Nature‑based occupational therapy for real‑world life
Coree is the home of Thrive in Nature ™, a six‑move, evidence‑informed framework supporting stressed and sensitive nervous systems across clinical practice, research and education. In 2026, founder Dr Shannon Kara was recognised as the Emerging Outdoor Professional at the Outdoors NSW & ACT Outdoor Industry Awards, reflecting Coree’s leadership in nature‑based, neuroaffirming practice.
Who We Work With
Coree is a friendly team who believes in the power of nature, movement and connection to help people live well. We work alongside people with and without disability – including physical, cognitive, psychosocial and sensory disability, autistic people and people with intellectual disability – as well as people managing chronic stress or burnout.
Our services are for adults and older teens (15+ years) who want support that fits their real life, not a one‑size‑fits‑all clinic model. You do not need a particular diagnosis to work with us; if disability, long‑term health impairments or mental health make everyday life harder, we can explore how nature‑based occupational therapy, allied health assistants and support workers might help.
Our Programs for Adults
All of our services are built on the Thrive in Nature™ framework and are designed for autistic adults, adults with intellectual disability, and adults without disability who want support in real-world settings.
Daily Living Independence Program
Supports functional independence at home and in daily routines (e.g. cooking, hygiene, routines, executive functioning and home independence)
Nature for life Program
Nature‑based group program to build social participation, emotional regulation and community engagement in accessible outdoor and community settings.
Community Access & Participation Program
Supports transport training, community navigation and confidence in public environments to increase safe, independent community participation.
Neurodivergent Adult Skills Program
Structured occupational therapy programs for autistic, ADHD and cognitively diverse adults focusing on social communication, emotional regulation and life skills.
View All Services
Learn more about our occupational therapy, allied health assistants, support workers and professional development pathways.
Professional development & mentoring
Thrive in Nature™ is Coree’s six‑move, evidence‑informed framework developed through doctoral research and pilot studies to support stressed and sensitive nervous systems using nature, movement and meaningful occupations.
Coree offers professional development, supervision and program mentoring for occupational therapists, allied health professionals and organisations who want to integrate nature‑based practice into clinical services, research and education.
Dr Shannon Kara’s academic work spans nature‑based intervention design, pilot studies (including the Nature for Life program), and development of the Thrive in Nature™ framework. In 2026, this work was recognised through the Emerging Outdoor Professional award at the Outdoors NSW & ACT Outdoor Industry Awards.
Clinical mentoring on nature‑based, neuroaffirming OT practice
Program design using Thrive in Nature™
Workshops and training for teams
Collaboration on research and evaluation
“Working with nature has so much potential for our own wellbeing.”
Bronwyn Paynter Occupational Therapist
Our Team
Dr Shannon Kara – Occupational Therapist
Dr Shannon Kara is an occupational therapist and founder of Coree Services, based in Canberra. She holds a Doctor of Occupational Therapy from Boston University and specialises in nature‑based, neuroaffirming practice with neurodivergent adults and adults with intellectual disability. Her doctoral work focused on developing and evaluating nature‑based interventions, including the Nature for Life pilot program and the Thrive in Nature™ framework, which now underpin Coree’s clinical and professional development offerings.
In 2026, she was named the Emerging Outdoor Professional at the Outdoors NSW & ACT Outdoor Industry Awards, recognising her contribution to evidence‑informed nature‑based practice across clinical work, research and education.
Ryan – Allied Health Assistant
Ryan is an allied health assistant and personal trainer who supports you to build strength, fitness and functional capacity in outdoor and community settings. He works under Shannon’s supervision to help you carry out therapy plans in real‑world environments like local parks, paths and outdoor gyms.
Jack – Allied Health Assistant
Jack is an allied health assistant with a focus on nutrition and daily routines. He works alongside Shannon to provide one‑to‑one and small‑group nutrition coaching, helping you link food choices and everyday habits to energy, mood and participation.
Why Coree is Different?
Doctor of Occupational Therapy–led practice specialising in neurodivergent adults and adults with intellectual disability in Canberra and beyond.
Proprietary, evidence‑informed Thrive in Nature™ framework developed through doctoral research and pilot studies.
Integrated model: OT assessment and design with allied health assistants and support workers implementing supports in real‑world environments.
Nature‑based, neuro-affirming approach aligned with current NDIS and health priorities for participation and community inclusion.
