Selby is an Occupational Therapist who brings 1.5 years of experience as a Support Worker and Team Leader at Ascend Health. A recent Curtin University graduate, Selby specialises in creating inclusive therapeutic environments for LGBTQIA+ clients while helping individuals and families achieve their goals and enhance their quality of life.

Cam Gardner is a dedicated occupational therapist that has graduated into the Perth therapy team at Ascend Health after working as a support worker and therapy assistant.

Cam Gardner

Occupational Therapist

Western Australia

Cam is an Occupational Therapist with 3.5 years of diverse experience at Ascend Health as a Support Worker, Therapy Assistant, and Team Leader. Specialising in paediatric and young adult care, Cam partners with families to create personalised therapeutic approaches that promote independence and meaningful engagement in daily activities.

L Maras is one of Ascend Health's key role therapists and speech pathologists offering speech therapy services in Perth, with a particular interest in Gender Affirming care.

L Maras

Speech Pathologist

Western Australia

L is a new Speech Pathologist passionate about supporting neurodiverse and LGBTQIA+ individuals, with a particular focus on adolescents. With a developing interest in voice therapy and written expression, L strives to help members fully engage in all aspects of life. With curiosity, empathy, kindness, and warmth, L takes a genuine interest in our members' passions.

Bruno is one of the longest serving team members at Ascend Health, and has proven himself as a company mascot and therapy dog since 2017

Bruno

Senior Therapy Dog

Western Australia

Bruno is a trained and qualified therapy assistance dog. Lately, Bruno has been making new friends with some of our members. His visits are a great way to get motivated to move and step out of the house as a goal for improving community participation.

Our Team Leaders coordinate the support workers that operate in small teams throughout Perth. They have a diverse range of tasks, and can include training draftees (new support workers), problem-solving, checking feedback on progress notes, communicating with support workers, provide weekly training, and report any feedback, complaints and any changes within the company.

Alanna D'cunha

Perth Team Leader

Alec Kong is one of Ascend Health's friendly support workers and Team Leaders.

Alec Kong

Perth Team Leader

Anna Gunningham is one of Ascend Health's friendly support workers and Team Leaders.

Anna Gunningham

Perth Team Leader

Caitlyn Konners is one of Ascend Health's friendly support workers and Team Leaders.

Caitlyn Konners

Sunshine Coast Team Leader

Kai is one of Ascend Health's friendly support workers and Team Leaders.

Shao Kai Choo (Kai)

Perth Team Leader

Kasey Heron is one of Ascend Health's friendly support workers and Team Leaders.

Kasey Heron

Perth Team Leader

Ezra Lo is one of Ascend Health's friendly support workers and Team Leaders.

Ezra Lo

Perth Team Leader

Elise Enhardt is one of Ascend Health's friendly support workers and Team Leaders.

Elise Ernhardt

Perth Team Leader

Jaiden Burke

Perth Team Leader

Mia Lewson is one of Ascend Health's friendly support workers and Team Leaders.

Mia Lewsen

Perth Team Leader

Marianna is one of Ascend Health's friendly support workers and Team Leaders.

Marianna De Tullio

Adelaide Team Leader

Max Soet is the recruitment officer at Ascend Health, helping to onboard university students into the rewarding role of support workers.

Max Soet

Perth Team Leader

Sarah O'Neil

Perth Team Leader

Zachary Nielsen is the founder and Chief Executive at Ascend Health Group

Zachary Nielsen

Chief Executive

‍Zach is a Curtin University-trained physiotherapist and entrepreneur. He has experience in the health and disability industry, and is passionate about helping people who are experiencing poor health.

Ascend Health Group's chief operating officer and physiotherapist Olivia Mann

Olivia Nielsen

Chief Operating Officer

Olivia is a trained physiotherapist and COO of Ascend Health. She ensures that operations run smoothly on a day-to-day basis and being responsible for ensuring our staff are meeting the needs of our members.

A picture of Peter Edwards, the Chief Technology Officer of Ascend Health Group

Peter Edwards

Chief of Staff

Pete's background is in Physiotherapy and Health Studies. His focus is on staff wellbeing and helping to make sure that Ascend supports our therapists and support workers so they can do their best work.

Ania Czekaj is the lead software engineer at Ascend Health Group

Ania Czekaj

Lead Software Engineer

Ania is experienced in the fast-paced world of tech startups, and is responsible for building the first version Ascend Health Plus. Having worked as a support worker, she is passionate about developing software that will revolutionise the way healthcare services are delivered to the community.

Brandyn Britton is a Software Developer at Ascend Health and is part of the team building Ascend Health Plus

Brandyn Britton

Senior Software Developer

Brandyn is a Senior Software Engineer at Ascend, passionate about developing impactful technology. With a background in EdTech and HealthTech and experience as a disability support worker, he brings diverse perspectives to his role developing and maintaining Ascend's software platforms

Tahli Kipps

Software Developer

Bio coming soon . . .

Robert Duff-Silsby is the marketing coordinator for Ascend Health.

Robert Duff-Silsby

Marketing Manager

Robert has a psychology degree and has worked across multiple roles at Ascend Health since 2021. He's currently focused on helping to spread awareness about the services Ascend offers, as well as the employment opportunities available. Working closely with recruitment and the member engagement team, Robert's motivated to help spread the word about the Ascend Health mission.

Marleen Roch is Ascend Health's Compliance, Risk, and Quality Manager

Marleen Roch

Quality, Risk & Compliance Manager

Marleen has over 20 years of experience in the human services sector, holding multiple diplomas. She specialises in quality management, service delivery, and program development, with in-depth knowledge of NDIS and aged care funding models. Marleen is committed to enhancing the lives of all individuals through her work.

Jay Sprigg is the business development manager and member engagement coordinator at Ascend Health, ensuring members and external providers are receiving the support they need.

Jay Sprigg

Member Engagement Officer

Business Relationships Manager

With over 17 years dedicated to enriching the lives of children with special needs in primary school settings, I have a passion for inclusive education. Having a child on the autism spectrum has profoundly deepened my understanding and empathy, inspiring my commitment to supporting individuals of all abilities.

Max Soet is the recruitment officer at Ascend Health, helping to onboard university students into the rewarding role of support workers.

Max Soet

Recruitment Officer

As Recruitment Officer, I process support worker applications, conduct insightful interviews, and keep applicants informed throughout. I collaborate with therapists, team leaders, and other staff to ensure candidates are well-matched to roles. I am passionate about finding the right person for each job, knowing good recruitment benefits both member outcomes and team morale.

Over 90 university students providing high-quality support work for our members.

Increase your capacity with Ascend Health

Your support services are designed to address your unique goals and want you to feel comfortable with your ongoing support needs. We arrange an initial meet-and-greet between all our new clients and potential students until you find the right support worker for you.

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© Ascend Health 2017 - NDIS registration number 4050028857