Team

Stephanie is passionate about making a difference in the lives of children. She takes a great interest in each individual family and in choosing a therapy approach that targets the goals of the child while meeting each family’s needs. She loves seeing the joy in each child as they develop skills and achieve their goals. Steph has experience working with children with a range of differing disabilities within a paediatric setting. Her areas of interest include, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Down syndrome, genetic conditions (including chromosomal abnormalities), global developmental delay, learning difficulties, handwriting, toileting, sensory processing, self-regulation and functional fine-motor skills. In her spare time, Steph enjoys spending time with her family, water-skiing, travelling, and working in her garden.

Fiona loves working with children and seeing them grow and develop, both in skills and confidence. Fiona is trained in the areas of Autism, sensory processing, aquatic therapy, feeding therapy, wheelchair and home modification prescription, handwriting, self-regulation and physical movement difficulties including DCD; cerebral palsy, down syndrome and chromosomal deletions. As a mother of 3, Fiona understands the challenges that come with raising children and is practical in her therapy delivery as well as being loads of fun!

Lauren has a Masters in Occupational Therapy Practice and a Bachelor of Physiotherapy. She began working at The Therapy Place in 2018 and is passionate about working collaboratively with children, young people and their families, to reach their full potential. She aims to empower her clients to increase their confidence and abilities in order to engage in meaningful occupations. She has a particular interest in working with children and adolescents on social skills and life skills.

Bettina is an Occupational Therapist who joined the Therapy Place team in early 2021. She has worked previously with older adults but has loved her recent transition to working with children of all ages and abilities. She has key interests in handwriting and fine motor skill development. She prides herself on working to make therapy fun and engaging and is passionate about helping each child develop their confidence and independence whilst achieving their goals. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her boys, being outdoors, reading and baking.

Jacqui has had a passion for paediatrics her whole life, and has been working as an Occupational Therapist for 2 years prior to joining The Therapy Place in 2021. She has completed continuing education in Food Therapy, Reflex Integration and Handwriting. She enjoys working with a range of ages and abilities to help them to function as independently as possible in their daily lives. In her spare time Jacqui loves reading, spending time at the beach, and dancing.

Rebecca completed her Bachelor of Applied Science and Master of Occupational Therapy Practice degrees at La Trobe University, before joining the Therapy Place in 2020. After teaching children’s music classes, Rebecca found her passion in the field of paediatrics. Rebecca recognises the strengths in each young person she works with, supporting them to build their skills and confidence to achieve their goals. She is experienced in supporting children and adolescents across a diverse range of areas, including fine and gross motor skills, play, self-care, participation in home and school routines, mental wellbeing, and emotional regulation. Additionally, Rebecca enjoys being active and is excited to be a part of our aquatic therapy, basketball and bike riding school holiday programs.

Upon completion of her Bachelor of Occupational Therapy at La Trobe University, Tania spent time working in the UK in various OT positions. On her return, she worked for many years in community health in the Yarra Ranges, specialising in the prescription of equipment and home modifications. Tania works in another role as the OT at The Aurora School for the Deaf, a specialist early education program. She loves to work with children of all ages, using her vast experience in the areas of motor skills, social-emotional development, and daily living skills. When she is not working as an OT, she enjoys spending time with her family, travelling and teaching yoga.

Amy completed her Bachelor of Occupational Therapy in 2018. Since graduating, Amy has worked in Community Disability and in the Special Developmental School setting prior to moving to private practice. Amy is passionate about working with children and their families to develop independence and confidence in their daily life and of course, making therapy fun! She has key interests and experience in sensory regulation, handwriting, functional independence and fine motor skills. Amy enjoys going to the beach and spending time with her friends and family in her spare time when she is not helping others at The Therapy Place.

Chi is passionate about supporting children to grow, develop, and build the skills they need to participate confidently in their everyday activities. She enjoys working with children of all ages and abilities, partnering closely with families to help each child achieve their individual goals and reach their full potential. Chi values strong relationships with families, colleagues, and the wider community, recognising that collaborative teamwork is essential to achieving the best outcomes for children. Outside of work, she enjoys baking, photography, spending time at the beach, and hiking with friends.

Matthew completed a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy at Australian Catholic University and is a registered member of Occupational Therapy Australia. He has a passion for working with children, youth and their families following many years of experience running games and programs at a youth group and coaching basketball teams. Matthew is passionate about helping young people with achieving their goals in a holistic and friendly way with the aim of developing independence. When Matthew is not working at The Therapy Place, he is playing basketball, watching movies, or playing board games with friends.

Pippa joined The Therapy Place as an Allied Health Assistant in 2020. In 2026, she transitioned into her role as an Occupational Therapist, bringing both clinical knowledge and practical, real-world understanding to her practice. She holds a Bachelor of Health Science, a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy, and a Graduate Diploma in Child Therapeutic Play to support a holistic approach. She is committed to neuroinclusive, play-based therapy, creating safe and affirming spaces where children can build skills and develop confidence in ways that honour their strengths. Pippa believes therapy works best when it supports the whole family, and she partners closely with parents and caregivers to ensure strategies are practical and sustainable. Outside of her clinical work, Pippa enjoys crafts, reading, and spending time with her therapy dog.

Elisa is an Accredited Practising Dietitian who has been working with children and their families since 1998.She brings extensive paediatric nutrition skills to The Therapy Place, having worked for many years at The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne and Monash Health Community. Her areas of interest include picky feeding, fussy eating, faltering growth, allergy and intolerance (including FODMAP’S), weight management, infant feeding, and general childhood nutrition. She is passionate about helping families establish happy mealtimes and healthy relationships with food. As a Mum of two Elisa understands the challenges of feeding a family whilst maintaining your sense of humour!

Emma is an Accredited Practising Dietitian who has completed her Master of Nutrition and Dietetics and is a Credentialled Eating Disorder Dietitian with Australia & New Zealand Academy for Eating Disorders (ANZAED). She is passionate about supporting families to navigate fussy eating and disordered eating patterns, with a strong focus on helping clients build a positive, sustainable relationship with food by encouraging eating without rules or restriction. Emma’s clinical interests include eating disorders, selective eating, diabetes, gut issues, allergies and intolerances as well as general nutrition. Outside of work, she enjoys curling up with a good book or unwinding with a light-hearted sitcom.

Samantha graduated in 1998. She has worked in a variety of settings including schools, early intervention and private practice. Her special areas of interest are Early Intervention, Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC) systems, Dyspraxia, language learning as well as social learning and thinking. Samantha is passionate about working with AAC and has experience with PODD, Proloquo2 Go and LAMP. She supports families from the introduction of AAC to clients with more advanced skills. Outside of work she enjoys gardening, learning languages and watching movies.

Amy completed her Bachelor of Occupational Therapy in 2018. Amy worked with adults and children in Community and Specialist School settings before joining The Therapy Place in 2022. Amy has experience and a key interest in helping children and their families with school challenges, handwriting, emotional regulation, social and play skills. She also enjoys supporting older children to navigate puberty, develop more complex social skills and increase their independence in daily living skills. Amy also holds qualifications in Aquatic Therapy and Feeding Therapy. She is passionate about neuroaffirming practice and creating a safe, welcoming and supportive space to learn and practice new skills. In her spare time, Amy enjoys reading a book, starting a new hobby and spending time with her Staffy.

Lily completed her Bachelor of Speech Pathology at Australian Catholic University and is a registered member of Speech Pathology Australia. Prior to starting at The Therapy Place, she spent time working in the community disability setting, where she gained experience working with a diverse range of clients with varying conditions. Lily believes in creating client centred, functional goals that incorporate the clients’ interests to ensure that therapy is engaging and fun. She is passionate about helping her clients to reach their full potential. In her spare time Lily enjoy Pilates, going to the beach, travelling and spending time with family and friends.

Bethany graduated from La Trobe University with a Bachelor of Applied Science and Master of Speech Pathology. Bethany was born and raised in Malaysia, giving her an understanding of different cultures and backgrounds. She is also bilingual as she speaks both English and Mandarin. As a speech pathologist, Bethany understands that communication comes in different shapes and sizes. Hence, her passion lies in providing fun and functional therapy tailored for children. On the weekends, Bethany likes spending her time building mechanical keyboards, going on walks and playing badminton with her family.

Having lived outside of Australia, Keshia appreciates differences between cultures and the importance of accounting for these in speech pathology practice. She is incredibly passionate about family and child-centred practice, and holds a strong belief in a holistic approach to therapy. She values ensuring that therapy feels both fun and natural for families as they work towards achieving meaningful goals. Outside of work, Keshia loves spending time with family and friends, discovering new cooking recipes, and the occasional hike.

Julia is a dedicated speech therapist who completed a Masters of Speech Pathology degree at the University of Melbourne. She has experience working in the paediatric disability sector, where she worked with children in clinic and outreach services. She is passionate about supporting young people to reach their communication goals and believes in empowering every child to attain their potential by equipping them with the necessary tools to effectively communicate. Julia practices with a family-centred approach, ensuring that families are involved in the entire therapeutic process. She ensures that communication goals set are holistic, functional and tailored to each young person’s specific needs and circumstances. Her specific areas of interest include speech, early language, and literacy.

Susan is a member of the administration team and is one of the friendly faces you will see when arriving at The Therapy Place. She has previously worked as an integration aide. Susan, along with the others in the admin team look after invoicing, receipting payments, answering the phones and any queries people may have. She loves getting to know all the families who come to the clinic. At home she enjoys bike riding, reading and watching too much TV.

Katrina is one of the administration staff at The Therapy Place. Katrina is married with four children. Given her family situation, she is very engaged with and interested in the types of therapies provided at the clinic, and has loved seeing the dedication and care of all our therapists and how well the team works together.

Emily is very passionate about working with children and seeing them learn grow into their beautiful unique personalities! She loves travelling and has made her way around about 70% of Australia in a rooftop tent with her partner. Esperance in WA was by far her favourite spot! She also loves animals and has a miniature sausage dog named Winnie.

Marice is a dedicated member of our administration team who works remotely from her home in the country. Marice has been with The Therapy Place since it’s beginning and has remained a dedicated part of the team since. Marice's responsibilities include marking off payments and invoices so you may get a message from her if there are any payment queries. In her spare time, Marice enjoys reading, watching TV and looking after the farm animals!