The Team
Who We Are
Julie Mackay
Occupational Therapist
Julie is the Senior Occupational Therapist and founder of Grow Therapies Blue Mountains. Since graduating in 1997, she has gained experience providing Occupational Therapy to children, adolescents, and adults.
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Throughout her career, Julie has worked in various settings, including private practice paediatrics, neurology, brain injury rehabilitation, general rehabilitation, and as a tutor for undergraduate OT students at the University of Sydney. Julie also dedicated several years to home educating her children, gaining a deep understanding of supporting diverse learning needs within the educational curriculum and effectively breaking down learning tasks into manageable steps.
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Passionate about lifelong learning, Julie regularly engages in continuing professional development and is currently pursuing a graduate certificate in child and adolescent mental health. Julie has also undertaken further education in fine and gross motor skill development, co-regulation, self-regulation and emotional regulation, anxiety, neurodiversity, executive function skill development, sensory processing, toileting and more to support children of all ages from birth to 16 years of age in developing the daily skills they need to achieve their potential and thrive.
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Julie is committed to family-centered, evidence based practice, enjoys working as part of a multidisciplinary team, and values collaboration with other professionals to ensure the wellbeing and success of the children she supports in their daily activities.
Jenny Hardimon
Social Worker
Jenny has been supporting families as a Counsellor and Social Worker in the Nepean / Blue Mountains area for the past 30 years. Her roles have included Gateway Family Services, Lapstone Early Childhood Advisory Service, Nepean Hospital Paediatric Chronic Illness and currently she supports children, adolescents and adults through the impact of trauma at NSW Health.
Jenny provides a safe, non judgemental space for you to talk through your concerns as a parent and learn strategies to better equip you and your child to thrive day to day.
Jenny lives and has raised her 3 young adult children in the Blue Mountains. She has a passion for supporting parents to thrive in their parenting role.
Jade
Occupational Therapist
Jade studied a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy at Western Sydney University and is looking forward to returning to Grow Therapies as a new graduate OT.
Jade has worked at Grow Therapies for 18 months as an OT assistant, providing support and therapy to children in schools, preschools, and the clinic. During the school holidays, Jade also facilitated OT groups for numerous children. Currently, Jade is completing her final clinical placement in paediatrics, enhancing her skills and knowledge through working with children of various ages and developmental stages. Jade has also received additional training in LEGO-based therapy, child development (ages 0-5 years), and fine motor skill development.
Jade is passionate about empowering children to thrive by fostering skill development and building confidence and independence in everyday tasks while nurturing each child's unique strengths and interests. Jade believes in the importance of collaboration with families, teachers, and other professionals to create a supportive environment for each child.
Outside of work, Jade enjoys spending time with her family and friends, caring for her pets, exercising, camping, and travelling
Lily
Occupational Therapist
Lily has studied a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy at Western Sydney University and is excited to return as a new graduate OT.
Lily has worked at Grow Therapies for 18 months as an OT assistant, providing support to children in schools, preschools, and the clinic. She has also facilitated OT groups for children during school holidays. Currently, she is completing her final clinical placement in paediatrics to enhance her skills and knowledge.
Lily has also received additional training in LEGO-based therapy, Child development (ages 0-5 years) and fine motor skill development.
Lily loves the outdoors going for bush walks, runs and camping. She enjoys having coffee with her friends and going to pilates.
Rachel
Occupational Therapist
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Rachel graduated in 2020 from Western Sydney University with a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy. Since then her roles have included paediatrics, mental health, adult disability, and aged care. Rachel has completed additional training in paediatrics, neurodiversity-affirming approaches, toileting, sensory processing and developing feeding skills in children from a family centred approach
Rachel loves connecting with the people she works with and seeing them grow in their strengths. Rachel believes in nurturing the unique personalities and strengths every child has, and working as a team with families so children can thrive.