Meet our therapists

For the past three years, I have been a part of the healthcare sector as an Administrator. During this time, I have become independent, effective in communication and open-minded. Whether I am meeting new faces or liaising with therapists, being of service to others is one of many things I value. I am committed to maintaining integrity, understanding and inclusiveness in my line of work. I am inspired to prioritise my self-development by learning and cultivating my skills through mentors and diverse work environments.

Having the right community is imperative for each individual to thrive. That is why I chose SDN; to be a part of a community where we can guide and nurture every single child's needs. In my role, I work amongst a multidisciplinary team, clinical leads, and managers to prioritise the support of our clients and families.

Bachelor of Occupational Therapy

I have always been passionate about working with children, and have been a paediatric occupational therapist since 2018. Since that time I have worked in many schools all around Sydney providing support for classes, small groups, and individuals with various challenges and diagnoses. I have also worked in a clinic setting, on telehealth, and in homes.

I believe that OT should be fun for kids, as well as therapeutic, and that belief is embodied in my work. Each of my sessions is specifically constructed to work towards our goals, but also be fun and motivating. In this way, the children are more engaged and empowered by the therapy process, more motivated to improve, and to meet the goals that we set together.

SDN provides a purpose-built environment for children and their families to grow and learn, and that is why I choose to practice here.

Bachelor of Psychology, Macquarie University

“A person’s a person, no matter how small” – Dr Seuss.

I am a Behaviour Support Practitioner with over three years of experience, working with children and families across various settings, including clinics, schools, homes, and telehealth. My approach is person-centered, focused on creating opportunities for the child to grow in their social skills and wellbeing with the support of their families, relatives, and close friends. I love making my sessions play-based and engaging with children in a way that helps them enjoy the time they get to be as kids.

I am also passionate about collaborating with families, guiding them through effective support strategies andempowering them to confidently implement these approaches at home. One of the most fulfilling aspects of my work is seeing children and young adolescents grow. Being part of their journey toward independence is an incredible privilege!

In my spare time, you will probably find me swimming, jamming on my guitar or baking something sweet!

Bachelor of Applied Science (Occupational Therapy)

I have been working as an Occupational Therapist with children and adults in the community since 2017. I have experience in a mixed caseload with a variety of ages and conditions. I enjoy getting to know and understanding those I work with, developing goals in collaboration with others to progress towards functional outcomes.

As part of my role, I collaborate with other therapists and the wider team to help children reach their potential and aspire to find creative ways to carry out my sessions.

I have interest in all areas of skill development, self-regulation and play-based therapy. I am committed to lifelong learning to empower the lives of children and families.

Bachelor of Arts (Early Childhood Studies & Sociology), Macquarie University and Master of Social Work (Qualifying), Australian Catholic University

I have over ten years’ experience working with children and families in the early intervention, out of home care and disability sectors.

As part of my current role with SDN, I collaborate with our therapists in order for them to better support the children and families that they work with. This can mean sourcing information about other relevant services in the community, making referrals, writing advocacy letters and facilitating in-services. As a team our aim is to capacity build families as they are their children’s main advocates.

My role is varied and can involve face to face and remote support to the therapists and families, networking with other organisations and navigating the everchanging world of the NDIS. I enjoy the variety that each day brings and seeing the growth of the children and families that we work with.

Bachelor of Health Sciences (Hearing & Speech) and Master of Speech Pathology, University of Sydney 

I am an experienced Speech Pathologist who has worked in a range of settings including preschools, schools, clinics and homes. I have worked with clients across the lifespan (early childhood through to adults), in more recent years focusing more on young children and adolescents.

I am passionate about my work and strive to deliver therapy creatively in order to engage children and to unlock their hidden potential. I enjoy supporting children’s families and empowering them to support their child’s communication development.

I am also dedicated to lifelong learning and professional development. This includes supporting Student Speech Pathologists and early career Speech Pathologists with their development of clinical skills. It is wonderful that my position at SDN as Speech Pathology Clinical Lead allows me to do all of the above.

Bachelor of Applied science (Speech Pathology), The University of Sydney.

Working in the disability sector since 2005, I have extensive experience working with children and families in schools, preschools and homes. I am certified to provide Hanen programs to children and families (It Takes Two to Talk and More than Words). 

I am passionate about supporting families to develop their children’s skills during daily routines and interactions.

I have experience using both high tech speech generating devices and low tech picture communication systems. These include PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System), PODD (Pragmatic Organisation Dynamic Display), LAMP (Language Acquisition through Motor Planning) and iPad communication apps.

I am trained and experienced in working together with families to develop positive sleep practices (SleepAbility) and in the SOS Approach to Feeding (for children with a limited range of foods in their diet).

I am an accredited Early Childhood Teacher, with 12 years of experience in education and leadership.

Working with children with learning needs and diagnoses over the years has been highly rewarding, but has also highlighted the unique challenges faced by these children and their families. As a result, I became passionate about advocating for their rights and now work intentionally to break down barriers to inclusion.

I believe wholeheartedly in the role of the family, and I aim to empower families and children from all walks of life to build capacity and agency, and to engage with the world around them.

I am trained in the play-based approach and believe in making learning fun! I follow the motivations of the child and use these interests to introduce new challenges and learning opportunities.

I use play-based teaching to target goals in a range of areas, including: school readiness, school transition, social/emotional understanding and engagement, intentional play, play skills, self-care, emotional regulation and language/communication.

With SDN’s trans-disciplinary approach, I am able to work alongside a range of therapists to provide individualised supports for children.

Bachelor of Applied Science (Speech Pathology), The University of Sydney. 

I am passionate about working with and supporting families to help children reach their communication potential. I love being and working as a part of a team that empowers and collaborates with children and their families and other professionals. 

My approach to therapy is to always make it client centred and fun to ensure that therapy is engaging! What I love to do is build on the child’s strengths and capabilities whilst also supporting the families to ensure the best outcomes for their child’s communication.  

I have had experience working with children with disability as well as with children across a range of practice areas (speech, language and fluency) through placement opportunities.