Chris and her dog Ripley sitting on the edge of a cliff looking at the ocean.

Occupational Therapist ✳︎ Inclusion Coach ✳︎ Educator

Hi, I’m Chris!

  • The world is mostly designed for one kind of brain, one kind of body, one way of communicating and moving through life. When someone doesn't fit that design, they are often expected to change or adapt. I don't think that's fair, and I don't think it works.

    Most people who feel like they're "not managing" aren't failing. They're trying to operate within systems that were never designed with them in mind. School schedules built for one kind of nervous system. Workplaces built around one communication style. Therapy models built around what's fundable, not what's needed.

    For more than 20 years, I've worked across community, health, and education, as an OT, educator, consultant, and advisor. Different roles, different settings - but all connected by one theme and the mission behind the work I do: inclusion. Inclusion of disability, of neurodivergence, and of anyone the system wasn't built for.

    This work has taught me that genuine inclusion doesn’t happen in isolation. It requires systemic change and collaboration across all levels. This is why I work with individuals, organisations and communities.  I help individuals find their way through systems that weren't built for them. And I work alongside organisations and communities to question those systems, to remove barriers, and to create more inclusive spaces and practices. 

  • Whether I'm working with a parent, an adult, another OT, a school, or an organisation, my approach is consistent:

    1. Start with what matters most
    What's the change that would have the biggest positive impact for you (or your organisation) right now? 

    2. Understand the barriers
    I help you uncover what's actually getting in the way. Is it the environment? Unclear expectations? Sensory overwhelm? Understanding the real barrier streamlines solutions. 

    3. Co-create tailored solutions
    Together, we design something that works for you - your context, your brain, your life - not generic advice. We minimise barriers so you can do more of what you need and want to do.

    • I'm Neurodivergent (and I've tried all the "hacks")

      I’m a late diagnosed ADHDer, so I have firsthand experience navigating the world differently and facing systems that were not designed for my brain. I've also tried countless "neurodivergent tricks" and "ADHD hacks" that promise to change everything, but rarely work (or not for more than 5 minutes!). 

      This is why I believe in tailored solutions over generic advice. Solutions created with you (not for you!) and designed around your life, your brain, and your context. 

    • I value and embrace affirming practices. This means: 

      • I don’t believe in “fixing” people. You're not broken. Your child isn't broken. Your brain isn't broken. The systems and the spaces around you might be, but not you. 

      • I strive to recognise and honour differences of all kinds - they make us who we are and I think they make life far more interesting. 

      • I aim to create spaces where people feel safe and comfortable to show up as they are. 

    • I’m a "Grounded Dreamer" and an “Innovator-Educator” (according to the latest trending personality tests) 

      They may not count quite as much as my formal degrees, but I think they’re far more descriptive of how I approach life and work!

      I'm curious by nature, always asking "why?" and never satisfied with answers like "it's just how we've always done it." But I'm also practical, I like the challenge of translating big ideas into real, workable solutions for real, messy life.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Less therapy, better outcomes! Here’s how:

    Time-bound & Structured

    • 6-8 weeks* of structured OT support with a clear plan.

    • You know what to expect each session and where we’re headed.

    *Follow-up support options are available based on individual need and preference. And for different or new priority areas, another 6-8 week block may be scheduled.

    Focused:

    • We work on 1 specific goal at a time.

    • What’s the one thing that if it got easier, would make everything else more manageable - or would have a significant, positive impact on your daily life?

    Parent/Carer Focused [for child clients]:

    • The most effective and efficient OT I’ve seen for kids (and backed by research!) is the kind that empowers and builds capacity of the people supporting them.

    • I work directly with you because you’re the constant in your child’s life.

    • 1 hour per week is about 1% of a child’s waking time - the other 99% is where real, meaningful change happens.

    • My aim is to help you feel more confident and better equipped to support that 99%.

    Affirming & Empowering:

    • We work collaboratively to understand what’s getting in the way and find solutions that fit your life.

    • I teach you the why behind strategies (not just the what) so you can adapt when things change.

    • By the end, you’ll know what to do, understand why it works, and feel more equipped and confident to troubleshoot independently. 

  • You can email directly ot@christinebagnall.com or use our contact form—we’ll walk you through the next steps and answer any questions along the way.

  • The costly bits:

    • Bachelor of Science in Public Health

    • Master of Science in Occupational Therapy

    • Diploma of Access Consulting

    • Advanced Training in Occupational Performance Coaching

    The real life bits:

    • I bring 20+ years experience in disability inclusion across community, health and education settings - as an OT, educator, inclusion consultant, and advisor.

    • I help individuals navigate the spaces and systems creating barriers in their lives, and

    • I help organisations and communities redesign spaces and systems so fewer barriers exist in the first place.

  • Individual OT Services: $193.99/hr (Detailed quotes and service agreements provided prior to starting)

    Individual Supervision & Mentoring:

    • 1 Session - $200 (+GST)

    • 3 Sessions - $500 (+GST)

    • 5 Sessions - $750 (+GST)

    **Please reach out to discuss organisational or group supervision/mentoring options.

    Organisational Training & Workshops:

    Pricing based on project type and complexity. Please get in touch to discuss your specific needs and we’ll provide a transparent quote with no hidden costs.

Still have questions? Get in touch and we’ll get back to you directly.

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