Mandy Hanna

Senior Occupational Therapist
BASc

Meet Mandy …

Can you tell us about you …r background and experience?
I’m a Senior Occupational Therapist with over 19 years of clinical experience in both occupational therapy and case management. My career began working with adults with complex physical disabilities, and I’ve since had the opportunity to work in a range of roles, including acute, rehabilitation, and community settings with NSW Health. I also spent several years providing services to children and adolescents with spinal cord injuries through the NSW Paediatric Spinal Outreach service and the School Therapy Team.

What specific areas do you have expertise in?
I have extensive experience working with students with disabilities in the school setting and supporting adolescents with complex physical disabilities transitioning into adulthood. I also work in my own private practice with children, adolescents, and adults with spinal cord injuries, cerebral palsy, and progressive neuromuscular conditions.

How do you support your clients?
I work with clients in a variety of settings, including home, school, workplace, and community environments. I have experience with both NDIS and iCare schemes and provide services across publicly and privately funded programs. My clinical work includes supporting clients with physical disabilities as they age, understanding both the physical and socio-economic challenges they face.

What do you enjoy most about your work?
I’m passionate about helping people with disabilities achieve their goals and potential, particularly through the lens of The Disability Inclusion Act. I find it rewarding to be part of the transition process, whether it’s helping an adolescent with a disability move into adulthood or working with a family to navigate complex care needs.

Tell us about any special achievements or experiences
I was honoured to be nominated as Occupational Therapist of the Year in 2010 and have presented at national and international conferences. I’ve also co-authored papers for peer-reviewed journals. A particularly meaningful experience was volunteering in rural and remote South-East Asia to help establish a disability clinic and a mobile wheelchair service.

What do you enjoy outside of work?
I love spending time outdoors, playing the piano, and cooking. I’m also a big fan of spending time with my friends and family, and I really enjoy meeting people from all walks of life.