About Bridge to Best
Based in Brisbane, Queensland, we are a mobile service, bringing our sessions directly to you – whether it's in the comfort of your home, the familiarity of your workplace, or within the community.
Our exceptional team is a spirited ensemble of occupational therapists, and therapy assistants, united by a shared passion for making a positive impact in the lives of adults who have suffered complex brain injuries or have other neurological conditions. What sets us apart is not only our commitment to excellence but the genuine joy we find in working collaboratively within our team, and with our clients.
We understand that every individual is unique, and so are their needs. That’s why, at Bridge to Best, we carefully match the skills of our team members to the specific requirements of our clients. The best part? Our clients often see more than one team member as we work together to functionally find ways to achieve our clients’ goals ensuring that together, we build a bridge to your best self.
The Bridge to Best Team
Meet Danielle, the dynamo who founded Bridge to Best in 2018 and serves as its Director. As a seasoned Occupational Therapist with over 18 years of experience, Danielle brings her expertise to the table and leads a team of exceptional professionals.
Danielle is a people person through and through – she loves meeting new faces and has a personality that lights up the room. She also has a passion for cooking and enjoys combining her culinary interests with her work in helping clients with brain injuries.
Driven by a desire to step out of her comfort zone and challenge herself, Danielle is committed to delivering exceptional services to clients and fostering a supportive environment for her team. She firmly believes that taking care of her team enables them to take care of their clients. Danielle maintains a clinical caseload of her own, it is important to her to ensure she has an understanding of the challenges that her clients and her team face in this ever-changing landscape. And more than that, she enjoys working with her clients!
Communication, efficiency, and connection are the core values that Danielle instills in the business. She recognizes that open, transparent, and inclusive communication is non-negotiable, and that efficiency and teamwork are key to getting things done right.
As a member of OT Australia and ASSBI (Australasian Society of Study for Brain Impairment), Danielle holds current AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency) registration and is a FIM™ (Functional Independence Measure) credentialed occupational therapist.
Outside of work, Danielle is a busy mom to two boys and relies on her supportive village to help her navigate the chaos. She enjoys cooking, dancing, and staying active with a good workout. Despite her packed schedule, Danielle is always there for the people who matter most to her.
Meet Zel, our Operations Manager who joined June 2024. Zel is all about keeping things running smoothly behind the scenes. She thrives on working closely with the team to ensure everything is operating at its best, solving any challenges that come her way, and helping drive success across the board.
Beyond just managing the day-to-day, Zel is passionate about supporting the organization’s growth and making sure we always meet our goals with quality and care. She takes pride in creating an environment where everyone can do their best work.
Outside of work, Zel loves nothing more than relaxing with a good book or spending time with friends and family. She’s always up for a BBQ and cherishes those moments of connection and fun.
Say hello to Janet, our amazing Senior Occupational Therapist who joined the Bridge to Best team in 2022! With 20 years of experience as an Occupational Therapist and a degree in psychology, Janet has worked in various settings and helped countless individuals with a wide range of injuries and disabilities. She has a keen understanding of the impact of neurological conditions and has extensive experience in income protection, life insurance, and vocational rehabilitation.
Janet is a true visionary who thinks outside of the box and works collaboratively with her clients to help them achieve their goals in unique and creative ways. She firmly believes that anything is possible and that where there are barriers, there are solutions! Janet is also passionate about helping people return to the things they love, whether that’s sports, hobbies, volunteering, or employment.
When Janet is not working her magic at work, she indulges in her love for tap dancing! She is also a devoted wife and mother to two busy children. Although she loves the beach, her fair skin doesn’t, so you’ll often find her seeking shade under a beach umbrella.
Janet is registered with AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioners Registration Australia) and is a member of OT Australia. Her warmth, compassion, and expertise make her an integral part of our team, and we feel privileged to have her on board!
Meet Miriam, the original trail blazer in our Bridge to Best Occupational Therapy team since 2019. With over 20 years of experience in the community, working with aged care, disability, and hospital transition, she brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to our group.
Miriam is a practical problem solver who loves helping clients adapt their environment, use assistive technology, and develop strategies to achieve their goals. Her passion for wheelchairs and positioning ensures that each client receives the best fit of comfort and functionality. She does not go anywhere without a toolbox!
But what sets Miriam apart is her love for working with people. She finds unique challenges in each client’s situation, and the reward of seeing them achieve their goals is what motivates her every day. Miriam is registered with AHPRA, OT Australia, and ASSBI, ensuring that she stays up to date with the latest industry standards and practices.
When she’s not helping clients, Miriam enjoys spending time with her husband and two children, exploring the outdoors through hiking, kayaking, and riding. But on those lazy days, you’ll find her cozied up on the couch with a good book or binge-watching her favorite shows.
Meet Gemma, one of our Occupational Therapists! Since joining us in January 2023, she has quickly become an integral member of our team. Gemma graduated from the University of the Sunshine Coast in 2021 and has gained valuable experience in community aged care and residential aged care over the past year.
What sets Gemma apart is her passion for engaging with the community and her ability to identify the potential in those around her. Her empathetic and bubbly personality allows her to establish a strong foundation of understanding with her clients, which helps her support them from the ground up. Gemma loves working collaboratively with her clients to achieve the best possible outcome for everyone involved.
Gemma is a registered occupational therapist with AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency) and has also earned her FIM (Functional Independence Measure) credential. This means she has the expertise to provide top-notch care to our clients.
When Gemma is not at work, you can find her at the coast, playing netball, or enjoying a coffee with her family, friends, and beloved pooch. With her warm and vibrant personality, Gemma is a valuable member of our team, and we feel lucky to have her!
Introducing Amy, a talented OT with a zest for life, a love for cooking, and a need for speed!
Amy has a passion for working with young adults with brain injuries. With her early career in acute hospital settings, she recognizes the importance of ongoing care and support as clients re-enter their communities and navigate their recovery. Amy understands her client’s unique challenges and goes above and beyond to provide personalised care and support.
Beyond her occupational therapy prowess, Amy’s got a knack for culinary adventures! When she’s not helping her patients, you’ll often find her in the kitchen, cooking up an Italian delight, or in and around Brisbane checking out the latest restaurants and foodie experiences.
Amy is also a self-proclaimed Formula 1 enthusiast! She gets a thrill from following the high-speed action and cheering on her favourite drivers. Her passion for the sport mirrors her dedication to her craft—driven, focused, and always seeking to improve.
As an early career OT, Amy’s enthusiasm and thirst for knowledge shine through. Her commitment to continuous growth and delivering exceptional care make her an asset to any team. With Amy by your side, you’ll experience firsthand the energy and passion that she brings to every client interaction.
Meet Brydie, one of our occupational therapists, who joined the team in July 2024. She brings experience in community and aged care and is passionate about building meaningful relationships with clients.
Brydie takes the time to understand what her clients love to do and works with them to find ways to support those interests. Her approach centers on connection and understanding, always saying, “if you don’t ask, you never know.”
As an early career OT, Brydie is eager to learn and grow alongside her clients to ensure she’s providing top-quality care. She firmly believes that strong relationships and clear communication are essential to achieving the best outcomes.
Brydie is a registered OT with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and is also credentialed in the Functional Independence Measure (FIM).
When she’s not working, she enjoys reading, trivia, sipping coffee by the water, and camping off the grid with friends and family.
Gaby is now stepping into her new role as an Occupational Therapist at Bridge to Best, after recently graduating with her degree in Occupational Therapy. Having already been part of our team as a Therapy Assistant, she brings valuable experience and deep familiarity with our approach and values.
Gaby’s passion for arts and crafts shines in her ability to find creative, out-of-the-box solutions that meet the unique needs of her clients. Her time as a Therapy Assistant has given her hands-on experience in working closely with clients, honing her skills in providing personalized support. This role has also strengthened her communication, problem-solving, and resourcefulness—skills that are essential as she transitions to an OT.
Early in her studies, Gaby became captivated by neurological rehabilitation. Her personal experiences, combined with her academic journey, have deepened her understanding of hidden disabilities. She’s seen firsthand how Occupational Therapy can empower people to live on their own terms. When she found Bridge to Best, Gaby knew it was the perfect fit, and we couldn’t agree more!
Now, as an OT, Gaby is excited to continue applying her hands-on experience while embracing the latest developments in the field. The benefits of her experience as a Therapy Assistant, coupled with her academic knowledge, give her a well-rounded foundation to provide outstanding care. Her journey at Bridge to Best has been a dream come true, and we’re thrilled to see her take this next step!
Meet Sam, our Therapy Assistant who joined the Bridge to Best team in 2021. With over 20 years of experience in brain injury rehabilitation, she brings valuable knowledge and understanding to our clients.
Sam’s own experience with brain injury and her involvement in rehabilitation programs have given her a unique perspective and insight into the challenges that come with it. She has worked with clients with diverse cognitive and physical disabilities, in hospital and community settings.
Along with her professional experience, Sam has also managed her own family business and understands the importance of managing the effects of brain injury in daily life. She values independence and inclusion and strives to help her clients achieve their goals and rebuild their personal connections.
In her free time, Sam enjoys cooking, gardening, and exploring the great outdoors with her family and friends. As a wife and mom of teenagers, she also understands the ups and downs of parenting and relationships after a brain injury.
Sam is passionate about helping her clients succeed and grow in their recovery journey, no matter how complex it may be. She believes in maintaining relationships, experiencing achievements, and establishing meaningful memories, even after a traumatic injury. With her warmth, personality, and experience, she is an invaluable member of our team.
Meet Travis, our Therapy Assistant who joined the Bridge to Best team in 2023.
What an unbelievable person – after a few massive changes in his life, Travis is a double amputee. He is fulfilling new goals and couldn’t be happier. Travis loves life in general but is passionate about racing cars, cooking, bikes, gardening, and all things dogs.
Travis values the opportunity to work with a team that is focused on the participant but also has a strong focus on industry knowledge and growth, as he believes both go hand in hand.
It’s pretty clear to see that Travis always does his best! He is incredibly patient and endeavours to understand a situation through personal experience or guidance from my peers. Every situation helps him grow and evolve. Living with a disability gives Travis a unique perspective into the life of others and he loves being part of something bigger.