Our Team
Geelong
The Allied Health Studio Collective provides support for children, adolescents and adults.
We are a multidisciplinary allied health practice offering Psychologists, Mental Health Social Workers, Speech Pathologists, Mental Health Occupational Therapists and Therapy Assistants.
Meet Rachel Hammond
Occupational Therapist
Senior Clinician
Rachel is an occupational therapist with over 10 years’ experience, who is registered with AHPRA, OT Australia and a registered “Better Access to Mental Health” Medicare provider.
Rachel has worked in a variety of contexts including school based settings, mental health inpatient and community and private practice settings. She has worked with neurotypical and neurodiverse clients across the lifespan, including clients with Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD and learning differences. Rachel has supported these clients by working together on social skills development, sensory processing challenges, routine and participation, emotional issues (anxiety, regulation, mood and anger, counselling support and executive functioning). Rachel has a strong interest in counselling and working with young people to meet their goals.
Rachel values working holistically with families, schools and other allied health professionals to support clients and their families to reach their full potential. Rachel uses an integrative, evidence-based approach incorporating play skills for her younger clients, and a narrative strengths based approach when working with adolescents and young adults.
She is passionate about supporting clients to increase participation to the best of their ability in meaningful everyday occupations. Rachel has a dynamic, clinical approach informed by the assessment process to focus on supporting an individual’s social, emotional, sensory, mental health, cognitive and developmental goals.
Meet Victoria Columbine
Senior Speech Pathologist
Victoria is a Speech Pathologist who completed her Masters in Speech Pathology in 2016. Victoria currently works with school aged children, teens and young adults.
Victoria found the passion for working in early intervention after training as an Early Start Denver Model therapist after finishing her studies. Through the years Victoria has noticed a gap in therapy for those older children and adolescents trying to find their “tribes” in the world.
Victoria has great knowledge working with neurotypical and neurodiverse individuals and their families focussing on speech sound development, expressive and receptive communication, social communication and alternative forms of communication.
Victoria loves working closely with families to ensure goals fit within their daily routines and that goals are meaningful for all. Victoria enjoys incorporating goals into fun and creative activities.
In her spare time you will find Victoria creating something with her hands such as sewing, crochet, quilting or cross stitch or out in the garden with her nutty Labrador, chickens and duck.
Meet Olivia Hart
Occupational Therapist
Olivia is an Occupational Therapist who completed a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy in 2023 at Deakin University.
Throughout various placement experiences, it further instilled Olivia’s passion for working collaboratively alongside young people and adolescence, to optimise their participation in occupations meaningful to them.
Olivia is committed to supporting individuals to reach their full potential in all areas of life, through enhancing their functional independence, interpersonal capacity, executive functioning and overall motor skills using a strengths-based and interest-orientated approach.
To relax and unwind, Olivia can be found curled up reading a book, doing a pilates class or taking a long beach walk.
Meet Rebecca Evans
Psychologist
Rebecca Evans is a Psychologist who creates a nurturing and non-judgmental environment for her clients to focus on their well-being and address the challenges they face. With over two decades of professional experience in the corporate and not-for-profit world, Rebecca has transitioned from a successful career in Marketing and Communications to her true calling of directly supporting individuals on their unique life journeys.
Rebecca's tailored approach is characterised by empathy, respect, and collaboration, offering a safe haven where clients can explore their inner world, feel heard, and find understanding. Working across the lifespan to include adults, adolescents and children, Rebecca welcomes both neurodivergent and neurotypical clients. Her holistic approach, particularly when working with children, extends to close collaboration with families, schools, and other allied health professionals to help clients and their families achieve their fullest potential.
Rebecca's practice encompasses various areas of psychological well-being, including managing stress, anxiety, depression, postnatal depression, life transitions and career guidance. She also supports neurodiverse clients, such as those with Autism and ADHD. In her therapeutic work, Rebecca draws from an integrative and evidence-based approach, incorporating a range of modalities, such as Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Motivational Interviewing, as well as strength-based and mindfulness techniques.
Outside of work, Rebecca enjoys running, pilates, surfing and spending time with friends and family.
Meet Lauren Wood
Occupational Therapist
Lauren is an Occupational Therapist who completed a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy in 2022 at Deakin University.
Lauren is passionate about developing and building capacity in everyday life tasks including emotional regulation, school-based skills, community participation and understanding sensory needs at home, in the community, at school and in the studio.
Lauren has gained valuable experiences in her studies, including school based therapies and social skills group programs. She has previously worked with participants across the age range.
Lauren lives on the Bellarine Peninsula and enjoys playing netball and is heavily involved with her local football and netball club. Lauren enjoys playing with her two dogs, running and going to the beach.
Meet Nicole Whyte
Speech Pathologist
Nicole is a Speech Pathologist who completed a Bachelor of Applied Science and Master of Speech Pathology in 2018. Nicole currently works with school aged children, adolescents and young adults.
Nicole works with neurotypical and neurodivergent individuals in the areas of literacy, social communication, language and executive functioning. Nicole is passionate about creating a welcoming and safe environment for individuals to heard, validated and supported.
Nicole has a strong passion for implementing an evidence-based and a neuro-affirming approach and combining this with an individual's strengths an interests. She is a caring clinician and enjoys connecting and working with an individual’s team including parents, schools and other health professionals.
Outside of work, you will find Nicole exploring the local op shops and chasing her toddler!
Meet Hannah Broughton
Occupational Therapist
Hannah Broughton is an Early Career Occupational Therapist who graduated in 2024 with a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy from Deakin University.
Throughout her studies and clinical placements, Hannah held a strong commitment to delivering neuro-affirming care with a client- and family-centered approach. She believes in empowering clients by providing diverse opportunities to engage in activities that are meaningful to them, fostering both independence and participation in everyday life.
During her final 10-week placement at AHSC, Hannah developed a deep passion for paediatric occupational therapy, gaining great satisfaction helping children and young adults achieve their goals. She is dedicated to utilising evidence-based interventions and assessments to support both mental and physical health, as well as social participation.
Outside of her professional life, Hannah enjoys spending time outdoors, socialising with friends, and playing netball.
Meet Samuel Christensen
Occupational Therapist
Samuel Christensen is an Early Career Occupational Therapist who graduated in 2024 with a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy from Deakin University.
He finds joy in working with kids and young people, collaborating with them to facilitate engagement in occupations and activities that are important to them.
Beyond the realm of OT, Sam enjoys being active and playing lots of sports, especially footy, representing St. Marys Football Club.
Sam aims to bring a warm and energetic personality, and work with and learn as much from the team!
Meet Kate Augello
Speech Therapist
With a Master of Speech Pathology (2014), Kate brings in depth clinical experience working with school aged children, teens and young adults. Her primary areas of practice include assessment, advocacy, case management and intervention in literacy, language, social communication and executive function.
Her passion lies in particular working with adolescent clients, in literacy and complex language (including written expression) and the intersection of speech pathology and numeracy. Kate is a knowledge seeker and continuous learner. At the core of her support is neurodiverse affirming approaches, kindness and collaboration with her clients’ care team.
Outside of work, you’ll find Kate at the footy, enjoying musicals or out in nature.
Meet Leila
Client Relations & Accounts Manager
Leila will be the first face you see when you walk through the doors of the Allied Health Studio Collective, Geelong, as she takes over from Vanessa during her maternity leave. With a warm and approachable personality, Leila is dedicated to providing a positive and welcoming experience for clients and their families.
Leila is passionate about helping others and aspires to study to become a paramedic. Her strong organisational skills ensure that appointment scheduling is seamless and tailored to fit each family's needs. Whether managing clinician diaries or addressing client queries, she’s committed to maintaining the high standard of care and service the studio is known for.
Outside of work, Leila enjoys baking and exploring the outdoors, whether through travel or adventure activities like snowboarding. Her love for new challenges and experiences complements her dynamic role within the team
Meet Vanessa
Senior Client Relations & Accounts Manager
Vanessa is the first face you will see when you walk through the doors of the Allied Health Studio Collective, Geelong. She is our number one for client relations, and will always welcome you with her smile and bubbly personality.
Vanessa has a background in studying Psychology, which provides her with underlying knowledge and passion about the work that we do. Vanessa's skill set comprises extraordinary organisation skills, where she manages the diaries of all of our clinicians, as well as ensuring your appointment suits your family and your life schedules. Vanessa is an expert in creating a positive experience for our clients and their families.
In her spare time, she enjoys doing pilates, travelling and hanging out with her fur-babies (kitties).
Meet June Bug
The Personality Hire.
June was unfortunately bitten by a snake in February 2022. After a short stay in the animal hospital she required close monitoring for several days. This meant June was required her to attend the studio with her owner, Rachel. By the time her recovery week came to an end, June had melted many hearts. Since this time June was regularly requested to come back into the studio to visit clients, forming a few really special relationships.
June has done some basic therapy dog training, and is looking to further improve her skills in this area. Until then, please excuse the playful excitement she will deliver upon your arrival.
Not a fan of dogs? Not a problem! June has her own office space (crate) and bed where she can snooze the session away while you are in the studio, just let Vanessa know.
In her free time June enjoys chewing sqeuaky toys, belly rubs, running on the beach and long snoozes.
Meet Dr. Connie Buckingham
Psychologist & Clinical Trainer
Connie is a Senior Psychologist offering clinical training to the allied health team.
