Saya Vaarnela
Occupational Therapist
Saya is an Occupational Therapist with over five years of experience working across community and inpatient clinical settings. She has worked within community-based NDIS environments and mental health inpatient services, supporting individuals to build skills, confidence and meaningful participation in everyday life.
Saya’s areas of interest include working with neurodiverse individuals and people with psychosocial disability. Within her scope of practice, she specialises in capacity building and functional capacity assessments, working with clients aged 13 years and over in the South East Sydney region. She takes a collaborative, strengths-based approach, supporting clients to identify meaningful goals and develop the skills and confidence to progress towards improved independence and quality of life.
Saya has undertaken additional training in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and the Allen Cognitive Level Screen, strengthening her ability to deliver evidence-based assessments and interventions. She is AHPRA registered, and a member of Occupational Therapy Australia, who is committed to ongoing professional development and best-practice care.
Outside of work, Saya enjoys spending time with her family and two dogs, practising hot yoga, reading, and relaxing by the beach.