Coree Services
Coree is the home of THRIVE in Nature – a six‑move, evidence‑informed framework that helps people use nature, movement and everyday occupations to support their health and wellbeing. We offer nature‑based occupational therapy, allied health assistants and support workers for people aged 15 years and over with disability in Canberra and Queanbeyan.
Nature‑based Occupational Therapy, Allied Health Assistants and Support Workers
We are a friendly team who believe in the power of nature, movement and connection to help people live well. We work alongside people with 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 and over) 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 conditions or mental health make everyday life harder, we can explore how nature‑based occupational therapy, allied health assistants and support workers might help.
Coree is a local disability and healthcare service that supports people with disability aged 15 years and over through occupational therapy, allied health assistants and support workers. All services can be used by people with any disability type, not only autism or intellectual disability
Occupational Therapist
Shannon holds a Master of Occupational Therapy and is a Post‑Professional Doctoral student at Boston University. Her research focuses on nature‑based interventions to support neurodivergent adults and adults with intellectual disabilities, and she presents her work in Australia and internationally. Shannon specialises in neurodiversity and social connections and is dedicated to exploring innovative therapeutic approaches using natural environments to promote wellbeing and resilience.
Allied Health ASSISTANTS
Our allied health assistants, Ryan and Jack, are here to support you every step of the way.
Ryan, a personal trainer, will coach you to build strength, fitness and function in one‑on‑one and group fitness sessions in outdoor settings.
Jack provides nutrition coaching in one‑on‑one and group formats, sharing his passion for healthy eating and its link to wellbeing.
Allied health assistants work under the supervision of our occupational therapist and help you put your therapy plans into practice in your home, community and nature‑based settings.
Support workers at Coree
Our support workers provide practical, non‑clinical support for people with disability, informed by your goals and therapy where relevant. They can assist with:
Daily living routines within NDIS guidelines
Community access, appointments, shopping and social activities
Nature‑based routines such as local walks, park visits and attending Coree group programs
Support workers do not provide occupational therapy, but they help you use strategies from therapy in day‑to‑day life.
Group programs in nature
We offer a range of group programs designed to connect you with nature and improve your wellbeing:
Nature for Life – gentle activities in nature to boost mood and reduce stress.
Nordic Walking – guided Nordic walking sessions to improve fitness and confidence outdoors.
Outdoor Gym – build strength and fitness in natural settings.
Nutrition Coaching – learn how to fuel your body with healthy, whole foods
Walking for Connection – connect with others while enjoying the Canberra outdoors.
These programs are informed by the THRIVE IN Nature framework and Shannon’s research on nature‑based and outdoor occupational therapy.
Natural environments
provide flexible opportunities for sensory regulation, emotional stability & social engagement.
We use local bushland, paths, parks and community spaces as part of therapy and support so you can work on your goals in real‑world settings.
Mission
Our mission is to provide accessible, inclusive services that empower people aged 15 years and older with disability to live well in their communities. We integrate evidence‑based therapies with the therapeutic benefits of nature to build skills, connection and confidence.
Goals
Our evidence‑based programs aim to cultivate essential life skills and foster a sense of belonging, meaning and purpose in everyday life. We welcome diversity in all its forms – including culture, identity and ways of thinking – and we believe that when people from different walks of life come together, important things can happen.
Goals
Create a supportive and nurturing environment where people feel valued, respected and understood.
Break down barriers by offering services that are easy to access and welcoming, including outdoor and community‑based options.
Act with honesty and integrity in all aspects of our work, including assessment, documentation and communication.
Support a sense of belonging by celebrating differences and recognising that we are all in this together.
Offer occupational therapy, allied health assistant support and support work in flexible outdoor settings where people can connect with nature while working on what matters to them.
Occupational therapy is not one‑size‑fits‑all. We offer different kinds of support so you can access what is most helpful at different times – from individual OT and AHA sessions to group programs and support workers in the community.
Our Process
Tailored occupational therapy based on individual assessments and goals.
Carefully selected nature‑based services, both individual and group.
Allied health assistants and support workers who help you apply strategies in everyday life.
Small, supportive group settings that build connection and peer support.Costs
Our fees ensure fair pricing for our evidence-based therapy services in nature.
Value and Costs
Our fees ensure fair pricing for our evidence‑based therapy and support services in nature. We combine nature’s therapeutic benefits with best‑practice occupational therapy to offer a unique pathway for personal growth and participation.
Small group formats allow for strong peer support and a sense of community. Our commitment to quality care, documentation and planning helps create an enriching experience for each participant
“Working with nature has so much potential for our own wellbeing.”
Bronwyn Paynter | Occupational Therapist
History
Coree Occupational Therapy draws its name from Mount Coree in the Brindabellas, symbolising inclusivity and the unity of nature. ‘Coree’ means moth in an Aboriginal language, and we honour this by respecting culture and working to break down barriers to accessing health services
Like the bogong moth, we support people to move, adapt and find places that sustain them. Founded by Shannon, a passionate advocate for nature and movement, Coree Occupational Therapy exists to help you thrive through connection with the natural world. Guided by respect, integrity and inclusivity, we offer tailored services to support your journey.
READY TO JOIN US IN NATURE?
Let’s chat
