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 also specialises in Attachment, Adoption Support/Breakdown, Children in 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 the best outcomes possible for each child or individual. 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
Stephanie Tomes
Speech and Language Pathologist
Myofunctional Therapy Practitioner
Stephanie is a passionate and playful Speech and Language Pathologist from the United States, who brings warmth, creativity, and deep expertise to her work with children and young people. With years of experience supporting communication development, Stephanie is known for her child-led, neuro-affirming approach that makes every session feel safe, fun, and full of possibility.
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Her therapy is guided by the belief that every child communicates in their own way, and that with the right support, all children can grow in confidence and connection. Whether working on speech sounds, language development, social communication, or alternative communication methods, Stephanie meets each child exactly where they are, following their interests and celebrating their strengths. She is a dedicated to building fun and meaningful connections. Her ultimate goal is to make effective communication achievable and accessible for all children by tailoring her methods to each child in collaboration with families, educators and other professionals. ​
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Stephanie has a Masters in Communicative Disorders and Sciences from California State University, Northridge.
Using a mix of play-based strategies, evidence-based tools, and a warm, responsive style, Stephanie creates engaging therapy experiences that support meaningful progress. She also values strong relationships with families and works closely with parents and carers to support communication goals at home and in everyday life.
Her sessions are filled with laughter, curiosity, and lots of encouragement because communication should feel good.
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Stephanie is also a Myofunctional Therapy Practitioner and can undertake a Myofunctional Therapy assessment, and plan a program of work for your child, whether in person, or remotely via Telehealth.
Outside of the clinic, Stephanie loves immersing herself in nature, whether hiking, biking or swimming at the beach.
Sofia Moore
Occupational Therapist
Sofia is a dedicated Paediatric Occupational Therapist with a focus in infant, and early childhood neurodevelopment and mental health. Sofia brings a gentle, thoughtful presence and a playful spirit to every session. Originally from Argentina, Sofia blends a calm and nurturing approach with deep clinical knowledge to support children in reaching their developmental goals.
Sofia has extensive experience working as an early intervention therapist in socially vulnerable environments, focusing on empowering parents in their roles from the earliest stages. Sofia has worked with babies as young as 45 days old, supporting families in promoting early developmental opportunities, promoting the bonding through play.
Sofia also has experience and training in Montessori methodology, and she incorporate this approach into her sessions.​
As a mum of two young children, Sofia understands the everyday joys and challenges that families face. Her experiences as a parent enrich her compassionate and practical approach to therapy, always keeping the child’s world at the heart of her work.
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Her commitment to her clients is powerful. She builds strong, trusting relationships and uses creativity and play to help children grow in confidence, coordination, and independence.
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Sofia's qualifications include:
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Bachelor in 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
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Outside of the clinic you’ll find Sofia spending time with her family at the beach, in the mountains, camping- enjoying family time. 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 unique, whole-body approach to health. She works with people of all ages, including children with disabilities, people recovering from illness or injury, and those who have experienced trauma. Her goal is to help each person feel and function at their best, not just treat symptoms.
She goes beyond traditional chiropractic care by combining her knowledge of the brain, body movement, posture, breathing, and sensory systems to support overall wellbeing. Dr Alecia believes in working holistically to help people feel more balanced, strong, and confident in their bodies. Some areas of her work include: ​
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Muscle and joint pain
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Headaches, jaw pain, and tension
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Sports and work injuries
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Breathing and core strength
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Sensory processing challenges
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Brain timing and coordination
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Pregnancy care and safe baby handling ​
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Approaches include:
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Chiropractic care
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Low level Laser
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Neural Organisational Technique,
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Interactive Metronome (IM) – helps with brain timing and focus
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DNS (Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilisation) – supports strong, healthy movement
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Yoga and Pilates
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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, and more
Dr Alecia is passionate about ongoing learning and always stays up to date with the most effective ways to support her clients. She speaks English, Mandarin, Cantonese, and Malay, and creates a calm, welcoming space for every family.
Matt Griffiths
Neurodevelopmental Practitioner
Allied Health Assistant Level 2
Matthew Griffiths is a passionate and dedicated Neurodevelopmental Practitioner and Allied Health Practitioner Level 2. Matt leads the NeuroGrowth program and has a holistic approach to supporting children’s development. With a background in occupational therapy and physiotherapy support, Matt integrates a variety of therapeutic frameworks to help children reach their full potential, physically, emotionally, and neurologically.
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Supporting Melillo Method protocol and skilled in primitive reflex integration, Matt works collaboratively with families and therapists to address developmental delays, sensory processing challenges, motor coordination, and emotional regulation. His creative, supportive and individualised approach fosters trust and progress in each session.
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Matt's qualifications include:
Diploma of Healthcare, From Griffith University
Allied Health Assistant Cert 4, From TAFE Queensland
Safe and Sound Protocol Certified From MyUnyte
Interactive Metronome Certified
Melillo Method Mentorship
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Outside the clinic, Matt is energised by nature and enjoys spending time outdoors. He believes in the healing power of movement, play, and natural environments, often drawing inspiration from the outdoors to bring creativity and calm into his work with children. Matt is a also very talented and passionate musician.
Davina Adams
Play Therapist and Counsellor
Davina is a compassionate and dedicated Play Therapist and Counsellor who is passionate about supporting children and teenagers through the challenges and experiences of everyday life. With a warm, playful, and relationship-focused approach, Davina creates a safe and nurturing space where children feel seen, understood, and accepted exactly as they are.
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Her passion for working with children began during her university studies, where she developed a deep appreciation for the way children play, interact, and communicate. Through both her studies and placement experiences, Davina recognised that children often express themselves very differently to adults. She quickly discovered that play is one of the most powerful and meaningful ways children communicate their thoughts, emotions, needs, and experiences. This understanding led her to further specialise in Play Therapy.
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Davina works from a humanistic, child-led, and attachment-informed lens, believing that every child has an innate ability to communicate what they need through their behaviours, emotions, and play. Rather than trying to “fix” or change a child, Davina focuses on building safety, connection, trust, and emotional understanding. She believes children thrive when they are given the freedom to explore who they are in an environment free from judgement.
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Within the playroom, Davina provides children with the autonomy and emotional safety to express themselves, process experiences, build confidence, and discover their unique strengths. She understands that every child is different and therefore tailors her approach to meet the individual needs, personality, and developmental stage of each child and family.
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Known for her playful nature, gentle presence, and ability to build authentic connections, Davina follows the child’s lead, often bringing humour, creativity, and curiosity into sessions to help children feel comfortable and engaged.
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Qualifications & Training:
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Bachelor of Psychological Science
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Master of Counselling
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Certificate in Play Therapy
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Introduction to Synergetic Play Therapy
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Circle of Security Parenting (COSP)
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Filial Play Therapy
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Theraplay Level 1 & MIM (Marschak Interaction Method)
​When Davina is not working, she loves cuddling her little cockatiel named Lemon, spending time with her husband, reading, going to the beach and having hot cups of tea.
Dr Arini Verwer
Integrative Coach & Counsellor (Online)
Dr Arini is a gentle and insightful coach and counsellor who brings a deep understanding of how people connect, think, and grow. With a background in education and a Doctorate in Character Education, she has spent the past 20 years helping children, parents, and families build stronger, more connected relationships.
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Remotely from France, Dr Arini supports children and families by helping them understand how their brains and emotions are wired, and how to relate to each other in more loving, compassionate ways. Her sessions are nurturing, respectful, and based on the science of how children learn and develop best, through safety, connection, and kindness.
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Dr Arini believes that all children deserve to feel seen, understood, and supported as they grow into the best versions of themselves. She works closely with parents and carers, offering guidance that compliments therapy and strengthens what happens at home and in daily life. What you do as a parent really does make a difference and Dr Arini is here to walk beside you on that journey.​
She helps families explore how different brains learn, feel, and communicate because we don’t all think or respond the same way. With this insight, families often see their relationships flourish.
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Her sessions are grounded in the belief that the brain is wired for love, and that children thrive when they are met with empathy, understanding, and positive support.
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Ashleigh is a qualified teacher with experience supporting children across both primary and high school education. She is passionate about helping children build confidence, strengthen foundational literacy and numeracy skills, and feel successful in their learning journey.
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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 challenges. She takes a warm, relationship-based approach and enjoys creating engaging, play-based and sensory-rich learning experiences tailored to each child’s individual needs.
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With experience working alongside families and within community-based programs, Ashleigh values a collaborative, family-centred approach and is committed to helping children develop the skills, confidence, and foundations they need to thrive both in learning and everyday life.
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Ashleigh is also trained in Interactive Metronome and able to offer session in the clinic. Interactive Metronome is an evidence-informed program designed to support timing, coordination, attention, regulation, motor planning, and cognitive processing skills. These sessions can be beneficial for children experiencing challenges with focus, emotional regulation, learning, coordination, and executive functioning, while complementing a broader neurodevelopmental and nervous system-informed approach.
Ashleigh Orme
Sensory, Play Based Teacher
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, friendly presence to every interaction, making clients and families feel comfortable and cared for 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 ensures that each visit runs smoothly and feels personal.
She is a valued part of our team, known for her genuine care, attention to detail, and ability to make both children and adults feel right at home.
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Outside of the clinic, Kim is also a life coach who loves helping others to see & reach their full potential in life. She has worked in childcare for a long time & loves getting to know & connect with the children.
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 lover of all things sport, Kirra understands the busy pace of family life and brings that same energy and empathy to her role.
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With a warm smile and a welcoming nature, she makes every child and parent feel instantly at ease. Behind the desk, Kirra keeps everything running smoothly while always finding time for a friendly chat or reassuring word.
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Drawing on her background as an Allied Health Assistant, Kirra has a deep understanding of therapy environments and the needs of families, making her an invaluable part of our team. Whether helping organise appointments or supporting the clinical team, she does it all with calmness, kindness, and heart.
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Outside of the clinic, you will find Kirra being a referee for the Gold Coast Referees.
Brittany Hutchines
Teacher & Neurodevelopmental Practitioner
Brittany is a Registered Teacher with a Master of Autism and Neurodivergent Studies who is passionate about supporting children to thrive both emotionally and academically. With experience working alongside neurodivergent children and families, Brittany brings a warm, flexible, and strengths-based approach to every session, recognising that no two children learn, regulate, or engage in the same way.
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Brittany believes in looking beyond behaviours and understanding the individual child as a whole, including their sensory needs, nervous system, learning profile, interests, strengths, and emotional wellbeing. She works collaboratively with families to create engaging, supportive, and individualised sessions tailored to each child’s unique needs and goals.
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Drawing on her background in education and neurodivergent studies, Brittany is able to offer a blended approach that may incorporate specialist learning support, emotional regulation strategies, movement-based activities, sensory supports, and neurodevelopmental approaches. Her sessions are designed to help children build confidence, participation, coordination, attention, regulation, and positive learning experiences in a way that feels safe and achievable for them.
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Brittany is also trained to deliver Interactive Metronome sessions within the clinic, supporting areas such as timing, coordination, attention, motor planning, processing speed, and executive functioning skills.
In addition, she is able to incorporate Primitive Reflex Therapy into sessions, helping to support the foundational neurological and developmental systems that can impact learning, emotional regulation, posture, coordination, and day-to-day functioning.
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Known for her calm, encouraging, and child-led approach, Brittany values building strong therapeutic relationships and creating sessions that are engaging, playful, and meaningful for each child. She is passionate about helping children feel successful, understood, and empowered in both learning and everyday life.
Monique Davies
Paediatric Occupational Therapist
Monique is a highly skilled and experienced Occupational Therapist who plays a vital role in our clinic by leading comprehensive assessments for children and young people. With a deep understanding of neurodevelopment and functional needs, Monique focuses on formal and informal assessments that guide meaningful supports and interventions.
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Some of Monique's qualifications include:
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Foundational Capacities for Development (FCD)
Developmental, Individual Difference, Relationship- based (DIR)
Movement Analysis and Education Strategies (MAES)
Prechtl General Movement Assessment (DIR)
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Some common Assessments Monique undertakes for the clinic includes: ​
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ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule – Second Edition)
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Functional Capacity Assessments for NDIS reporting and goal setting
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Assistive Technology assessments, ensuring clients have access to the tools and equipment they need for greater independence and participation​​
Known for her thorough, thoughtful, and compassionate approach, Monique takes the time to understand each individual’s strengths and challenges. She collaborates closely with families, support teams, and external professionals to deliver clear, detailed reports that truly reflect the child’s needs and potential.
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With a strong commitment to best-practice and person-centred care, Monique ensures that every assessment supports real outcomes, empowering children and their families to thrive.
Abby Cox
Senior Speech Therapist
Abby is a dedicated Speech Pathologist who provides holistic, neuro-affirming care across the entire lifespan. Her pediatric practice centers on managing complex cases, including neurodiverse populations and those with rare genetic conditions or syndromes. Abby holds a specialized interest in sensory integration, strategically utilizing these principles within her sessions to promote functional skill acquisition. She also has comprehensive experience supporting clients and families navigating feeding and mealtime challenges.
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Beyond her work with children, Abby has experience working with adult neurological conditions and rare genertic conditions. She has comprehensive experience providing assessment and intervention for individuals living with progressive neurological conditions, traumatic brain injuries and dysphagia. Abby believes that the most meaningful progress occurs when care is collaborative, bringing together the expertise of various health professionals to ensure that every client receives a comprehensive support system tailored to their specific lifestyle.
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Abby has worked with a range of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) hardwares and softwares. She has supported assessment and implementation of a diverse range of systems, from low- and mid-tech communication tools to high-tech solutions like eye-gaze technology. Her mission is to provide evidence-based, compassionate care that empowers clients and their families through every step of their therapeutic journey.
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 to thrive. Chloe brings extensive experience supporting children within the everyday environments where they learn, play, and grow.
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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 on behaviour change, Chloe works collaboratively to understand the underlying reasons behind a child’s challenges, supporting environments, relationships, and strategies that foster safety, confidence, regulation, and meaningful participation.
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Alongside clinical practice, Chloe is an experience trainer and presenter. She is know for creating warm, relatable, and highly practical training sessions, Chloe supports educators to confidently implement strategies within classrooms and early learning environments. Training topics may include sensory regulation, school readiness, emotional development, behaviour support, fine and gross motor development, nervous system regulation, inclusion strategies, and supporting neurodivergent children in educational settings.
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Aside from Occupational Therapy, you can find Chloe dabbling in line dancing or wakeboarding, planning holidays, or with her dog, Frankie.
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Trainings/professional experiences:
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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 MHU
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Assitive Technology 101
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Trauma-informed Practice
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Department of Education Autism Hub PD Series
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Berry St Education Model Regulation Training
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Occupational Performance Coaching
Bec Dutton
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As a Parenting Coach and former School Teacher, Bec is passionate about helping families move from stress and overwhelm to connection, confidence, and calm. Parenting was never meant to feel like constant survival mode and you don’t have to navigate it alone.
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Using an attachment-focused, nervous system-informed approach, Bec support parents and carers to better understand their child’s behaviours, emotions, and needs through the lens of emotional intelligence, neuroscience, and connection-based parenting. Her work is about helping parents and carers feel empowered, regulated, and supported so they can enjoy parenting again.
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Bec's model of work is a compassionate and practical framework designed to strengthen parent-child relationships, improve emotional regulation, and create calmer, more connected homes. Through the 12-week Parenting Coaching Program, she work closely with families to provide personalised guidance, strategies, and support that create meaningful and lasting change.
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Whether you are navigating emotional outbursts, anxiety, behavioural challenges, school struggles, or simply feeling disconnected within your family dynamic, her goal is to help you feel understood, equipped, and hopeful again.
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Bec loves sharing knowledge, supporting families, and reminding parents that connection always comes first. Every child is unique, every family is different, and there is no “perfect parent”, only opportunities to grow, repair, and reconnect.
​Outside of the clinic Bec enjoys barbecuing with her family
Parenting Coach & Registered Teacher
Andrea Pittman
Andrea is a dedicated and compassionate Pediatric Occupational Therapist who is passionate in supporting children’s development in social skills, sensory processing, and self-care. Experienced in working with children across a range of developmental needs, including autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, and sensory processing challenges, with a strong commitment to delivering evidence-based, family-centered care.
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Andrea is skilled in assessing individual strengths and needs, and designing tailored intervention plans that promote meaningful participation in daily activities. Andrea is adept at helping children build essential social communication skills, develop emotional regulation strategies, and improve peer interactions. Andrea has experience in sensory integration approaches to support children in achieving optimal arousal levels and functional engagement across home, school, and community environments.
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Outside of the clinic Andrea enjoys barbecuing with her family, finding new parks with her toddler and crocheting.
Senior Occupational Therapist
Nicole Chester
Naturopath and Herbalist
Nicole is passionate about supporting the health and wellbeing of children, adolescents, and adults, with appointments available for the whole family through Children’s Therapy Services Queensland.
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With over 28 years of experience in natural medicine, Nicole takes a holistic and evidence-informed approach to health, helping families better understand the factors influencing wellbeing and development.
She offers comprehensive naturopathic consultations, including detailed case history reviews, dietary and lifestyle analysis, and functional pathology interpretation where appropriate. Families receive practical, personalised recommendations and ongoing support to help them achieve their health goals.
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Nicole has always been fascinated by the complexity and interconnectedness of the human body and the natural world. Her love of science, combined with a deep appreciation for the therapeutic potential of nutrition, lifestyle medicine, and plant-based remedies, inspired her journey into naturopathy and functional health.
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As a mother of two adventurous daughters, Nicole understands the importance of providing children with the best possible foundations for growth, development, and lifelong wellbeing. She believes that empowering families through education and practical strategies is key to achieving sustainable health outcomes.
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In today’s world, children and adults are exposed to a wide range of physical, environmental, emotional, and lifestyle stressors. Modern life can place significant demands on our bodies, often contributing to fatigue, digestive concerns, immune challenges, and reduced resilience. Nicole works collaboratively with families to identify potential contributing factors and develop realistic, achievable strategies to support optimal health and wellbeing.
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Nicole also offers nutritional supplements and can prepare personalised herbal medicine formulations through her dispensary, tailored to individual needs and goals.
Eadie Schofield
Michelle's daughter
Eadie finds sitting still, focus and attention difficult.
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Eadie has benefitted from a listening program, lots of movement, Primitive Reflex activities and some brain hemisphere activities.
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When Eadie is not at school, you will find her in the swimming pool, playing with slime or her baby dolls.
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You will see Eadie in the clinic, but you will also see Eadie on Social Media including on the website, Instagram and Facebook. ​​​
Eadie very much wants to work with children and has plans to own Children's Therapy Services when she is old enough!
Ada Schofield
Michelle's WHY!
Ada was born prematurely and has been diagnosed with a Global Developmental Delay and brain injury from lack of oxygen during the third trimester of pregnancy . Ada has a Growth hormone deficiency.
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Ada started Primitive Reflex Therapy and brain hemisphere programs after Michelle read the "Disconnected Kid by Robert Melillo" - Ada is Michelle's why, why she deviated from traditional therapies.
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Ada is thriving at school and in her spare time you will see her crafting, making candles @candlekid2016 or drawing.
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You will see Ada in the clinic, but you will also see Ada on Social Media including on the website, Instagram and Facebook. ​​
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The clinic is very much family run!
