Sensational Kids’ occupational therapists support children of all ages to address issues affecting their participation in everyday life.  Our occupational therapists combine play and fun with evidence based approaches. Their individual and group programs are developed to address sensory processing challenges, fine and gross motor skills including handwriting, and daily living skills such as toileting, dressing and eating. They also promote confidence, independence and emotional wellbeing for children and families.

Occupational Therapists

CAITLIN STARK - CLINICAL TEAM LEADER

Caitlin is an experienced paediatric occupational therapist who graduated from The University of Newcastle in 2017 with a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours Class 1). She has gained experience working as a mobile paediatric therapist, a key worker, in private practice and in clinical research. Caitlin is one of our clinical supervisors and clinical team leaders and enjoys supporting our team to learn and develop their skills.

Caitlin has a special interest in working with children and their families who may experience sensory processing, fine motor, daily living and independence difficulties. She believes in a neuro-affirming and family-centred approach and enjoys making therapy fun and individualised for each child. Caitlin is an advocate for neurodivergent flourishing and rural and remote practice. When not busy at work, Caitlin loves exploring the outdoors, cooking and spending time with friends and family.

Caitlin works remotely via our Kensington site.

ANDREA LAFONTAINE

Andrea graduated from a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy at Australian Catholic University in 2018. Since graduating, she has gained experience working as an occupational therapist in numerous schools. She is passionate about helping children and families to fully participate in all areas of life. She has a particular interest in supporting children with challenges in sensory and emotional regulation, motor skills, self care skills and executive functioning. Andrea uses a collaborative and holistic approach, whilst also making therapy an enjoyable and playful space for children to learn and grow. Andrea works at our Cheltenham clinic on Thursdays & Fridays.

Janet (Ting) Yeung

Janet (Ting) Yeung graduated from Monash University with a Masters in Occupational Therapy.  She also holds a Bachelors Degree in Nutritional Science from Hong Kong University.  Janet has a varied work and volunteer background, working with adults and children of all ages as an Occupational Therapist and also as a Therapy Assistant prior to graduating.  She is skilled in face to face and telehealth services.
Janet has a special interest in paediatric Occupational Therapy, primarily with play-based therapy interventions and sensory processing. She is committed to ongoing professional development in order to provide the most evidence-based interventions to her clients.
Janet is also multi-lingual – she is fluent in Cantonese, Mandarin, English and has intermediate skill in French.

Janet works at our Cheltenham clinic Monday – Wednesday and Saturdays.

ISABELLE TURNER

I recently completed a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) at Monash University. While studying I worked as a therapy assistant with children with ASD.

I am passionate about working alongside clients and families to help them achieve their specific goals. This work along with my paediatric placements is where I found my passion to start my career in the paediatric setting. I love meeting new kids and finding out what is most important to them and their families to work on while making it fun and engaging!

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with friends and family, going for brunch, the gym, sunset swims and smashed avo.

Isabelle is based at our Cheltenham clinic.

JULIANNE CHOA

Julianne is a dedicated Occupational Therapist with a Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of Santo Tomas, Manila (Class of 2018), currently pursuing her Master’s in Occupational Therapy at the same institution. Her professional journey has revolved around working with children, and she has a deep passion for assisting those with sensory regulation concerns and fine motor skill development. Julianne places a strong emphasis in a client-centered approach to ensure the best possible outcomes for her young clients.

Julianne works at our Kensington clinic.

CAITLIN MCKENZIE

Caitlin is a passionate occupational therapist who completed her Bachelor of Occupational Therapy at Deakin University. Using a neuroaffirming, client-centered, goal-orientated approach, Caitlin is committed to working with her clients, assisting them to achieve their milestones and social and emotional development. Caitlin utilizes evidence-based therapy, adapting it to individuals’ needs to assist them in reaching their maximum potential. She believes play is an effective method in assisting children in developing long-term strategies.

Caitlin loves planning holidays and when she is not doing that you will find her building Lego.  Her spare time is spent with her fur babies, Pugley the Pug and Billy the Labrador. She is also a bit of a foodie and loves exploring the laneways and all Melbourne has to offer.

Caitlin is based at our Kensington Clinic.

ALYSSA VELASQUEZ

Aly graduated with a degree in BS Occupational Therapy from the University of Santo Tomas – Manila in 2016. She has worked in the Paediatric space for 7 years and is also a certified Developmental Play Practitioner.  Aly has a special interest in working with children and adolescents with sensory processing, fine motor, and social skill difficulties. She strongly believes that close collaboration between the family, multidisciplinary team, and educators are a key to achieving functional and adaptive goals. In her spare time, Aly enjoys traveling, lying on the beach, and reading books. She is based at our Cheltenham clinic full time.

Marla (Marinela) Balde

Marla graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy from the University of Santo Tomas, Philippines (Class of 2018). Since then, she’s been in the paediatric space dedicated to supporting children and adolescents with their sensory processing and regulation, fine motor skills, and activities of daily living. Marla strongly believes that successful participation stems from collaborative efforts among families, educators, support workers, and multidisciplinary teams. Embracing a neurodiversity-affirming practice, she adopts child-led and play-based approaches to provide practical strategies, environmental accommodations and continued advocacy to support the child’s well-being and daily life activities. Beyond work, Marla regulates by immersing herself in her hobbies including drawing, photography, reading, and drinking coffee and smoothies.

Marla is based at our Kensington clinic.

Claudette Aytona

Claudette is a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy graduate from the University of Santo Tomas, Manila, class of 2018. She is passionate about using a child-centred, play-based, and neurodiversity-affirming approach to support her clients. She also believes in using a family-centred approach, where both families and professionals collaborate closely to help clients achieve their goals.

Outside of work, Claudette enjoys spending quality time with family and friends, traveling and looking for the best coffee in the city.

Claudette is based at our Cheltenham site.

Hanna Koenig

Hanna completed her Masters of Occupational Therapy at Swinburne University. In addition to her studies she also has experience working with children on the autism spectrum and working as a respite support worker and therapy assistant.
She strives to support children’s ongoing fine and gross motor development and sensory differences from a strength based perspective. Hanna acknowledges children’s unique abilities and encourages them in letting their inner hero shine.
Outside of work, Hanna enjoys photography, experimenting with her 2-year old son in the kitchen and exploring food and culture places around Melbourne.
Hanna is fluent in German and will be working Tuesdays at the Cheltenham clinic from October.