The Heart Behind Butterfly Health Group

The Heart, Vision & Purpose Behind Butterfly Health Group

At Butterfly Health Group, we believe in brighter lives built together.
This philosophy sits at the very centre of who we are, and it begins with our Founder and Director, Mary Mastos.

A highly accomplished Occupational Therapist, multidisciplinary leader, and visionary strategist, Mary brings more than 25 years of clinical, operational, and leadership experience to the world of holistic healthcare. But beyond her impressive expertise, Mary is someone who leads with heart. She is a woman who sees potential where others see limitation, who believes deeply in people, and who has dedicated her life to helping individuals move from struggle to strength.

"Butterfly Health Group was created from this lifelong calling, to empower every person to grow, transform, and thrive, just like the butterfly our organisation is named after."

A Clinician With Depth, Insight & Compassion

Mary began her Occupational Therapy career in 1996, working across neurological rehabilitation, disability, mental health, aged care, community health, and research. Over more than two decades, she has become known for her ability to connect with individuals and families facing complex challenges and guide them toward meaningful, functional outcomes.

Her extensive clinical expertise spans:

• Neurological rehabilitation

• Disability and developmental support

• Mental health and emotional well-being

• Aged care and community reintegration

• Cognitive and functional assessment

• Seating, mobility and pressure care

• Environmental modification

• School-based therapy and inclusion support

Mary holds a Master of Occupational Therapy (with Distinction) and completed research with the Florey Institute of Neuroscience & Mental Health, published in Clinical Rehabilitation.
Her work remains a respected contribution to evidence-based goal-directed therapy.

A Visionary Leader Shaping the Future of Holistic Healthcare

While Mary’s clinical foundations run deep, she is equally renowned for her strategic leadership. Before establishing Butterfly Health Group, Mary spent ten years as Founder & Managing Director of the Hobsons Bay Music Academy, a vibrant, innovative learning organisation where she honed the leadership, operational and people-management skills she brings to Butterfly today.

In her decade as Managing Director, Mary:

• led large multidisciplinary teams

• built strong operational systems

• designed innovative education programs

• spearheaded organisational growth and partnerships

• developed budgets, marketing strategies and sustainable revenue models

• introduced creative, client-centred solutions

• championed a culture of excellence, collaboration and care

This unique blend of creativity, strategy, clinical expertise and business acumen is at the core of Butterfly Health Group’s strength — and its future.

The Butterfly Integrated Health Care Model

Mary’s vision shaped what is now known as the Butterfly Integrated Health Care Model - a holistic, evidence-based and person-centred framework grounded in four pillars:

Doing – Being – Becoming – Belonging

This model reflects her belief that individuals thrive when mind, body and spirit are supported together, not in isolation. Under Mary’s leadership, Butterfly Health Group continues to grow into a place where transformation feels possible, where support feels safe, and where every person is treated with dignity and hope.

A Champion for Children With Special Needs

Mary’s greatest passion lies in supporting children with disabilities, developmental differences, and emotional vulnerabilities, especially in mainstream schools, where inclusion is not always prioritised.

She is driven by a simple but powerful belief: Every child deserves to feel safe, valued, included, and seen.

Her school-based vision focuses on:

• socially engaging lunchtime and recess programs

• meaningful peer connection

• emotional safety and psychological well-being

• tailored in-school support workers

• early, responsive anti-bullying intervention

• authentic collaboration with teachers and school leaders

Mary has witnessed firsthand how small changes in the school environment can create big changes in a child’s confidence, friendships, and sense of belonging. When a child feels like they matter, anything becomes possible, and this belief guides every program and partnership she leads.

A Founder Guided by Heart, Purpose & People

What truly sets Mary apart is not only what she knows, but how she leads.

She is known for her:

• deep commitment to clinical excellence

• warm, compassionate care

• precision in managing complex projects

• passion for innovation and creative problem-solving

• dedication to mentoring and uplifting her team

• unwavering belief in human potential

Mary created Butterfly Health Group as a place where compassion meets expertise, where healing is nurtured with dignity, and where individuals of all ages can flourish.

Today, she continues to guide Butterfly’s growth with clarity, purpose and heart — ensuring that every person who walks through our doors is supported not just to cope, but to truly thrive.

A Brighter Future, Built Together

Mary’s journey, from clinician to researcher, founder to visionary leader, sits at the core of Butterfly Health Group’s mission:

To provide transformative, holistic healthcare services that empower individuals to thrive and lead fulfilling lives.

Her belief in the power of connection, community and holistic care continues to shape every service, every innovation, and every life touched by Butterfly Health Group.

Mary is more than our Founder & Director, she is the heart of our organisation, the architect of our vision, and the reason Butterfly Health Group exists.

And because of her, we are building brighter lives — together.