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ABOUT

Discover Our Evidence Based Occupational Therapy Services

Nina Funk

ABOUT US

Meet Nina...

Nina is a passionate and dedicated Occupational Therapist with over 10 years of experience in the disability sector. She takes pride in delivering evidence-based, family-centered care to help children and their families achieve meaningful goals. Nina has a special interest in supporting infants and young children, guiding families through those early months to reach important developmental milestones. She loves sharing creative and fun ways to continue therapy at home.

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Beyond work, Nina enjoys an active lifestyle, spending time outdoors, exploring the beautiful Central Coast, and visiting new coffee spots with her young family. Whether it's beach trips, scenic walks, or weekend adventures, Nina cherishes making special memories with her loved ones. With extensive expertise in Early Intervention, Neurological Disabilities, and Assistive Technology, Nina is committed to empowering families and fostering growth in every child she works with.

OUR APPROACH

Holistic Approach to Occupational Therapy 

Nina is passionate about providing evidence-based, goal-directed therapy with a client and family-centered approach. She is dedicated to making every parent or carer feel heard, ensuring their goals and priorities are at the heart of their child’s therapy. Nina creates a warm and welcoming environment to help families feel comfortable and supported throughout their early intervention journey.

She values close collaboration with other health professionals, maintaining open and effective communication to provide holistic care for each child. By incorporating the Coaching Model, Nina empowers families and carers to actively engage in therapy, fostering participation and confidence.

Nina tailors her approach to emphasise meaningful and functional activities, aligning therapy with each child’s unique goals. She is committed to providing families with the resources, tools, and equipment they need to support progress in various environments. Nina loves working with children in their natural settings, allowing her to personalise therapy and enhance skill development in ways that matter most to each family.

Image by Ján Čorba
Development

WHO WE SERVICE

Clinical Background

Nina has over 10 years of clinical experience working with clients of varying diagnoses and age ranges including individuals with:
 

  • Cerebral Palsy and other Neurological Conditions

  • Genetic Disorders and Chromosomal Conditions

  • Global Developmental Delay

  • Intellectual Disability

  • Degenerative Conditions

AREAS OF

Special Interest 

Nina has a special interest in working with infants and young children (pre-school age), providing goal-directed therapy through a play-based approach to support their growth and development. Over the past four years, Nina has worked extensively with infants at risk of Cerebral Palsy, those with diagnosed genetic conditions, or other neurological diagnoses. She has supported these children and their families by helping them access NDIS funding, conducting ongoing developmental assessments to track progress, and delivering tailored, goal-directed therapy interventions. Nina is deeply passionate about working with children and their families, providing guidance and care during what can often be a challenging and overwhelming journey.

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Nina also has a strong interest in prescribing equipment (Assistive Technology) for individuals of all ages, including infants and young children. She has extensive experience in helping clients obtain the equipment they need to maximize independence, comfort, and participation in daily life. Nina is inspired by the positive outcomes associated with assistive technology and the profound difference it can make in improving access to environments and promoting active engagement in daily routines.

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With vast expertise in prescribing complex assistive technology, Nina has prescribed and delivered wide variety of equipment, including manual wheelchairs with custom seating systems, power wheelchairs, bath chairs, commodes, hoists, change tables, electric beds, sleep systems, and more. 

Infant assessment and development

NINA'S

Additional Training

Nina graduated from the University of the Sunshine Coast in 2014. Nina has worked in the disability sector providing community and clinic-based services since 2015, and over the past five years has specialised in working with infants who have had a traumatic birth, who are at risk of Cerebral Palsy, or who have diagnosed genetic condition or other neurological condition. Nina is registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). Nina has completed additional training in the following assessments and therapeutic approaches:

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  • Prechtl's General Movements Assessment​

  • Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development 

  • Hand Assessment for Infants (HAI)

  • Assisting Hand Assessment (AHA) 

  • Hammersmith Infant Neurological Examination (HINE) 

  • Cognitive Orientation to Daily Occupational Performance (CO-OP)

  • Functional Hand Use in Hemiplegia 

  • Coaching in Therapy and Coaching in Therapy - Advanced Training 

  • Seating and Positioning Training 

  • Learn to Play by Karen Stagnitti - Introductory Course and Advanced Course 

  • Developmental-Individual Differences-Relationships Based Model (DIR 101)

  • Developmental-Individual Differences-Relationships Based Model (DIR 201)

  • Sequential Oral Sensory (S.O.S) Approach to Feeding

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