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 the Senior Occupational Therapy and Director of Explore and Soar.
She has a vast array of life and professional experiences that have shaped her passion, drive and motivation to support and enhance the quality of Occupational Therapy services in the Hunter Valley Region. You can learn more about Jess by visiting her personal website: www.jessrodgers.com.au
LORI CONLEY
Clinical Manager/ Occupational Therapist
Lori is an Occupational Therapy graduate of the University of Newcastle.
Lori has a desire to help our families navigate challenges, big and small. Having lived in rural Queensland and growing up in Singleton, Lori is very aware of the difficulties parents can face in accessing services for their children. This has made her excited to be part of the Explore and Soar team, where Occupational Therapy services can come to you. With her Occupational Therapy knowledge, Lori brings a unique understanding to the Clinical Manager’s role.
MADELEINE SIMMS
Occupational Therapist
Madeleine (Maddie) is passionate about educating and supporting parents and caregivers, equipping them with the knowledge and understanding needed to best support their children in a holistic approach across different environments.
Maddie is a big kid at heart and loves to play and engage with the kids, while her pursuit of knowledge has provided her with numerous opportunities to enhance her practice, particularly in sensory integration theory, primitive reflex integration, DIR engagement, play-based models, and trauma experiences. Maddie believes that building strong relationships and rapport with the children and their families and caregivers is essential for success, which makes her a valuable part of the Explore and Soar team.
LAUREN SAUNDERS
Finance and Quality Manager
Lauren is a dedicated professional with over 15 years of experience in the disability sector. Her extensive knowledge covers multiple critical domains, such as Client Support, Finance, Quality Improvement, Risk Management, and Compliance. This knowledge is further reinforced by her diplomas in Information Technology and Quality Auditing. Lauren joined the Explore and Soar team in 2023, bringing her strong focus on organisation, problem-solving, and profound compassion.
Lauren’s commitment to excellence ensures that the support provided to our families is exceptional and tailored to their unique needs and aspirations, making her a valuable part of the Explore and Soar team.
BREE HANCOCK
Therapy Assistant
Bree is a compassionate and dedicated member of the Explore and Soar team as a Therapy Assistant, deeply committed to uplifting and supporting those around her. Bree brings a background that includes a Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance. In addition to her course, Bree offers valuable personal insights and experiences as a parent, which greatly enhance her ability to empathise with and support our clients and families.
Bree’s nurturing demeanour creates a warm and welcoming environment, making her clients feel understood and valued. Her commitment to enhancing the lives of our clients through her compassionate care and professional expertise makes her a valuable part of the Explore and Soar team.
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)
