ABOUT
Our Story
From our Director, Jess:
I grew up in a small town and saw time and time again the limited resources, lack of health professionals and support that were available to both parents and their children, teenagers and young adults within our community. I witnessed our parents seek support with little to no success. As I began my professional career as an Occupational Therapist, I realised that what they needed was simply just some extra tools in their tool kit or a personal support person who offered a different perspective and provided them with information about the options available.
As I was leaving high school and determining my university degree, my ‘why’ emerged. I decided that I didn’t want other kids to feel the way I did while growing up. I wanted them to have access to services and attain the skills needed to develop into happy adults and eventually become parents themselves that would provide the right amount of skills and support for their children one day too. I landed firmly in occupational therapy and navigated my way through the degree, focusing on paediatrics, graduating in 2012 from Charles Sturt University.
I spent many years working as an occupational therapist in an array of practices until 2018 when I founded my own company, Explore and Soar.
My ‘why’ and the company’s vision continue to be at the forefront of innovative growth and support to all clients, families and communities. To keep health supports local whilst maintaining the high-quality, excellent services you would receive in cities, reducing travel and time costs for our families and feel empowered and educated are high on our priorities.
Explore and Soar are passionate about continuing to support our rural and local communities, providing opportunities for occupational therapists to return home or relocate to smaller communities and have a strong, supportive company allowing them to develop their careers whilst also increasing access to services for our clients and families within these regions.
Our Team
JESS RODGERS
Director/ Occupational Therapist
Jess is our dedicated Director and Senior Occupational Therapist at Explore and Soar.
She is passionate about empowering children and their families by providing access to high-quality services in rural communities. With a mission to bridge the gap in allied health support for smaller communities, Jess leads a dedicated team of paediatric and mental health occupational therapists, making a significant impact in the regions they serve.
In addition to overseeing Explore and Soar’s presence across three rural locations, Jess is the creator of The Wellbeing Planner and runs OT workshops designed to equip individuals with evidence-based strategies to enhance their wellbeing. She finds great joy in mentoring her team and ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive. To learn more about her work, visit jessrodgers.com.au.
LORI
Clinical Manager/ Occupational Therapist
Lori is our diligent Occupational Therapist and Clinical Manager at Explore and Soar.
A graduate of the University of Newcastle, she has a deep understanding of the challenges families face in accessing support, particularly in rural communities. Having grown up in Singleton and lived in rural Queensland, she values the opportunity to bring occupational therapy services directly to families who need them.
Lori’s extensive OT knowledge, combined with her leadership skills, makes her a valuable asset in ensuring high-quality clinical care and guiding the team in best practices. She is committed to fostering a supportive environment where both clients and therapists can flourish.
LAUREN
Finance and Quality Manager
Lauren is our committed Finance and Quality Manager at Explore and Soar.
Lauren is a dedicated professional with over 15 years of experience in the disability sector. She brings expertise in finance, quality improvement, risk management, and compliance, ensuring that Explore and Soar operates efficiently while maintaining the highest standards of service.
Holding diplomas in Information Technology and Quality Auditing, Lauren has a keen eye for organisation, problem-solving, and continuous improvement. She is passionate about ensuring seamless operations so that therapists can focus on what matters most—supporting children and families.
MADELEINE
Occupational Therapist
Madeleine (Maddie) is one of our energetic Occupational Therapists at Explore and Soar.
She is passionate about educating and supporting parents and caregivers. She takes a holistic approach, ensuring families feel equipped with the knowledge and skills to best support their children across different environments.
A big kid at heart, Maddie thrives on play-based therapy and has pursued extensive training in areas such as sensory integration theory, primitive reflex integration, DIR engagement, trauma-informed care, and play-based models. She believes that strong relationships and rapport are the foundation for success, making her an invaluable part of the Explore and Soar team. Her enthusiasm and dedication help create meaningful progress for the children she supports.
BROGAN
Occupational Therapist
Brogan is one of our enthusiastic Occupational Therapists at Explore and Soar.
She is originally from the UK. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Coventry University and a Master’s in Occupational Therapy from the University of Brighton. With a diverse background spanning stroke rehabilitation, orthopaedics, mental health, and disability services, she brings a wealth of knowledge to the Explore and Soar team.
Brogan has a keen interest in movement-based therapy for wellbeing and holds additional certifications in yoga teaching and dance fitness. She believes that integrating movement into therapy can greatly enhance a child’s development and overall wellbeing. Her passion for active engagement makes her therapy sessions dynamic and effective.
SOPHIE
Occupational Therapist
Sophie is one of our passionate Occupational Therapists at Explore and Soar.
She has a passion for building strong relationships and supporting children and families in reaching their full potential. Having completed her degree in Port Macquarie, she values the importance of providing OT services to regional and rural areas.
She has a particular interest in sensory processing and paediatrics, with a special focus on mental health. Sophie is dedicated to ensuring that children feel heard, understood, and supported in their therapy journey. Her caring nature and dedication help children build confidence and achieve their goals.
CIARA
Occupational Therapist
Ciara is one of our vibrant Occupational Therapists at Explore and Soar.
She has moved from South Africa with a passion for helping children thrive. A graduate of the University of Cape Town, she takes a family-centred approach to therapy, believing that involving families in the process leads to lasting progress.
With a warm and compassionate nature, Ciara works closely with children and caregivers to develop personalised, holistic intervention plans. She is committed to empowering children to reach their full potential in their everyday lives, ensuring they feel supported every step of the way.
BREE
Therapy Assistant/Client Support Team
Bree is one of our compassionate Therapy Assistants at Explore and Soar.
She is dedicated to supporting children and families through personalised and engaging therapy sessions. She holds a Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance, and her lived experience as a parent enhances her ability to empathise with and support families.
Bree creates a warm, welcoming environment that makes clients feel understood and valued. When she isn’t working directly with children, she plays a vital role in the Client Support Team, ensuring smooth communication and documentation processes behind the scenes. Her caring approach and dedication help make every interaction meaningful.
Awards
Young Entrepreneur Jessica Rodgers (Winner 2019)
Health Services (Finalist 2019)
Customer Service Individual Jessica Rodgers (Finalist 2019)
New Start Business (Finalist 2019)
Health Improvement Services (Finalist 2020)
Business Leader of the Year Jessica Rodgers (Finalist 2020)
Health Services (Highly Commended Winner 2021)
Customer Service Individual Madeleine Simms (Winner 2021)
Business Woman of the Year Jessica Rodgers (Finalist 2021)
