TERTIARY QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor of Applied Science in Occupational Therapy
University of Sydney
P
Mandy Hanna
Senior Occupational Therapist
BASc
Mandy is a senior Occupational Therapist and part of the Lighthouse Medico-Legal and Life Care Planning team. Mandy has over 19 years of clinical experience, working in an occupational therapy as well as a case management role with people with a range of disabilities.
After graduating from university, Mandy worked for several years with adults with complex physical disabilities. Mandy also worked for several years in acute, rehabilitation and community settings in a variety of roles with NSW Health, including the Prince of Wales Spinal Injuries. She then joined the NSW Paediatric Spinal Outreach service for several years, where she provided occupational therapy services to children and adolescents with spinal cord injuries across metropolitan and regional NSW. Following this, Mandy joined the School Therapy Team, working with students with a range of complex physical disabilities.
Mandy has extensive experience in working with students with disabilities within the school setting and understands the complexities involved. Mandy also worked as part of a specialised metro-regional transition team, facilitating the complex transition of adolescents with disabilities move into adulthood.
At Lighthouse we believe that in order to be a qualified expert witness current clinical work experience is essential. Mandy continues to work in her own private clinical practice with children, adolescents and adults with spinal cord injuries, cerebral palsy, progressive neuromuscular disabilities, as well as rare physical disabilities. She provides services in a variety of settings, including home, workplaces, schools, universities and other community settings.
Mandy is experienced with both the NDIS and iCare Schemes and works with clients across both schemes as well as publically and privately funded schemes. Mandy has observed children and adults ageing with a disability and the complications that are often seen, both physically and socio-economically.
Mandy was nominated and selected as Occupational Therapist of the Year in 2010 across the South Eastern Sydney Local Health Network, has presented at National and International Conferences. She has co-authored papers for peer reviewed journals.
Mandy is passionate about working with people with disabilities, with a particular interest in The Disability Inclusion Act which motivates her to support people with disabilities to achieve their goals and potential. Mandy has provided volunteer outreach work in rural and remote villages in South-East Asia to support the development of a disability clinic. This involved training and upskilling of local therapists, as well as setup of a mobile wheelchair clinic using local materials. She coordinated a team of Australian-based therapists to support the running of the clinics, and the local program still continues today.
In her spare time, Mandy enjoys the outdoors, playing the piano, cooking and spending time with friends and family. She enjoys meeting people from all walks of life.
