CASPA, an experienced and trauma-informed care provider, has expanded their offerings to include a fee-for-service Allied Health program to better support individuals and families across regional, rural and remote communities in Northern NSW, Queensland, and the Northern Territory.
This new service model allows a broader cross section of the community to access CASPA’s highly skilled, multidisciplinary team who specialise in wrap-around support, tailored to the individual’s unique needs.
CASPA’s commitment to trauma-informed care comes from the desire to understand underlying cause rather than just treating singular behaviours. This holistic approach empowers individuals to support healing, nervous-system regulation strategies, and moving towards their life goals with confidence.
The team is currently made up of therapeutic specialist Bethany Tomlinson, social worker Brigitte Kaelin and occupational therapist Kate Plaza, with plans to add a wider range of practitioners to the program as it grows.
Bethany Tomlinson
Bethany Tomlinson is a trauma-informed therapeutic specialist, currently completing her Master of Social Work. She has nearly a decade of experience working with high-risk young people and their families in the out-of-home sector. Bethany is passionate about uncovering the neurological, physical and behavioural impacts of trauma. She implements movement-based interventions, as well as narrative and behaviour action therapies. Specialising in psychoeducation, group facilitation, carer and parenting assessments, developing and implementing tailored behaviour support plans, Bethany also provides direct client support. She takes a holistic, person-centred approach to empower her clients to take the lead in reaching their personal goals.
Brigitte Kaelin
Brigitte Kaelin is a trauma-informed social worker with extensive experience working with young people who have complex childhood trauma. She specialises in neuro-cognitive functioning support and therapies that can be beneficial for clients experiencing anxiety, depression, addiction, and developmental trauma. Brigitte combines behavioural neuroscience and trauma-specific modalities including neurofeedback, motivational interviewing, and mindfulness techniques to empower her clients to achieve nervous system regulation and personal growth.
Kate Plaza
Kate Plaza is an occupational therapist experienced working with children and young people in out-of-home care and with a wide range of disabilities. Her approach is grounded in neurobiological frameworks with a relational focus, using socio-emotional tailored therapies and dignity-driven practices. Her trauma-informed expertise also supports neurodivergent clients in achieving improved independence and everyday functioning. Kate collaborates with families and carers to create supportive, functional environments for young people.
Kate says, “[Occupational therapy is] about increasing a person’s independence to be able to participate in the things that are meaningful to them and their life. For [young people], it is finding ways to be able to participate in play, learning, or how to better interact with a sibling. We work therapeutically with children and young people in a trauma-informed and holistic way to increase their capacity to engage in life the way they would like to.”
Accessibility and Flexibility for Regional Communities
CASPA is committed to meeting their client’s needs, wherever they are. In communities where access to specialised services can be limited, CASPA’s Allied Health team bridges the gap through Telehealth, home visits, school visits and transport services. This flexible model ensure that clients can receive the support they need, wherever they are located.
A Trusted Name in an Evolving Landscape
CASPA has been a trusted provider of NDIS services and supports since 2017, committed to transparency, compliance, and exceptional care. With a longstanding history in childhood trauma support, CASPA goes above and beyond to provide ethical, person-first care.
Brigitte says about working at CASPA, “[I like the] diversity. The progressive attitude and the openness to change and new ideas…I have felt valued across the ten years I have worked here. People put into practise what they preach from a trauma-informed perspective.”
Availability and Referrals
CASPA’s Allied Health team currently has availability across all weekdays, offering occupational therapy and social work services for NDIS participants, out-of-home care clients and private referrals.
To inquire about our services, email alliedhealthteam@caspa.org.au or contact us on 1300 227 722