Kelly Cupido

Kelly Cupido – Occupational Therapist (Honours BSc Occupational Therapy) treating the hand and upper limb (wrist, elbow and shoulder) at Action Rehab Northside.

I’m Kelly Cupido, an Occupational Therapist with an Honours Bachelor of Science degree in Occupational Therapy from The University of the Western Cape, South Africa.

I have a strong interest in upper limb rehabilitation and working with individuals experiencing hand and upper limb injuries, wrist and elbow pain, sports and work-related injuries, post-surgical conditions, and those requiring splinting and rehabilitation to regain function and confidence in their daily lives.

One of the things I enjoy most about occupational therapy is the opportunity to work with people of all ages and abilities, and across a diverse range of clinical areas. Throughout my studies and professional career, I have gained experience in physical rehabilitation, mental health, community health, including the NDIS space, hospital-based services, private practice, and vocational rehabilitation. This has allowed me to support children and adults across the lifespan with a wide range of conditions, including stroke, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, severe burns, neurological conditions, acute hand and upper limb injuries, intellectual disabilities, and psychosocial presentations.

My experience has included facilitating mental health groups, supporting individuals to regain independence following physical injury or illness, and completing functional assessments to assist people in returning to work and meaningful daily activities. These varied experiences have shaped my holistic approach to therapy and strengthened my passion for helping clients overcome challenges and participate in the activities that matter most to them.

I was drawn to hand therapy because it combines so many aspects of what I enjoy about occupational therapy. The anatomy of the hand and upper limb are incredibly complex, and I’m intrigued by the problem-solving involved in understanding how an injury impacts an individual’s everyday life and working together to find practical solutions. Whether it’s creating a custom splint, helping someone recover after surgery, improving their ability to participate in sport, or supporting them to return to work or hobbies they enjoy, I find it incredibly rewarding to be part of that journey.

A large part of my career has been spent working in rural and regional communities in South Africa and across Australia. Many of these settings had limited access to resources and equipment, which taught me to be adaptable, creative, and resourceful in my approach to assessment and treatment. These experiences reinforced the importance of seeing the whole person, not just their diagnosis, and finding solutions that are realistic, meaningful, and achievable within their everyday environment.

Moving from South Africa to Australia on my own was one of the biggest and most rewarding decisions I’ve made. It challenged me personally and professionally and gave me the opportunity to continue growing as a therapist while working with individuals across Queensland and NSW, particularly within rural and remote communities. My goal is to continue growing personally and professionally, now within the Hand and Upper Limb Rehabilitation field.

My approach to therapy is centred around listening, building genuine connections, and understanding what matters most to each individual. I believe rehabilitation works best when people feel heard, supported, and actively involved in their care. I strive to create a welcoming environment where patients feel comfortable asking questions, understanding their treatment plan, and working towards goals that are meaningful to them. I value the input of my colleagues and lead therapists while I also appreciate learning and problem solving comfortably with my clients.

Outside of work, you’ll usually find me hiking, running, at the beach, or planning an adventure with my friends or family. I’m a big foodie and love trying new restaurants, exploring new places, and meeting new people. I’m very family oriented and I stay in contact with my family daily to fill my cup again, while trying to navigate the time difference. For me, moving to Australia has been about more than professional growth, it’s also been an opportunity to embrace new experiences, build meaningful connections, and continue learning both as a therapist and as a person.

Book with Kelly.

Kelly speaks both English and Afrikaans.