Our Team

Maria is the heart and soul of Move Play Grow OT, bringing over a decade of experience and an unstoppable passion for helping children thrive. As the Director and Head Occupational Therapist, she built the clinic with one clear vision—to create a supportive, fun, and innovative space where both kids and therapists can grow. Her expertise lies in sensory integration, trauma-informed therapy, and early development, and she continuously upskills to provide the best care possible. From completing hands-on training with Kim Barthel to mastering Safe and Sound Protocol, DIR, Praxis, and trauma-informed practice, Maria is always learning, evolving, and sharing her knowledge with her team.

Beyond working directly with children and families, Maria has dedicated the past year to mentoring and supporting new graduates, designing self-paced online programs to help emerging OTs build confidence in their practice. She is a proud neurodiversity-affirming therapist and ensures that every member of her team follows the same philosophy—celebrating each child’s unique strengths and needs. Maria’s leadership is all about empowerment, whether she’s guiding therapists, parents, or little ones through their journeys. Her energy, warmth, and innovative approach make her a true force in the world of paediatric OT.

On top of running a thriving clinic, Maria is also a mum to three! She knows firsthand the balancing act of work, parenting, and life, which makes her even more relatable to the families she supports. Whether she’s leading a training session, developing new programs, or diving into a playful therapy session, Maria does it all with enthusiasm, kindness, and a whole lot of heart. She’s not just an OT—she’s a mentor, a leader, and the driving force behind the magic of Move Play Grow OT!

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 Jereb’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.

Isabella’s journey with Move Play Grow OT began in 2021 when she first joined as an Occupational Therapy Assistant, quickly discovering her passion for working with children. Since completing her studies at The University of Sydney, she has flourished as an OT, bringing warmth, enthusiasm, and expertise to every session. With years of experience supporting children and families as a tutor and SLSO in a support unit, Isabella has a deep understanding of how to create meaningful, engaging, and supportive learning environments. Whether in the clinic or out in the community, her bubbly and fun-loving personality makes her a joy to work with!

Now a Training Coordinator at Move Play Grow OT, Isabella plays a key role in shaping the future of the team. She leads the new graduate weekly program, coordinates professional development, runs journal club, and shares her knowledge with local daycares and schools whenever the opportunity arises. Her passion for learning and growth extends beyond her own practice—she’s dedicated to empowering both her colleagues and the families she supports. Isabella’s energy, kindness, and drive make her an incredible asset to the team, and she’s always ready to sprinkle a little extra fun into therapy sessions!

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 Jereb’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.

Holly brings an incredible blend of teamwork, leadership, and passion to Move Play Grow OT! With years of experience playing hockey at high representative levels, including state competitions, she knows firsthand the power of persistence, collaboration, and adaptability—qualities she now brings into her work with children and families. Before stepping into the world of occupational therapy, Holly worked as a Game Development Officer for Hockey NSW, where she inspired young athletes to build confidence, develop skills, and have fun while learning—something she continues to champion in her OT practice.

As a new graduate bursting with enthusiasm, Holly is driven to help kids reach their full potential through play-based, engaging, and meaningful therapy. She is not just a therapist but a cheerleader for every child’s growth, celebrating their strengths and guiding them through challenges with warmth and energy. Holly’s fun and relatable nature make her a hit with children, while her dedication and fresh perspective ensure families feel supported every step of the way. She can’t wait to make a difference—one playful session at a time!

Laura’s journey at Move Play Grow OT began in early 2023, where she first shone in the administration team before stepping into the hands-on role of an Allied Health Assistant while completing her degree. With a heart for working with children, she brings energy, warmth, and creativity into every therapy session. Before diving into OT, Laura shared her passion for movement as a dance instructor, helping kids build confidence, coordination, and a love for self-expression—skills that now flow seamlessly into her work as an OT.

Now a new graduate bursting with enthusiasm, Laura is ready to make a real difference in the lives of children and their families. Her fun-loving and relatable nature makes her a favorite among kids, while her dedication ensures every child feels supported in their growth and development. 

New Employee Commencing 2025