Qualifications: Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) – University of the Sunshine Coast

As an energetic OT, I love every aspect of enabling children with neurological, developmental, cognitive and physical limitations to engage in a fulfilling childhood. I believe that play skills are a powerful mechanism in learning concepts, to build confidence, to educate, to communicate and to maximise independence in self-care/self-management.

Having worked as a mobile paediatric OT in NSW with a variety of children, I have come to find that each individual child has their own unique way of learning. While some children benefit from visual cues, videos and pictures, others are auditory learners, following steps more readily through song, while others may find tactile experiences and messy play more beneficial to their sensory appetite!

I have volunteered and worked as a respite worker for children with ASD and cerebral palsy while I completed my University studies, and completed my University practical placements at a independence centre for young adults, a chronic conditions community centre, a child developmental centre, a school and even a therapeutic horse-riding facility for children with disabilities.

I believe in adopting family-centred practice as an overarching framework to guide therapeutic goals.

I have a passion for helping children and their families achieve the goals that are most important to them. Through my University study, and my work as a support worker for children in care, I have developed my skills in working with children who need a bit of extra help. I have worked as an OT with Disability Services with school aged children, adolescents and adults. My work with kids involved developing skills in self-care and at school, as well as assessing and working with sensory processing differences. I also have experience with equipment prescription and home modification design aimed at promoting independence.

I am excited to be working with Boost Therapy to help kids with things they need to live happy and healthy lives. I operate in a fun, flexible way, and love using play as a way to connect with children, and to help them work on skills in a way that doesn’t seem like work at all!

I use evidence based practice to ensure that the service I provide is up to date with our current knowledge. Workshops, seminars, supervision and journal articles help me keep up to date. However, nothing helps me see what is practical like feedback from parents about what they have found most helpful.

Throughout my studies and career as a gymnastics coach I have been provided with innumerable experiences which have set me on the path of becoming a paediatric occupational therapist. My  clinical placements with children at Nanango State School and Murri School provided with the opportunity to develop targeted classroom and individual therapy programs aiming to improve engagement with classroom occupations, for example; reading, writing, listening, sharing and socialising. I also have experience with home modifications and equipment prescription through my work with Montrose Access (in-home and community respite). I have also been lucky enough work with a volunteer company in creating an occupational therapy presence in a developing country (Cambodia).

In my experience as a gymnastics coach I have worked with children from 2 years to 18 years. I have gained a great deal of skills in not only improving whole body strength and coordination, but more importantly communication, empathy, patience and above all, the ability to have fun whenever and wherever I may be!

I have always had a particular interest in the social occupations of children and have a great deal of experience in working with children who may need a bit more time or help in bringing these skills to the forefront.

I use a variety of hands-on, flexible, fun and individually tailored techniques to give the child and their family the skills that they need to engage in everyday life. The best part about working with children is their uniqueness, eccentricity and ability to view the world positively, even when others cannot see it. These particular attributes resonate very strongly within myself. I believe as a therapist it is important to recognise that I have as much to gain from working with children and their families as I have to give.

Qualifications: Bachelor of Occupational Therapy, University of Queensland, 2011.

I have always held a passion for helping kids develop the skills and confidence needed to express themselves, learn, play and grow. Consequently, over the past 8 years, I have worked and volunteered for a number of community organisations who support children to achieve their goals. I have a range of experience in both hospital and community settings, having previously worked at Queensland Health, in the Indigenous Health sector and with families from refugee backgrounds.

I am delighted to be working with Boost Therapy, alongside children and their supports to ultimately foster happy and satisfying school and family lives. I always look forward to helping each child build the skills needed for home and school life, as well as offering support and strategies to parents, teachers and carers too.

Whatever the challenge, whether it be writing, drawing, cutting, sitting and concentrating at school; tying shoelaces and doing up buttons to help get dressed; sharing and turn taking for playing; or identifying sensory needs to help with self-regulation, toileting and eating, I’ll work alongside each family to help identify meaningful goals to work towards.

I am committed to evidence-based practice, and seek to update my skills and knowledge through ongoing research, supervision, training and workshops. In my spare time I enjoy exploring nature, playing the piano and playing with my 7 month old adorable niece.