Our Story

JULIA EGGLES – Author, Speaker, Occupational Therapist & Cogmed Coach

I love what I do!

Working with children is something I had dreamed of since my own childhood. Of course back then I had no idea that would become a multi-decade career working as an occupational therapist in Australia and the United States and back again.

After all these years it still delights me to share the experience of children and families overcoming challenges they once felt overwhelmed by, and to help the people we teach experience those “Aha” moments that are the beginning of real change.

It’s a privilege to have worked with and learned from a multitude and variety of wonderful paediatric professionals around the globe, and in particular with my good friend and colleague, Dr Lisa Hudson, developing and delivering workshops and seminars, and capturing some of our thoughts and ideas to share through our book and other resources over the years.

DR LISA HUDSON – Author, Speaker, Speech Pathologist & Cogmed Coach

I believe in saying “Yes!” to opportunity. Throughout my life, I have followed this philosophy which has lead to some interesting and rewarding experiences – everything from completing my PhD, to working in Canada, leading amazing teams in Queensland Health in Speech Pathology and Telehealth, to developing a successful private practice alongside writing a book with Julia and developing online services for children, teens and adults.

I love to challenge those around me to question the status quo, and create their own opportunities to grow and develop. It’s so enjoyable to see both adults and children who work with me to go on to accomplish things that they once thought may not have been possible.

I have settled in Toowoomba, Queensland where I live with my family, a lively dog and several chickens.

Life is often hectic, but more often fun, and always an adventure!

Speakers’ Credentials

JULIA EGGLES

Julia has held numerous clinical positions in Australia and the United States at clinical, senior and management levels. She started her career working for Community Health, then moved onto a Statewide Consultancy position in severe disability.

Later she established the Developmental Assessment Clinic at Toowoomba Health Services, after which she moved to the USA working for Children’s Hospital Of Philadelphia as an outpatient and early intervention therapist, and then eventually onto lead the assessment team for Virtua Health Services Early Intervention Team.

On her return to Australia Julia has settled into working for Kids Matters Occupational Therapy  at their Aspley Clinic serving the northern suburbs of Brisbane.

Julia has also taught at TAFE and Universities in Queensland and Victoria and has co-authored The Smart Parent’s Guide and written papers for State and rural professional conferences on wide ranging subjects relating to developmental and learning difficulties.

Julia has also held voluntary positions as a chairperson and member of district, county and statewide committees in Queensland, Australia and New Jersey, USA. She has been a frequent and popular presenter at conferences and workshops for many years in Australia and the USA.

For more information you can refer to Julia’s LinkedIn profile

Qualifications:

• B.Occ.Thy (Hons) Queensland University, 1982
• Neurolinguistic Practitioner, September 1995
• Certified Cogmed Coach , 2011

LISA HUDSON

Lisa has had a long and varied work life. She has held positions in several of the large Brisbane Hospitals, tutoring and lecturing at the University of Queensland, working as a sole Speech Pathologist in a large community centre, and a period working overseas in the Canadian educational system.

On returning from Canada, Lisa moved to Toowoomba, where she worked from 1994 to early 2007 initiating many innovative services and programs for Queensland Health in the field of childhood development, health technology and Telehealth.

In 2003, she established her private practice which continues to thrive today. Simultaneously for many years, she sat on the voluntary Management Committee of the Kath Dickson Family Centre in various positions, and was for a time, their Chief Executive Officer.

Throughout her career she has published extensively in journals and edited text books. She is also the co-author of The Smart Parent’s Guide.

Lisa is a sought after speaker for conferences, workshops, seminars and staff development events.

For more information you can refer to Lisa’s LinkedIn profile.

Qualifications

• BSpThy (Hons) 1987 University of Qld
• Ph.D. 1993 University of Qld
• Certified Cogmed Coach, 2015

Honours:

• 1998 Australia Day Achievement Medallion for Services To Families and Children