

ASSESSMENTS
WE GATHER INFORMATION.
In this initial assessment session we will discuss your concerns and how occupational therapy will benefit
your child.
The OT assessment includes a one and a half hour, one on one session where clinical observations and standardized tests are conducted. These observations and the completed parent questionnaire will help us determine your child's strengths and weaknesses and areas of concern.
1-1.5 hour
Meet Our Team
Our therapists work as a team, constantly consulting with each other so our patients receive the best possible program developed just for them. Our clients are assessed by one of our Senior Occupational Therapists, who will then advice on the best member of our staff complement to carry out the OT Program with you.
Qualifications
In Sync Kids OT maintains Sensory Integration (Ayres Sensory Integration®) as the core treatment modality.
All therapists at In Sync Kids OT are provided with opportunities to further their knowledge and skills in this approach. All staff at In Sync Kids OT have or are completing The Certificate in Ayres Sensory Integration (CASI), offered through the Collaborative for Leadership in ASI (CLASI), is an advanced training program or the Sensory Integration and Praxis Test (SIPT) certification course. These education programmes are produced according to the guidelines of the International Coalition of Education in Ayres Sensory Integration®, promoting excellence in scholarship, assessment, and education in ASI.
We have embraced evidence-based research and Ayres’ SI to ensure that our services meet the needs of our clients. We have used the ‘Fidelity Measures in SI’ to guide the training of staff at In Sync Kids OT and as such planned and invested in our clinic equipment to meet these requirements.
Carlyn Cooper
Director & Senior Occupational Therapist

Carlyn Cooper (BSc Occupational Therapy (Honours)) has extensive experience working in the UK and Brisbane as a qualified, registered Occupational Therapist. She has consulted in a range of settings including state, private and special needs schools, and has found that treatment in collaboration with teachers, parents and the learning support team is more successful.
Her experience has ranged from Autistic Spectrum Disorder to specific learning difficulties such as Dyslexia and Dyspraxia. Additionally, she is passionate about educating teachers, parents and educators, and has completed many workshops in Europe, the UK and Brisbane to provide a better understanding of the impact of Sensory Processing in the classroom and at home.
Carlyn also continues to advocate for the need for providing services to children in mainstream schools, with attention and mild learning difficulties, and for the early intervention for children who were born prematurely. Her specialism is treatment of Sensory Processing Disorders through Sensory Integration treatment and Neurodevelopmental Disorders, which can have a significant impact on a child's ability to successfully function at home and school.
Kelsey Hackett
Senior Occupational Therapist & Team Leader

Kelsey (Bachelor of Psychology & Master of Occupational Therapy) has worked as a paediatric occupational therapist since 2015 in the United States, relocating to Brisbane in 2021. She has received her Bachelors of Psychology from Texas Tech University and Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) degree from Texas Woman’s University. She has experience working in school-based and clinic-based paediatric settings for children aged from birth-18 years, with a wide range of diagnoses for the past eight years.
Kelsey has worked as part of many multidisciplinary teams to achieve the highest level of outcomes for her clients. She aims to improve their function and participation in their home, school, and community environments.
Kelsey specialises in sensory integration and her postgraduate training include Certificate in Ayres Sensory Integration® (CLASI) modules, Handwriting Without Tears, Zones of Regulation, Dyslexia and Dysgraphia, and many more. She has also spent time volunteering with Special Olympics and is passionate about increasing independence and participation for children with severe disabilities, developmental delays, and sensory challenges.
Karen Gibson
Senior Occupational Therapist & Team Leader

Karen Gibson (Bachelor of Occupational Therapy) is an Occupational Therapist from South Africa. She completed her Occupational Therapy degree at the University of Pretoria in 2011. She relocated to Brisbane with her family in 2022. Karen joined In Sync Kids in March 2023.
Karen has 10 years of experience in the paediatric field and has a special interest in developmental delays, sensory processing disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD and mental health. Karen enjoys working in a multi-disciplinary team and with families treating clients as holistically as possible.
Karen has worked in a variety of settings, including hospitals, private practice and schools. Karen values continuous professional development and obtained her Ayres® Sensory Integration (ASI) certification through the South African Institute of Sensory Integration (SAISI).
Karen is passionate about each of her client’s unique needs and strives to make her sessions fun while reaching their therapeutic goals.
Brianna Burkhardt
Senior Occupational Therapist

Brianna is a passionate occupational therapist who has a love for working with children. Brianna completed her degree in Occupational Therapy in 2015 at the University of Sydney. Brianna has over 7 years of experience working in private paediatric practice with a strong focus on helping the child and their families achieve their goals in a fun and playful way. Brianna understands that no two children are the same, so values the importance of getting to know each child and their family by using a family-centred approach to therapy so that the child can reach their full potential. Brianna also highly values the importance the family plays in therapy and will support the family to develop the knowledge and tools to best support their child.
Brianna’s post-graduate training includes DIR Floortime, Therapeutic Listening, Wilbarger Therabrushing Protocol, M.O.R.E – Integrating the Mouth with Sensory and Postural Functions, TheraSuit Method®, Key Word Sign and has completed a vast array of further training in sensory integration.
Christine Cross
Occupational Therapist

Christine (Bachelor of Occupational Therapy) has had experience working with children in various settings including private practice, schools and sports organisations. Prior to becoming an Occupational Therapist, she was a gymnastics coach where she supported children to reach their goals and develop both physically and mentally. She integrates her coaching skills with her Occupational Therapy knowledge to provide fun, motivating and meaningful therapy sessions for her clients.
Christine believes therapy sessions should be engaging and tailored to the child's interests to maximise progress. She works collaboratively with other health professionals, teachers and family members to ensure strategies and recommendations are being implemented to support the child's development.
Christine uses Sensory Integration and Neurodevelopmental approaches to enable children to meet developmental milestones and become in tune with their body and the world they live in.
Anna Macdermott
Occupational Therapist
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Anna (Bachelor of Occupational Therapy) is a passionate occupational therapist who has a love for paediatrics. She graduated from James Cook University in 2017 and was inspired to pursue paediatrics by her many little cousins' and family members’ parenthood journeys. Anna has over five years of experience in paediatrics private practice with a strong focus on family-centred practice, sensory integration, and neurodevelopmental approaches.
Her calm yet engaging nature supports children and their families to kick goals. She has an interest in developmental delays, ASD, ADHD, trauma, learning difficulties, and sensory processing disorders. She is an advocate for early childhood intervention and school-based inclusion programs, and values listening to parents and providing education to help them see their children thrive.
Anna’s post-graduate training includes the Wilbarger Therabrushing Protocol, The Listening Program music-listening therapy, Trauma, Neuroscience and the Evolving Therapy of Traumatised Children, and the Pervasive Impact of Breath on Function. She looks forward to the completion of her Certificate in Ayres Sensory Integration® (CLASI) Modules.
Meg Hurring
Occupational Therapist
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Meg (Bachelor of Occupational Therapy) has moved over from New Zealand to follow her passion in paediatric’s. She's had had experience working with both adults and children in settings ranging from vocational rehabilitation, hospital, schools, and mental health. This experience allows her to have a wide range of learnt skills and provide an occupational therapy perspective to a range of settings.From working as a pool lifeguard and as an early childhood relief teacher throughout studying, she has experience in working with children and am able to use her therapeutic use of self to build rapport with them.
Meg is a friendly and positive therapist that is passionate about helping children achieve meaningful goals specific to their individual needs. Meg works collaboratively with families to ensure they are well supported and actively involved throughout the process. Meg is eager to expand her knowledge in sensory integration and believes that this plays an important part in child development, allowing them to participate in everyday activities.
Outside of work Meg enjoys playing a variety of different sports, being outdoors, and discovering new and delicious food spots.
Samantha Banks
Occupational Therapist

Sam graduated from James Cook University Townsville with a Bachelor in Occupational Therapy with Professional Honors.
Sam has recently moved from a paediatric practice in Mackay to pursue her interest in Sensory Integration. She has experience working within a multidisciplinary team to assist children with ASD, ADHD, learning disabilities and sensory processing disorders.
Sam is a positive and fun therapist who works to ensure family-centred practice, so children and families feel supported to engage meaningfully in therapy. She aims to help all children and families achieve their goals in a fun and child-led way.
Sam is looking forward to learning and providing intervention in a Sensory Integration-led approach.
Outside of work, Sam loves to swim, hang out with friends and play with her pet turtle, James.
Tralee Sugrue
Occupational Therapist
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Tralee (Bachelor of Occupational Therapy/Post-Graduate in Mental Health and Addictions) has moved over from New Zealand to follow her passion in paediatrics. She has had experience working with both adults and children in settings ranging from hospitals, schools, and mental health. Tralee also has her post-grad in Mental Health and Addictions, she was working as a case manager at (CAMHS) child and adolescent mental health services in New Zealand. This experience allows her to have a wide range of learnt skills and provide an occupational therapy perspective to a range of settings. From working as a case manager and supporting local holiday programs throughout her years of studies, she has experience in working with children and can use her therapeutic use of self to build rapport with them.
Tralee believes that all children need support in their own way, and they need to express it in a way they feel safe. Tralee works closely with families to achieve the goals that are needed in a functional way. Tralee is eager to expand her knowledge in sensory integration and believes that this plays an important part in child development, emotional regulation and allowing them to participate in everyday activities with confidence.
Tralee explores lots of sports such as boxing, netball, and gym. Tralee has a 1-year-old border collie (Olive) who keeps her busy throughout the week.
Sasha Tobin
Occupational Therapist

Sasha (Bachelor of Occupational Therapy) is a new graduate Occupational Therapist who is excited to begin her career in paediatrics. She has always had a passion for helping others and found, through study, that Occupational Therapy was the way to accomplish this.
Sasha’s calm and gentle nature allows her to support her clients to achieve their goals and reach their full potential. She utilises her creativity and loves to tailor her sessions to her children’s interests and believes in the importance of adopting a family-centred approach. Sasha works collaboratively with family members and other health professionals to ensure strategies are being implemented to support the child's development.
She is eager to learn and develop her skills in applying Ayre’s Sensory Integration therapy in her clients’ therapeutic journeys.
Nikita Baynes
Allied Health Assistant

Nikita is a certified Allied Health Assistant (AHA), having left the advertising industry to pursue a career in healthcare. She is currently completing a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy at university to become a fully-qualified OT.
Nikita's exposure to paediatrics began during her AHA clinical placement, and she hasn't looked back since, finding it to be a fascinating and rewarding healthcare setting.
Nikita's role at In Sync Kids spans occupational therapy assistance in a client-facing capacity through to medical administration and supporting the OTs by keeping the therapy rooms well-stocked and orderly.
She's endlessly fascinated and inspired by the significant, tangible impacts sensory integration therapy can achieve for children and, subsequently, their support networks.
Christine Bracey
Client Liaison Officer & Allied Health Assistant

Christine started with In Sync in May 2021. She is often the person families speak with when booking an initial assessment, intensive program or treatment session.
Christine has completed her Allied Health Assistant qualification under the guidance of the OTs.
She sees clients for Visual Therapy and Occupational Therapy Assistant sessions and also assists the OTs during initial assessments.
Katrine Winter
Business Support Team

Katrine is an experienced medical receptionist of over 30 years. She has worked in specialist areas and psychology practices, as well as setting up day hospitals and new clinics.
She loves to kayak on the weekends and travel. She has been involved in netball, indoor netball and basketball to an elite level in the past. Her interest has taken her all around Australia, and she still enjoys it now.
At In Sync Kids, Katrine is there three days a week at the Chermside clinic to assist families and staff with service agreements, systems and business support administration.
Stephanie Ryan
Education Specialist

Stephanie (studying a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy) is a Key Worker/Teacher Liaison with teaching experience in early childhood and primary education. She is passionate about advocating for children and helping all children play and learn. Stephanie builds rapport with children and families, focussing on the importance of relationships & child success. Stephanie has extensive experience in teaching students with a wide variety of learning needs and working with their families & therapists. Stephanie joined the InSync Team to pursue her interest in Sensory Integration and Occupational Therapy.
Stephanie advocates for children and ensures they can achieve success in their learning environment by providing a clear link between families, therapists and educators. She works collaboratively with therapists and educators to ensure all stakeholders work together to meet the needs of the child. Stephanie visits learning settings and provides teachers & families with educational and therapeutic adjustments and support.
Angie Castillo
Senior Occupational Therapist
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Angie (Bachelor of Health Science/Masters in Occupational Therapy) has been working with children and families across South Australia and Queensland since 2017. She has worked in private practice including, clinic, home and school based settings across rural and remote areas, and urban settings.
Angie has experience working with children from birth to 18, along with supporting parents and caregivers, with a variety of conditions including developmental delay, neurodevelopmental delay, Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD/ADD, Sensory Processing Disorder, attachment/trauma, a variety of genetic conditions, dyslexia, eating and feeding challenges, and many more.
She has post graduate training in primitive reflex integration and sensory integration (CLASI), and is also a tutor and student supervisor for occupational therapy students at Southern Cross University.
Angie is passionate about creating fun sessions which place the individuals needs at the centre of therapy. She aims to understand the individual’s nervous system and underlying cause behind the condition and/of behaviour that is being presented. She also enjoys educating parents, caregivers and families to help them best understand what might be going on for the child.
Carol Allen
Practice Manager - Chermside & Rosalie clinics

Carol is the Practice Manager at In Sync Kids OT across both centres.
Carol has over 30 years experience in the health/medical administration management field and brings a wealth of experience and operational knowledge to the clinics in billing, human resources and general team support.
Carol joined In Sync Kids in November 2020 to expand her knowledge into paediatric occupational therapy.
Carol enjoys spending time with her family on the weekend, as well as gardening and baking.
Carolina Acuña
Senior Occupational Therapist & Team Leader

Carolina (Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours Class I)) has been working as an occupational therapist with children since 2014 in Argentina. She has experience with children who present with developmental delays, congenital conditions and disorders, learning difficulties and/or Autism.
Carolina moved to Australia in 2020 to improve her English skills and to pursue her PhD. She specialises in Pathophysiology and Therapeutics of childhood, completing her postgraduate training in Sensory Integration (University of Southern California) and is currently completing a Master in Social Science and Humanities. She is passionate about research in sensory integration and early intervention.
Carolina enjoys a holistic and child-centred intervention, supports our team during assessment and intervention processes, and hosts complemental sessions focusing on children's and families needs.
Carolina is currently completing her PhD in paediatric occupational therapy.
Claire Portener
Senior Occupational Therapist & Team Leader
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Claire joins In Sync with over 12 years of experience in paediatric occupational therapy, working across Queensland and more recently, in the United Kingdom. She has worked in a range of clinical settings including non-government organisations, private practices, public health services and schools.
Claire has experience working in multidisciplinary teams with children from birth to 18 years who present with conditions including Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, global developmental delays, cerebral palsy, profound and multiple learning needs and Down Syndrome. She has specialist experience working with children with sensory food aversions and has completed further training into therapeutic approaches for managing aversive and oral sensitive feeders.
Claire completed her Postgraduate Certificate in Sensory Processing through the University of Ulster whilst working in the UK. Since then, Claire has utilised a sensory integrative framework in her practice for assessment and management of children with additional sensory needs. In particular, Claire developed an interest in assessment and treatment of dyspraxia and Developmental Coordination Disorder and has worked alongside paediatricians to provide specialist assessments and feedback to assist the diagnostic process.
Claire loves to incorporate a family-centered approach in her therapy sessions and values the importance of parent engagement and education to ensure the best therapeutic outcomes for both child and family.
Ingrid Marin
Occupational Therapist

Ingrid Marin (Bachelor of Occupational Therapy) is a passionate Occupational therapist from Colombia. Ingrid has experience working in a variety of settings such as state schools, hospitals, mobile services, and private practices.
She has worked with children with developmental delays, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), learning disabilities, and sensory processing disorders. Ingrid's postgraduate training includes a Certificates in Ayres Sensory Integration® (CLASI).
Ingrid is passionate about helping children achieve maximum performance and independence in activities of daily living by building strong foundations of learning.
Layla Wakfer
Occupational Therapist

Layla (BSc Occupational Therapy) is a motivated professional from South Africa, where she completed her Occupational Therapy degree at the University of Cape Town. She recently relocated to Brisbane where she joined the In Sync Kids team.
Layla has a multitude of experience working as an Occupational Therapist in mental health and paediatric settings; working with both adults and children with physical and neurological disabilities such as Intellectual Disabilities, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD and psychiatric disorders.
Layla’s keen interest in paediatrics and sensory integration was sparked while she was completing her University clinical placement with In Sync Kids OT a few years ago. She is also expanding her knowledge in sensory integration by completing her Certificate in Ayres Sensory Integration® (CLASI) modules.
Layla strives to provide client and family centred care to assist kids in reaching their full potential while having fun!
Ashlea Charlton
Occupational Therapist
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Ashlea is a bright and friendly occupational therapist with a passion for working in paediatrics. During her university studies, she gained experience in a variety of settings including hospitals, schools and private paediatric clinics.
Ashlea strongly values a family-centred approach, ensuring both the family and client feel welcomed and supported throughout the therapeutic process.
Ashlea believes that therapy sessions should be fun and tailored to the child’s needs to maximise their participation and engagement in therapy. She works collaboratively with teachers and other allied health professionals to ensure that recommendations continue to promote the best therapeutic outcomes for both the child and family.
Ashlea is excited to start her journey in expanding her knowledge in sensory integration as she believes it plays a vital role in the successes of children’s development.
Georgia Waples
Occupational Therapist

Georgia has a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy from Griffith University. Georgia completed a university placement at In Sync Kids and jumped at the opportunity to join the team and specialise in sensory integration therapy.
Georgia is from a family of teachers and is passionate about giving kids the boost they need to engage and thrive in life and the classroom. She is keen to work as a team with the kids, their parents, teachers and other healthcare professionals to achieve their goals to ensure they live a happy, healthy and fulfilled life.
Georgia has had experience working with children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), learning disabilities, and sensory processing disorders since she was a young Girl Guide at a week-long camp. Here she helped guests to do a variety of activities, including abseiling, and she often credits this experience as the one that started her passion for wanting to work with children with disabilities.
Outside of work life, Georgia is very involved in her local community and volunteering, as well as baking and playing board games with friends.
Jasmine Sayeed
Occupational Therapist
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Jasmine completed a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy at Southern Cross University in 2020. She is a passionate occupational therapist with experience working with children in settings including private practice, hospitals, schools, kindy and the community. Her passion for supporting children and families is firmly integrated into her practice, as is having fun and achieving therapy goals. She has a special interest in ASD, trauma, and family coaching.
Before becoming an OT, she worked for Queensland Health, supporting newly arrived refugees to navigate Australia’s health system and supporting Queensland special schools with the Department of Education.
Jasmine looks forward to completing her Certificate in Ayres Sensory Integration® (CLASI) Modules and integrating her learning into sessions.
Dayna Jonkers
Occupational Therapist
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Dayna (Bachelor of Occupational Therapy with distinction) has recently moved over from New Zealand. She has experience working with both adults and children in a variety of settings such as schools, mental health, vocational rehabilitation, and palliative care, with her passion lying in paediatrics’. Dayna has worked in early childhood centres and coached children in both gymnastics and cheerleading prior to beginning her occupational therapy studies. This experience has provided her with the tools and a range of skills to adapt and utilise within her therapeutic environment and work with families to support their involvement throughout their child’s development.
Dayna is enthusiastic about helping children reach their potential and achieve their meaningful goals. Dayna is excited to follow her passion for paediatrics and continue to learn and grow as an occupational therapist. Dayna is looking forward to increasing her knowledge in Ayres sensory integration. She believes that therapy should be individually tailored to each child to ensure the process of development is fun, engaging and maximises progress towards participating in everyday activities.
Outside of work, Dayna enjoys being active, going to the gym, going out for walks and spending time with friends and family.
Sara Reed
Occupational Therapist

Sara (BSc Occupational Therapy) is a passionate Occupational Therapist from South Africa, where she completed her Occupational Therapy degree at the University of Cape Town. She has now relocated to Brisbane, where she has joined the In Sync Kids team.
She has worked as an Occupational Therapist in mental health and pediatric settings. She has worked with children with developmental delays, Attention Deficit Disorder (ADHD), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Intellectual Disabilities and psychiatric disorders.
Sara is passionate about helping children achieve their full potential in their everyday lives.
Chelsea Mears
Allied Health Assistant

Chelsea is one of our Allied Health Assistants (AHA) who is currently studying a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy at the University of Queensland. Prior to working at In Sync, Chelsea was studying a Bachelor of Exercise Physiology where she worked with clients of all ages and health conditions. It was through this work where her passion for children began to emerge.
Chelsea has been with us for over a year and has experience working with sensory processing challenges, autism spectrum disorder and ADHD in children. Chelsea is an energetic and vibrant personality who brings a lot of joy and fun to her sessions. She believes in ensuring a collaborative approach when working with families and enjoys finding strategies to allow children independence in self regulation and daily tasks.
Ellie Saw
Business Support Team - Chermside clinic

Ellie has over 11 years' experience in health/medical administration. Coming from a Podiatry and Physiotherapy clinic, she wanted to broaden her horizons through learning other areas of health and joined the In Sync Kids team in December 2022.
She is fascinated by sensory integration therapy and seeing the progress children make as they grow.
On weekends, you'll find her enjoying quality time with family and she enjoys arts and craft and a bit of baking.
Karen Theron
Business Support Team - Rosalie clinic

Karen has a Bachelor degree in law, and 30+ years of experience in administration and finance. After working for the South African Tax Office for 18 years, Karen and her family decided to pack up their life and start a new adventure in Australia.
In Australia, Karen started her new career doing contract work with the Department of Communities, Department of Health & Ageing, and Govia. She then took on a permanent position with an engineering firm where she started as a Technical Secretary and moved over to the finance side, eventually performing the duties of a Project Accountant on a state and national level.
Karen loved working with the engineering team but always had a dream to one day be part of a team where she could make a difference in peoples' lives and not just perform administration tasks for the sake of internal processes and procedures. After 11.5 years, she decided to make the bold move and resign from her engineering job to follow her dreams, joining the In Sync Kids team in late 2021.
Karen is still new to the world of healthcare administration but loves to come to work everyday to see the friendly, happy faces of the children and caregivers.
Franziska Lane
Occupational Therapist

Franzi (BSC Health Studies - Master of Occupational Therapy) graduated from the University of Canberra with a Masters in Occupational Therapy. Whilst studying in the ACT, Franzi also worked with children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and ADHD, developing a pilot program for children with disabilities, enabling them to learn how to swim and be safe in the water.
Realising a lifelong passion for working with children, Franzi completed her last university placement at In Sync, and accepted the invitation to join the team and specialise in sensory integration therapy.
Currently completing her certificate in Ayres Sensory Integration® (CLASI), Franzi is committed to providing client-centred therapy, working closely with families to achieve their goals towards a happy and healthy lifestyle.
Originally from Germany, Franzi enjoys cooking, baking, the great outdoors, and spending time with her family and friends.
Kylie McMahon
Occupational Therapist

Kylie (Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours)) has experience working as an Occupational Therapist in a variety of settings, including the community, hospitals, private practice and schools. Kylie has worked with adults and children of all ages, however joined In Sync Kids to pursue her special interests in paediatric practice, neurodevelopment and sensory integration.
She has worked with children and adults with a range of physical and neurological disabilities, including Autism Spectrum Disorder, Cerebral Palsy, ADHD, and Sensory Processing difficulties. Her postgraduate training includes Certificates in Ayres Sensory Integration® (CLASI) modules.
Kylie enjoys working together with families to support children in reaching their full potential. Using a holistic, family-centred approach, Kylie is a warm and approachable therapist who loves building rapport with children and seeing their confidence grow. She is passionate about enabling children's independence and participation in home, school and play occupations.