✨ Staff Spotlight: Sabom Nzenzo ✨

We’re excited to feature Sabom Nzenzo, in this month’s Staff Spotlight Series!

At Strive we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive, and supportive workplace. We recognise that diversity strengthens our team and enhances the way we support the individuals and communities we work with.

Through initiatives such as visa sponsorship, we are able to welcome talented professionals from across the globe. Sabom Nzenzo, an Occupational Therapist based in Cairns and originally from South Africa, has joined Strive through this program —bringing valuable perspective and expertise to our team.

We’re excited to feature Sabom Nzenzo, in this month’s Staff Spotlight Series!

As an Occupational Therapist in our Cairns team, Sabom is embracing everything Far North Queensland has to offer – both professionally and personally. With a background shaped by diverse environments and cultures, she brings a fresh perspective, a love of learning, and a highly adaptable approach to supporting clients in regional and remote communities.

Working as an Occupational Therapist in Far North Queensland brings a unique perspective, what do you enjoy most about supporting clients in this region?

What I enjoy most about supporting clients is learning through my clients. As I am new to the role, I am learning a lot about the role, the Australian system, Aussie culture and myself. I have learnt so much in the small amount of time I’ve been here, and I am grateful for Strive for giving me platform to learn. It’s been such an eye opening and enjoyable experience.

How has working in FNQ shaped the way you approach occupational therapy, particularly when it comes to flexibility, creativity and problem‑solving?

Yes, it has. My current role is different from my previous role. I had to shift my thinking from a clinical OT to a rehabilitation consultant. My approach to problem solving, creativity and flexibility has definitely changed. In my previous role, my role was very fluid and had very little structure, however currently I find that I have to constantly adapt my approach to creativity and problem solving using the skills I have developed as an OT over the years.

What aspects of your OT background do you find most valuable when supporting clients with complex or varied needs across regional and remote settings?

Working in different settings across South Africa, has given me the skill of adaptability. Working in a public hospital with limited resources as well as private hospitals with all the resources you can imagine moulded me into the dynamic OT I am today. I can adapt in any context and service the community in the best way I can. Additionally, due to the diversity in culture and language found in South Africa I have learnt how to provide support to patients/clients who cannot speak English, who live in small, remote communities, patients who live in underprivileged communities while advocating and educating them on what OT is.

What’s one simple thing that always puts you in a good mood during the workday — coffee order, playlist, routine, or something else?

I enjoy a good YouTube playlist to help me through my day, sometimes a treat (chocolate or some frozen yogurt) doesn’t hurt.

Outside of work, how do you unwind and recharge in FNQ, and how does living in the region support your own wellbeing?

I unwind and recharge by going to the gym during the week and having a weekend itinerary. Since I am still new to FNQ, I am still exploring the city and learning what it has to offer through food and activities. I’ve enjoyed go kart racing, visiting the Sky rail, a trip to Kurunda and crocodile siting.