Meet Sophie!

Meet Sophie, a vibrant and talented Occupational Therapist, and a proud participant in Rocky Bay’s new graduate program.

After four years of dedicated study at Curtin University Sophie completed her Bachelor of Occupational Therapy with Honours. It was in her last year that she commenced an eight-week placement at Rocky Bay early in 2022, where she discovered a supportive culture and genuine camaraderie among the team.

Erin Pinnock, Rocky Bay Clinical Operations Manager, recognising Sophie’s potential, invited her to work as a therapy assistant with the opportunity to then transition into the new graduate program once Sophie completed her Occupational Therapy degree. It was an offer too good to refuse, given Sophie’s positive experiences and the welcoming atmosphere at Rocky Bay.

Rocky Bay’s new graduate program is an exclusive 12-month program where participants work towards a rewarding and long-term career.

What sets Rocky Bay’s graduate program apart for Sophie? The people. Sophie quickly built connections across various hubs, forging relationships with fellow graduates and participating in soft skills training. The program, led by Olivia Norris and Wes Gao, provided one-on-one support, guiding Sophie through challenging scenarios, answering questions, and promoting reflective practice.

The program’s emphasis on building connections proved invaluable, with Sophie highlighting the joy of meeting face-to-face with other new graduates. Through collaborative efforts, they engaged in soft skill trainings covering stress management, burnout, conflict resolution, and overcoming imposter syndrome.

Sophie found support from her fellow graduates within the allied health team. Collaborating with a physiotherapist on joint sessions and working closely with speech therapists allowed her to exchange ideas and navigate challenging scenarios togethers.

When asked about her favorite customer story, Sophie recounts helping a student overcome classroom challenges. By conducting a sensory profile and tailoring interventions, Sophie, alongside a speech therapist, successfully integrated the student into the classroom environment, witnessing a transformation from reluctance to active participation.

Reflecting on the skills gained, Sophie emphasised her ability to understand NDIS intricacies and collaborate effectively within a multidisciplinary team. These skills, coupled with consistent support and mentorship, set the stage for a successful career in occupational therapy.

As graduation from the new graduate program approaches, Sophie is eager to explore new projects and areas of specialization at Rocky Bay. Her experience at Rocky Bay has instilled confidence and a desire to contribute meaningfully to the field.

Sophie’s advice to prospective graduates contemplating Rocky Bay’s program? The benefits are vast, from unparalleled support and opportunities for project involvement and resource creation.

Rocky Bay’s graduate program isn’t just a steppingstone; it’s a supportive community where a career in Allied Health can flourish.

Read more about our new graduate program here.