Our Team

Maria is the director and founder of Move Play Grow Occupational Therapy and is a passionate paediatric occupational therapist. Maria holds a Masters Degree in Occupational therapy and has a background in Health Science. Maria has worked with children and adolescents with neurobiological disorders such as Autism, ADHD, Developmental Delays and Learning Disabilities.

Maria takes a family-centred approach to therapy and enjoys working closely with families and their children to ensure quality therapy. Maria has completed additional education in sensory integration, DIR/Floortime approach, trauma informed therapy, Alert Program and a Neuroscience in parenting course. Maria provides regular workshops to parents and to educators to provide information on a sensory integration approach to education. In her spare time, Maria is spending time with her own two children going to the park and exploring.

Being a mother of two, Jess is no stranger to working with children and loves helping families by providing family centred care. Jess joined the team at Move Play Grow in 2018 as one of our full-time therapists. She graduated with a Bachelor of Health Science and completed her Master of Occupational Therapy at the Western Sydney University.

She has extended her training in the area of Sensory Integration through completing programs such as the DIR Floortime Approach, The Astronaut Program, Genevieve Gereb’s “Traffic Jam In My Brain” and Therapeutic Listening. She treats her clients using the principles of Sensory Integration and has expertise with treating children on the Autism Spectrum and emotional regulation challenges. She has helped design and run our “Ready Set Prep group” as well as the “Feeding Group. She is a current member of Occupational Therapy Australia.

Perla’s passion for paediatrics developed as a young child when she was able to see the role of OT with her very own family. Perla’s bubbly personality is the ideal fit for our team and working alongside children and their families. 

Perla loves the challenge and influence OT has on children’s lives. You will see her working within our groups and putting together the most creative and fun sessions both 1:1 and in groups both in clinic and on the road as a mobile therapist. 

Perla has completed courses: Jen Gereb’s – ‘Traffic Jam in my brain’, Zones of Regulation, Sleep with Disabilityand Kim Barthel’s Becoming a Behavioural Detective.

When not on the road, Paulina, one of our mobile therapists, is treating at one of our two offices. Paulina’s passion for soccer and sports is evident when helping children reach their motor milestones as well as assisting families with Activities of Daily Living. After graduating at Western Sydney University with a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy, Paulina moved from working in Aged Care to pursue her career in paediatric therapy, completing Genevieve Gereb’s “Traffic Jam In My
Brain” She joined our team to work closely with families in the community and school settings to help deliver intervention directly into the environment of her clients. Paulina regularly assists with our group therapy programs.

Jess began her occupational therapy career in rehabilitation and geriatrics. After having children, a high interest in child development was sparked, and along with her holistic approach to therapies, Jess decided a move to paediatrics was perfect. Jess loves to empower parents and provide them with the tools they need to achieve the goals they have with their children. Jess graduated with a Bachelor of Health Science (Honours)/Master of Occupational Therapy. In her final year of study Jess completed an honours project at Birunji Young Adults Mental Health Unit, on participants’ experiences of a sensory and mindfulness group intervention.

Through this research, Jess gained an understanding of how sensory and mindfulness techniques changed the lives of some very vulnerable young people and drastically improved their well-being. The results from this research were presented at the 2013 National Mental Health Conference.

Ivana is a new graduate Occupational Therapist who has recently completed her studies at The University of Sydney in 2022. She commenced with Move Play Grow OT as an Allied Health Assistant and transitioned as a full-time OT upon completion of her degree.  
Ivana is no stranger to planning lessons with extensive experience providing tutoring services to children. Ivana has completed many courses relevant to paediatric placement and has gained an interest in working with children with neurological conditions. 

Ivana’s cheeky and playful personality can be seen within therapy sessions both within the clinic and on the road as a mobile therapist.

Loretta is one of our accredited Occupational Therapist’s graduating with a Bachelor of Applied Science (Occupational Therapy) at the University of Sydney in 2018. After graduating, Loretta began her work with adults in rehabilitation and palliative care. It was after Loretta became an aunty that she became drawn to the fun and joy that comes with being part of a child’s life. Loretta was amazed about how children develop week to week and wanted to be a support in that journey. With this passion, she joined our team at Move Play Grow Occupational Therapy!

Since joining our team, Loretta has expanded her knowledge and skills completing Genevieve Gereb’s “Traffic Jam in My Brain” and Dr. Greenspan and Dr. Wieder’s D.I.R Floortime Approach. She also is a current member of Occupational Therapy Australia.

Heidi has been with the Move Play Grow OT team for many years now. She commenced as a receptionist as she completed her Bachelor of Health Science (Masters of Occupational Therapy) degree at Western Sydney University in 2022.

Heidi left for a short stint to become a mum and bring into the world her first child. Heidi has always been passionate about working with children and paving the way for their bright futures.