Carlen is a highly skilled and experienced Registered Occupational Therapist with over nine years of professional experience working with individuals across the lifespan. Graduating with a Master’s in Occupational Therapy from the University of Sydney in 2015, Carlen combines extensive clinical expertise with a background as an Advanced Care Paramedic, bringing a unique and holistic approach to his practice.
Carlen specialises in supporting individuals with autism, ADHD, trauma, neurological disorders, and cognitive impairments. His expertise extends to working with children, adolescents, and adults, including those with complex needs and challenging behaviours. Carlen is deeply passionate about advocating for the support, housing, and therapy needs of clients within the NDIS space, providing Functional Assessments, Housing Assessments, and detailed professional reports.
Carlen has extensive experience working with diverse populations, including those in the Child Protection system, youth and young adults in the justice system, homeless individuals, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. His commitment to early intervention drives his work with young children and their families, recognising that the best outcomes start with timely, tailored support.
During his time in the not-for-profit sector, Carlen played a pivotal role in developing and implementing the "Working Together to Connect Care Program," an initiative aimed at reducing the dependence on Emergency Department services by creating continuity of care between hospitals, community organisations, and government services. This program, which began as a LINK-funded research project with the Royal Brisbane Hospital, achieved statistically significant success and has since been embedded into hospital service delivery.
Carlen’s private practice experience has further honed his skills in functional cognition, neurobiology, and understanding the complex interplay of multiple disabilities on daily functioning. He now leads a highly skilled team at Kaizen, providing essential services to a wide range of participants while making efficient use of funding.
As a board member of an LGBTQQIAAP (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, Intersex, Asexual, Ally and Pansexual) advocacy group in Toowoomba, Carlen is an active and engaged member of his community, providing support and promoting inclusivity wherever possible.
Carlen’s professional expertise is enriched by his lived experience as the parent of three neurodiverse children. This perspective gives him a deep understanding of the challenges faced by families navigating disability support, driving his compassionate and personalised approach to care. Carlen is committed to empowering his clients to live with dignity, achieve their potential, and lead fulfilling, meaningful lives.
Qualifications:
- Masters of Occupational Therapy
- Bachelor of Occupational Therapy, University of Sydney, 2015
- Registered Occupational Therapist with over 8 years of professional experience in private practice and not-for-profit sectors
Areas of Expertise:
- Functional Assessments to evaluate individual capacity and support needs.
- Housing Assessments for NDIS participants to determine appropriate accommodation and support options.
- Therapeutic Interventions tailored for autism, ADHD, trauma, neurological disorders, and cognitive impairments.
- Behaviour Support for individuals with complex behaviours and co-occurring conditions.
- Early Intervention services for young children and families to support developmental milestones.
- Adolescent and Young Adult Support for managing transitions, mental health, and life skills development.
- Community Engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations to reduce justice system involvement and recidivism.
- Collaboration and Advocacy for clients within the NDIS space, including professional reporting and team-based support.
- Support for Vulnerable Populations, including homeless individuals, those in child protection, and youth involved in the justice system.
- Training and Mentorship for allied health assistants to expand service delivery efficiently.
