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 OT and Director of Explore & 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 OT 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
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 OT services can come to you. With her OT knowledge, Lori brings a unique understanding to the clinical manager’s role.
MADELEINE SIMMS
Occupational Therapist
Madeleine has lived in Singleton her entire life and feels honoured to establish her occupational therapy career within the surrounding areas. She enjoys becoming an integral part of her client’s everyday lives and aims to consistently work towards inclusion and equality accessibility for rural communities.
LAUREN SAUNDERS
Finance and Quality Manager
Lauren is a dedicated professional with over 15 years of experience in the disability sector, specialising in Client Support, Finance, Quality Improvement, Risk Management, and Compliance. Her expertise is further bolstered by diplomas in Information Technology and Quality Auditing. With a strong focus on organisation, problem-solving, and compassion, she is committed to providing exceptional support to our families at Explore and Soar.
MOLLY BURDEN
Occupational Therapist
Molly is a New Graduate Occupational Therapist, who studied at Newcastle University. Having grown up in Singleton, Molly is able to provide a well-rounded view of what life in the hunter looks like for children. She has a passion for working with children and their families from their homes to ensure they get the most out of their therapy service. Molly loves to share in laughter and always ensures her clients feel valued and accepted within all sessions.
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)