Our Team
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Tori - Senior Speech Pathologist, Occupational Therapist and Director of Allied Health,
(BSpPath - CPSP, MOccThy - AHPRA reg, Cert III Fitness, Certified Facilitator of LEGO® Based Therapy)
Tori is a dedicated speech pathologist and occupational therapist with a passion for neurodivergence and complex needs. Her therapeutic approach is distinctly holistic, recognising that mental health, communication challenges and a person’s capacity for daily living often intertwine.
She is dedicated to addressing not only the immediate issues but also the underlying factors that contribute to a client's well-being. Tori's commitment to client-specific and targeted interventions ensures that each person receives tailored support that aligns with their unique goals.
Tori is a whole hearted advocate for empowering individuals and their support networks to navigate their complex needs with resilience and hope.
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April - Senior Speech Pathologist
(BSpPath (Hons) - CPSP, Level 1 Cert NZ Sign)
April is a talented speech pathologist with a strong clinical interest and expertise in early language intervention and the holistic treatment and management of stuttering.
April is Lidcombe trained, ensuring the highest level of proficiency in stuttering therapy. April's extensive experience includes working with complex neurodivergent children and those facing severe speech sound disorders, including Childhood Apraxia of Speech.
April excels in addressing complex communication difficulties and is experienced in facilitating HANEN parent workshops such as "It Takes Two to Talk" and "More Than Words." She is also committed to supporting families by implementing AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) systems.
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Mitzi - Speech Pathologist
(BA. Languages - French & Italian , MSpPath - CPSP)
Mitzi is a dedicated speech pathologist who enjoys working in client advocacy and providing specialised support for neurodivergent individuals across the lifespan. With a focus on neuro-affirming practice, she is committed to creating an environment that recognises and celebrates neurodiversity as a valuable aspect of an individual's identity.
Mitzi's passion also extends to acquired brain injury rehabilitation and dysphagia management, where she excels in helping individuals regain their independence and quality of life.
Mitzi's dedication to her field and her unwavering commitment to the well-being of her clients make her a trusted advocate and resource for those seeking compassionate and effective care.
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Kathryn - Speech Pathologist
(Cert Med Admin, BSpPath - CPSP)
Kathryn is a commited speech pathologist with a passion for working with children of all ages. Her energy and commitment to her chosen field shines through in every aspect of her work. Her infectious enthusiasm for helping children unlock their communication potential is evident in her approach.
Kathryn’s keen interest in life long learning has provided her with a wealth of knowledge in childhood development. Kathryn is always ready to go the extra mile to ensure that her methods are evidence-based and tailored to meet each child's unique needs, providing the highest level of care and support.
Kathryn's exceptional attitude, commitment, and her unwavering love for helping others makes her such an inspiring professional in the field.
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Sandra - Speech Pathologist
(BSpPath (Hons) - CPSP)
Sandra is a passionate speech athologist with a profound commitment to enhancing the communication journey of young minds. She is passionate about early intervention, fluency, literacy, and language disorders,
Sandra has an unwavering dedication to holistic and client-centered models of care. Acknowledging the distinctiveness of each child, Sandra tailors her approach to address individual needs, ensuring a personalised and impactful therapeutic experience. Whether guiding early communicators, tackling fluency or stuttering challenges, nurturing literacy skills, or navigating language disorders, Sandra's methodology is deeply rooted in a comprehensive understanding of each child's unique journey.
With a steadfast focus on individualised care, she opens doors to brighter futures for every child under her guidance.
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Anita - Senior Counsellor
(BSSc (Psych), BSSc (Hons)(Psych), GradDip SocAdmin (Advanced Family Therapy), Cert Play Therapy)
Anita brings to our team a wealth of experience, including a profound understanding of play-based therapy, recognising its significant impact on children's development and emotional well-being. Her experience extends to working with non-verbal children and those with complex needs, where her empathetic and innovative approach has made a meaningful difference in their lives.
Anita's dedication to harnessing the power of play as a therapeutic tool, especially for children facing communication challenges, aligns perfectly with our commitment to holistic care and client-centered support at First Step Therapies. Additionally, Anita’s complex understanding of attachment styles and the impact of trauma on well-being adds a unique depth to her clinical expertise and therapy she provides.
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Josie - Administrative and Client Services Officer
(Cert II, Cert III Auslan)
Josie is a valued member of our team, bringing with her a wealth of experience in supporting families with diverse needs. Her dedication to compassionate communication and a seamless client experience is at the heart of her work.
Josie’s commitment to ensuring each family feels welcomed and supported enables them to access vital services with ease. Her focus on creating positive experiences for both children and families highlights her integral role in making a lasting impact.
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Haley - Administrative and Client Services Officer
(BPubHlth)
Haley is a valued member of our team, bringing with her a wealth of experience in supporting children with diverse needs.
Her passion for holistic care and effective communication is at the core of her work, as she tirelessly endeavors to find optimal solutions that enable families to access the vital services they require.
Haley's commitment to facilitating smooth and efficient processes, coupled with her unwavering dedication to ensuring families can engage with the services they need, highlights her integral role in making a positive impact on the lives of children and their families.
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Charlie - Allied Health Assistant
(Cert III Individual supports)
Charlie is a hardworking individual who is deeply committed to delivering exceptional service to each of his clients. His approach is rooted in a relentless pursuit of excellence, ensuring that every step he takes is geared towards providing the best possible outcomes. Constantly expanding his knowledge and skills, Charlie enhances the value of his support, driven by a genuine desire to see others achieve an optimal quality of life.
His passion for helping stems from a sincere wish to empower individuals and their families in realising their fullest potential. In every interaction, Charlie strives to create meaningful connections, understanding that each person's journey is unique and deserving of personalised attention and care.
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Molly - Allied Health Assistant
(Cert IV Volunteering, Completing BOccThy (Hons))
Molly is a dedicated and enthusiastic individual committed to enhancing the lives of children through fun and engaging therapy. With a passion for motor skill development, Molly is currently completing studies in occupational therapy, constantly striving to expand her knowledge and expertise.
Molly is particularly interested in integrating sports into therapy, recognising the powerful role it can play in developing essential skills.
Driven by her desire to empower children and help them reach their full potential, Molly approaches each session with creativity and energy.
Understanding that every child is unique, they are committed to providing personalised, effective care that resonates with each child’s individual journey.
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Danielle - Allied Health Assistant
(BScN RN)
With a strong passion for helping people find their own individualised version of success, Danielle brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to her work. She loves problem-solving and researching best practices, always looking for new ways to help her clients reach their full potential.
In addition to her commitment to professional development, Danielle has experience with Key Word Sign, PODD, and Proloquo2go. These tools allow her to provide tailored support to individuals with communication needs, ensuring they have the resources they need to succeed.
This unique combination of skills and experience positions Danielle as a dedicated advocate for those seeking support and guidance on their path to success. Her commitment to inclusivity and unwavering dedication to her clients' well-being make her an invaluable allied health practicioner.
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Sara - Allied Health Assistant
(BSc Optom, MSc OT, Completing PhD in OT)
Sara is passionate and dedicated individual with a background in occupational therapy and a profound commitment to supporting clients across all age groups in reaching their fullest potential. With her holistic approach, Sara recognises how mental health, daily life skills, and overall well-being intersect, creating unique challenges that deserve personalised and empathetic care.
Her client-centered philosophy is at the heart of her work, driving her to advocate for individualised support that addresses both immediate needs and the underlying factors influencing her clients' well-being. Sara values building meaningful connections with those she supports, understanding that trust and collaboration are essential for empowering clients to make the most of their capabilities and environments.
Through tailored, evidence-based interventions, Sara is dedicated to fostering independence and resilience in her clients.
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Ara - Allied Health Assistant
(Completing BOccThy)
Ara is a dedicated and passionate individual pursuing studies in occupational therapy, with a deep commitment to helping clients of all ages thrive in their environments.
She brings a genuine enthusiasm for empowering individuals, working closely with them to ensure they make the most of their surroundings and capabilities.
With a strong focus on personalised care, Ara strives to understand the unique needs of each client, offering tailored support that enhances their daily lives. Her goal is to create meaningful connections and foster independence, ensuring that every person she works with can achieve their fullest potential.
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Julie - Allied Health Assistant
(Dip RM, Cert IV TAE, Cert IV Mass, currently completing Dip EN)
With over 15 years of experience, Julie brings an extensive wealth of knowledge to the realm of healthcare. Her passion for working with individuals from all walks of life has been a driving force throughout her professional journey.
In addition to her healthcare expertise, Julie also possesses valuable experience from her time working in a mediator role, which has cultivated her compassionate understanding of those navigating challenging times.
This unique combination of skills and empathy positions Julie as a trusted advocate for individuals seeking support and guidance in their healthcare journey.
Her commitment to inclusivity and unwavering dedication to the well-being of others make her an invaluable asset to any healthcare team.