Tapestry Play Therapy
Play Therapist (MCPT, GradDipEd, BA)
Alicia is a registered play therapist and certified counsellor with over 15 years of experience working with children and families. She began her career as a Primary School teacher before moving into specialist education roles - including supporting children in Out of Home Care, consulting with schools on meeting the needs of neurodivergent students and those with a history of trauma, and serving as Campus Principal at a Community School for young people who had disengaged from mainstream education.
It was through this work that Alicia witnessed firsthand the transformative and therapeutic power of play as a tool for connection and healing. This passion inspired her to pursue and complete her Master of Play Therapy.
Alicia spent four years working in Paediatric Oncology at the Royal Children's Hospital, supporting children and families through cancer treatment, before moving into private play therapy practice.
Alicia tailors her approach to each child, drawing on training across multiple modalities to work flexibly and responsively. She partners closely with parents, caregivers and schools to build a strong network of support around the child, offering a warm, safe space that is inclusive, neuroaffirming and trauma-informed.
For more information, or to make a referral email hello@tapestryplaytherapy.com.au
or visit Tapestry Play Therapy website
HopscotchED
Education Inclusion Consultant/Occupational Therapist, MOccThy, MEd(SpecialEd), GradDipEd, GradCertS
Rebecca is an experienced special education teacher and occupational therapist with a diverse career in mainstream and specialist settings around Australia. For over twenty years, Rebecca has been dedicated to improving engagement and achievement by collaborating with students, parents, carers, allied health professionals and educators. Rebecca’s expertise extends to a full range of sensory, physical and cognitive abilities from early childhood intervention through to primary and secondary students.
Rebecca works with parents and educators to provide assessment and programming support for children. Rebecca integrates multi-sensory learning, assistive technologies, and metacognitive principles into her programs. Rebecca is a strong advocate for children in out-of-home care. She has a particular interest in early intervention and culturally responsive education for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.
Rebecca also has experience supporting families experiencing impacts from chronic health conditions, Illness, Developmental Hip Dysplasia (DDH), Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), cerebral palsy and other neurological conditions. She is passionate about improving educational outcomes and working closely with schools to enhance capabilities to cater for a diverse range of learners.
Rebecca continues to teach within the government sector, conducts training for educators and consults with various community organisations to facilitate engagement for individuals in life and learning goals.
Rebecca is registered with the following:
- Occupational Therapist with AHPRA
- Victorian Institute of Teaching
- Medicare
- Consultant Member of Learning Difficulties Australia
- Professional Member of Early Childhood Intervention Australia
- Professional Practice Member of SPELDVic.
Rebecca consults and facilitates training for:
- NOFASD Australia
- The Smith Family
- Pearson Clinical
- Department of Education and Training Vic
For more information, or to make a referral visit HopscotchED Website
Be Well Nourishment Nutritional Solutions
Registered Nutritionist & SOS Feeding Therapist (MHumNutr, RNutr, SOS & Responsive Feeding Therapist
Tracy is a master's-qualified nutritionist and feeding therapist specialising in providing nutritional and feeding therapy support to individuals, families, corporate groups and community organisations. She offers fun, simple, and practical solutions to nutritional challenges, helping people maximize their health through small, sustainable dietary changes.
Tracy is passionate about supporting families in making smart nutrition choices and offers expertise in:
- General nutrition
- Autism & ADHD-related nutrition
- Poor eating habits
- Growth concerns
- Mental health & well-being
- Digestive issues
- Picky & restrictive eating patterns
- Sensory processing difficulties
- Disruptive mealtimes
As both a nutritionist and a parent of a neurodiverse child, Tracy understands the behavioural challenges and sensitivities that can make meeting nutritional needs difficult. She also knows how overwhelming and frustrating it can be for parents seeking food-based solutions, only to find unclear or conflicting advice.
Tracy is dedicated to working with parents who want to improve their family’s health, as well as supporting neurodiverse children and adolescents to become confident, adventurous eaters. By combining evidence-based nutritional science with practical lifestyle strategies, she helps families achieve a balanced, nutritious diet—without sacrificing the joy of food.
Tracy collaborates closely with families, kindergartens, schools, and other healthcare professionals to ensure a coordinated and holistic approach to feeding therapy.
Services offered:
- Feeding therapy sessions
- Nutritional consultations
- Online group programs
- Workshops & incursions
Tracy is registered with the Nutrition Society of Australia and provides services to NDIS clients who are self-managed or plan-managed.
For more information, or to make a referral visit Be Well Nourishment website
Dynamic Music Therapy
RMT, PhD (Music Therapy Research), MMthpy, BMus
Dr Laura is a dedicated registered music therapist with over ten years of experience.
She takes a client-centred approach, prioritising care and family involvement in her practice. Laura is deeply committed to fostering a neuro-affirming environment where children and young people are encouraged to be themselves and explore their creativity through music. She thoughtfully addresses sensory needs, offers communication support, and takes into account environmental factors, special interests, and family preferences in her work.
Laura adopts a holistic approach to music therapy, bringing both skill and passion to her work. She is committed to making a positive impact on her clients' lives through a diverse range of individualised music therapy services. Laura has extensive experience working with autistic individuals, ADHDer’s, individuals with Down syndrome, hearing loss (including those with cochlear implants), developmental delays, and various other disabilities or genetic conditions. She finds great joy in helping children and young people reach their full potential within a safe and supportive environment.
Music therapy can help support:
- Language and communication skills
- Fine and gross motor skills
- Social understanding and support
- Emotional regulation and understanding
- Sensory support
- Self-esteem and confidence building
Laura includes activities such as:
- Singing and live music
- Dancing and gross motor music activities
- Song writing
- Sensory based music activities
- Play based music activities
- Playing instruments
- Recording
- Music listening
- Music relaxation techniques
Laura holds a bachelor’s degree in music performance, a masters in music therapy, and a PhD in music therapy research. Laura works individually with clients and can work with NDIS clients who are self-managed or plan-managed.
For more information, or to make a referral visit Dynamic Music Therapy
Lemon Squeezy Psychology
Educational & Developmental Psychologist, BComm, PGDipPsych, MPsych(Ed&Dev)/PhD
As an Educational & Developmental Psychologist, Dr Lydia has thorough knowledge about human development across the lifespan. She is particularly passionate about working with children and their related systems - parents, carers, partners and schools - to achieve a meaningful and fulfilled life. She is committed to providing a safe and supportive environment for everyone who walks through the door, and to neuro-affirming and inclusive practice.
Through conducting comprehensive developmental, cognitive and educational assessments, Lydia aims to help people understand their unique profile of strengths and areas for support. She has a keen interest and understanding of the assessment and diagnostic processes of Specific Learning Disabilities, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Autism.
Dr Lydia draws from a range of therapeutic models in her practice, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment therapy, and mindfulness-based strategies. She is passionate about being in your child’s corner, and acknowledges the value of involving parents, carers and teachers in the therapeutic process. Being able to equip children with a toolkit of life skills is a privilege that Lydia values highly.
Clinical Interests:
- Developmental assessments (5 years +)
- Autism
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Intellectual Developmental Disorder (IDD)
- Learning assessments (5 years +)
- Specific Learning Disability (SLD)
- Cognitive assessments (IQ)
- Comprehensive learning evaluations
- Counselling and Intervention (9 years +)
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Self-esteem
- Emotion regulation
- Executive function
- Social and relationships
- Parenting support.
For more information, or to make a referral visit Lemon Squeezy Psychology website
Sensory Health Matters
Occupational Therapist, BOccThy
Meet Angela at Little Footsteps
Paediatric Occupational Therapist, BOccThy
Advanced Practitioner in Sensory Integration | Certified Theraplay® Practitioner
Saturdays at Little Footsteps, Macleod. Telehealth on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
Maybe your child melts down after kinder or school. Maybe drop-offs are full of tears, or small changes feel huge. Maybe you're tired of the same battles every day and you're not sure what your child needs. You might also be wondering what the NDIS changes mean for your family, and whether to get help now or wait. Lots of parents are carrying that worry right now.
Angela is a paediatric occupational therapist with 20 years of experience in Australia and the UK. She brings a sensory and relationship-centred approach to her work. She helps parents notice the small cues that show their child is struggling, and she helps them respond in ways that bring more connection, cooperation and calm.
Becoming a mum shifted the way Angela works. All her years of training didn’t protect her from the overwhelm. She’s had the tired days, the short fuse, and the moments she wasn’t the calm parent she wanted to be. She knew the theory. Living it was much harder. It showed her how hard it is to help a child settle when you’re running on empty yourself. That’s why her work always includes the parent. Your child’s needs matter, and so do yours.
Angela's approach
Angela's work centres on the relationship between parent and child. Relationship is where children learn they matter, how to handle big feelings, and how to feel brave enough to explore. Angela looks at your child's sensory needs, your relationship, and how you're coping too. Her work is family-centred and sensory-informed. Connection comes first, because children cooperate more easily when they feel safe and understood.
Services offered
Parent Coaching: Parents Go First
For parents who want to understand what’s driving their child’s behaviour and feel steadier in how they respond. Parents Go First starts with you. Angela helps you understand your own sensory and emotional needs first, then your child’s, and how they all fit together in your family. From there, you’ll build simple, practical ways to bring more connection, cooperation and calm into everyday life.
Every family’s support is individualised. Parents Go First brings together 1:1 coaching calls, access to Angela between calls, and bite-sized education modules you can watch in your own time. Your coaching calls can then focus on what’s happening in your home. Coaching is available in person or by telehealth. You don’t need a diagnosis, NDIS plan or referral to start. The first step is a free discovery call.
Sensory Assessment Packages (2 to 12 years)
For families asking, "What's going on for my child?" Angela's assessments look closely at how your child processes and responds to sensory information, alongside their emotional and relationship needs. For children aged 6 to 12, Angela uses the Evaluation in Ayres Sensory Integration® (EASI). Packages can also include an observation at your child's kinder, childcare or school, so Angela can see how they manage in their everyday learning space. You'll leave with a clear roadmap and practical strategies you can start using straight away.
Theraplay®
Guided, evidence-based play sessions for you and your child together, with Angela in the room. Theraplay® can help children who feel anxious, find it hard to separate from you, or have big emotions that are hard to settle. Through playful, hands-on activities, your child learns that you're a safe and steady base. You learn how to read their cues and help them calm. Over time, this can build trust, confidence and a feeling of safety. Those are what make it easier for children to cope with drop-offs, new places and hard moments.
Educator Workshops
Practical, sensory-informed professional learning for early childhood educators.
Getting help with or without the NDIS
Sensory assessments and Theraplay® may be covered under your child's NDIS plan. You don't need a diagnosis, an NDIS plan or a Thriving Kids referral to see Angela, though. Families without funding are very welcome to self-fund. Parent coaching is private and doesn't depend on any funding scheme. Sessions are not Medicare rebatable.
Connect with Angela
There is currently no waitlist. Send an enquiry through the website and Angela will be in touch to book a discovery call.
To enquire: Click here or email angela@sensoryhealthmatters.au
Little Footsteps Clinical Psychology
Clinical Psychologist, DPsych (Health), BA (Psych)(Hons), MAPS
Dr Jess is a Clinical Psychologist with over twenty years of experience working with toddlers, children and adolescents across both public and private sectors. Jess has a particular interest in supporting neurodivergent children and works from a neuro-affirming approach that focuses on helping each child reach their full potential. She collaborates closely with families and the child's wider support network to create safe, inclusive environments that recognise and nurture each child's individual needs and strengths.
Dr Jess draws from a range of therapeutic approaches including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and mindfulness based strategies.
Dr Jess holds a Doctorate of Health Psychology and has completed further training to obtain clinical endorsement. Jess is registered with the Psychology Board of Australia through the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) with endorsements as a Clinical Psychologist and Health Psychologist. She has completed board-approved supervision training and is a registered supervisor.
Dr Jess is a member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS) and is a registered Medicare provider of Clinical Psychology services. She also provides services to NDIS clients who are self-managed or plan-managed.
Say and Play Speech Therapy
Speech Pathologist, BPsySc (Hons), MSpPath, CPSP
Currently offering Telehealth Quick Question Sessions only
Natasha is a neurodiversity affirming Speech Pathologist who loves helping children become their best selves! With the knowledge that learning happens when children are feeling relaxed and having fun, she strives to provide a safe environment for development and play through sessions that are strengths-based and individualised to the needs and interests of each child. Natasha is passionate about working with neurodivergent children and their families, to help them understand their unique communication needs, learning preferences, and connection style.
Natasha holds a Master’s degree in Speech Pathology and is a Certified Practising Speech Pathologist (CPSP) with Speech Pathology Australia. She also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology (with Honours). She is able to provide comprehensive assessments in the areas of:
- Language and communication
- Speech sounds and articulation
- Play and social engagement
- A combination of all the above, as part of a multidisciplinary assessment to inform an Autism diagnosis.
Through ongoing professional development, Natasha also holds additional certifications which allow her to provide and run specialised therapeutic programs, including:
- Social-Emotional Acuity Bridge Program (SEA Bridge Program)
- More Than Words Program, Hanen Centre
Natasha is a registered Medicare provider and is able to provide services to NDIS clients who are self-managed or plan-managed.
For more information, or to make a referral visit Say and Play Speech Therapy website
OccuPLAYtion Station
Occupational Therapist, BOccThy, Cert. Clin. Play Ther, LEGO® Based Therapy Certified Facilitator
Certified Facilitator of LEGO® Based Therapy and
Certified Facilitator of LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® method and materials
Nicole is a play based Occupational Therapist who is extremely passionate about working with children of all ages and abilities, and their families to support them to reach their full potential so that they can participate in society and lead fulfilling lives.
Nicole combines her love of working with children with her knowledge on the development of fine and gross motor skills to create fun and creative play-based activities based on the children’s interests, which also work towards their goals. Nicole has an interest in group therapy programs and school readiness skills and has facilitated multiple group therapy programs.
Nicole is also very creative. She has a strong interest in the arts, especially visual arts, dance and music, as well as in nature which she incorporates into Occupational Therapy goals. Nicole uses a child centred, neuro-affirming and strength-based, approach, meeting the child where they are at, as she strongly believes that everyone should be given opportunities in life to share their skills regardless of their differences.
Nicole loves to give back to her community and has several years of experience volunteering with a range of age groups across a diverse range of settings, including 6 years in the early intervention setting assisting with group therapy programs.
Nicole regularly volunteers her art and craft skills at charity events and fundraisers and is an advocate for the Rare Disease community.
Nicole holds a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy and a Certificate in Clinical Play Therapy, is a registered practitioner with AHPRA and is currently working towards her registration as a registered Play Therapist (RPT). Nicole is also a Certified Facilitator of LEGO® Based Therapy and
Certified Facilitator of LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY®.
Nicole is a registered Medicare Provider and can provide services to NDIS clients who are self-managed or plan-managed.
Contact Nicole at occuplaytionstation@hotmail.com or visit OccuPLAYtion Station Occupational Therapy
Little Footsteps Children's Clinic
Practice Manager, BBus(Hons), GradDip DM, Dip PracMgt
Kate is the first face you see as you walk in the door at Little Footsteps. She has a strong passion for community services, and ensuring that families and children feel comfortable and supported whilst accessing services. Kate works part-time during school hours and loves seeing the children coming in each day.
Kate holds a Bachelor of Business Management (Hons), Post-Graduate Diploma in Digital Marketing and Diploma of Practice Management. She has over 20 years experience as a business and marketing executive, across a variety of corporate and community settings. Kate enjoys being part of such a supportive, caring and passionate team.
Kids and Teens Counselling and Psychotherapy
Counsellor, Psychotherapist/Teacher, B.A, BT, GradDipCounselPsyT
Kathy is a Counsellor/Psychotherapist and Teacher with over 20 years experience working with children and families in the education sector as teacher, leader and school counsellor. In the counselling space Kathy provides counselling and psychotherapy for children and adolescents between the ages of 5-17 years experiencing grief, loss, childhood/family chronic illness, anxiety, depression, self-confidence issues, ASD, adjustment difficulties, emotional regulation, interpersonal and relationship difficulties.
Kathy’s approach is person-centred. She is relatable, genuine and will ensure the children or teenagers she is working, feel at ease, listened to and supported. Kathy incorporates Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Bibliotherapy, Body Focussing and the use of expressive therapies into the counselling space. Kathy’s passion is to empower ‘Kids and Teens’ to be their best self, supporting them on their path of self-awareness, healing and discovery.
Kathy has achieved a double degree for the Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Teaching and holds a Post-graduate degree for the Graduate Diploma of Counselling and Psychotherapy. Kathy is registered with the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia and is able to provide services to NDIS clients who are self-managed or plan managed.
For more information, or to make a referral visit Kids & Teens Counselling & Psychotherapy website
Coen Psychology
Psychologist, BAppSc(Psych), GradDipPsych, MPsych(Prof), MAPS
Currently on parental leave and not taking new referrals
Emily is a registered psychologist with over 10 years experience working with children, adolescents and their families across home, clinic and educational settings. Emily has a special interest in supporting neurodivergent children, those experiencing anxiety, challenging behaviours and emotion regulation difficulties.
Emily is passionate about working with children and their families in a flexible and creative manner, to best support their goals.
Emily is accredited in the Cool Kids Anxiety Program and Tuning into Kids program facilitation.
Emily's professional qualifications include a Master of Professional Psychology from Federation University. Emily is registered with Psychology Board of Australia (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency), and is a member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS).
Emily is a registered Medicare provider and can provide services to NDIS clients who are self-managed or plan-managed.
For referrals or waitlist enquiries, please contact emily@coenpsychology.com
Ready Set Speech
Speech Pathologist, BSpPath, CPSP
Currently on 12 months study leave and not taking on new referrals
Erin founded Ready Set Speech after 18 years working as a Speech Pathologist in private practice, community health and public health settings. Erin has a strong foundation in early childhood development. She works with infants, toddlers, preschool and school aged children with a range of speech, language and literacy difficulties. Erin has a warm, approachable nature and always brings a sense of playfulness and fun to her therapy sessions.
Erin has a special interest in working with speech sound disorders including:
- A lisp, or difficulties saying sounds like ‘s’ and ‘sh’
- Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS)
- Speech that is late to develop
- Speech patterns where the child leaves off sound or substitutes one sound for another phonological disorders
- Speech that is hard to understand
At Ready Set Speech, Erin also works with children who may present with:
- Difficulty understanding and using language to communicate
- Literacy difficulties (reading, spelling, reading comprehension)
- Stuttering
- Tongue thrust
- Generalised developmental concerns like learning how to play, pay attention, follow instructions, or communicate with peers
Erin is certified practicing speech pathologist (CSPS) and is a member of Speech Pathology Australia. She is a registered Medicare Provider and can provide services to NDIS clients who are self-managed or plan managed.
For more information, or to make a referral visit Ready Set Speech Website