Sam Aquilina

About

Sam moved to the Sunshine Coast from regional Victoria in 2015 after completing two semesters at Melbourne’s Deakin University in a Bachelor of Psychology (Honours). She commenced studying Occupational Therapy (Honours) at the University of the Sunshine Coast in 2019 with the intention of working in mental health, having nursed a strong interest in the field since high school as a result of personal family experiences. The lack of support she and her family received at the time prompted Sam to consider what the mental health industry is missing and where supports were lacking. She was drawn to the industry by her desire to incite empowerment and promote education in individuals who experience mental health difficulties, improving their wellbeing and quality of life, while also providing support to their families.

Sam is an occupational therapy assistant with Minerva Allied Health Services. She began her role with Minerva in June of 2020 during her second year of study through independently sought work experience, and was quickly offered a position as an assistant. She values the importance of forming strong relationships with clients and providing them with choice and agency in their treatment. Sam is enthusiastic about utilising holistic and evidence-based practice to provide clients with the best possible interventions and assistance.