Dr Nicole Sharp

BAppSc(Hons)OT, PhD (Disability Studies)

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Nicole is a proud mum to two gorgeous boys, Cooper and Levi, and a passionate and experienced registered occupational therapist, specialising in working with neurodivergent children and young people. A proud autistic ADHDer herself, and parent of an ADHDer, Nicole's lived experience is at the heart of her passion for helping neurodivergent young people to live authentic lives, supported in affirming ways.

Nicole has a Bachelor of Applied Science (Honours) in Occupational Therapy from Western Sydney University (2004) and a PhD from University of Wollongong (2019). She also holds a Cert IV in Training and Assessment and is an experienced presenter, trainer and educator. Nicole is dedicated to strengths-based, neurodiversity-affirming, and trauma-informed practice. She loves opportunities to provide training and professional development to people with disability, families/carers, educators and employers, and to bring people together to connect and learn from each other.

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Nicole is an Adjunct Fellow at Western Sydney University. Nicole has presented research at numerous National and International Conferences, and published in peer reviewed journals. Nicole is a passionate qualitative researcher dedicated to understanding lived experience of disability and amplifying the voices of people with disability.  

Bree Barker

Postgrad Cert Play Therapy, Dip Counselling, Grad Cert Child, Adolescent and Family Counselling, Certified AutPlay Play Therapist, Cert IV Allied Health Assistance (OT), PhD (Human Resources)

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Bree is an Associate Play Therapist and Registered Counsellor. Bree has Postgraduate Certificates in Child Centred Play Therapy and Child, Adolescent, and Family Counselling, a Diploma of Counselling and is a qualified and experienced Occupational Therapy Assistant. Bree is currently completing a Master of Autism and Neurodivergence Studies at University of Wollongong.

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Bree is a mum to two gorgeous kids, and is passionate about supporting and empowering children, young people, and families. Identifying as autistic herself and the parent of an autistic ADHDer, Bree has a particular interest in supporting neurodivergent children and their families to be their authentic selves while navigating the challenges of living in a neurotypical world. Bree is a strong believer that through the therapeutic powers of play, children and young people can find their authentic selves, integrate challenging experiences, enhance their self-esteem and self-worth, and learn to regulate themselves emotionally and physically. Bree's work integrally involves families within the therapeutic process, providing psychoeducation, parent/carer education and support to understand themselves to allow them to authentically support their child’s journey. As such, Bree is committed to a neurodiversity-affirming, strengths-based, trauma-informed approach.

Bree is also passionate about providing evidence-informed, neurodiversity-affirming resources, training and educational opportunities to people with disabilities and their families, educators and the broader community. She is an experienced researcher and educator, with a PhD in Human Resources and peer-reviewed journal publications, previous experience working as a research assistant on numerous disability-focused projects, and sessional academic at Western Sydney University.​

Matt Howie

Matt has over 14 years experience in business management, across a range of positions and industries. He is excited to bring his skillset to managing his own family business.

Matt is responsible for all things accounts and human resources at Believe and Become, in addition to his other day job in safety and compliance! He is also a passionate dad to five year old Levi and fourteen year old Cooper. 

Melissa Engel

Currently completing the final year of a Bachelor's degree in occupational therapy, Melissa is a dedicated individual, proud to have been a personal trainer specialising in performance development for young athletes. With a strong focus on nurturing young people to reach their potential, she has strived to empower the next generation of athletes to achieve their dreams. She is an experienced OT Assistant, excited about supporting individuals in building skills and overcoming challenges.

Beyond her professional pursuits, Melissa finds immense joy in being a mother to four incredible children. Balancing the demands of a career and being a nurturing parent has taught her valuable lessons in time management, patience, and adaptability, and instilled in her a deep understanding of the importance of holistic development and individualised care. Melissa has an unwavering commitment to excellence and continuous learning, and strives to make a positive impact in the lives of those around her. 

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Sophie Giannetta

​Sophie is a proud Wollondilly local with a deep-rooted commitment to the community she calls home. Currently completing the final year of a Bachelor’s (Honours) degree in occupational therapy at Western Sydney University, she's on a journey to further her expertise and make a meaningful impact on the lives of those around her.

With a background that includes working at a local pharmacy and within Carrington Care nursing homes, Sophie has developed a genuine passion for supporting and empowering her neighbours, as well as learning valuable skills in providing holistic patient-centred care. She is an experienced OT Assistant dedicated to supporting children through their most critical stages of development.

Outside of her professional endeavours, Sophie enjoys competing her 11-year-old horse, Petal, at local horse shows and eventing competitions. Sophie is excited and enthusiastic to creative a positive influence in the lives of those in her community. 

Sarah D'Arcangelo

Completing her second year of a Bachelor's degree in Social Science Psychology at Charles Sturt University, Sarah is excited about the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others through her professional career. With previous experience in education, particularly in delivering quality Before and After school care programs, she has found a passion for working alongside children and loves watching them accomplish their goals and ambitions. 

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Outside of working, studying and her other professional endeavours, Sarah thoroughly enjoys reading any chance she gets, and spending quality time with her friends and family. Sarah is extremely excited to create a meaningful impact on those around her in her role at Believe and Become.