Occupational Therapists Alicia - Senior Occupational Therapist Alicia is a kind and caring paediatric Occupational Therapist, she brings extensive experience and knowledge having worked across a range of settings, for over 25 years. She loves working closely with families to support their children’s development. Alicia is passionate about working collaboratively with other professionals to ensure the best outcomes for children. Alicia’s approach is holistic and family centred. When she is not working she enjoy spending time with her family and friends and travelling. Bonne - Coordinator Occupational Therapist Bonnie is a dedicated occupational therapist with a passion for supporting neurodivergent children and their families. With a deep understanding of regulation, development, and connection, she works alongside caregivers to create practical strategies that work in real life. Bonnie brings empathy, creativity, and a whole-family approach to her practice. She believes that when parents feel supported, children thrive. Bonnie has a busy and boisterous family and enjoys time outside, cooking and at sport, but she really needs more time for a nap and a good book! Lara - Coordinator Occupational Therapist Lara loves supporting and empowering children and families to reach their goals and lead fulfilling lives, both through her direct work with families, as well as her clinical supervision of the OT team. Lara has over 2 decades of experience working as an OT. She has a strong background in and understanding of regulation, relationships, sensory processing difficulties, and developmental delays, and is a certified CO-OP therapist. Her approach is always family-centred, fun, collaborative, evidence informed and neurodiversity affirming. As a mum of three busy kids, Lara understands family life and how hard it is to ‘fit in all in’. She loves camping and being in the great outdoors, and takes any opportunity for fun and play, including dancing, singing and games with her kids. Amanda - Occupational Therapist Amanda is a friendly, caring, and dedicated Occupational Therapist committed to supporting children and their families. She values collaboration and focuses on meaningful goals that are important to the child and their family, creating a positive and supportive environment. Amanda incorporates each child's unique interests and ensures that therapy sessions are fun. Outside of work, Amanda enjoys spending quality time with her family and friends. Katrina - Occupational Therapist Katrina has been supporting children and families in various roles over the past 17 years. She holds a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honors) and is passionate about helping children engage in the things that matter most to them. Outside of Firstchance, she also works in disability support, striving to make a positive impact in the lives of those she works with. When she’s not working, Katrina enjoys board games & trivia, going for scenic walks, baking sweet treats to share, spoiling her three nephews and supporting the Newcastle Knights in the NRL. Lily - Occupational Therapist Lily holds a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy and adores her role working with children and families at Firstchance. She deeply values creating strong connections with the families she works with and finding ways to enhance their strengths. When not at Firstchance, Lily spends time with her two fur babies (dogs) and teaches ballet, jazz and contemporary at a local dance studio. Matthew - Occupational Therapist Matt is a kind and compassionate Occupational Therapist with years of experience supporting children and families. Matt thrives to develop strong therapeutic relationships with children and families using a fun and person-centred approach based on strengths, interests and passions. Outside of work, Matt enjoys sports such as surfing, tennis and soccer, as well as a camping trip away or catching up with friends. Melanie - Occupational Therapist Melanie is an approachable, caring occupational therapist with 15 years of experience. Melanie is passionate about supporting children and their families using a neuro-affirming approach and ensuring that kids have a voice in their goals and supports. Melanie believes in the importance of collaborating with everyone within a child’s life so that everyone is on the same page in working towards the things that are important to a child and their family. Outside of Firstchance Melanie is mum to two girls and a dog (!) and loves time at the beach, listening to music and reading a good book! Nadia - Occupational Therapist Nadia is an occupational therapist with a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy and a Graduate Certificate in Therapeutic Play. She works in our NDIS program and provides consultancy support to the team at Jesmond Community Preschool. Nadia is passionate about teaming up with families and educators to find practical, creative solutions that fit into everyday routines. She brings a wide range of experience and a deep respect for the trust families place in Firstchance. Outside of work, Nadia enjoys snorkelling, bushwalking, ceramics, and spending time in nature with her family. Rebecca - Occupational Therapist Rebecca is an occupational therapist who brings energy, creativity, and a strengths-based approach to every session. She is passionate about helping children and families feel empowered to reach their goals and loves that no two days at Firstchance are the same. Rebecca values collaboration and evidence-based practice, and draws on her experience as a parent to embed strategies into everyday routines. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family, walking her dog, gardening, and watching cricket. Taylor - Occupational Therapist Taylor is a passionate occupational therapist with a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy and a love for supporting kids do what they love most—play, learn, and grow. She values building strong relationships with children and their families and working collaboratively to achieve individual goals. Taylor brings patience, flexibility, creativity, and empathy to every session. Her approach is grounded in meaningful practice that empowers children to thrive in their everyday environments. Manage Cookie Preferences