Bachelor of Applied Science
(Occupational Therapy)

Intermediate DIR® Floortime™ provider

Dale graduated from the University of Sydney in 1991. Dale initially worked within a variety of mental health settings prior to working in paediatric practice. Since 1995, Dale has worked in a wide range of paediatric settings both here and in the United Kingdom, including community health, private practice and early intervention.

Dale has a special interest in working with children and their families utilising the Sensory Integration and DIR®/Floortime™ models and is passionate about providing this within an interdisciplinary framework. Dale has trained to the intermediate level in the DIR®/Floortime™ Model. Dale continues to expand her knowledge through a wide range of ongoing conferences, seminars and mentoring within paediatric occupational therapy.

Dale has three gorgeous children Jamie, Eliza and Robert.

Bachelor of Speech Pathology

Intermediate DIR® Floortime™ provider

Emma graduated from the University of Queensland in 2004 and has had extensive experience working in community health settings with pre-school aged children in country Victoria, Early Childhood Intervention settings working with pre-school aged children with autism and developmental delays, as well as in private practice. In 2008, Emma travelled to the US to train in the DIR®/Floortime™ Model of Intervention for children with developmental delays and disabilities. In 2011, Emma again travelled to the US where she completed the DIR® C 1 Certification, DIR®/Floortime™ program. Emma continues to expand her knowledge of DIR®/Floortime™ through ongoing mentoring and attendance at professional development seminars.

Emma is a certified Hanen provider and is a trained provider of the Therapeutic Listening Program. Emma is also trained in the Lindamood Bell Approach to phonological processing and language comprehension. Emma has specialised experience and a passion for working with young children who present with autism, developmental delays, language disorders and social language difficulties.

Emma has a gorgeous daughters, Mary and baby Kate.

Bachelor of Science (Human Communication Science)
with First Class Honours

Intermediate DIR® Floortime™ provider

Kirsty graduated with First Class Honours from Curtin University in Western Australia in 2003. Since then, Kirsty has gained experience working with children in a diverse range of clinical settings, including private practice, community health and Early Childhood Intervention. Kirsty also has extensive research experience, having worked on the Looking at Language Study at the Telethon Institute for Child Health Research in Western Australia, and the Early Language in Victoria Study (ELVS) at the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute in Victoria.

Kirsty is passionate about helping children with additional needs and their families and has a strong interest in working with children with autism, developmental delays and language disorders. Kirsty is an internationally recognised Intermediate DIR®/Floortime™ provider, having completed the DIR® B Certification in the US in 2011 and the DIR® C1 training in 2013. Kirsty has integrated the DIR®/Floortime™ model into her clinical practice since 2008.

Kirsty has two young daughters, Hannah and baby Georgia.

Bachelor of Occupational Therapy

Following a diverse employment history that has taken her to numerous countries, Marissa began studying for her Occupational Therapy Degree at Monash University. Marissa has had a passion for assisting young children and their families and has been involved in the Andrew Fildes Foundation program at the Port Philip Special School for several years.

During her studies, Marissa travelled to the United States and attended the Sensory Processing Disorder Symposium in Seattle, Washington. She also completed training in Snoezelen Multi-Sensory Environments through Sense-zational Environments in New York and has also had training in DIR®/Floortime™, Regulatory Sensory Processing Disorders and Sensory Oral-Motor Treatment. Marissa is keen to add to her experience by undertaking professional development, particularly in Sensory Integration and further DIR®/Floortime™ Therapy.

Bachelor of Occupational Therapy

Anna graduated with a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy from LaTrobe University, Melbourne in 1997. For 15 years, she has enjoyed working with both adults and children in Australia and the United Kingdom. Her career spans a wide range of settings – from hospitals and rehabilitation centres to community health services, special and mainstream schools, the disability sector and early intervention. In 2009 Anna obtained a Graduate Certificate of Health Promotion, being passionate about the concept of ‘Health for All’.

Anna loves working with children and families, and is trained in the Sensory Profile, 1-2-3 Magic and Emotion Coaching, strength based practice, the Alert Program (How Does My Engine Run?), and the Wilbarger Sensory Defensiveness (Brushing Protocol). Anna has completed Stages 1 and 2 of the DIR® Floortime™ training. Anna is particularly interested in working with children with Autism, developmental delays and sensory integration issues.

She has one gorgeous little boy of her own, and finds it hard to contain her enthusiasm for play, music, and learning in everyday activities and routines.

Bachelor of Health Science
Master of Occupational Therapy Practice

Neisha completed her Bachelor of Health Science and Master of Occupational Therapy Practice at La Trobe University. During her studies she worked in a variety of settings including community, hospital and both mainstream and special schools. This is where she discovered her passion for working with children. In this time Neisha has worked with a range of children, including those with developmental delays and sensory difficulties.

Neisha is keen to stay updated with clinical and professional practices and ensures she does this by utilising the range of resources at Kids Connect Therapy and undertaking regular professional development. She has a strong interest in the areas of play-based therapy, motor planning and sensory processing.

Neisha values family-centred practice and believes that a supportive environment is paramount for best practice as an Occupational Therapist. Neisha is currently completing training in the DIR®/Floortime™ Model. Neisha is also receiving training in Sensory Integration approaches and receives regular mentoring.

Bachelor of Speech Pathology

Courtney graduated from the University of Queensland in 2006. She has worked with children from infancy to adolescence who present with Autism, complex developmental needs, language disorders and social language difficulties.  Courtney has worked in a range of settings including the disability sector, Family and Early Childhood Services, and mainstream and special schools in Australia and the United Kingdom.  She has experience working in transdiciplinary teams with other professionals including Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists and Psychologists, to support a holistic and integrated service for the children and families she works with.

Courtney is trained in a variety of therapy programs including Hanen (It Takes Two to Talk and More Than Words), Learn to Play Therapy and Social Thinking and has an interest in augmentative and alternative communication systems. Courtney is dedicated to working with families to ensure positive and functional outcomes for their child. 

Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Speech Pathology

Clare completed her Bachelor of Speech Pathology at Australian Catholic University. Throughout her studies, she worked in a variety of settings including community health, hospitals and schools. Clare became passionate about working with children and their families and has gained experience working with children with speech, language and literacy delays. Clare is a practising member of Speech Pathology Australia and attends regular professional development courses. Clare is trained in the Hanen- More than Words program.

Clare is passionate about working with children who present with autism, developmental delays, language disorders and social language difficulties. Clare values family centred practice and believes strongly in building interactions by ensuring therapy is motivating and fun. Clare has previously worked as a therapy assistant prior to finishing her studies and as a piano teacher for young children and teens.

Bachelor of Speech & Hearing Science
Master of Speech-Language Pathology

Linda earned her Bachelor’s degree from Indiana University and Master’s from the University of Iowa. Linda was a travel (locum) therapist working in outpatient clinics, schools, hospitals, and skilled nursing facilities before finding her passion for early childhood intervention in 2010. Using principles from The Hanen Centre and the DIR®/Floortime™ program, Linda’s therapy approach puts the child’s primary caregivers in the lead at home and lets the child’s interests and needs guide each session.

Linda has served children with a variety of diagnoses, including Down syndrome, Autism Spectrum Disorders, cerebral palsy, brain injury, and developmental delays. She’s trained in PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System) and has experience with other augmentative/alternative communication methods.

Linda immigrated to Australia from the U.S. in 2017. Raising her two young children, Madeline and Arthur, has made her a better clinician.

Bachelor of Early Childhood Education, Master of Child Play Therapy

Jean completed her Bachelor of Early Childhood at Deakin University. While working as a kindergarten teacher for five years, Jean’s passion for play and early intervention grew. Jean then began studying the Master of Child Play Therapy at Deakin University to support her understanding of the therapeutic benefits of play. Jean is currently a registered Play Therapist with APPTA (Australasia Pacific Play Therapy Association). To apply therapeutic play into practice Jean worked in early intervention which provided support, education and therapy to children with additional needs or developmental delays. Jean has also worked in a paediatric hospital setting providing Educational Play Therapy to children and families.

Working in many diverse settings, Jean has witnessed how play creates the essential building blocks for a child’s health, development and well-being. Jean is a strong advocate of Play Therapy as it allows adults to enter the child’s world to speak the language of childhood, which is play. Jean is trained in Learn to Play, Child-Centred Play Therapy and Filial Play Therapy.

Bachelor of Health Science, Master of Occupational Therapy

Alana works with a range of children who may have a diagnosis of Developmental Delay, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Sensory Processing, ADHD, Down Syndrome, Developmental Co-ordination Disorder, learning difficulties or challenges which impacts the child’s ability to complete tasks they need or want to do.  She works closely with families to tailor and integrate therapeutic programs that are relevant and individualised for the child in their environment.

Since graduating from Latrobe University Alana has attended numerous courses and professional development workshops, such as DIR/Floortime, Social Thinking, ALERT program and Sensory Processing. Alana has recently returned from the USA where she attended the DIR/Floortime Conference. Alana is a dedicated clinician who has a wonderful ability to build rapport quickly with children.

Bachelor of Speech Pathology (Hons), Bachelor of Social Science & Bachelor of Arts

Sarah completed her Bachelor of Speech Pathology (Hons) at the University of Queensland. During her studies she worked in a variety of settings including adult and paediatric hospitals, outpatient clinics and via telerehabilitation to clients in regional and remote Queensland. This is where she discovered her passion for working with children and their families. Sarah has gained experience working with children with speech and language delays, fluency disorders and swallowing management. Sarah is a practising member of Speech Pathology Australia and is passionate about providing evidence-based practice.

Sarah is interested in working with children who present with autism, language, speech and fluency disorders. Sarah values family centred practice and believes strongly in play-based therapy as a motivating and fun experience for her clients.

Sarah has also completed a Bachelor of Social Science and Bachelor of Arts and has previously worked in community development.

Bachelor of Science (Honours in Psychology), Master of Occupational Therapy

Nimesha completed her Bachelor of Science (Honours) at Monash University and Master of Occupational Therapy at Swinburne University. Prior to beginning her Master of Occupational Therapy, she worked as an ABA therapist. During this time, she found her special interest in working with children and learnt about occupational therapy. Throughout her studies and work, Nimesha has gained experience in working with a variety of children, including those with Autism Spectrum Disorder, developmental delays, intellectual disabilities, and sensory difficulties.

Nimesha is a member of Occupational Therapy Australia and registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency. She receives regular mentoring and professional development training, and utilises the vast number of resources at Kids Connect Therapy. Nimesha is passionate about working with children and their families using a strengths-based and family-centred approach. With these approaches, she strives to ensure children are working through their goals in a fun and motivating environment.

Bachelor of Health Science, Master of Occupational Therapy

Cindy completed her Bachelor of Health Science and Master of Occupational Therapy at Swinburne University of Technology. During her studies she worked in a range of different settings including Early Childhood Intervention Service, community services and in aged care services. Within these settings, she worked with a wide variety of clients ranging from children to the elderly.

Cindy loves working with children and encourages a strengths-based approach, which supports the child and family’s ability to continue development by encouraging growth and competency building over time. She also acknowledges the importance of family centered practice, working in collaboration with children and families, when implementing Occupational Therapy interventions.

Cindy has also worked with a range of children with developmental delays, sensory processing disorders and behavioural disorders. Cindy has worked with the children to improve and develop their learning and strategies in areas such as behaviour management, gross motor skills, fine motor skills, social skills and emotional regulation through play-based therapy. Cindy has previously worked in an Early Childhood Intervention Service that utilised the DIR®/Floortime™ Model.

Cindy is passionate in providing the best service for her clients, keeping up to date with the clinical practices and professional development through continual mentoring.

Lucy is a passionate and committed Practice Manager who works with the administration team to provide a warm and supportive environment for families.

Lucy is able to assist families and their children by making appointment bookings, providing information on funding options and giving advice around relevant therapy programs. Lucy has worked in administrative roles for many years, both with children and the elderly.

Lucy has a passion for helping families and strives to make each family at Kids Connect Therapy feel welcome and well-supported as soon as they walk through the door. Lucy enjoys spending time with her children and grandchildren.

Melinda is a proud and busy Mum with three adult children

Melinda has previously worked in the disability sector and prides herself on providing excellent customer service and administration knowledge. Melinda is a motivated and enthusiastic member of the Kids Connect team.

Her outside interests include reading, ballet, movies and socialising with friends and family.