Meet Rose – My Journey to Becoming an Occupational Therapist
My journey into occupational therapy began long before I stepped into a classroom. Growing up with my older brother, Rory, who is nonverbal and on the autism spectrum, I came to understand—intuitively and profoundly—that communication and connection extend far beyond words. We connect through shared experiences, especially our love of bluegrass music. Those moments growing up sitting on our back patio in North Carolina listening to Nickle Creek and The Punch Brothers albums on repeat taught me that presence, rhythm, and emotional resonance can foster connection in ways language sometimes cannot. It was my first lesson in the diverse ways people engage with the world.
Throughout Rory’s life, he was supported by Occupational Therapists who helped him navigate sensory processing, build independence, and access the world on his own terms. I witnessed firsthand how therapy could empower not only the individual but also their family.
At 15, I began working for the Autism Society of North Carolina as a Community Skills Instructor. I supported individuals one-on-one, helping them pursue goals developed by their Occupational Therapists. These sessions, set in everyday community settings, revealed the power of therapy that is functional, person-centred, and grounded in real life.
In 2015, my younger brother sustained a traumatic brain injury—a subdural hematoma—that deeply impacted our family. Once again, I witnessed the vital role of Occupational Therapists in acute care, as they conducted assessments and provided evidence based intervention to support his recovery.
At 18, I joined Hinds’ Feet Farm, an organisation devoted to supporting individuals with acquired brain injury. I helped develop a statewide initiative called Unmasking Brain Injury, a project that empowered participants to tell their stories through art. Our team traveled the state supporting individuals in designing a mask that reflected who they were before and after their injury. Through these deeply personal narratives, I developed a profound appreciation for the value of lived experience—and how occupational therapy can support individuals in reclaiming their identity and finding their voice.
In 2018, I moved to Sydney to pursue my Master’s in Occupational Therapy. Alongside my studies, I worked as a support worker, providing both community-based and in-home care to individuals with physical and cognitive disabilities across Sydney. My university placements further broadened my perspective—from working with the acute care team at Westmead Hospital to providing trauma-informed care for primary-aged students in a rural NSW school setting.
Following graduation, I joined The Benevolent Society—Australia’s first non-profit organisation—where I worked alongside families and individuals to improve daily function, and build capacity and independence. This role cemented my commitment to delivering therapy that is thoughtful, collaborative, and grounded in each person’s unique story.
I have now worked in the disability sector for 15 years, and in January 2024, I founded Growing Roses Therapy with the intention of creating a practice grounded in the belief that therapy should meet people where they are. Both my personal and professional experiences have taught me that meaningful change happens when we slow down, listen deeply, and walk alongside others with empathy and care.
