Therapy team

Larissa, our Head of Therapy and Programs holds a Bachelor of Applied Science (Speech Pathology) and has been working as a Speech Pathologist in the disability sector for 18 years. Larissa is a trained Hanen Instructor and has further training and special interest in eating, drinking and swallowing safety and social language skills.

When Larissa is not working, she loves swimming, running, bike riding, reading, her kids and coffee (not in that order) and is passionate about working with children in our community.

Teagan, our Therapy Administration Coordinator holds a Certificate 3 in Business Administration and has recently completed the Support Coordination Intensive Training through the Growing Space to broaden her passion in Disability Services.

Teagan loves spending time with her family, friends and two dogs, the outdoors and exploring new places. She also enjoys helping to make a difference to the lives of children and their families in the Illawarra.

Cathy, our Senior Occupational Therapist holds a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy from the University of Queensland. With 30 years’ experience as an Occupational Therapist, much of that working with children, Cathy is enthusiastic about working with children with disabilities and their families to develop their functional abilities and life skills.

Cathy enjoys being out in nature and spending time with family and pets as well as doing CrossFit and crochet in her spare time.

Alison, our Occupational Therapist, holds a Bachelor of Health Science and her Masters in Occupational Therapy. Alison has completed further studies in SOS Feeding Basic and Food Scientist Approach, Learn to Play Program, Equipment Prescription and Minor Home Modifications including wheelchairs, Cognitive Orientation to Occupational Performance Accreditation, Zones of Regulation and Upper Limb Therapy for children with Cerebral Palsy including constraint induced movement/bimanual therapy and splinting or casting.

Alison is community minded, loves travel, outdoor activities, camping, walking with her dog jet, listening to music and loves being able to facilitate children and their families to achieve their full potential in all that they want and need to do in their lives. 

Lynette, our Occupational Therapist, has her Bachelor of Applied Science (Occupational Therapy) with specialty interests in social skills groups, join Occupational Therapy and SP ACC Sensory Playgroups, Handwriting, Fine Motor, Pretend Play and Life Skills.

When Lynette is not working, she loves spending time with her husband and 2 children, being outdoors - swimming/bush walking/bike riding/relaxing, reading and writing children’s stories.

Sulakshi, our occupational therapist, has obtained a Bachelor of Applied Science (Occupational Therapy). Whilst studying, Sulakshi worked as a Disability Support Worker for 7 years. As an OT, Sulakshi has worked in aged care as well as paediatrics. She has also spent time volunteering in Cambodia and Thailand providing Occupational Therapy intervention for children with disabilities.

When Sulakshi is not working with our children and their families, she loves playing netball, running, the outdoors especially the beach and spending time with family and friends.

Lauren, our Occupational Therapist, loves to spend time with family and friends, cook, travel, read and be outdoors, especially the beach!

She graduated from Sydney University in 2007 with a Bachelor of Applied Science (Occupational Therapy) and has since worked in a variety of Occupational Therapy settings. She has worked with children and families for many years and loves the opportunity support and assist children to meet their goals and reach their full potential.

Olivia, our Occupational Therapist, joined the KidzWish team as a Therapy Aide during her University studies and recently graduated from Western Sydney University with a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy.

When Olivia is not at work, she enjoys running, hiking, listening to music, spending time with her friends and family. Olivia thinks she has the greatest job in the world, having the privilege of getting to know all of the amazing children and their families at KidzWish and working with them to achieve their goals.

Susannah, our Speech Pathologist, has a Bachelor of Science - Speech Pathology and completed additional training in SOS Approach to Feeding, DIR Floortime, Key Word Sign, Augmentative/Alternative Communication (AAC) implementation, including PODD (with alternative access), LAMP, Proloquo2go, visual supports and aided language approaches. Susannah is a Hanen Certified Therapist and a Circle of Security Parent Facilitator.

Susannah loves the outdoors, enjoys water activities, camping, travel, is passionate about working with children and their families to support communication skills and advocate for inclusion in the community.

Rebecca, our speech pathologist, has completed her Bachelors of Medical and Health Science and her Masters of Speech Pathology. She has also completed additional training in the Michelle Garcia Winner Workshop Social Detective, Superflex® & Friends Take On Social-Emotional Learning, Michelle Garcia Winner Workshop Emotions All That We Feel and More Than We Think, Pragmatic Language Assessment & Intervention workshop, Preschool & Early School-age Language Update workshop and Karen Stagnitti Developing pretend play skills in children

Rebecca loves spending time outdoors with her family, friends and her dog Kyba. She is passionate about working with children and helping them and their families achieve their communication goals. 

Kylie, our Therapy Aide holds a Diploma in Welfare, Diploma in Drug & Alcohol and Certificate IV in Suicide Prevention. She has recently completed the Support Coordintaor Intensive Training course through Growing Space and in the process of completing her Certificate IV in Allied Health Occupational Therapy and Certificate IV in Disability Services. Kylie has a passion of working with children with special needs and broaden the community’s awareness and inclusions for children and families caring for someone with Autism.

Kylie has a love for music and art, enjoys playing the guitar and spending time with her family.

Beth is our Support Worker at KidzWish to assist families provide access to the community. Beth has recently completed her Certificate III in Individual Support Work. Beth’s passion is helping those who are in need!

Beth absolutely loves this role because it allows her to see the potential in all these amazing children, as well as having fun!