Joan O’Donnell graduated with a BAppSc(OT) and MSc(Med) at the University of Sydney and completed her PhD examining the functional outcomes of cerebrovascular neurosurgery at Macquarie University, Australia. The research investigated the quality of life and ability to drive after surgical and conservative management of unruptured intracranial aneurysms and brain arteriovenous malformations.

Joan has worked in public and private institutions in neurosurgery, neurology, oncology, orthopaedics, aged care and occupational rehabilitation. She has also worked in various management positions in quality improvement and review. Joan is a senior lecturer at the University of Notre Dame Australia and an honorary lecturer at the University of Sydney. Joan is a driver-trained occupational therapist.

Laura graduated with a BAppSc(OT)Hons at University of Sydney in 2007 and completed post graduate studies to become an Occupational Therapy Driver Assessor (OTDA) in 2012.  Laura has experience working across various clinical settings and roles before specialising in driver assessment and rehabilitation from 2021 at Institute of Driver Health.  Laura has been involved in the delivery of IDH’s suite of courses since 2019.  She manages our team, works clinically in the practice and participates in research projects. Laura is passionate about improving quality of life through evidence-based practice and is committed to enabling her clients to achieve their potential.

Hayley graduated with a bachelor of Occupational Therapy (honours) from the University of Newcastle in 2018 and is a driver trained occupational therapist. She has experience working in residential and community aged care, with a special interest in dementia. Hayley grew up on the Mid-North Coast of NSW and is passionate about providing occupational therapy services to people in this community.

Tamoura (pronounced tah-MOR-uh) is a driver-trained Occupational Therapist who graduated with a Bachelor of Applied Science (Occupational Therapy Honours) from the University of Sydney in 2017. She specialises in complex assistive technology prescription and has extensive experience supporting NDIS participants with physical, cognitive, and psychosocial disabilities. Tamoura thrives on collaborative problem-solving, applying a holistic lens to driver and passenger assessments to empower her clients to achieve safe, sustainable independence on the road and within their communities.

Linda commenced working in medical and health administration in 2015 and has been part of the Institute of Driver Health team since 2021. She brings extensive experience across clinical administration, patient and referrer enquiries, and the coordination of education and training programs.

At IDH, Linda manages clinical and course administration, overseeing enquiries, supporting clients and health professionals, and coordinating the delivery of IDH courses. She works closely with industry experts and manages the administration of a large team of adjunct teaching staff. Linda also coordinates internal activities including team meetings, professional development, and social events, supporting the smooth day-to-day running of the organisation.

Prior to joining IDH, Linda worked at Macquarie Neurosurgery and as the Higher Degree Research Administrator for the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences at Macquarie University. Before transitioning into health administration, she had a long career in the performing arts, working across tertiary education, course development, journalism, performance, and creative development. She continues to work as a freelance dance journalist and has completed a Diploma of Nutrition.