ABOUT
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 and now Michelle owns Children's Therapy Services Queensland (formerly Inspiring Choices 4 kids). Michelle has brought all of her extensive training, services and experience to Australia.
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.
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 has an extensive list of qualifications including:
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Post Graduate Diploma in Play Therapy (Leeds Beckett University)
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Master in Social Work (Leeds Metropolitan University)
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Masters in Professional Practice (University of Sheffield).
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PgCert in FASD
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
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.
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.
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.
Michelle can be contacted directly on michelle@childrenstherapyservicesqld.com.au
Jovana
Physiotherapist
Jovana Krivokapic – Paediatric Physiotherapist
Jo is a highly skilled paediatric physiotherapist with a deep passion for supporting children in the critical early stages of development. With extensive experience working with babies, toddlers, and young children, Jo specialises in assessing and treating movement, posture, motor skills, neurodevelopment or neuromuscular challenges through a lens of whole-child development.
Believing that every child is unique, Jo takes a patient-centred and holistic approach, working closely with families to create therapy plans that are functional, playful, and empowering- prioritising and supporting the individual needs of each family’s unique journey Whether supporting infants with delayed milestones or children with complex developmental needs, Jo combines evidence-based techniques with warmth, creativity, and care to achieve meaningful, long term outcomes.
Deeply committed to early intervention, Jo sees therapy as a collaborative journey—one that nurtures confidence, independence, and joy in movement.
Outside of the clinic, Jo is a mother of two boys, and supports their sporting interest, so you would likely see her at a tennis court or on a soccer field. Her personal parenting experiences along with her professional experiences allows her to connect with families and deliver care compassionately, whilst achieving the best outcomes for your children.
Qualifications
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Bachelor of Physiotherapy- Griffith University
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Physiotherapy Qualification- Serbia
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Comprehensive Diploma in Clinical Pilates and Rehabilitation- Polestar Pilates
Registration
Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA)
Stephanie Tomes
Speech Pathologist
Stepahanie 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.
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.
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.
Outside of the clinic, Stephanie loves immersing herself in nature, whether hiking, biking or swimming at the beach.
Qualifications
California State University
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 Spain, Sofia blends a calm and nurturing approach with deep clinical knowledge to support children in reaching their developmental goals.
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.
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.
Outside of the clinic
Qualifications
Registration
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.
Registration
Matt Griffiths
Allied Health Assistant
Matthew Griffiths- Allied Health Practitioner
Matthew Griffiths is a passionate and dedicated Allied Health Practitioner with 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.
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.
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.
Qualifications
Registration
Keny
Neurodevelopmental Practitioner
Keny is a Neurodevelopment Practitioner and Educator, specialising in early years intervention, inclusion and literacy for neurodiverse learners.
Keny brings a wealth of knowledge, warmth, and passion to her work with young children and their families. Keny describes herself as an “inclusive educator, intervention specialist, and lifelong learner with a heart for connection and a brain wired for inclusion”.
Keny has extensive experience providing 1:1 support for children, particularly those who are neurodivergent, non-speaking, or have Down syndrome. Her approach is strengths-based, affirming, and grounded in creative, play-based learning.
She has a special interest in supporting children’s communication, literacy (reading and writing), and learning—always making sessions engaging, fun, playful and meaningful for both children and families. Keny meets the child where they are at and supports their development in a child centered way. Sessions will be tailored to each child’s unique strengths and needs.
Keny is currently undertaking a Master’s in Inclusive Education, building on her bachelor’s in biology and teaching. She has studied neuroscience, Down syndrome education, speech and reading intervention, Positive Behaviour Support, and trauma-informed care.
When Keny is not working or studying, you’ll find her outside — hiking, dancing, at the beach, riding her bike, working out, or spending time with friends and family. Nature keeps Keny grounded, and movement keeps her happy.
Georgia Callaghen
Melillo Trained & Teacher
Georgia is an experienced Teacher and Melillo Method Practitioner
Georgia has worked as a Primary School Teacher on the Gold Coast for nearly 30 years. During this time, she has held various positions and worked with a wide range of students from Prep to Year 6. Her qualifications include a Diploma in Education, a Bachelor of Education, and a Master of Education.
Driven by a strong commitment to holistic education and supporting children's mental health and wellbeing, Georgia pursued further qualifications. She is a certified Yoga Teacher and holds multiple certificates in children’s yoga and polyvagal theory.
After learning about the Melillo Method program several years ago, Georgia was motivated to pursue certification and offer this evidence-based support to families. She incorporates children's unique interests into her sessions to foster engagement in a positive and enjoyable manner.
As a mother of three, Georgia is enthusiastic about the opportunity to connect with families and contribute to the Children’s Therapy Services Qld community.
Outside her professional pursuits, she enjoys walking her dogs, spending time in nature, and catching up with family and friends.
Rustam Yumash
QEEG & Neurofeedback Practitioner
Rustam is a caring and knowledgeable practitioner who specialises in QEEG brain mapping and Neurofeedback therapy for both children and adults. He has been offering brain based theerapies for many years. With a calm and thoughtful approach, he helps individuals better understand how their brains function—so they can move forward with confidence, clarity, and the right support.
Through QEEG (Quantitative Electroencephalogram) brain mapping, Rustam captures a detailed picture of how the brain is working. This safe, non-invasive process provides valuable insights into brain activity patterns that may be contributing to challenges with focus, mood, sleep, emotional regulation, anxiety, or sensory processing.
For children, a QEEG can be a powerful tool. It helps parents, therapists, and support teams understand the unique way a child’s brain is functioning, which can guide more personalised and effective therapy planning. Whether a child is navigating autism, ADHD, learning difficulties, or emotional regulation concerns, Rustam uses brain-based data to inform care in a gentle and empowering way.
With a passion for helping people thrive, Rustam combines science with a warm, person-centred approach. Using Neurofeedback, he supports clients in training their brains to become more balanced, calm, and focused—building skills that can lead to long-term improvements in wellbeing and daily life.
Rustam develops many workshops, webinars, and conferences sharing his wealth of experience and knowledge.
Outside of the clinic, Rustam likes walking around natural surroundings and loves being in the bush. He enjoys meditation and practices Buddhist.
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.
Rmeotely 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.
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 complements 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Qualifications
Diploma of Early Childhood – Mission Australia
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.
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.
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.
Qualifications
Katie McDade
Paediatric Nurse
Katie is a warm and highly skilled Paediatric Nurse, originally from Southport, UK, with extensive experience across Paediatric Intensive Care and Neonatal Intensive Care (PICU and NICU) and School nursing. With almost 20 years of clinical experience, Katie brings deep expertise and genuine care to every child and family she supports.
Now specialising in responsive feeding therapy, Katie offers support for:
· Breastfeeding and bottle feeding
· Weaning and early food exploration
· Fussy or restricted eating
· Neurodevelopmental feeding challenges, including autism, ADHD, sensory sensitivities, and ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder)
Her approach is gentle, relationship-based, and grounded in child-led, neuro-affirming principles, helping families reduce stress around mealtimes while building trust, confidence, and long-term feeding skills.
She runs mini chef groups and weaning workshops, where children can explore new foods, develop fine motor skills, and build positive relationships with eating—setting them up for success in everyday life. The groups support children in developing life skills through fun, sensory-rich food activities that encourage independence, curiosity, and a healthy connection with food.
As a mother of three, Katie brings not only professional expertise but real-life parenting insight. She understands the ups and downs of family life and creates a calm, supportive space where parents feel heard, empowered, and guided.
Her passion lies in helping families build positive mealtime experiences that support each child’s growth, development, and overall wellbeing.
Outside of the clinic she spends her time supporting her childrens sports, every soccer match and gymnastics. She enjoys the outdoors, exploring the Gold Coast and surrounding areas.
Qualifications
Registered Children's Nurse BSc Hons
Registration
AHPRA and NMC (UK)
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 specialises in formal and informal assessments that guide meaningful supports and interventions.
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
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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.
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.
Qualifications
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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 (DIR)
Registration
Holly Message
Paediatric Occupational Therapist
Holly is a dedicated Occupational Therapist with a strong focus on delivering in-depth assessments that inform tailored support for children and adolescents. Drawing on her extensive clinical knowledge, Holly works with families to explore each young person’s unique developmental profile, helping to identify pathways that promote growth, independence, and participation.
Her assessment work covers a broad range of areas, including:
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Autism assessments (ADOS-2), contributing valuable insights to diagnostic processes
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Functional Capacity Evaluations that inform NDIS planning and individualised goal development
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Assistive Technology assessments that match clients with the right tools to support everyday living and engagement
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Holly is widely recognised for her calm, considered approach and her ability to make children and their families feel seen and understood. Her reports are clear, comprehensive, and actionable—designed to ensure that outcomes from assessment translate into practical, meaningful change.
Collaboration is central to Holly’s practice. She works closely with multidisciplinary teams, educators, and support networks to ensure each child’s strengths and needs are accurately represented and supported in all areas of life.
Holly’s approach is grounded in evidence-based frameworks and guided by a commitment to respectful, person-centred care. Her goal is always to empower children and families through clarity, insight, and connection.
Qualifications
Registration