Meet the People of APM: Hope Challis
At APM, we strive to be a place where you can bring all yourself to work, make meaningful connections, and have an impact on the communities in which you live and work.
We recently spoke to Hope Challis, a graduate Occupational Therapist whose journey is both inspiring and impactful.
Understanding personal growth and overcoming challenges
Hope believes that with determination, you can achieve anything you set your mind to.
Her unique perspective, shaped by her lived experience of disability. Hope is blind in her left eye and has a paralysed vocal cord – which she feels fuels her passion for supporting individuals with disabilities.
“Through my own lived experience, volunteering, and professional experience in my early career, I have become who I am today,” she shares.
Enabling better lives and making a difference
As a valued member of the Early Start Australia team, which is part of APM Group, she works with young children and their families to ensure they have the best start in life.
One of Hope’s clients has shared “I wanted to express my heartfelt gratitude for Hope, who has been working with our son. Hope has formed such a wonderful connection with him and her patience and understanding are making a profound difference.”
Recognition is also forthcoming from her colleagues and team members, with Hope recently nominated for two separate awards at our Early Start Australia Awards Night: the Graduate Award and the Living the Values Award.
Making the time to give back
Hope also channels her passion into volunteering with various community programs.
She gives her time to Occupational Therapy Australia (OTA) Early Career Community of Practice, supporting new graduates and early-career occupational therapists through live sessions and chat monitoring.
She also participates in The Inclusion Project, aiding individuals with sensory sensitivities at large sporting events.
Additionally, she is involved with The Stars and The Moon All Abilities Theatre Company, which pairs actors with and without disabilities to share roles and the spotlight – Hope’s ESA colleagues were excited to support her in the audience of a recent production.
Creating brighter futures
Looking ahead, Hope is excited about the role occupational therapists can play in sensory processing, especially at live events and in everyday activities.
She believes everyone should be included and able to enjoy these experiences without stress.
Impact with meaning
Hope’s favourite part of being an occupational therapist is that she is doing something extraordinary every day. The genuine and meaningful difference she can make in the lives of her clients and their families, as well as their extended support networks.
“I’m able to make positive lasting changes that support and empower my clients to achieve their goals and engage in activities they find meaningful,” Hope says.
If you’re interested in joining Early Start Australia and adding meaning to your day and working alongside Hope...click here.
Receive articles like this
Our latest posts
Teaser
LIfe at APMContent Type
BlogPublish date
10/20/2025
Summary
Heather is an occupational therapist, working as an area manager at Konekt in Melbourne. She began with Konekt in 2017 at our Brisbane office, but when she wanted a change in her lifestyle, she was ab
by
Renae Sutton
Teaser
LIfe at APMContent Type
BlogPublish date
10/08/2025
Summary
When Shannon was starting out as a new grad, she was thinking of heading into a hospital role. But one visit to ESA and it was love at first sight. Now, almost six years later, she’s the Early Interve
by
Renae Sutton
Teaser
LIfe at APMContent Type
BlogPublish date
09/25/2025
Summary
Growing up in a rural community of only 300 residents, Stacey wasn’t exposed to many diverse career opportunities. But, when her sister was involved in a serious car accident, it became a pivota
by
Renae Sutton
Related jobs
Salary
Location
Burwood, NSW
Brand
APM Employment Services
Location
Burwood
Function
Youth Support
Job Type
Full Time
Description
APM is continuing its impactful work with the Transition to Work contract, and we are now seeking an Industry Consultant who is passionate about making a real difference in the lives of young people.A
Reference
495e61e1-cd76-4313-b967-9e3b6d1bc4f2
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Mayfield, NSW
Brand
APM Employment Services
Location
Mayfield
Function
Disability Employment Services
Job Type
Full Time
Description
Why join APM? APM is a global health and human services organisation transforming lives since 1994. Be part of a 15,000-strong team across 11 countries, empowering people of all abilities to lead inde
Reference
29a9eb5c-3f40-4395-8922-4a1771e22ab7
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
West Perth, WA
Brand
Mobility
Location
West Perth
Function
Information Technology
Job Type
Full Time
Description
Mobility have developed an innovative mobile app to revolutionise the way home care is delivered in Australia.Mobility have developed an innovative solution to revolutionise the way home care is deliv
Reference
66510517-29ab-44b6-a9de-5a56012ef2e5
Expiry Date
01/01/0001