Our Team
Bargara Occupational Therapy is dedicated to providing personalised, holistic occupational therapy services to support children and families. Our team works closely with families to develop skills that enable children to reach their full potential and thrive in their communities.
Karla Kirchner
Occupational Therapist
Karla completed a Master of Occupational Therapy Studies at the University of Queensland in 2001, following a BA in Social Science from the University of Johannesburg in 1996. Her career began in South Africa in 2002, where she worked in paediatrics in a school setting and later transitioned to Medico-Legal assessments for individuals involved in motor vehicle accidents.
After relocating to Australia in 2015, Karla spent a year working in paediatrics and workers' compensation before joining Bundaberg Neighbourhood Centre and Bundaberg Occupational Therapy. In 2018, she founded Bargara Occupational Therapy, driven by her passion for supporting children and families.
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Outside of work, Karla enjoys spending time with her husband and four boys, as well as engaging in outdoor activities, crafting, and sports.
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Qualifications:
Master of Occupational Therapy Studies, University of Queensland
Social Science Degree, University of Johannesburg, South Africa
Paris Eggmolesse
Occupational Therapist
Paris began her career at Bargara Occupational Therapy as a student on professional placement. After completing her studies, she joined the team as an AHA during her final year of university and continued as a qualified Occupational Therapist upon graduation. Her previous experience includes a professional placement at QLD Health’s Jacaranda Place, a specialized adolescent mental health program.
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Paris has always been passionate about helping others, especially children. Growing up in a large family with five siblings, two of whom have additional needs, has given her a deep understanding and empathy for the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities and their families.
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Outside of work, Paris enjoys gardening, relaxing at the beach, traveling, and playing squash with friends.
Qualifications:
Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Hons.), Central Queensland University
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Memberships:
AHPRA Registered Member of Occupational Therapy Australia
Suzanne Du Toit
Occupational Therapist
Suzanne recently joined the team at Bargara Occupational Therapy after moving back to Bundaberg from Brisbane. At the end of her Master’s program, Suzanne completed her final professional placement with National360 in community occupational therapy practice. She then joined their team as a graduate occupational therapist, providing services to all ages. Throughout her degree, Suzanne also had professional placements at Robina Private hospital in the mental health ward and at QEII hospital in the acute older adult ward.
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Suzanne has a passion for working with children and supporting them to overcome challenges and to thrive in their everyday lives. She finds joy in witnessing the small victories that make a big difference in their lives - whether it's mastering a new skill, making progress in a challenging task, or gaining confidence in their abilities. These moments fuel her passion and remind her of why she decided to pursue a career in occupational therapy.
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Qualifications:
Bachelor of Biomedical Science/ Bachelor of Laws, Bond University.
Master of Occupational Therapy, Bond University.
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Memberships:
AHPRA Registered
Member of Occupational Therapy Australia
Member of the SenseUp Hub
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Personal Interests:
Outside of work, Suzanne enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and baking.
Brodie Carpenter
Occupational Therapist
Brodie completed her occupational therapy degree locally in Bundaberg and has been proud to call the area home since 2010. She completed her third-year university placement with Bargara Occupational Therapy and joined the team after becoming qualified. Her previous experience includes working as a casual AHA for Queensland Health in rural hospitals (Gin Gin, Childers, and Biggenden) and completing her second professional placement in mental health at Queensland Health’s Community Care Unit.
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Brodie also runs a small business with her husband and is a mother to three school-aged daughters. Her experience as a parent of children with various challenges has deepened her passion for working with children and given her a firsthand understanding of the rollercoaster ride of parenting.
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In her spare time, Brodie enjoys baking, breeding chickens, caring for her pets, playing netball with her daughters, and going fishing.
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Qualifications:
Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Hons.), CQU
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Memberships:
AHPRA
Occupational Therapy Australia Member
