Who we are
Why Phase One Therapy?
Start your therapeutic journey on a strong foundation
At Phase One Therapy, we believe every journey toward better health and well-being begins with a strong foundation. Our name reflects our commitment to the crucial first phase: bringing the referrer and therapist into clear alignment and translating goals into concise, useful documentation. Our focus is early clarity, timely communication, and documentation that’s useful to everyone involved. With everyone on the same page from the start, you gain confidence, direction, and a practical pathway for what comes next.
We understand the first phase of therapy is crucial, and we are dedicated to making it as effective and empowering as possible.
How We Help
Personalised Care
We provide personalised, client-centred care which prioritises your unique needs, preferences, and goals to enhance your independence and quality of life.
Evidence-Based Intervention
Evidence-based intervention involves using proven research and clinical expertise to guide our therapy practices. This ensures the strategies and treatments we provide are effective and tailored to meet your specific needs.
Meaningful Relationships
Meaningful therapeutic relationships are built on understanding, collaboration, and open communication between the therapist and client. This is essential for creating a supportive environment where clients feel valued and empowered to achieve their goals.
Our Team
Kristyn Mackrell – Principal Occupational Therapist
Kristyn has a passion for providing high quality, client-centred care in the community setting. Due to her hospital background, Kristyn seamlessly integrates medical healthcare models with community practices to empower clients. She has strong connections, working collaboratively with other allied health professionals, home modification specialists and equipment suppliers.
Kristyn is known for her personal and genuine approach to clients and referrers. She is a natural advocate, listener and problem solver for her clients. Kristyn is a warm and transparent communicator, with an outstanding ability to connect with her clients and their supports to enable the highest-quality care.
Kristyn is a registered Occupational Therapy Driving Assessor, Lymphoedema Management Level 1, FIM trained and has expertise in the following clinical areas of adult OT services:
- OT Driving Assessments
- Over 75 years
- Driver and vehicle modifications
- Drivers with a medical or disability from 16 years
- Readiness to drive assessment for learner drivers
- Provide expert opinion reports
- Neurodegenerative conditions
- Acquired Brain Injury
- Palliative Care
- Catastrophic conditions
Within these clinical areas Kristyn has a passion for report writing including NDIA Tribunal reports, Functional Capacity Assessments (FCA), Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE), Provide Medicolegal expert opinion reports and Complex Equipment (Assistive technology).
Kristyn is available for face to face appointment and Telehealth appointments Monday, Tuesday and Thursday.
Anna Tscharke – Advanced Occupational Therapist
Anna is a warm and compassionate Occupational Therapist with extensive experience supporting adults with complex and dual disabilities, intellectual and cognitive disabilities, complex communication, and behaviours of concern.
Anna specialises in the completion of high-quality functional capacity assessments, home and living assessments, including Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) assessments.
Anna consistently achieves positive outcomes for her clients. Her clinical expertise is grounded in both community and government settings, complemented by her experience as a casual lecturer and supervisor in tertiary education, where she supports the next generation of occupational therapists learn about intellectual disability.
Anna strongly believes that all people deserve to be independent, however that looks for the individual. A high quality of life is the priority, regardless of age, gender, disability, culture or circumstance. Anna loves using problem-solving and creativity to assist people to live their best life.
Anna has a Bachelor of Applied Science (Occupational Therapy and a Graduate Certificate in Clinical Rehabilitation. She has also completed additional studies in Positive Behaviour Support Practices and continues to engage in ongoing professional development to maintain evidence-based and contemporary practice.
Taylor Hiras – Senior Occupational Therapist
Taylor is a Senior Occupational Therapist who is passionate about helping people live meaningful and fulfilling lives.
She has a special interest in adult chronic conditions and genetic disabilities, persistent pain, autism spectrum disorder, and intellectual disabilities as well as neurological disabilities. Taylor is well known for her client focused skill development, equipment (assistive technology), minor home modifications, and functional capacity assessments.
With experience across hospital, aged care, and disability settings, she brings a well-rounded approach to her practice.
Living with chronic illness herself, Taylor understands firsthand the impact that health challenges can have on daily life. This perspective shapes her empathetic and practical approach, ensuring her clients feel heard, supported, and empowered to achieve their goals.
Taylor values collaboration and works closely with other professionals, suppliers, and support networks to provide the best possible outcomes for her clients. She is committed to making a genuine difference in people’s lives through thoughtful, person-centred therapy.
Taylor is available for face to face and Telehealth appointments Monday – Friday.
Taylor Evans – Admin Assistant
Taylor is passionate about all things administration and thrives on creating a seamless connection between clients and practitioners.
She brings a wealth of experience in patient care and administrative support to the team, with a strong focus on organisation, communication, and efficiency. From managing appointments and practitioner schedules to assisting with patient enquiries, Taylor ensures that every part of the administrative process runs smoothly.
She understands the importance of a warm, professional first impression and takes pride in providing a welcoming experience for every patient.
Ashley Johnson – Occupational Therapist
Ashley is an Occupational Therapist dedicated to enhancing quality of life and fostering independence. With a special interest in working with adults with intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, persistent pain, and chronic and genetic conditions, Ashley takes pride in her person-centred approach to therapy.
Ashley specialises in comprehensive report writing and ad-hoc occupational therapy services. Her practice is deeply informed by her own lived experience with chronic health conditions and neurodiversity, giving her a unique perspective and authentic empathy for her clients’ challenges.
Ashley believes that individuals are the experts in their own conditions and experiences. This philosophy guides her collaborative approach, working alongside clients to identify meaningful goals and develop practical strategies to achieve them. She is dedicated to empowering each person to reach their full potential through thoughtful, tailored interventions.
Ashley is available for both face-to-face and Telehealth consultations.
Lets Connect!
Have any questions? Feel free to reach out