Passionate – Dedicated – Professional
Passionate – Dedicated – Professional
caring for children and young adults with complex medical conditions
We aim to improve the physical, mental health and quality of life of children, adolescents, and young adults with complex and often invisible conditions through carefully considered, individualised treatment. Our award winning care may involve one or more of our therapists working towards your child’s specific goals. Our focus is to provide an evidence-based wrap-around service that provides expertise from multiple disciplines. Working collaboratively, we help our patients live their best lives.
Conditions or concerns we can help with
- Chronic Pain
- Complex regional pain syndrome
- Chronic widespread pain syndrome
- Juvenile arthritis
- Functional neurological disorder
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
- Post-concussion syndrome
- Ehlers Danlos syndrome/Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder
- Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome
- Persistent headaches
- Chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis (CRMO)
- Long COVID
- Rare genetic conditions – achondroplasia, osteogenesis imperfecta
Western Kids Health is recognised by the Ehlers Danlos Society as a CORE Centre of Excellence for care of children with hypermobility spectrum disorders and EDS.
We are the first and currently only dedicated paediatric hypermobility CORE centre in Australia.
Our multidisciplinary team practices patient-centred care through
-
- listening, validating, and showing a commitment to inclusivity
- offering exceptional care and management options
- multidisciplinary case discussions both within Western Kids and with our colleagues
- having extensive experience and expertise in working with babies, children and teens with connective tissue disorders or hypermobility spectrum disorders
- our staff have completed (or presented at) EDS Echo programs, EDS learning conferences and Nicole is a member of the EDS International Paediatric Consortium
Our multidisciplinary team of physio, OTs, mental health OTs, psychology and dietetics work together with families and strive to pursue excellence through ongoing research, community education and professional development.
Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Psychology (POP)
For children or young people who are significantly impacted by pain, fatigue, or other symptoms we offer a tailored POP Program. Guided by evidence, we recognise the importance of our unique approach in that the experts in our clinic work collaboratively to achieve your desired goals.
The POP Program starts with an intake, which is usually 2 hours, where you will meet three experts from your team who will assess your needs. Our goal is to ensure you only tell us your story once and to make sure you are understood and have input into your treatment planning. At the end of your intake, we sit down and make a treatment plan with you. This will sometimes mean expert clinicians from Psychology, Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy will be required, or only one of those. Each treatment approach is bespoke based on the evidence for treatment and your needs. Once you start with us, one of the clinicians assigned to you will be your treatment-lead and they are available to contact to talk about any further needs or issues.
While we work one-on-one with our patients, we also provide support parents, partners and schools to understand the condition and what is going to happen in treatment. This helps us maximise the benefits of our therapy.
Our physiotherapy team helps to improve your child’s physical function and capacity. Our physiotherapists utilises psychologically informed physiotherapy care to complement the therapy provided by other disciplines, such as psychology.
Our psychology team aids in coping with the symptoms associated with these chronic conditions and changing unhelpful beliefs that may impede recovery. Our psychologists can also help with comorbid conditions, such as anxiety and depression, that are commonly associated with complex chronic health conditions.
Our dietetics team provide guidance on how anti-inflammatory diets can be a part of symptom management and individualising these protocols to food preferences and your family eating style. They can assist with optimising eating patterns to improve energy levels, ensure adequate intake of nutrients and support normal growth patterns. Our dietitians can also provide guidance around elimination diets/ reintroduction of foods to manage gastrointestinal issues (constipation, diarrhoea, bloating, etc.) that are common with hypermobility spectrum disorder/Ehlers Danlos syndrome.
Our occupational therapy team assists your child to minimise the impact symptoms may have on sleep, school and relationships. Additional supports include:
- SCSA Assessments
- Social skills
- Handwriting skills
- Academic Stress Group or 1:1
Specialised Support at Our Complex Care Clinic
Comprehensive Care For
Your Child’s Unique Needs
Passionate – Dedicated – Professional
Complex Care Team
Judith is a registered Clinical Psychologist with a Masters in Clinical Psychology. Judith is our Lead Psychologist and Head of our Gender Diversity Clinic at Western Kids Health. Judith grew up in multiple global places which shaped her into the person she is today – at ease in new situations and always open-minded towards people from different backgrounds. She has over 10 years of working experience within the Australian and Dutch healthcare systems and is passionate about providing mental health services to children, adolescents, young adults and their parents.
Masters in Clinical Psychology. Accredited board-approved supervisor for Clinical Psychologists.
Judith has over 10 years of working experience within the Australian and Dutch healthcare systems and most of her experience is in the peadiatric population.
Over the years, Judith has worked with diverse client populations and her therapeutic interests include: anxiety, panic, adjustment, depression, ADHD and Autism. She furthermore has a special interest in working with trans and gender-diverse people, clients struggling with their sexuality and clients diagnosed with complex medical conditions (such as chronic pain, EDS and FND).
Rowan is a dedicated clinician whose approach is characterised by collaboration and empathy. Rowan excels in navigating the delicate balance of providing a space to hear an individual’s journey while also being proactive in creating a plan for moving forward.
Some of Rowan‘s exceptional qualities is his profound listening skills and collaborative approach. He goes beyond surface-level interactions, diving deeply and comprehensively to truly understand the nuances of what each individual is experiencing. This commitment to understanding enables Rowan to connect with young people then tailor a personalised approach to support the unique needs of each person in his care.
In his spare time, Rowan loves to spend time with his border collie Blu, keeping active with surfing, trail running and getting crafty with DIY home renovations.
-
Project ECHO International- Ehlers Danlos Syndrome Society
-
Current – ECHO QHC Functional Somatic Disorders
- Paediatric Level 1 – Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA)
- Paediatric Foot & Ankle Conditions- Presented by orthopaedic surgeon Mr Dror Moar
- Running Across the Lifespan – Annie Chappell (PhD)
- The Hip Across the Lifespan – APA
- Complex pain and scoliosis in the adolescent – APA
- Dysautonomia in Paediatrics – Ehlers Danlos Syndrome Society ECHO
- Presented online webinar for fellow physiotherapists – Telehealth in Paediatrics (APA)
-
Eating Disorders – Physiotherapy Management, Perth Children’s Hospital
-
Pain Unstuck – Optimise Rehab
- Explain Pain – NOI
- Making Sense of Pain – AOWA
- Accredited KNEE Netball Australia Provider
- APA Lift It Two-Part Series – Resistance Training
- Sports Medicine Australia – Symposium for High Performance Sports 2018
Rowan is a senior physiotherapist and Head of our Complex Care Clinic. He is well-known for his work with hundreds of children and teenagers with diagnoses of JIA, Ehlers Danlos syndrome, hypermobility spectrum disorder, persistent pain or chronic fatigue and functional neurological disorders (FND). As part of his role as Head of the Complex Care Clinic, Rowan leads the multidisciplinary team which includes the POP Program, supporting individuals and families with complex conditions. Rowan places importance on committing his time in the community with his involvement in education and exercise sessions for the Arthritis Foundation WA’s Camp Freedom, hydrotherapy programs and strength & conditioning programs led for children and teens with chronic conditions (hypermobile spectrum disorder/EDS; JIA and persistent pain). He also has run several educational workshops with students and teachers in primary and high schools on hypermobility/EDS and JIA. Rowan‘s role extends into mentoring and teaching other health professionals including physiotherapists, psychologists and occupational therapists within and outside of Western Kids Health. Rowan has recently presented Western Kids Health’s programs and approach at the Ehlers Danlos Society’s Centre of Excellence launch in Baltimore, USA.
Verusha is a warm and empathic psychologist dedicated to working collaboratively with young people and their families to develop a deeper understanding of their difficulties in order to identify what skills or strategies may be helpful for them. She utilises a strengths-based approach that incorporates evidence-based techniques such as cognitive behaviour therapy, dialectical behaviour therapy, mindfulness, and behaviour-attachment-systems interventions. Verusha is passionate about working with the whole family system to ensure lasting change beyond the treatment sessions.
Verusha holds a Master of Clinical Psychology from the University of Sydney and is currently completing her final year in the clinical psychology registrar program. Throughout her registrar program, she has pursued additional professional development in various areas, including the Circle of Security Parenting Program, Collaborative and Proactive Solutions, Schema Therapy in Emerging Adulthood, and Functional Neurological Disorder: Psychological Treatment
Verusha’s clinical experiences span across both private and public health sectors in Western Australia and New South Wales. Verusha has worked in Child Development Services, Perth Children’s Hospital, an intensive day-therapy program for adolescents with eating disorders at Sydney Children’s Hospital, an anxiety research and treatment unit, a university-based psychology clinic, and an autism-specific early intervention centre. At Western Kids Health, Verusha works across the Mental Health Clinic, Complex Care Clinic, and Gender Diversity Clinic.
Verusha’s clinical interests lie in working with children and adolescents dealing with anxiety-based presentations, mood disturbances, adjustment difficulties, school-related concerns and medical conditions. Additionally, she is deeply passionate about providing support to gender-diverse youth and their families.
Nicole founded Western Kids Health in 2018 with the aim of bringing expert paediatric professionals together, to help families and children thrive.
Nicole is a Titled APA Paediatric Physiotherapist and Chair of APA National Paediatric Committee. Nicole also holds positions on the Healthy Digital Child Expert Advisory Panel, The Autism Health Road Map and the Ehlers Danlos Society International Consortium – Allied Health Working Group. She works across multiple areas to improve the future of our children. Nicole often provides professional development to other physiotherapists and allied health professionals, child health nurses and doctors, speaking at conferences and events.
Nicole is passionate about helping parents give their little ones the best start to life, leading the development of the online programs The Baby Play Academy and the Toddler Play Academy, providing accessible, affordable and high quality early intervention support through play and connection.
In her spare time, Nicole enjoys everything outdoors including adventuring and fishing. However, most of her time is taken up by her son William, daughter Claire and Roger, her mischievous golden retriever.
Masters in Paediatric Physiotherapy (2017)
Post Graduate Certificate in Paediatric Physiotherapy (2013)
Bachelor of Physiotherapy (2010)
Nicole works with babies from birth right through to youth in their late teens.
Whether you are concerned about your babies movement or head shape, your child’s walking or running, or if your child or teen has an injury, pain or fatigue, she can help.
If you have a baby or toddler, check out Nicole’s Instagram @nicole_kidsphysio, it is an amazing resource.
Nicole has previously worked at Perth Children’s Hospital developing the Osteogenic Imperfecta service. In the past, she has worked in the community setting, in elite sports as a physiotherapist for the West Coast Eagles and in the Complex Pain Service at Princess Margaret Hospital.
Nicole’s expertise in assessing and rehabilitating sports and childhood musculoskeletal injuries has come from working across 14 years in a variety of junior state level sports including netball, Australian Rules Football, rugby, running, soccer, hockey, swimming and touch rugby.
Nicole has a special interest in:
- helping families of babies and toddlers with movement, head shape, hip dysplasia or foot shape concerns
- helping children with walking, running, jumping, riding and playground confidence
- all children and youth with concerns related to hypermobility / hypermobility spectrum disorders
- children with complex conditions such as skeletal dysplasia (achondroplasia, osteogenesis imperfecta), Ehlers Danlos syndrome, persistent pain or fatigue, Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis, Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
Keely works across a range of clinics at Western Kids Health, including School Aged Services, Mental Health, Complex Care, and Early Intervention. She values a holistic approach, striving to empower individuals and their families by addressing all aspects of their lives. Keely collaborates closely with the multidisciplinary team at Western Kids Health, ensuring her clients receive tailored and cohesive care.
Outside of work, Keely enjoys spending time outdoors with her Bernese Mountain Dog, Ralph. Ralph is an accredited Level 1 Therapy Dog and a member of the Western Kids Health team, providing emotional support and comfort to children and families as they work toward their OT goals. You might even spot Ralph around the clinic, lending a paw in helping clients through their therapeutic journey.
Bachelor of Science (Occupational Therapy) from Curtin University
Medicare Better Access to Mental Health (BAMH) provider.
- Circle of Security Facilitator Training
Tuning in to Kids Facilitator Training
William Street Family Therapy: Level 1 Intensive in Family and Relationship Therapy
Motivational Interviewing: Psychwire
DBT Skills: Psychwire
ACT for Adolescents: Psychwire
WAAT: Level 1 Therapy Dog Training
The Children Success Foundation: The Nurtured Heart Approach
Play Therapy Australia: The Heart & Practice of Child Centred Play Therapy
CAMHS/ PCH: Gender Diversity
PDA Society: PDA for Healthcare – guidance, evidence & practice
Sensory Tools Australia: The Traffic Jam In My Brain
Keely has extensive experience working with complex presentations, including neurodiversity and mental health. She is committed to ongoing learning and staying up to date with the latest evidence and research to provide the best possible support for children and their families. Her expertise extends to working with parents and families, having completed Level 1 in Family Therapy. Additionally, Keely is an accredited facilitator of parenting programs such as Tuning in to Kids and Circle of Security, which she hopes to bring to Western Kids Health soon.
A strong advocate for children, adolescents, and their families, Keely is dedicated to helping individuals reach their fullest potential, providing holistic and compassionate care throughout their therapeutic journey.
Keely is also passionate about empowering parents to support their child’s development. She is a trained facilitator in programs such as Tuning in to Kids and Circle of Security, which allows her to provide individualised parent coaching. Additionally, Keely has recently completed her Therapy Dog training with her Bernese Mountain Dog, Ralph. Together, they offer animal-assisted therapy, adding an extra layer of support and comfort for her clients as they work towards their therapeutic goals.
Masters of Occupational Therapy (Bachelor of Laws, Bachelor of Musical Arts)
Emily worked for several years as part of the complex care team at Western Kids Health, with young people experiencing a range of connective tissue disorders, chronic pain and functional neurological disorders. She has also worked in aged care, adult disability services, and early intervention. She has presented for the Ehlers Danlos Australia, ECIA, Australian & New Zealand Society of Paediatric Dentistry, Catholic Schools Association and Playgroup WA.
Emily is currently focusing on project development, including educational best- practice modules for new occupational therapists and research into handwriting and hypermobility. She will consider providing individual support on a case- by case basis
Tiffany brings a unique blend of expertise and compassion to her practice, as our Lead Occupational Therapist. Tiffany is known for her calm and fun approach to therapy, creating a supportive and engaging environment for her clients. Tiffany is dedicated to providing comprehensive assessments, personalised therapy plans and ongoing advocacy and guidance, that not only address the child’s needs but also support the caregivers in the journey towards improved health and wellbeing. Tiffany considers all environments and works closely with the child’s family, school, day care or work to provide recommendations and support. Tifany works across a range of clinics here at Western Kids Health including the School Aged Service, Mental Health, Complex Care and Early Intervention team.
Bachelor of Science (Occupational Therapy) from Curtin University
Medicare Better Access to Mental Health (BAMH) provider.
- Triple P Facilitator training – Level 3
- Gatekeeper- Suicide Prevention workshop
- Hey Warrior workshop- Karen Young
- Motivational Interviewing: Advancing Down The Path – Dr Joel Porter
- Motivational Interviewing: Beyond Mechanical Pain- Alison Sim
- Pebbles – Bladder and bowel issues in Children
Tiffany has dedicated her career to working with children and adolescents. She has worked as an occupational therapist for ten years in Perth in paediatric private practice and inpatient mental health. Tiffany has experience working with individuals aged 2- 20 years, with a wide range of developmental disorders and disabilities. She is skilled to work with those who have fine and gross motor delays, chronic conditions, pain and fatigue, sensory processing difficulties, handwriting challenges, difficulties with self-care, toileting, sleep, behavioural challenges, attention and concentration, social and play skills.
Tiffany is passionate about advocating for her client’s needs and is able to complete assessment and reporting for School Curriculum and Standards Authority (SCSA) applications. Tiffany is a qualified children’s yoga instructor and can incorporate yoga and breathing techniques into the child’s therapy. Tiffany can also adapt yoga to be safe and meet the needs of individuals with connective tissue disorders. Tiffany enjoys running social skill groups, high school readiness groups, yoga groups and has been involved in running the TARGiT program aimed at providing management for teenagers with chronic conditions. Throughout her career, Tiffany has been invited to present professional development workshops and seminars to a variety of organisations and schools, sharing her knowledge and insights with parents, teachers, educators, allied health professionals, specialists and the wider community.
Tiffany’s particular area of interest and expertise is supporting children and adolescents with emotional regulation, distress, anxiety, low mood or diagnosed mental health conditions, assisting them in getting back into the things they love to do. Tiffany is a Medicare endorsed provider under the Better Access the Mental Health scheme, meaning she can support those with a Mental Health Care Plan, access occupational therapy using Focused Psychological Strategies. Tiffany also has a special interest in empowering parents to support their child’s development. In addition to working with her young clients, Tiffany offers individual parent coaching sessions through the Triple P (Positive Parenting Program).
Annika brings a warm and compassionate touch to her career, where she dedicates herself to supporting individuals facing complex pain, chronic conditions, fatigue, and hypermobility. Her expertise lies in guiding them back to a place where they can engage in the activities they love and need. With a special focus on young individuals, Annika excels in fostering pain management, emotional regulation, distress management, anxiety support, sensory processing, behavioral challenges, energy conservation, and improvement in self-care and sleep. Embracing a holistic and personalized approach, Annika tailors each child’s therapeutic journey, collaboratively working with the young person and their family. Her genuine passion shines through as she crafts effective interventions, strategies, and supports to enhance the child’s functional capacity. In the spirit of fostering a supportive environment, Annika closely collaborates with the child’s support systems, extending her engagement to families, schools, community programs, or workplaces. She is committed to ensuring the most impactful and caring approach is implemented, creating a nurturing space for healing and growth.
Bachelor of Science (Occupational Therapy), Masters of Medical Science (Pain Management)
Annika has been an occupational therapist since 2018. Annika has spent her career developing a range of essential skills to assist individuals with complex pain and functional neurological disorders. Annika has training and experience in:
- Pain Neuroscience Education
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (Insomnia)
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
- Trauma Informed Practice
- Sensory Processing
- Emotional Regulation
Annika is deeply invested in collaborating with young individuals grappling with complex chronic conditions, with a specific interest on the interplay between persistent symptoms and neurodiversity. Within this demographic, Annika possesses a special interest in comprehending the intricate connection between a young person’s capacity for self-regulation, their emotional well-being, and the potential impact of their behaviours and environments on these factors. This understanding, in turn, plays a crucial role in influencing their persistent symptoms.
Alyse has extensive experience across the age ranges in paediatrics. Alyse is passionate about working with children, youth and their families to provide early positive experiences in health and movement, facilitating lifelong positive behaviours and outcomes. Alyse believes working at Western Kids, being a part of an integrated team that works collaboratively with families, creates such a positive work environment whilst optimising outcomes. Outside of work Alyse loves sourcing the best new eateries in Perth! She also enjoys getting outside for a run, hike and camp in nature.
BSc Physiotherapy – Graduate Notre Dame 2014
- APA Paediatric Physiotherapy Level 1 & 2
- APA Paediatric Gait & Running
- APA Respiratory Level 1
- 2019 World Physiotherapy conference in Geneva
- Paediatric Dyskinesia, Great Ormond St Hospital
- Exercise for children with a disability, Association of Paediatric Chartered Physiotherapy
Alyse has been involved in competitive gymnastics since she was young, including as a national levels gymnast. She has also been a coach for over 10 years which has allowed her to develop an excellent eye for movement analysis, and being able to translate observations into areas for improvement in strength and conditioning.
Alyse has worked across many sectors of our health system including community and tertiary care, in a variety of rotational areas including spinal rehab, orthopaedics, neurology and intensive care. Alyse worked in tertiary and community settings and abroad in the UK for two years, working community paediatrics, with children at a special needs school and in various roles across the NHS as a Senior Physiotherapist.
Upon moving back to Australia, Alyse prioritised working in a paediatric setting and had the opportunity to utilise my breadth of experience to help babies and children in early intervention. Now as the Physiotherapy lead at Western Kids, Alyse supports the training of all our new graduate physiotherapists and students.
Alyse loves having variety in her day, between clients, teaching opportunities and working as a team.
Alyse has a special interest in:
- supporting babies and families from the early weeks
- working with kids having difficulty being able to engage in the school/community setting due to playground confidence
- toe walkers a
- rehab after orthopaedic surgery
Brooke is a caring and compassionate dietitian, working collaboratively with children and parents to develop practical and achievable solutions to their food and diet concerns. Brooke also works as part of the multidisplinary feeding team, helping toddlers through to teens to expand their diet and feel confident at mealtimes. Brooke’s ultimate aim is to alleviate the stress around food and make mealtimes an enjoyable experience.
BSC Nutrition, Masters of Dietetics,
- Certificate in Paediatric Nutrition and Dietetics Unit 1 – Royal Children’s Hospital
- Monash University Training – The Low FODMAP diet for Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- ARFID Masterclass – Melanie Potock
Brooke graduated Curtain University in 2018, she worked with adults in the hospital and community settings before finding an interest in paediatrics. She has been part of the Western Kids Health team for 4 years.
Brooke also volunteers with the OnTrack program run by ADHD WA
Brooke’s area of special interests include:
- Fussy eating / food aversions
- Growth faltering / weight management
- Gastrointestinal issues (IBS, constipation)
Phoebe knows coming to see a psychologist is often a very challenging decision, so she prioritises using her warmth, compassion and humour to create a safe space and make people feel comfortable. She also works collaboratively with clients and their families, exploring together what their goals are, and what therapy may be most helpful. The therapeutic approaches she uses include Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Imagery Rescripting, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and mindfulness interventions.
Clinical Psychology Registrar with a Master of Clinical Psychology from the University of Western Australia.
Phoebe has a range of clinical experiences, having worked in a variety of settings, including a university psychology clinic, an intensive CAMHS day-program for children with behaviour and school engagement challenges, a remote private practice in the Pilbara and child protection.
Phoebe particularly enjoys working with children and young adults who are currently having difficulties with mood (including depression), chronic pain, anxiety, sleep and trauma.
Master of Applied Psychology (Clinical)
Doctor of Philosophy (Psychology)
Ashley has a range of clinical experiences, having worked in a variety of settings, including multiple university psychology clinics, multiple private clinics specialising in child and adolescent psychology and as a school psychologist.
Ashley particularly enjoys working with children and young adults who are currently having difficulties with mood (including depression), anxiety, OCD, emotion regulation difficulties and neurodevelopmental disorders. She also has a strong interest in working with parent-child relationship difficulties and family system challenges.
Bachelor of Science (Occupational Therapy) from Curtin University
Medicare Better Access to Mental Health (BAMH) provider.
Elise is deeply committed to evidence-based practice and is trained in programs such as Circle of Security Parenting, Tuning into Kids, and multiple psychotherapy modalities including ACT, CBT, and DBT.
Ralph is just as passionate about going to work as he is about going to the beach! As an accredited Level 1 Therapy Dog, Ralph is an important part of the Western Kids Health team, helping children and adolescents achieve their therapy goals.
Ralph works one day a week alongside his handler, Keely Kenton, providing animal-assisted therapy to a range of children and adolescents across our clinics.
In sessions, Ralph offers emotional support, helps kids read and understand body cues to develop social skills, assists with self-regulation, and builds confidence. Outside of work, Ralph is a social butterfly who loves accompanying Keely on adventures—whether it’s to the beach, river, or hikes in the hills!
If you see Ralph around our Shenton Park clinic, feel free to say hello and give him a friendly pat—he might be big, but he’s a gentle giant who loves attention!
Passionate – Dedicated – Professional
