Our Team

Emma Bracken

Founder, CEO, Occupational Therapist & Surf Coach

“I am most passionate about supporting people to live their most authentic, happiest lives. I want to see everyone in the world thriving, feeling understood and to see more laughter and more kindness in the world. I know this can be achieved through more empathy and connection with others and shared enjoyment in activities which bring us back to our innate being.

I wanted to share the gift of the ocean with others, because I know how much joy it can elicit.  I have been working with people with different abilities for over 15years and nothing brings me more joy than to be with people and to support them to flourish.

Through clinic based and community based OT I have witnessed many of the struggles and challenges families and individuals face on a daily basis. I wanted to do something about it, that would support change in the moment whilst also supporting long term development. I love celebrating differences, people who think outside the box and I love learning from everyone around me.

I absolutely LOVE being with our team and participants and all the belly laughter and moments we share together.”

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Matty Bracken

Therapy Practice Manager, Physiotherapist & Surf Coach

“I love anything outdoors, adventures, travel and meeting new people in strange places. I love being challenged and learning new things.

Ability Surf helps ground me in the community. The intimacy of connection with others, all whilst being outside in our beautiful natural environment. To help others experience something new and challenging, and to watch them develop and grow.”

Meagan Van Aswegen

Therapy Practice Manager, Occupational Therapist & Surf Coach

“My name is Meagan but everyone calls me Megs. I love being at the beach and in the ocean, I also love dancing, visiting new places and spending time with friends.

I feel like the luckiest person ever to work at Ability Surf because I get to have fun at the beach with amazing kids, their families and the best team. I love watching confidence grow being in the water and kids smashing goals they maybe didn’t think they could do. I also love that I learn so much from every single person I get to work with!”

Tara Elliott

Occupational Therapist & Surf Coach

“I love being out in nature, you will find me in the ocean in my spare time. I love working wth Ability Surf because the team feel like family. I feel so inspired by the staff and we have a blast working together.

My love for surfing is forever growing and I have always imagined working in a career that allows me to spend time in the ocean. The children bring so much joy to life each session and I feel very grateful to work for Ability Surf.”

Maddie Chewings

Occupational Therapist & Surf Coach

“My name is Maddie, or Mads. I am very excited to be a part of the Ability Surf family!

While I grew up in the country and on horses, my love of the ocean and surfing has become a big part of my life as an adult!  I also love learning and trying out new things, including dancing, painting and maybe even one day singing.

I love connecting with children and families, getting to know everyone’s unique personalities and strengths, and working together to bust through things in life they may not have thought possible. Most of all I love to be together, especially in such beautiful locations like the beach!”

John Foreman

Allied Health Assistant, Exercise Physiology Student and Surf Coach

“Hey, I’m Johnny. I’m all about keeping things simple and helping people feel good in their own body again. I love seeing that shift when someone realises they’re stronger, calmer, and more capable than they thought.

When I’m not here, you’ll usually find me outside somewhere, hanging out in nature or playing music. Being outdoors and making music are my happy places—they remind me to slow down and enjoy the simple stuff.

Working with Ability Surf is pretty special. I get to support kids and families in a way that’s fun, empowering and real—and that means a lot to me.. Honestly, I feel lucky every time I get to be part of that.”

Simon Bracken

Teacher, Surf coach and Environmental management officer

“I’m passionate about having fun in the ocean and creating moments of play and adventure that elicit creativity and joy. I love being silly in the sand and in the water, while also being able to hold the space and support people in whatever way is needed in a moment in time–whether that support is a party wave, someone to help them achieve a goal, or someone to listen and understand.

As a teacher, I love working with young people as I find their vibrancy, energy and enthusiasm infectious, and I love the tendency they have to make moments less serious. When this is coupled with surfing and ocean-based activities, how can we not have the best time?!”

Matthew Lester

Allied Health Assistant, Occupational Therapy student & Surf Coach

“I love being able to help others access the magic of the ocean and see what joy it brings, whether it’s seeing someone catch their first wave, playing in the sand alongside their peers or getting in the ocean for the first time!

I feel so lucky to be a part of the Ability surf team and am constantly inspired by the fun, love and care that goes into every Ability Surf session!”