Meet our Allied Health Team
“The strength of the team is each individual member. The strength of each member is the team”. Phil Jackson
Michelle Schofield
Director
Michelle Schofield is the Director of Children’s Therapy Services which is an established Therapy Service. Children's Therapy Services was initially established in 2015 by Michelle Schofield in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, UK. Michelle emigrated to Australia in 2025, and now lives in the Gold Coast, Queensland. Michelle now owns Children's Therapy Services Queensland (formerly Inspiring Choices 4 kids). ​Michelle has brought all of her extensive training, services and experience to Australia and has further developed the clinic.
Meet Michelle
Michelle is an experienced Social Worker & Child and Family Therapist with many years experience working in private practice. She also has extensive experience working in CAMHS, non-profit agencies and charities, and private fostering agencies.
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Michelle is qualified to work with a range of approaches, ensuring she delivers a tailored and effective service for the children, families and individuals she supports. Michelle is also a mother of two children, one of which is Neurodivergent and led her into the world of functional neurology when traditional therapies were not successful. As both a therapist and a mother of a neurodivergent child, Michelle combines professional knowledge with lived experience. Although she owns the clinic, she remains passionate about helping families by addressing neuro-motor immaturity, regulation, and sensory–motor challenges, while working collaboratively with the team and wider network around the child and family.
Michelle has extensive experience working with children in Foster and Adoptive placements, as well as Special Guardian families. She is particularly interested in Functional Neurology, Sensory and movement and early developmental trauma. Michelle has extensive experience supporting children and families in the areas of attachment, adoption support, foster care, ADHD and Autism.
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Michelle is very passionate and built Children’s Therapy Services, so families can access services that will empower them to help their children, a place where there is no judgement and where every effort is made to ensure that we work collaboratively with families and other professionals to provide coordinated and individualised support for each child and family. She realises that parenting is no easy job, especially parenting children who have complex needs, early developmental trauma and attachment needs and believes that it truly does take a “village” to raise children.
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Her fun, creative and energetic personality assists her in building positive relationships with the children and families that she works with and keeps them engaged in therapy.
Michelle also offers extensive training, consultation and supervision.
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Michelle can be contacted directly on michelle@childrenstherapyservicesqld.com.au
Qualifications
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Post Graduate Diploma in Play Therapy (Leeds Beckett University)
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Masters in Social Work (Leeds Metropolitan University)
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Masters in Professional Practice (University of Sheffield).
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PgCert in FASD
Registration
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Australian Association of Social Work (ASSW)
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Play Therapy Practitioners Association
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Social Work England
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British Association for counselling and Psychology
In addition, Michelle has completed numerous trainings, some include:
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Theraplay Level 1, 2 & Group
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Filial Therapy
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Child Parent Relationship Therapy (CPRT)
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EMDR (Adult and child)
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BUSS Level 3
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SMARTmoves
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RMTi (awaiting consultancy)
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Primitive Reflex Therapy
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Functional Neurology/Melillio Method
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Supervision Training
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DDP (Level 1 & 2)
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Story massage
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Lego Based Therapy
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Relaxkids
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Autplay
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Neurofeedback
Kate Bevitt
Speech and Language Pathologist
Myofunctional Therapy Practitioner
Kate is a passionate and playful Speech and Language Pathologist who brings warmth, creativity and a genuine love of working with children and young people to every session. She is known for her child-led, neuro-affirming approach and her ability to create a space where children feel safe, understood and supported to communicate in ways that work for them.
Kate believes that every child communicates in their own unique way, and that with the right support, every child can develop their communication skills while having their individual strengths, interests and communication style respected. Whether working on speech sounds, language development, social communication or alternative and augmentative communication (AAC), Kate meets children where they are, follows their interests and celebrates their strengths.
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Her therapy is play-based, engaging and tailored to each child. Kate uses evidence-based strategies and tools while making sure therapy is fun and meaningful. She works closely with children and their families to identify communication goals that are important to them, and collaborates with parents, carers, educators and other professionals to support communication across everyday environments.
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Kate is also a Myofunctional Therapy Practitioner and can undertake Myofunctional Therapy assessments and develop individualised programs of work for children, either in person or remotely via Telehealth.
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Kate is trained in the Hanen ‘It Takes Two To Talk’ Program for Parents of Children with Language Delays, supporting parents and carers to build their child's communication skills through everyday interactions and routines.
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She has also attended professional development workshops including:
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Selective Mutism for Speech Pathologists – Selective Mutism Clinic
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The Affirming Communication for Autism Course – Adina Levy, Play, Learn, Chat
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Kate's sessions are filled with laughter, curiosity, creativity and plenty of encouragement. She believes that therapy works best when children feel comfortable, connected and genuinely enjoy being there.
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Outside of work, Kate loves spending time with her friends, getting outdoors, enjoying the beach and watching the footy.
Sofia Moore
Occupational Therapist
Sofia is a dedicated Paediatric Occupational Therapist with a focus on infant and early childhood development and mental health. Sofia brings a gentle, thoughtful presence and a playful spirit to every session.
Originally from Argentina, Sofia combines a calm and nurturing approach with her professional knowledge and experience to support children and families in working towards their individual goals.
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Sofia has extensive experience working as an early intervention therapist in socially vulnerable environments, supporting families from the earliest stages of a child's development. She has worked with babies as young as 45 days old and values working collaboratively with families to explore opportunities for play, interaction, and development.
Sofia also has experience and training in Montessori methodology and may incorporate elements of this approach into her sessions where appropriate.
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As a mum of two young children, Sofia understands the everyday joys and challenges that families experience. Her experiences as a parent enrich her compassionate and practical approach, always keeping the child and family at the centre of her work.
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Sofia values building positive and trusting relationships with children and families. She enjoys incorporating creativity and play into sessions and tailoring her approach to each child's individual strengths, interests, and support needs.
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Sofia's qualifications include:
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Bachelor of Occupational Therapy, Universidad Nacional de San Martín
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Postgraduate Degree in Early Intervention, Universidad Nacional de San Martín
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Dynamic Movement Intervention (DMI) Level 1
Outside of the clinic, you'll find Sofia spending time with her family at the beach, in the mountains, or camping. She also enjoys yoga and swimming.
Dr Alecia Chan
Chiropractic, DNS Exercise Trainer & Yoga Instructor
Dr Alecia is a warm and dedicated chiropractor who takes a whole-person approach to care. She works with people of all ages, including children, adults, and families, and values understanding each person's individual circumstances, goals, and support needs.
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Dr Alecia draws on her knowledge of movement, posture, breathing, and sensory processing when developing individualised approaches to care. She values working collaboratively with clients and other professionals to provide support that reflects each person's needs and priorities.
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Some areas of interest in her practice include:
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Muscle and joint concerns
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Headaches and jaw discomfort
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Sports and workplace-related concerns
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Breathing and movement patterns
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Sensory processing differences
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Coordination and motor skills
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Pregnancy care and infant handling education
Approaches that may be incorporated into care include:
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Chiropractic care
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Low Level Laser
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Neural Organisational Technique (NOT)
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Interactive Metronome (IM)
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Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilisation (DNS)
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Yoga and Pilates-based exercises
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Dry needling and cupping
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Kinesiology taping
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Cranial Therapy
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Sacro-Occipital Technique (SOT)
Dr Alecia is passionate about ongoing professional development and regularly undertakes further training and education. She speaks English, Mandarin, Cantonese, and Malay and aims to provide a welcoming environment for children, adults, and families.
Matt Griffiths
Neurodevelopmental Practitioner
Allied Health Assistant Level 2
Matthew Griffiths is a passionate and dedicated Neurodevelopmental Practitioner and Allied Health Assistant Level 2. Matt leads the NeuroGrowth program and takes a holistic approach when supporting children and families. With a background in occupational therapy and physiotherapy support, Matt incorporates a variety of approaches and activities that align with the goals and priorities identified by children and their families.
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Matt has undertaken training in the Melillo Method and Primitive Reflex Integration and works collaboratively with families and therapists as part of a broader support team. He values understanding each child's individual strengths, interests, and support needs and tailors sessions accordingly.
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Known for his creative, supportive, and individualised approach, Matt enjoys building positive relationships with children and families and creating engaging sessions that encourage participation and exploration.
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Matt's qualifications include:
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Diploma of Healthcare, Griffith University
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Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance, TAFE Queensland
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Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) Certified
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Interactive Metronome Certified
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Melillo Method Mentorship
Outside the clinic, Matt enjoys spending time in nature and being outdoors. He values movement, play, and creativity and often draws inspiration from the natural environment in his work with children. Matt is also a talented and passionate musician.
Dr Arini Verwer
Integrative Coach & Counsellor (Online)
Dr Arini is a coach and counsellor with a background in education and a Doctorate in Character Education. She has spent more than 20 years supporting children, parents, and families through education, coaching, and relationship-focused approaches.
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Working remotely from France, Dr Arini provides support to children and families by exploring communication, relationships, emotions, and family dynamics. Her sessions are nurturing, respectful, and guided by principles of connection, understanding, and compassion.
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Dr Arini believes that every child deserves to feel heard, valued, and supported. She works closely with parents and carers, offering guidance that complements other supports and helps families reflect on their experiences, relationships, and parenting approaches.
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She enjoys helping families explore the different ways children learn, communicate, and experience the world, recognising that every child and family is unique. Through collaborative conversations, she supports families to identify strategies and approaches that align with their values, goals, and circumstances.
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Known for her warm and thoughtful approach, Dr Arini creates a supportive space where children, parents, and carers can explore challenges, strengths, and opportunities for growth and connection.
Ashleigh Orme
Sensory, Play Based Teacher
Ashleigh is a qualified teacher with experience supporting children across both primary and secondary education. She is passionate about supporting children in their learning and development and enjoys helping them engage with literacy, numeracy, and educational activities in ways that reflect their individual strengths, interests, and needs.
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Ashleigh has a strong interest in supporting neurodivergent learners and children with additional learning needs, including those experiencing developmental, emotional, or learning differences. She takes a warm, relationship-based approach and enjoys creating engaging, play-based, and sensory-rich learning experiences tailored to each child.
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With experience working alongside families and within community-based programs, Ashleigh values a collaborative, family-centred approach. She works closely with children, families, and other professionals to provide individualised support that aligns with each child's goals and circumstances.
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Ashleigh is also trained in Interactive Metronome and can incorporate these activities into sessions where appropriate. Interactive Metronome may be used as part of an individualised program alongside other educational and developmental approaches.
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Known for her warm and encouraging approach, Ashleigh enjoys creating supportive learning environments where children can engage in meaningful educational experiences.
Kim Demasi
Admin/Receptionist
Kim is the warm and welcoming face you’ll meet when you arrive at our clinic. As our receptionist, Kim brings a calm and friendly presence to every interaction, helping children and families feel welcome from the moment they walk through the door.
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With a naturally kind and approachable manner, Kim is passionate about creating a positive and supportive experience for everyone. Whether managing appointments, answering questions, or simply offering a smile, Kim helps ensure that each visit runs smoothly.
She is a valued member of our team, known for her genuine care, attention to detail, and friendly approach with both children and adults.
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Outside of the clinic, Kim is also a life coach who enjoys supporting others as they work towards their personal goals. She has extensive experience working in childcare and loves getting to know and connect with children and families.
Kirra Crompton
Admin/Receptionist
Kirra is our calm and caring receptionist who brings both professional experience and a personal touch to the clinic. As a mum of energetic boys and a passionate sports enthusiast, Kirra understands the busy pace of family life and brings that same warmth and empathy to her role.
With a friendly and welcoming nature, Kirra helps create a positive experience for children, families, and visitors to the clinic. Behind the desk, she keeps everything running smoothly while always finding time for a friendly chat or a helping hand.
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Drawing on her background as an Allied Health Assistant, Kirra has a strong understanding of therapy environments and the needs of families. Whether assisting with appointments or supporting the clinical team, she approaches her role with kindness, professionalism, and care.
Outside of the clinic, you will often find Kirra refereeing for the Gold Coast Referees and enjoying time with her family.
Abby Cox
Senior Speech Therapist
Abby is a dedicated Speech Pathologist who provides holistic, neuro-affirming support across the lifespan. Her paediatric practice includes working with children and young people with a range of communication, feeding, and developmental needs, including neurodivergent children and those with rare genetic conditions or syndromes. Abby has a particular interest in sensory integration and incorporates these principles into her work where appropriate. She also has extensive experience supporting clients and families navigating feeding and mealtime challenges.
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Beyond her work with children, Abby has experience supporting adults with neurological conditions and rare genetic conditions. She has worked with individuals living with progressive neurological conditions, traumatic brain injuries, and dysphagia, providing assessment and intervention tailored to their individual needs and circumstances.
Abby values a collaborative approach to care and enjoys working alongside families, educators, support workers, and other health professionals to provide coordinated support that reflects each person's goals, strengths, and daily life.
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Abby has experience with a wide range of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) systems and technologies. She has supported the assessment and implementation of communication supports ranging from low- and mid-tech communication tools through to high-tech systems, including eye-gaze technology.
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Her approach is centred on providing compassionate, individualised support and working collaboratively with clients and families throughout their therapy journey.
Monique Davies
Paediatric Occupational Therapist
Monique is an experienced Occupational Therapist who plays a vital role in our clinic by undertaking comprehensive assessments for children and young people. With experience in neurodevelopmental and functional assessment, Monique conducts both formal and informal assessments to support clinical understanding, service planning, and recommendations.
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Some of Monique's training and professional development includes:
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Foundational Capacities for Development (FCD)
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Developmental, Individual Difference, Relationship-Based (DIR)
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Movement Analysis and Education Strategies (MAES)
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Prechtl General Movement Assessment
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Some of the assessments Monique undertakes include:
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ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule – Second Edition)
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Functional Capacity Assessments for NDIS reporting and planning
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Assistive Technology Assessments to explore equipment and support options
Known for her thorough, thoughtful, and compassionate approach, Monique takes the time to understand each child's strengths, support needs, and everyday experiences. She works collaboratively with families, support teams, and external professionals to provide clear and comprehensive assessment reports that support informed decision-making.
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Monique is committed to person-centred practice and values working alongside children, families, and professionals to ensure assessments accurately reflect the individual's circumstances, strengths, and support requirements.
Bec Dutton
Parenting Coach & Registered Teacher
As a Parenting Coach and former School Teacher, Bec is passionate about supporting families through the challenges and joys of parenting. She understands that parenting can sometimes feel overwhelming and is committed to providing a supportive and non-judgemental space for parents and carers.
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Using an attachment-focused and relationship-based approach, Bec supports parents and carers to better understand their child’s behaviours, emotions, and needs. Drawing on concepts from emotional intelligence, child development, and connection-based parenting, she works collaboratively with families to explore practical strategies that align with their values and circumstances.
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Bec’s approach provides a compassionate and practical framework for strengthening parent-child relationships and supporting positive family connections. Through her 12-week Parenting Coaching Program, she works closely with families to offer personalised guidance, education, and support tailored to their individual goals and priorities.
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Whether you are navigating emotional outbursts, anxiety, behavioural challenges, school-related concerns, or changes within your family, Bec aims to provide a space where parents and carers feel heard, supported, and equipped with practical strategies.
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Bec loves sharing knowledge, supporting families, and reminding parents that connection is an important part of building strong family relationships. She believes every child is unique, every family is different, and parenting is an ongoing journey of learning, growth, and connection.
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Outside of the clinic, Bec enjoys barbecuing with her family.
Chloe Downes
Occupational Therapist & Trainer
With experience across private practice, schools, kindergartens, and early childhood settings, Chloe is a passionate Paediatric Occupational Therapist dedicated to supporting children, families, and educators. Chloe brings extensive experience working with children within the everyday environments where they learn, play, and participate.
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Chloe’s practice is grounded in a neuro-affirming and strengths-based approach, recognising that every child experiences the world differently. Rather than focusing solely on behaviours, Chloe works collaboratively with children, families, and educators to better understand each child's individual strengths, needs, and circumstances. She supports the development of environments, relationships, and strategies that promote participation and engagement across daily activities.
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Alongside her clinical practice, Chloe is an experienced trainer and presenter. Known for delivering warm, relatable, and practical training sessions, Chloe supports educators and professionals to explore strategies that may be incorporated within classrooms and early learning environments. Training topics may include sensory processing, school readiness, emotional development, behaviour support, fine and gross motor development, inclusion strategies, and supporting neurodivergent children in educational settings.
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Outside of Occupational Therapy, you can find Chloe dabbling in line dancing or wakeboarding, planning holidays, or spending time with her dog, Frankie.
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Training and Professional Development
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Marte Meo
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Traffic Jam in my Brain
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Specialist Supervision by Royal Children's Hospital Child and Family Mental Health Unit
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Assistive Technology 101
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Trauma-Informed Practice
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Department of Education Autism Hub Professional Development Series
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Berry Street Education Model Training
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Occupational Performance Coaching
Shreya Rane
Physiotherapist
Shreya is a dedicated paediatric physiotherapist with over four years of experience supporting children from early childhood through adolescence to achieve their physical and developmental goals. She has experience working with children with developmental delay, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ADHD, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, hypermobility, and a range of neurological and musculoskeletal conditions.
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Shreya understands that every child is unique and that no two therapy journeys are the same. She takes the time to get to know each child, building on their strengths, interests, and personality to create fun, engaging, and meaningful therapy sessions. Through play-based activities and functional movement, she helps children develop the skills, confidence, and independence they need to participate more fully at home, at school, and in the community.
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Shreya believes that parents and carers are an essential part of a child's progress and works closely with families, educators, and other health professionals to ensure therapy is practical, collaborative, and tailored to each child's individual goals.
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If your child seems clumsy, struggles with balance or coordination, has difficulty keeping up with their peers during play or sport, frequently trips or falls, has an unusual walking or running pattern, or experiences joint aches and pains, a physiotherapy assessment can help identify underlying movement challenges. Early assessment and intervention can support children to move with greater confidence, participate more easily in everyday activities, and reach their full potential.
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Qualifications & Professional Memberships
Bachelor of Physiotherapy
Master of Sport and Exercise Science
Registered Physiotherapist (AHPRA)
Member of Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA)
Dry Needling Certified
Instrument Assisted Mobilisation (IAM)
Kinesiology Taping
Ashleigh Feltham
Accredited Dietician
Ashleigh is an Accredited Practising Dietitian with over 10 years of
experience supporting children, adolescents, and adults to achieve their
nutrition and health goals in a way that respects their unique needs and
strengths.
Ashleigh provide neurodivergent-affirming, person-centred nutrition support, with every plan tailored to the individual, their lifestyle, family, and preferences. Sessions are via Telehealth, making
high-quality dietetic care accessible wherever you live.
She has a particular passion for supporting neurodivergent individuals,
as well as those experiencing eating disorders, ARFID, and restrictive
eating. Ashleigh's approach is collaborative, working alongside families,
carers, educators, therapists, and other health professionals to create
the most supportive environment for meaningful progress.
She understands that food can feel overwhelming and that building trust with new foods takes time. Every person’s journey is different, and
lasting change cannot be rushed or forced, it develops through trust,
understanding, and consistent support. Her goal is to empower children and families with practical strategies, education, and skills that build
confidence and support sustainable outcomes in a safe, respectful, and
compassionate environment.
Nicole Ricketts
Play Therapist
Nicole Ricketts has been working with children and families since 2013, working as an Early Childhood Educator within several services in the Northern Rivers area as well as running her own own Family Day Care for 2 1/2 years. Nicole is a qualified Child Play Therapist registered with Australasian Pacific Play Therapy Association (APPTA) and has 2 children of her own.
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Nicole is very passionate about children's health, well being and development, and also love working with families, educators, teachers and other therapists to truly connect with the children in their lives to bring out their natural essence.
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After working in the Early Childhood profession for a few years, she began to see a gap between what educators could do, what parents were trying to do and what children were so desperately trying to communicate. Getting into the child's world, building a trusting relationship and communicating through play is, what Nicole feels is super beneficial and healing for all involved. It allows the child to express, explore feelings and make sense of what is happening in their world. After all, play is the natural language for a child. She discovered over the 3 years studying this amazing therapeutic approach- Play Therapy, more and more was unveiled and confirmed for her that children know how, when and what to heal when given the appropriate space. ​
Qualifications
Masters Degree Child Play Therapy (MCPT) Deakin University -APPTA Member​
Diploma Early Childhood Education & Care (NSW TAFE) ​
Cert IV Training & Assessment (TAE)​
Certified TORA Facilitator (Teacher's Optimal Relationship Approach)
Studying Diploma Counselling (Evolve College)
Ada Schofield
Michelle's WHY!
Ada was born prematurely and has a diagnosis of Global Developmental Delay. She also has a growth hormone deficiency and has accessed a range of supports throughout her childhood.
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Ada has been a significant source of inspiration for Michelle's professional journey and ongoing commitment to supporting children and families. Through both personal and professional experiences, Michelle developed a strong interest in understanding child development, learning, and the different ways children experience and engage with the world.
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Ada enjoys school and, in her spare time, loves crafting, drawing, and running her small candle-making business, Candle Kid.
You may see Ada around the clinic from time to time, and she occasionally appears on our website and social media platforms, including Facebook and Instagram.
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Children's Therapy Services Queensland is proudly family-owned and family-operated.
Eadie Schofield
Michelle's daughter
Eadie is Michelle's daughter and brings lots of energy, curiosity, and creativity to the clinic environment.
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She enjoys swimming, playing with slime, spending time with her baby dolls, and exploring new activities and interests.
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You may occasionally see Eadie around the clinic, and she also appears on our website and social media platforms, including Facebook and Instagram.
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Eadie has a strong interest in helping others and often talks about one day working with children. In fact, she already has plans to take over Children's Therapy Services when she is older!
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Children's Therapy Services Queensland is proudly family-owned and family-operated.
