Spinal Cord Injury Nurses
Access expert clinical and personal health advice to support your wellbeing, in relation to your spinal cord injury or neurological condition.
Improve your quality of life with specialised nursing
Your personal needs are central to our individualised health advice. You can connect with our team to manage skin concerns, continence and other medical issues, related to your complex needs.
We will listen to your goals and challenges to identify health solutions, diagnose assistive technology barriers, and recommend holistic support options. Early intervention can help you to avoid hospitalisation and keep you independent in your own home.
Where you are needing further advocacy and external support, our nurses will connect you with suitable allied health professionals and medical services.
Gain peace of mind with continence support
Our Spinal Nurses are experts in neurogenic bladder and bowel function, and can assess, provide advice and make recommendations for ongoing management.
You will be supported with dignity and discretion to ensure the utmost comfort and well-being.
A continence assessment can improve your quality of life, bolster confidence and prevent complications, all contributing toward your long-term health.
Our Spinal Nurses
Wendy Husker
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Wendy is an Enrolled Nurse with over 35 years of experience in spinal and general rehabilitation. She is highly experienced with a background in spinal cord injury management, neurological conditions and multidisciplinary rehabilitation care.
She has spent the majority of her career at the Hampstead Rehabilitation Centre, as well as at Morris 4 Ward and the Repat Precinct. Across those years, she has worked in ward-based care, outpatient services and X-ray/diagnostic departments.
Her clinical expertise covers spinal cord injury management and long-term care. She is skilled in continence management, skin integrity assessments and wound management and neuropathic pain and altered sensation management. She conducts functional ability assessments and supports people with their mental health and holistic wellbeing. She also has experience in management of conditions including Spina Bifida, Spastic Paraparesis and Cerebral Palsy.
Her rehabilitation work covers orthopaedic rehabilitation, including amputee care, Acquired Brain Injury rehabilitation and support for neurological conditions such as Stroke, Guillain-Barré Syndrome and Multiple Sclerosis.
Wendy takes a person-centred, holistic approach to care, listening carefully to each person's goals and adapting her support to what matters most to them. Her practical knowledge of long-term disability management is a strength she brings to estara along with her multidisciplinary and collaborative skills to ensure people have the right support around them.
Outside of work Wendy makes the most of her downtime enjoying travel, reading, horses and cooking.
Taylor Sarantidis
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Taylor is a dedicated and personable Registered Nurse with a strong passion for spinal cord rehabilitation and patient-centred care. With experience across Anaesthetics and Recovery, Spinal Nursing, and Clinical Nurse Practice Consulting within the disability sector, she brings a well-rounded and safety-focused approach to her practice.
Taylor is particularly passionate about supporting individuals living with spinal cord injuries to maximise their independence, confidence, and overall quality of life. She values building genuine connections with her patients and takes pride in creating a supportive and empowering environment throughout their rehabilitation journey.
Alongside her spinal work, Taylor also practices in cosmetic nursing, where she combines clinical precision with an eye for detail to help clients feel confident and comfortable in their own skin. She believes that both areas of nursing are deeply connected, centred on enhancing well-being, restoring confidence, and helping people feel like the best version of themselves.
Outside of nursing, Taylor enjoys keeping active, whether it’s running the tracks or pushing through a BodyAttack session at the gym and unwinding with a good vanilla latte.
Rachael Leonardis
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Rachael Leonardis is a highly experienced Registered Nurse with over 15 years in the profession, specialising in spinal cord injury rehabilitation and oncology nursing.
She is currently part of the estara team while continuing her work at the LMH Cancer Centre. Known for her compassionate approach and strong rapport with both patients and colleagues, Rachael was recently honoured with a nomination for the Nursing Excellence Award.
Before entering nursing, Rachael trained and worked as a qualified pastry chef, bringing creativity, precision, and patience to her practice—qualities she now applies in healthcare. Her background as a state gymnast and competition shooter has also shaped her discipline and resilience.
Outside of work, Rachael enjoys travelling the world, exploring the countryside, and spending time with her three chihuahuas. She has a passion for cooking, teaching, and connecting with people, and hopes to one day own a hobby farm while continuing to experience new cultures abroad.
Ask about meeting with a spinal nurse
To learn more and connect with a spinal nurse, send an enquiry to our team.