Our Team
At Back to Basics Health Group our team are here to help. We undertake frequent professional development to further our skills to assist with achieving the outcomes of all individuals.
Our team is dedicated to providing up to date evidence-based, client centred methods to through the development of Individualised goals and measurable outcomes to improve their overall function.
Team work, rapport building, and empathy are values important to our team.
Andrew Charalambous
B. Sc. (Clin. Sc.), M. H. Sc. (Osteo), B.OccTher
Andrew is an experienced Occupational Therapist who has worked with individuals with ASD for over 10 years. Andrew has worked as an Occupational Therapist at a special school and currently contracts to several schools in the Eastern Suburbs. Andrew continues to improve his skills and engages in continued professional development to ensure he provides the most up to date, evidence based therapy for all his clients. Andrew has a particular interest in behavioural management, fine and gross motor development and sensory integration therapy. Andrew is also a registered Osteopath who is passionate about providing a unique experience for all his patients. A high achiever, Andrew recently graduated from Victoria University with a Masters of Health Science (Osteopathy) receiving the Osteopathy Australia graduate prize as dux of his year level whilst also receiving the Victoria University Medal of Excellence as the most outstanding postgraduate student. Andrew incorporates a number of techniques in his treatment regime which include soft tissue techniques, mobilisation, manipulation and indirect treatments such as BLT (Balance Ligamentous tension) and counterstrain. Andrew is also qualified in Level 2 myofascial dry needling and cupping which adds another treatment option for his patients. Andrew can proficiently treat any type of musculoskeletal complaint including back pain, sciatica, neck pain, headaches, joint pain and sports injuries through a combination of hands on treatment, advice and rehabilitation.
Claire Pitcher
B. SpPath, CPSP
Claire’s motivation and passion to become a Speech Pathologist stems from her experiences working in the disability field as a Support worker for many years. Her method is to be caring, compassionate and tailor her skills to the individuals needs. Claire looks forward to meeting new clients as she continues her venture through Speech Pathology at Back to Basics Health Group. Claire graduated from Australian Catholic University with a Bachelor of Speech Pathology. She is fully qualified and registered with Speech Pathology Australia. She thrives to constantly improve her practice and enable families and carers to support their child’s communication in the best way possible. She has strong interest in Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), Stuttering and Autism. Claire has completed further training in the Lidcombe Program and Picture Exchange Communication Systems (PECS) and continues to pursue professional development through ongoing learning and training.
Helen Charalambous
BSW
Helen completed her Bachelor of Social Work and Bachelor of Arts (Major in Criminology and minor in Sociology) at Monash University at the end of 2012. Helen is currently also completing a Diploma in Counselling. She has completed the online Applied Behavioural Analysis Training through ABA Link this year Helen has over 8 years’ experience in the social work sector (with Children, family and Youth), working with both mandatory and non-mandatory clients with experience in management and supervisory roles.
She has worked extensively with children and youth with high risk behaviours and assisted families with this. Helen is a behavioural support practitioner providing support for individuals with complex behaviours. Helen has experience developing behavioural support plans (BSP) and completing functional behavioural assessments to inform the BSP.
Samantha Karro
B.H. SC (Health Science), M. OccTher
Sam graduated with a Bachelor of Health Sciences from Curtin University in Western Australia and graduated from Swinburne University with a Masters in Occupational Therapy.
Sam is a passionate occupational therapist who strives to promote independence for people of all ages living with a disability. She aims to promote client participation and engagement in their daily activities and tailoring her approach to support her clients to achieve their functional goals. She implements a strengths based approach to her practice and has a strong focus on providing client and family centered care.
Sam has experience working with a variety of age groups from children to older adults and in a variety of settings. Sam has particular interest in areas including fine and gross motor skills, motor planning, environmental or activity adaptation and social skills.
Sam enjoys working with her clients in their own environment as it allows her to tailor their intervention plan and create appropriate strategies for the environments that they frequently access.
Sam continues to attend professional development and learning opportunities to better her practice, this allows her to utilise the most appropriate skills in occupational therapy and apply them to the clients she supports. Sam looks forward to continuing her career with Back to Basics Health Group.