Meet the Team
Shannon Goodwin
Occupational Therapist / Director
Shannon is an Occupational Therapist who graduated from James Cook University in 2012. Shannon has experience working with infants, children, adolescents and young adults with complex physical disabilities. Shannon has a particular interest in play, upper limb therapy interventions, equipment prescription, 24-hour-positioning and service delivery to regional and remote areas.
In her spare time Shannon enjoys spending time with her family, taking the dogs for walks, is an active member of Rotary,
Further training completed
Advanced Hand Therapy, Theory, Principles and Practice (Monash University)
24-Hour-Positioning and Postural Care (Simple Stuff Works)
Type 1 Car Restraint Training
Perceive, Recall, Plan, Perform (PRPP) Assessment and Intervention Training.
SOS Feeding Therapy
Jess Barclay
Administration and Therapy Assistant
Jess is our Administration and Occupational Therapy Assistant. She completed her studies in a Certificate IV in Therapy Assistant (Occupational Therapy) in 2020. Jess has experience working in various administration roles and has a passion for working alongside OT's with equipment prescription and modification, car safety and working with children on play, social skills and prep readiness skills.
In her spare time Jess enjoys spending time with her family down at the beach, going for walks, bike rides and watching movies.
Further Training
Certificate IV in Therapy Assistant (Occupational Therapy)
Certificate III in Business Administration
Type 1 Car Restraint Training
First aid and CPR certificates
Attendance at various equipment seminars including ATSA.
Samantha Smith
Occupational Therapist
Sam is an Occupational Therapist who graduated from James Cook University in 2022. Sam joined the Aspire team in mid-2024 following primarily working on paediatric neurodevelopmental differences. Sam has a particular interest in early years development including play skills and supporting emotional regulation. She also has a special interest in expanding her knowledge of paediatric palliative care and paediatric equipment.
Outside of work, Sam enjoys spending time with her husband, family, and friends, and supporting her husband’s fish tank hobby. She also enjoys her volunteer work with the Pyjama Foundation.
Further training
DIR Floortime
LEGO®-Based Therapy Facilitator
Introduction to Child-Centred Play Therapy
Khiala Emerson
Occupational Therapy Assistant
Khiala is our Occupational Therapy Assistant who started with Aspire to Achieve in 2023 and is currently studying Occupational Therapy at James Cook University.
Khiala has had first hand experience living with children who have cognitive and physical disabilities, as she comes from large family where 7 of the children have a variety of disabilities. She has an interest in working alongside OTs to gain experience and knowledge to best assist children with cognitive delays and developmental disorders in a meaningful way.
During her free time Khiala enjoys dancing, baking all kinds of
foods, socializing with her friends, and having movie nights with her partner.