MEET THE TEAM
Occupational Therapy
Emily graduated from the University of Sydney in 2001 with a Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Therapy and has also completed further studies in paediatric occupational therapy and sensory integration, completing a Master’s of Health Sciences in OT in 2013. Emily has over 23 years’ of paediatric OT experience and has completed extensive post graduate training in over 40 courses in Australia and overseas providing her with highly specialised knowledge to treat children with a range of conditions. She has worked across a number of varied settings including Sensory Integration Clinics, Specialist Schools, private practices and the schools and homes of her clients. Emily has been involved with teaching and clinical supervision of undergraduate and Masters students at the University of Sydney and has also run training programs for parents of children with Autism. She is currently the country lead for Australia as part of a worldwide normative data collection project for a new Ayres Sensory Integration (ASI) assessment, the Evaluation in Ayres’ Sensory Integration (EASI). Emily also coordinates training in Ayres Sensory Integration for OTs in Australia. Emily has been keenly sought after to speak at national conferences for various organisations given her extensive experience and expertise. Emily is an approved provider for BAMH care Medicare Plans. Emily’s background allows her to work with children of varying levels of disability, ages and stages and she prides herself on getting the very best outcomes for all her clients and their families.
Emily
Director
& Senior Occupational Therapist
BAppSc(Occ Thpy) MHlthSc (OT) SI Cert​
Anouk graduated from the University of Sydney in 2000 and has since practised in Australia, Dubai, the UK, and Thailand. Throughout her career, she has primarily worked in paediatrics, with early experience in acute medical, neurological, and orthopaedic rehabilitation. Anouk is committed to evidence based practice and ongoing professional development. She thrives in multidisciplinary teams, collaborating closely with allied health professionals and teaching staff. Her passion lies in supporting children with sensory processing difficulties, using a sensory integration approach to enhance their independence in participation, learning, movement, and play. Anouk is also deeply dedicated to Early Intervention, carrying out thorough assessments to identify each child’s unique strengths and challenges. Through therapeutic intervention, she works alongside children, families, and educators to support growth in confidence, capability, and independence.
Anouk
Senior Occupational Therapist
& Team Lead
BAppSc(Occ Thpy) CASI Cert
​​
​
Sarah graduated from the University of Sydney in 2007 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Occupational Therapy. She has spent much of her career working with adults with neurological conditions including stroke, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injuries and challenges with memory and everyday tasks. Sarah has developed a keen interest in working with children and their families and has been working at Kickstart Kids Therapy for five years specialising in Sensory Integration prior to going on maternity leave. Her extensive neurological experience allows her to gain a unique insight into the challenges children with learning difficulties present with. Sarah has also completed training in DIR/Floortime approach, Neuro-Developmental Technique (NDT), Sensory Integration, Environmental Design for Attention and Learning, Astronaut training/Vestibular Interventions, Therapeutic Listening (TLP), Therapressure Brushing, Core/Self-Regulation, Developmental Trauma, and Cranio-Sacral Therapy giving her a huge range of treatment options to ensure each of her clients reaches their developmental goals. Sarah is an approved provider for BAMH care Medicare Plans. Sarah has a special interest working with children with praxis challenges and children with complex presentations.
Sarah
Senior Occupational Therapist
BAppSc(Occ Thpy)
Daniella graduated from Central Queensland University with a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) in 2020. Whilst completing her degree, Daniella worked at Kickstart Kids in a reception role after completing a placement which enabled her to gain insight into working with children with various developmental challenges. Upon graduating, Daniella pursued a role working with NDIS participants with a mixed community-based case load working with both children and adults which helped to broaden her experience immensely. Daniella has gained experience in a range of areas including paediatrics, mental health, geriatrics, equipment, prescription, and minor home modifications. She has worked with children and adults with a broad range of challenges including CP, stroke, mental health, ASD, sensory processing, emotional regulation, executive functioning, and daily living tasks, and school based interventions including handwriting. Daniella was reemployed as an OT at Kickstart Kids Therapy due to her warm nature and passion for working with children. She is regularly supervised and mentored by senior practitioners at the centre and sees children appropriately suited to her experience and training.
Daniella
Occupational Therapist
BOcc Thpy Hons
Caitlin is a passionate and experienced occupational therapist dedicated to supporting children and adolescents in achieving their developmental and functional goals. With a strong foundation in sensory integration, motor skills, cognitive development, and early intervention, she has worked closely with families, educators, and multidisciplinary teams to provide tailored therapy solutions. Holding a Bachelor of Applied Sciences (Occupational Therapy) from the University of Sydney, Caitlin has been recognised for academic excellence, achieving a place on the Dean’s List and actively contributing as a student representative. Her commitment to specialised practice led her to further certification in Sensory Integration from Sheffield Hallam University. During her tenure at Family Connections Sydney, Caitlin managed a diverse caseload of clients aged 2–18, implementing individualised therapy plans across clinical, home, school, and community settings. Her expertise includes Sensory Integration (SI) therapy, school readiness assessments, goal-focused interventions, and group facilitation. She has also played a vital role in mentoring students and developing educational resources for parents and professionals. As she transitions to her next professional chapter, her dedication to helping children thrive remains at the core of her practice.
Caitlin
Occupational Therapist
BAppSc(Occ Thpy) SI Cert
Kim graduated from the University of British Columbia with a Bachelor of Kinesiology in 2018, then went on to complete a Master of Occupational Therapy at the University of Sydney in 2020. While studying, she worked as a disability support worker and implemented therapy programs for children, gaining invaluable hands-on experience with children and families. Kim previously worked at Kickstart Kids Therapy (KKT) for two years, where she developed her skills in paediatric practice and solidified her passion for working with children. She then returned to Canada, where she spent two years working in a mental health setting, supporting individuals across the lifespan with emotional regulation and daily living skills. Kim is known for her bright, bubbly personality and genuine enthusiasm for supporting children. She is regularly supervised and mentored by senior practitioners at the centre and sees children appropriately suited to her training and experience. She has a special interest in supporting preschool-aged children who are transitioning to school, as well as school-aged children experiencing learning difficulties and executive functioning challenges.
Kimberly
Occupational Therapist
BKin MSOT
​​
Diana is a highly motivated and compassionate occupational therapist with extensive experience in both paediatric and adult care within acute settings. Over four years, she has developed and delivered individualised intervention plans to enhance clients’ independence in daily activities while establishing strong connections with community teams. In her most recent role as a Senior Specialist Paediatric Occupational Therapist at St George’s NHS Foundation Trust, Diana led evidence-based projects, supervised junior staff, and pioneered initiatives such as Occupational Therapy services in the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit. She has contributed significantly to multidisciplinary training and quality improvement projects, ensuring best practices in paediatric rehabilitation. With a broad foundation in neuro-major trauma, respiratory medicine, and hand therapy, she has worked across various specialities, managing complex caseloads and advocating for patient-centred interventions. Her leadership includes facilitating clinical audits, refining documentation standards, and mentoring new professionals within the field. Academically, she holds an MSc in Occupational Therapy from Queen Margaret University, complemented by a BSc in Social Science from University College Dublin. Her ongoing commitment to professional development includes training in Sensory Beginnings, Neurological Cognitive Rehabilitation, Upper Limb Splinting, and Advanced Spinal Cord Injury care. Dedicated to fostering a positive therapeutic environment, Diana remains committed to delivering evidence-based care tailored to each client’s needs.
Diana
Occupational Therapist
MScOT
Speech Pathology
Rachel graduated from Cardiff Metropolitan University in 2013 with a Bachelor Speech and Language Therapy (Honours). Since graduating, she has worked with children of all ages ranging from infancy to young adults in various settings. Rachel worked in Wales until moving to Australia in 2020 where she continues to support children’s speech, language, and communication needs. Rachel is a passionate and proactive therapist with a particular interest in working with children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, CAS, DLD and Speech Sound Disorders. She has undergone training in the Nakaton, POPAT, Trauma recovery training, Care Aims Training and SCERTS. Rachel also particularly enjoys supporting the professional development of other therapists and students.
Rachel
Clinical Co-ordinator,
Senior Speech Pathologist
& Team Lead
BSc Hons (Speech & Language Therapy)
Florence is a dedicated speech pathologist with extensive experience in early intervention, speech, fluency, and literacy therapy. She has collaborated with multidisciplinary teams, including occupational therapists, behaviour therapists, psychologists, teachers, and caregivers, to provide comprehensive support tailored to each client’s unique needs. With proficiency in administering and interpreting a wide range of assessments— including CELF-P3, CELF-5, PLS-5, OWLS-II, and articulation screeners—Florence has a strong foundation in evaluating and addressing communication challenges. Her approach integrates evidence-based practices across various settings, from schools and clinics to telehealth sessions. Committed to professional growth, she has completed specialised training in programmes such as Sounds-Write, Learn to Play, Hanen More Than Words, and Practical Strategies for Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS). As she transitions to a new role in community health, her dedication to empowering individuals through communication remains steadfast.
Florence
Speech Pathologist
BAppSc(SpPath)
Laura is a passionate and experienced speech pathologist with over five years of clinical experience supporting paediatric clients across Australia and Canada. She brings expertise in speech, language, and literacy development, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), multilingual intervention, and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Fluent in English, French, and Spanish, Laura is committed to delivering inclusive, neurodiversity-affirming care that reflects each child’s unique strengths and goals. She has worked across early intervention, school-based, and community settings, and thrives in interdisciplinary teams alongside occupational therapists, psychologists, and educators. With a strong foundation in evidence-based practice and a warm, collaborative style, Laura empowers families and supports meaningful communication outcomes for children aged 0–18.
Laura
Speech Pathologist
M.Sc.A., R.SLP., S-LP(C), CPSP
​
Isabel is a caring and highly skilled speech pathologist who brings warmth, creativity, and deep clinical expertise to her work with children and families. With a Master’s in Speech and Language Pathology and a background in music education, she offers a unique approach to communication development—especially for children who are Deaf or Blind, and those with complex needs. Isabel has experience supporting children with hearing loss, vision impairments, speech sound disorders, and sensory differences, including autism. She works closely with families to deliver therapy that’s tailored, practical, and empowering—whether it’s through spoken language, Key Word Sign, AAC, or basic AUSLAN. Her work often includes early intervention, cochlear implant support, and parent coaching to help families feel confident and supported every step of the way. Known for her collaborative spirit, Isabel works alongside audiologists, ENT surgeons, Teachers of the Deaf, and other allied health professionals to ensure each child’s care is truly holistic. Families appreciate her gentle approach, clear communication, and unwavering commitment to helping children thrive.
Isabel
Senior Speech Pathologist
BMus.Ed (undergrad) MSLP, CPSP
​
Physiotherapy
Alisa graduated from the University of Queensland in 2001 and has over 19 years’ experience as a physiotherapist working with children, with experience in sports injuries and sports training. She has worked in a range of settings, including hospitals, private practice and community services at a senior level. Alisa also has extensive experience working in rehabilitation and disability sectors. She has experience in: Supporting children with conditions such as Cerebral Palsy, Muscular Dystrophy, Down Syndrome, and Spina Bifida. Paediatric gait analysis - identifying and addressing impairments through a range of different modalities including footwear prescription, taping, orthotic prescription, strength and conditioning and targeted skill training. Rehabilitation following orthopaedic surgery, acquired brain injury, recovery from chronic illness or other surgery or conditions. Equipment prescription to support standing, walking and gross motor skill development.
Alisa
Senior Physiotherapist
B(Phty)
Danielle graduated from Curtin University in Perth in 2008 with a Bachelor of Science (Physiotherapy). After working in Paediatric Physiotherapy in Perth for a number of years, she moved to London and gained further experience working with babies, children and teenagers in clinics, schools and the community as well as the acute hospital wards in a number of NHS hospitals. Danielle also worked at Great Ormond Street Hospital where she was in the Rehab team and worked in clinics such as Movement Disorder, Botulinum Toxin and Orthopaedics as well as the Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR) team. Danielle has her Certificate IV in Pilates Matwork Instruction and enjoys incorporating Pilates into her sessions. During her recent maternity leave, she completed a Pilates for Runners Course. Danielle is an energetic and bubbly therapist who loves working with babies and children of all ages and has experience working across a range of abilities from those children with complex needs to those who would like to improve their gross motor skills so that they can participate in social sports.
Danielle
Senior Physiotherapist
B(Phty)