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.
ISABELLE TURNER
Isabelle is based at our Cheltenham clinic.
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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.
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.
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
Christina Sze
Emillie Denham
Emillie is a compassionate and dedicated Occupational Therapist with a deep commitment to helping children and families thrive.
After completing a Bachelor of Health Sciences with a Major in Rehabilitation Counseling at La Trobe University in 2016, Emillie went on to earn a Master of Occupational Therapy Practice from Monash University in 2020.
Emillie found a strong passion for paediatric care and family-centred practice, prioritizing working closely with clients to create a collaborative environment that fosters trust, understanding, and empowerment. Whether it’s supporting a child in developing key life skills, or educating and guiding parents to implement effective strategies at home, Emillie is dedicated to supporting her clients to achieve their full potential.
Outside of her professional work, Emillie is passionate about maintaining a healthy and balanced lifestyle. She enjoys low intensity self care tasks, high intensity exercise paired with music, and spending quality time outdoors with family and friends.
Emillie is based at our Kensington practice.
ANDREA LAFONTAINE - TEAM WELLBEING SUPPORT
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.