About Us
Belinda DeGaris
Belinda is an Accredited Hand Therapist (as awarded by the Australia Hand Therapy Association - AHTA); she graduated with a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy at the University of South Australia. Belinda has been involved with many private hand therapy practices across Australia since 2015. She has also volunteered in Bangladesh and South Africa as an Occupational Therapy assistant and has worked in Launceston, Tasmania and Wagga Wagga, NSW. Belinda has also worked in the public sector at Flinders Medical Centre, Noarlunga Hospital, the Royal Adelaide Hospital and The Queen Elizabeth Hospital.
Belinda has a special interest in sporting injuries, including fractures, sprains and ligament injuries; and is qualified through GEMt to dry needle the upper limb. She thoroughly enjoys the problem solving involved with injury diagnosis and is well vetted in the assessment of wrist injuries, chronic or unknown pain and the management of arthritic pain. Belinda is also experienced with the treatment of traumatic and post-operative hand injuries, liaising closely with ED doctors, plastic and orthopaedic surgeons.
Belinda is actively involved in the hand therapy community - she has previously taught the "Hand Therapy and Splinting" course that the University of South Australia from 2020-2024. She was on the committee for the national Australian Hand Therapy Association (AHTA) conference held in Adelaide in 2017; and has also volunteered on the AHTA committees in 2018 and 2023-2024.
Erica Elliot
Erica is an Accredited Hand Therapist (as awarded by the Australian Hand Therapy Association - AHTA), a University of South Australia trained Occupational Therapist and has her Masters of Health Science degree from Monash University. She has over 20 years’ experience as an Occupational Therapist and Hand Therapist, working in the area of hand therapy in both Australia and overseas. She joined the AHTA in 2006 as an associate and has been a full member of the AHTA since 2013.
Along with Kathy and Belinda, Erica was on the committee to organise the national AHTA conference in Adelaide in 2017. Erica has previously taught the post-graduate Occupational Therapy splinting workshops at Flinders University and scar management workshops at the University of South Australia for undergraduate students.
Erica has a particular interest in managing cumulative trauma including workplace injuries but also has extensive experience in managing acute trauma and post-surgical conditions. She is qualified through GEMt to dry needle the upper limb with a particular interest and achieving excellent results with dry needling the thumb / hand.
Outside of work, she has been a 5x Ironman triathlon finisher as well as completing 2 marathons. She currently plays soccer in the Women’s Community League.
Jack Simula
Jack is a dedicated Occupational Therapist who graduated from the University of South Australia with a Master of Occupational Therapy. Since completing his studies, he has gained valuable experience across a range of clinical environments in both the public and private sectors. His areas of expertise include return-to-work injuries and supporting individuals in their transition back into the workforce. Most recently, Jack worked at the Lyell McEwin Hospital providing acute care for patients across orthopaedics, general medicine, and outpatient clinics. This experience further strengthened his clinical skills and ability to provide patient-centred care in fast-paced, multidisciplinary settings.
Jack is committed to delivering high-quality care and achieving the best possible outcomes for his patients. Jack is an Associate member of the Australian Hand Therapy Association (AHTA). He has a special interest in the rehabilitation of finger injuries and post-operative management following elective surgeries such as Dupuytren's disease, trigger finger and carpal tunnel syndrome. He is also qualifed through GEMt to dry needle the upper limb. He particularly likes working with his clients to acheive their goals such as returning to gardening, sport and work.
Outside of work, Jack enjoys keeping an active lifestyle being an avid tennis player and sports enthusiast.
Mikaela Haynes
Mikaela is a passionate Occupational Therapist who graduated from Flinders University with double degree in a Bachelor of Health Sciences (Principles of OT) and Master of Occupational Therapy. Since graduating, Mikaela has worked in the private sector, including both the community setting and subacute hospital setting. This has given her a broad understanding of the principles of rehabilitation and a varied case load of injuries.
Recently, Mikaela worked at Griffith Rehabilitation Hospital (GRH) where she worked collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team to provide holistic and patient-centred care to individuals to achieve their goals. The number of years she spent at GRH has given her valuable experiences in the assessment and treatment of hospital-related injuries.
Mikaela is dedicated to delivering high quality care guided by evidence based practice to achieve the best possible outcomes for her patients. Mikaela is an Associate member of the Australian Hand Therapy Association (AHTA). She enjoys working with individuals to return to meaningful activities and achieve their goals.
Hannah Bowley
Hannah is no longer working permanent days at Adelaide Hand Therapy; only filling in occasional days between her busy life and family.
Hannah completed her master of Occupational Therapy (Grad. Entry) from The University of South Australia in 2007, and is an Accredited Hand Therapist, as awarded by the Australian Hand Therapy Association (AHTA). Hannah has worked in Hand Therapy across all of Adelaide’s public hospitals. Currently, Hannah is the co-team lead of the Hand Therapy department at Flinders Medical Centre.
Kathy Minchin
Kathy established Adelaide Hand Therapy in 1986. She has since retired and is no longer consulting but continues to actively participate through teaching, mentoring and social events.
Kathy has left a legacy at Adelaide Hand Therapy, a small but mighty clinic, and has helped train and shape the high standard you see today. Our hand therapists are extremely qualified and we pride ourselves on providing the highest quality of care and are passionate about treating the upper limb!