Parent Support Group

Dr Vance Locke

Dr Vance locke

Doctor of philosophy(ph.d) psychology -University of Western Australia

Dr Vance is a Clinical Psychologist and researcher with many years of experience working with children and adults across a variety of settings. As a researcher Vance as supervised numerous PhD students and published in international journals, and presented at conferences all over the world (including Oxford, Lisbon and Brussels).

Vance has also worked in sports (attending two Commonwealth Games); trained clinical psychologists at University; and worked with private and public mental health services.

Vance really enjoys working with teams of professionals to help children, adolescents and their parents through the pain journey. Vance was one of the team that set up the treatment program for the Complex Pain Service at PMH, and has extensive experience working with conditions such as Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, Juvenile arthritis, Chronic Widespread Pain, Fibromyalgia, Hypermobility, Chronic Fatigue, as well as Functional Neurological Disorder. Vance set up the Psychological Medicine clinic at Murdoch university whilst teaching there.

Vance has also given talks at conferences including the Ehlers Danlos society conference and the Australian Physiotherapy Association to promote the importance of team-based treatments for children. Too often parents need to access treatment from a variety of practitioners who do a great job individually for many children, but aren’t in a position to collaborate to get the best outcomes for your child when their needs span physical and psychological domains. Working at Western Kids provides Vance with one of the only truly integrated treatment environments and allows him to draw on a huge amount of expertise from my colleagues and contribute to a talented team to help your child.

When Vance is not being a Clinical Psychologist, he likes to spend time with his three children and wife, and to as well as watch his favourite team (the Brisbane Broncos) play.

To view a list of published research by Dr Vance Locke, please click here

Judith Wolters

Lead psychologist, Head of gender diveristy, M Psych Clinical

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.

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).

Judith’s passion is improving the quality of life of her clients and uses a client-centred approach by tailoring the needs of the individual (as all clients are unique!). She uses evidence-based treatments such as: Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Supportive and Insight-oriented counselling and Mindfulness.

Judith’s hobbies and interests outside of work include: travelling, diving, skiing, being with friends and family, board games and being out and about in nature.

VERUSHA KANDER
masters of Clinical psychology – registrar

Verusha is a clinical psychology registrar with a Master of Clinical Psychology obtained from the University of Sydney. Verusha has gained experience working in a variety of clinical settings that include a university-based psychology clinic, an intensive day-therapy program for adolescents, an anxiety research and treatment unit, and an autism-specific early intervention centre. Verusha enjoys working with children and adolescents with a wide variety of concerns, such as anxiety-based presentations, mood disturbances, behavioural difficulties, and sleep concerns.

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.

When not at work, Verusha enjoys spending time at the beach, doing laps in the pool and throwing clay onto a pottery wheel.

Emily Bruining
M. Occupational Therapy

** Emily is currently on maternity leave until 2024**

Emily holds a Master of Occupational Therapy (Curtin University), a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Musical Arts (UWA). She is deeply passionate about the philosophies that underpin occupational therapy – just ask her if you have 20 minutes to spare!

Emily’s particular area of interest is supporting young people with chronic conditions, including Ehler’s Danlos Syndrome, Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis, Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders and chronic pain and fatigue. She has previously worked as an early intervention therapist with children with ASD and in older adult pain management. Emily was involved in the creation of the TARGiT group, run for teenagers in the community experiencing chronic pain.

Emily believes strongly in educating families, schools and the broader community to understand and support children who experience chronic conditions. She liaises closely with schools to ensure management strategies are implemented successfully. A large part of Emily’s role involves helping young people to develop the cognitive strategies necessary for managing chronic conditions day- to- day. She is also experienced in assessing motor skills and sensory profiles.

Emily has extensive experience supporting children and young people who experience issues with handwriting, particularly due to hypermobility or arthritis. She writes reports supporting SCSA applications for students entering their final year of high school.

Emily has trained with creators of the highly regarded South Australian Paediatric toileting program, Toilet Time. She is particularly interested in the importance of sensory awareness, routine, and emotional barriers in toileting for younger children.

In her spare time, Emily sings with vocal ensemble Lumina and volunteers as a school group tour guide at a local history village. She has one extremely lazy rescue greyhound, Frank, and one extremely hyperactive puppy, Betty.

Email Emily

Christelle Toinette
bsC (Speech Pathology) honours

Christelle holds a Bachelor of Speech Pathology with honours from Edith Cowan University and is a certified practising member with Speech Pathology Australia.

Christelle developed a passion for working with school aged children and adolescents through working as a French tutor.

Christelle’s particular areas of interest include early intervention, receptive/expressive language delays and literacy issues in school aged children/adolescents and speech sounds errors.

In her spare time Christelle enjoys spending time with her family, bike riding and cooking.

amelia bell
bsC (Speech Pathology)

Amelia graduated with a Bachelor of Science (Speech Pathology) from Curtin University in 2018 and has been working in paediatrics ever since. Amelia currently works full time at Western Kids Health as part of the speech pathology team.

Amelia has experience in a wide range of paediatric presentations which include developmental delay and disability. She has experience working in spelling and literacy interventions, social skills, mealtimes, early intervention (below 4), language skills (understanding and use), fluency (stuttering), speech sound delay and disorder and supporting with assessment and prescription of alternative communication devices.

Before graduating from Curtin University, Amelia worked as a disability support worker, supporting a young family with a child with a disability. After graduating, she worked as a sole trader in a private practice with specific training in social skills and literacy before moving to a paediatric NDIS provider specialising in children with a vision impairment.

Amelia’s particular area of interests and expertise are within Early Intervention, specifically children who are ‘late talkers.’ She enjoys working closely with the child and their family to ensure parents feel empowered to support their child’s communication. Amelia is passionate about making therapy meaningful to each child and their family.

After hours, Amelia enjoys visiting the beach, walking her dog and going out for coffee catch ups with friends.

Professional Development:

Sounds Write- First Rate Phonics

Lidcombe Program Training- stuttering intervention
Sequential Oral Sensory (SOS) Approach to Feeding
Talk 4 Writing Intervention

Caitlin Noye

Caitlin Noye
Masters of Clinical Pyschology – Registrar

Caitlin is a clinical psychology registrar with a Master of Clinical Psychology.

Caitlin takes a warm and bright approach to working with children, young people, and their families. Caitlin aims to support her clients towards improved wellbeing or through change by:

Taking the time to foster a strong therapeutic relationship
Developing a shared understanding of the ‘whys and hows’ of the problem
Providing evidence-based education, and
promoting skill development

Caitlin has a range of therapeutic interests, including anxiety, panic and perfectionism, mood disorders, phobias, sleep issues, and functional neurological disorder (FND). Cait is conscientious about keeping up with the latest clinical research.

During Caitlin’s tertiary studies, her research has focused on better understanding chronic pain to improve treatment options. Caitlin is enthusiastic to put this research into practice at Western Kids Health by supporting young people with chronic pain within a multidisciplinary team.

When not at work, you’ll find Caitlin listening to podcasts, playing ultimate frisbee, and trying out the latest craft craze (though not all at once!)

peter clissa
M Psych Clinical, senior Clinical Psychologist

Peter has extensive experience working in the public health system treating complex neurological presentations. Peter’s other interests include general mental health (anxiety, depression) as well as post-concussion syndrome, Peter is also a member of our Complex Care team working with pain and functional neurological disorder.

Rowan Pearce
BSc (Physiotherapy), BSc (Exercise & Sports Science)

Rowan is a senior physiotherapist with extensive knowledge and experience in 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).

Rowan has completed a double degree Bachelor of Physiotherapy / Exercise and Sport Science at the University of Notre Dame and has completed post-graduate study with a Graduate Certificate in Paediatric Physiotherapy at the University of Melbourne. Rowan has worked with children, teens and young adults since the beginning of Western Kids Health, with expertise in the assessment and management of musculoskeletal, orthopaedic, rheumatological and developmental 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 has mentored and run education sessions related to FND to physiotherapists in the community.

Whatever the age, Rowan understands that your family and its values are extremely important and ensures his treatment and support is accommodating, creative and engaging, leaving the individual wanting to do more.

In his spare time, Rowan loves to spend time with his border collie Blu, keeping active with surfing, rock-climbing and getting crafty with DIY home renovations.

Memberships & Committees

Australian Physiotherapy Association – Chair of the WA Paediatric Group

Professional Development

Graduate Certificate – Paediatric Physiotherapy (University of Melbourne)
Project ECHO International- Ehlers Danlos Syndrome Society
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
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

Email Rowan

Georgia Storey

Georgia storey
BSc (phsyiotherapy)

Georgia graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy and is set to commence her Master of Advanced Paediatric Physiotherapy Practice through Monash University in 2023.

Georgia, an avid sportswoman has been involved in competitive water-based sports since she was young, including national league waterpolo and international open water swimming. Before work as a physiotherapist, Georgia worked as a sports trainer for Scarborough Football Club for a number of years and a support worker for children with neuromuscular conditions.

Georgia has developed a bike riding intensive program in conjunction with an occupational therapist to facilitate the transition off training wheels.

Georgia is passionate about empowering children of all ages and optimising their quality of life. Georgia strives to make therapy engaging, fun and something the children look forward too. Georgia has a special interest in children with coordination difficulties, newborns, and infants.

When Georgia is not working, she loves to swim, play waterpolo, go to the gym, bake, and spend time at the beach with her two labradoodles, Coco, and Milo.

Recent Professional Development:

Juvenile ACL Injuries – Australian Physiotherapy Association

Starting Blocks: Paediatric Physiotherapy – Royal Children’s Hospital

Targeting Pain Science for Children Challenge by Pain

Talking to Children about Weight and Health

Peabody Developmental Motor Scales

Youth Strength Training

Enhancing Skills in Paediatric Physiotherapy Short Crouse – Monash University

An Introduction to Musculoskeletal Paediatrics and Growing Pain

Paediatric Foot & Ankle Conditions

Ehlers Danlos Syndrome & Joint Hypermobility

Shoulder Instability

DR Annie Chappell
Phd, M. Advanced Paediatric Physiotherapy, BSc (Physiotherapy)

Annie is an APA titled Paediatric Physiotherapist, graduating with honours from Curtin University in 1996 and being awarded a Masters of Paediatric Physiotherapy by the University of Queensland in 2008. Annie completed her PhD at Curtin University which focussed on analysing and training the skill of running in children and adolescents with cerebral palsy.

Annie has extensive experience working with babies, children and adolescents with physical disabilities, specializing in cerebral palsy. She also has keen interests in infant motor development, hypermobility, managing musculoskeletal pain in young musicians and management of the growing athlete. Annie’s research is focussed on analysing and training running in different paediatric populations. Annie is a hockey coach and player and has represented WA at the Australian Masters Championships. She is a trumpet player with the West Australian Wind Symphony and the mother of four young adults.

Annie has been invited to present at numerous professional development courses & conferences:

2023 Strategies to improve running in performance in children with cerebral palsy and acquired brain injury, Rehab for Kids Conference, QLD

2023 Paediatric gait and running analysis and retraining, Australian Physiotherapy Association, QLD and ACT

2023 Running and running training in children aged 2-9 years, Child Development Services WA

2022 Paediatric physiotherapy – normal variance, idiopathic toe walking, torticollis/plagiocephaly and developmental delay, WACHS, Karratha

2022 Rehabilitation of running, Perth Paediatric Network

2022 Paediatric gait and running analysis and retraining, Australian Physiotherapy Association, WA

2021 CPISRA Conference online workshops: Getting started in running: cultivating capacity, competition and classification

Strategies to improve running performance in people with cerebral palsy and acquired brain injury

2021 Assessment of the paediatric patient, Front Runner Physiotherapy, WA

2021 Development of advanced motor skills, AbilityWA

2020 Leg stiffness during running in children and adolescents with cerebral palsy, AusACPDM conference, Perth

2018 Propulsion strategy for running in children and adolescents with cerebral palsy, AusACPDM conference, Auckland

2017 Rehabilitation of running in children workshop, APA Conference, Sydney

2017 Rehabilitation of running in children, APA, Adelaide

Recent Professional Development:

Getting started in paralympic classification

Jeremy Lewis 5 day shoulder course

Developmental Orthopaedics – Beverly Cusick 2 day course

Advanced Infant Handling, ABNDTA, Perth: 5 day course

HABIT-ILE clinical lead training

The role of the physiotherapist in neuromuscular disorders

ECIA sensory preferences within everyday environments

Paediatric Orthopaedics

Apophysitis in Adolescents

Published Papers:

Tinker, M., Betten, A., Morris, S., Gibson, N., Allison, G., Ng, L., … & Chappell, A. (2022). A comparison of the kinematics and kinetics of barefoot and shod running in children with cerebral palsy. Gait & Posture, 98, 271-278.

Chappell, A., Allison, G. T., Gibson, N., Williams, G., & Morris, S. (2021). A comparison of leg stiffness in running between typically developing children and children with cerebral palsy. Clinical Biomechanics, 84, 105337.

Chappell, A., Allison, G. T., Gibson, N., Williams, G., & Morris, S. (2021). The effect of a low-load plyometric running intervention on leg stiffness in youth with cerebral palsy: A randomised controlled trial. Gait & Posture, 90, 441-448.

Chappell, A., Allison, G. T., Williams, G., Gibson, N., & Morris, S. (2020). The effect of a running training intervention on ankle power generation in children and adolescents with cerebral palsy: A randomized controlled trial. Clinical Biomechanics, 76, 105024.

Chappell, A., Gibson, N., Williams, G., Allison, G. T., & Morris, S. (2019). Propulsion strategy in running in children and adolescents with cerebral palsy. Gait & Posture.

Chappell, A., Gibson, N., Morris, S., Williams, G., & Allison, G. T. (2019). Running in people with cerebral palsy: A systematic review. Physiotherapy theory and practice, 35(1), 15-30.

Chappell, A., Liew, B., Murphy, A. T., Gibson, N., Allison, G. T., Williams, G., & Morris, S. L. (2019). The effect of joint translation constraint on within-participant variability of kinematics and kinetics during running in cerebral palsy. Clinical Biomechanics.

Gibson, N., Chappell, A., Blackmore, A. M., Morris, S., Williams, G., Bear, N., & Allison, G. (2018). The effect of a running intervention on running ability and participation in children with cerebral palsy: a randomized controlled trial. Disability and rehabilitation, 40(25), 3041-3049.

Tiffany Edwards
OT Clinical Lead, BSc (Occupational Therapy) Better Access to Mental Health Care Endorsed Provider

Tiffany holds a Bachelor of Science (Occupational Therapy) from Curtin University. She is also a Medicare Better Access to Mental Health (BAMH) provider. Tiffany is our OT Clinical Lead at Western Kids Health.

Tiffany has dedicated her career to working with children and adolescents. She has worked for several years in Perth in paediatric private practice and inpatient mental health. Tiffany’s particular area of interest and expertise is supporting children and young people with emotional regulation, distress, anxiety, low mood or diagnosed mental health conditions, assisting them in getting back into the things they love to do. Whether that be school, sport, socialising with friends or re-engaging in a hobby. Tiffany has experience working with children with a wide range of developmental disorders and disabilities. She is skilled to work with children and teens who have fine and gross motor delays, chronic conditions, pain, sensory processing difficulties, handwriting challenges, difficulties with self-care, sleep and eating, behavioural challenges, attention and concentration, social and play skills. She understands that not one approach fits all and is passionate about finding the most suitable intervention, strategies and supports for the child and their family.

Tiffany considers all environments and works closely with the young person’s family, school, day care or work to provide recommendations and support. Tiffany is able to complete assessment and reporting for SCSA applications. Tiffany loves to be active and innovative during her appointments. She makes use of the amazing gym and sensory equipment at Western Kids Health as part of her sessions, adapting her therapy plans to suit individual needs. She is a qualified children’s yoga instructor and can incorporate yoga and breathing techniques into your 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, school readiness groups, yoga groups and has been involved in running the TARGiT program aimed at providing management for teenagers with chronic conditions.

Tiffany has been asked to present professional development seminars to various schools in Perth and has presented community talks to parents, educators and specialists on a variety of topics.

Tiffany has completed the Triple P (Positive Parenting Program) Facilitator training and offers the Level 3 Triple P parenting sessions at Western Kids Health.

Outside of work Tiffany enjoys playing netball, spending time in the ocean and barracking for the West Coast Eagles!

Memberships:

Occupational Therapy Australia – OTA

WA Occupational Therapy Association – WAOTA

Developmental Occupational Therapy (WA) – DOT(WA)

Professional Development:

Triple P Facilitator training

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

Email Tiffany

Courtney Armstrong

Courtney Armstrong
BSc (occupational therapy)

Courtney holds a Bachelor of Science (Occupational Therapy) from Edith Cowan University. Courtney is passionate about educating young people, their families and the community about conditions and management strategies. She encourages the engagement of young people in developing strategies necessary to manage their conditions day-to-day in different environments.

Courtney has broad experience in working with children and young adults with a range of developmental and neurological conditions. Courtney also has extensive experience in school liaison, assisting adolescents with handwriting, fine motor, self-care, behavioural challenges, social and play difficulties along with writing reports supporting SCSA applications for students entering year 12.

Courtney is passionate about working with children/ adolescents and their support networks to address:

Engagement and social interactions
Fine and gross motor skills
Sensory processing
Handwriting
Self care
Emotional regulation
Executive functioning

Memberships & Affiliations:

Developmental Occupational Therapy Australia

Recent Professional Development:

Level 1 and 2 Soft Tissue Occupational Therapy Course

The Art of Paediatric Therapy

Talking Toileting

Hannah Fairburn
BSc (Occupational Therapist),Better Access to Mental Health Care Endorsed Provider

Hannah developed a passion for working with children and adolescents throughout her many years coaching gymnastics and dancing. Hannah found that supporting children to achieve their goals, such as learning new skills, improving their self-confidence and initiating social interactions to be truly rewarding.

Hannah is an Endorsed Medicare Better Access to Mental Health (BAMH) provider. Hannah is trained Lego therapist and in her spare time is a special needs dance teacher for the Starz Dance program run through Dance Etc.

Hannah has a particular interest and expertise in assisting children with handwriting difficulties, fine and gross motor delays, sensory processing challenges, attention and concentration difficulties, and self-regulation difficulties. Hannah has experience providing support to children and adolescents with chronic conditions, pain, fatigue and hypermobility. This includes; school liaison, graded return to school programs, school observation sessions and providing support around special considerations for school.

Hannah believes in the benefits of good communication between families and healthcare professionals and is enthusiastic about educating communities on the difficulties faced by children with chronic conditions and disabilities.

Hannah has created and runs several of our group therapies including;

Prewriting Program with Peggy Lego
Handwriting with Hannah 1.0
Handwriting with Hannah 2.0
Social skills – For primary school students
Kindy Readiness – This run during the December/January school holidays
Bike riding program

Outside of work, Hannah loves catching up with friends over a good coffee, going for bike rides and gardening.

Memberships & Affiliations:

Occupational Therapy Association Australia
Developmental Occupational Therapy Australia

Continuing Professional Development

LEGO® Based Therapy Facilitator Certification Training
Motivational Interviewing: Advancing Down The Path – Dr Joel Porter
Flushed! Childhood Continence Webinar Series
Making Sense of Pain, WA Osteoperosis and Arthritis Foundation
Hey Warrior workshop- Karen Young
PEBBLES: Bladder and bowel issues in Children
Hey Warrior workshop- Karen Young

Email Hannah

Brooke Penny
Accredited Practising Dietitian, Masters of Dietetics, BSc Nutrition

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’s ultimate aim is to alleviate the stress around food and make mealtimes and enjoyable experience. Brooke’s areas of interest include:

fussy eating / food aversions
introducing solids
growth faltering
GI issues, constipation, IBS, abdominal pain
weight management
nutritional deficiencies

Outside of work Brooke enjoys camping, spending time with family, cooking and eating.

Professional Development

Certificate in Paediatric Nutrition and Dietetics Unit 1 – Royal Children’s Hospital
Monash University Training – The Low FODMAP diet for Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Nuts and Bolts Workshop (Next Bite)
ARFID Masterclass: The Anxious Eater (Melanie Potock)

Email Brooke

Nicole Pates
M. Advanced Paediatric Physiotherapy, BSc (Physiotherapy)

Nicole is an APA Titled Paediatric Physiotherapist. She graduated from Curtin University with a distinction in Physiotherapy, completed a post-graduate certificate in Paediatric Physiotherapy at the University of Melbourne and her Masters in Advanced Paediatric Physiotherapy through Monash University.

Nicole is the incoming chair of Australian Physio Association National Paediatric Group and is also a member of the Australian Rheumatology Association, Early Childhood Intervention Australia and the Australian Pain Society. 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.

Nicole is an advocate for children living with rheumatological conditions such as Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis, Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder and Complex Pain Syndromes. She has worked tirelessly to raise awareness and implement services, such as the Arthritis Foundation hydrotherapy groups/camps and for community and school support for children and their families. Nicole sits on the Allied Health Working group from the Ehlers Danlos Society, contributes to research and supports CARI. Nicole and the whole team at Western Kids Health work with Dr Kevin Murray, Dr Senq Lee and Dr Pavla Walsh closely to improve quality of life and participation for children with these conditions.

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.

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.

Awards:

Allied Health Awards- Physiotherapist of the Year 2022

HESTA Allied Health Team Excellence Awards 2022 – Finalist “Baby Play Academy Team”

Health Consumers Council Excellence Awards – Health Professional Award High Commendation

40 under 40 Business Award Winner 2020

Memberships & Affiliations:

2023 Chair of the Australian Physiotherapy Association National Paediatric Group

Ehlers Danlos Society International Consortium Allied Health Working Group Member

Early Childhood Intervention Australia Member

Australian Pain Society Member

Australian Rheumatology Association Member

Osteogenesis Imperfecta Society Australia Member

Recent Professional Development:

TEDI Training Program: Telehealth for Early Detection and Intervention for Infants with Developmental Disabilities, University of Melbourne

Torticollis; Causes, Impact on Breastfeeding, Solutions , Hazelbaker Lactation Institute

Anatomy of Infant Suck, Hazelbaker Lactation Institute

ORUK Online Speciality Series for Paediatric MSK Physiotherapists

Eating Disorders – Physiotherapy Management, Perth Childrens Hospital

Paediatric Athletes: Illness, Injury and Training Load, Sports Medicine Australia

Neuro Sensory Motor Developmental Assessment Training

Physical Rehabilitation & Osteogenesis Imperfecta Part 1 & Part 2

Unravelling the myth: somatic symptom disorder, MHPN

Complete Concussion Management Training

Accredited KNEE Netball Australia Provider

Project ECHO International- Ehlers Danlos Syndrome Society

Lauren Pike
Feeding service lead, Bsc Occupational Therapy

Lauren graduated with a Bachelor of Science (Occupational Therapy) with honours from Curtin University. With a keen interest in paediatrics, Lauren started working in disability and child development soon after graduating and quickly found a passion for supporting families in making mealtimes a happier experience.

For the last five years, Lauren has focused solely on feeding therapy and has extensive experience in working closely with families in this area. Prior to working at Western Kids Health Lauren worked closely with Dr Kyla Smith in Mealtimes Building Blocks. In 2022, the clinical care aspect of Mealtimes Building Blocks merged into Western Kids Health and Lauren leads the Feeding Service.

Lauren understands the importance of supporting parents in feeling confident in managing the day to day feeding of their restricted eaters while also supporting their child develop skills to enjoy a wider variety of food. Lauren has experience in working with children of a wide range of ages, from babies transitioning to solids right up until late teens with goals of eating out with their friends.

Recent Professional Development:

The Feeding Relationship and Eating Competence by Ellyn Satter
Sequential Oral Sensory (SOS) Approach to Feeding
Responsive Feeding Therapy Conference
Making Sense of Mealtimes

Victoria Parker

Victoria Parker
BSc (Physiotherapy)

Victoria graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 2020 and worked at a community disability provider in the Lower Southwest when she first graduated. Gaining experience across the lifespan during this role, Victoria realised her passion lay within paediatrics and she has pursued a path in this area since then. Victoria joined Western Kids Health in early 2022 and thoroughly enjoys working with children of all ages to support them to reach their goals.

Growing up Victoria lived overseas with her family until she returned to Perth to finish off her senior schooling. During this time Victoria participated in several competitive sports but her favourite was artistic gymnastics. Victoria grew up attending Physio’s to help manage injuries and ensure she remained strong and healthy while competing. This has provided her with invaluable first-hand experience on what it is like to have to balance school, rehabilitation, social life, and sporting endeavours.

Victoria enjoys working with children of all ages but has a particular interest in primary school aged children and helping them develop their strength, balance, mobility, and gross motor skills.

During her free time Victoria enjoys spending time with friends and family as well as getting outdoors to go for a walk along the beach with her dog.

Recent Professional Development:

AusCPDM 2 day online symposium
Monash University Short Course: Introduction to Paediatric Physiotherapy
Tips and tricks of Evidence Based Practice
Key Word Sign training
Postural Care Course with Department of Communities
Wheelchair scripting and measurement with Department of Communities
Early Childhood Intervention Self-Directed Learning Package 2-day training
Early Intervention in Cerebral Visual Impairment
APA Developmental Coordination Disorder Lecture

Bella Farone

BeLLA FARONE
Bachelor of speech pathology

Bella holds a Bachelor of Speech Pathology from Edith Cowan University and is a Certified Practising Member with Speech Pathology Australia. Bella developed a passion for working with children and young adolescents through working as a local swimming teacher and disability support worker for many years.

Bella has a particular interest in early language development, receptive and expressive language delays in school aged children, speech sound errors and working with children and adolescents to develop social skills. Bella believes that therapy must be fun and enjoys incorporating elements of therapy into easy play-based activities that can be replicated at home.

Outside of work you’ll find Bella loudly supporting the Dockers or playing with her dog!

Beverly Jepson

Beverly Jepson
M.Physiotherapy, BSc (Physiotherapy)

Bev graduated with honours from Sheffield Hallam University (UK) in 1993 and was awarded a Master of Science (Physiotherapy) by Curtin University in 2005. She has worked in paediatric physiotherapy for more than 20 years and has experience in working with babies and children with a wide range of needs; including early intervention, developmental disability and physical disability, particularly cerebral palsy. She has worked in paediatric physiotherapy in the community, acute care, not for profit, tertiary education and private sectors. Bev is also an academic at Curtin University, teaching the paediatric
physiotherapy course. She established and runs the Curtin Paediatric Physiotherapy Clinic as part of the School of Physiotherapy Clinical Education program. Bev is particularly interested in Early Intervention for babies and young children and enjoys working closely with families to support and build confidence in play, and opportunities for movement and learning.

Memberships & Affiliations:

Australian Physiotherapy Association WA Paediatric Group

Recent Professional Development:

Paediatric Physiotherapy Level II – APA

Hammersmith Infant Neurological Evaluation (HINE)

APA Alberta Infant Motor Scale

APA assessment and management of toe walking

Prechtl’s Method of the Qualitative Assessment of General Movements

Postural Care Course, Simple Stuff Works & Open College Network West Midlands UK

AusACPDM conference, Perth

Running Across the Lifespan – Annie Chappell (PhD)

Elena Stoichev
Registered Practicing Speech Pathologist

**Currently on Maternity Leave**

Elena holds a degree in Speech Pathology from Curtin University and is a Certified Practising Member with Speech Pathology Australia.

Elena has significant experience working with children who have speech, language and social difficulties. She has also worked closely with children who have a range of developmental disabilities. Elena has a special interest in early language development, speech articulation and mealtime difficulties. She has also completed specialised training including Prompts for Restructuring Oral Muscular Phonetic Targets (PROMPT) therapy for speech articulation and the Sequential Oral Sensory (SOS) approach to feeding.

Elena understands the importance of working alongside families to provide a personalised and evidence based approach to therapy. She continuously monitors progress, therapy techniques and latest evidence to ensure that the highest quality of service is provided. Elena is passionate about supporting all children thrive and reach their potential.

In her spare time Elena enjoys spending time with her family, hiking and has a love of baking.

Professional Development:

Hanen: It Takes Two to Talk
PROMPT (Prompts for Restructuring Oral Muscular Phonetic Targets)
Sequential Oral Sensory (SOS) Approach to Feeding
The Feeding Relationship and Eating Competence by Ellyn Satter
Assessing and Teaching Social Skills by Alex Kelly
Talk Tools Feeding Therapy Sensory Motor Approach

Email Elena

Erin Butler
BSc (Physiotherapy)

Erin graduated with a Bachelor of Science (Physiotherapy) from Curtin University in 2005 and has been working in paediatrics ever since. Erin currently also works as a sessional academic at Curtin University supervising undergraduate student paediatric placements and assisting with teaching the paediatric unit. She is one of a small team involved in running the Curtin Paediatric Physiotherapy Clinic in Cockburn, part of the School of Physiotherapy Clinical Education program.

Erin has experience in a wide range of paediatric presentations including developmental, disability and musculoskeletal presentations. She has worked in paediatrics in the community, public health, not for profit, tertiary education and private sectors.

Erin‘s particular area of interest and expertise is Early Intervention, specifically gross motor delay (babies not achieving milestones) and plagiocephaly/torticollis (babies with misshapen heads and head turning preference). She enjoys working closely with families to build their confidence in promoting opportunities for movement, learning and play. As a mother of three young children, Erin has a good understanding of typical parenting concerns and demands! She is passionate about family-centred education and fitting therapy goals into everyday activities.

After hours, Erin is usually ferrying small children around to various sports and instrument practice. She enjoys family hikes and travelling in the caravan.

Professional Development

Paediatric Level 1 – APA
Australian Bobath Neuro-Developmental Therapy
- Introduction to Bobath
- Typical Child Development
- Infant Handling
Paediatric Orthopaedic Physiotherapy – Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne
Paediatric Orthopaedic Workshop – APA
Neuro Sensory Motor Developmental Assessment Training

Email Erin

Shannae Colan

Shannae colan
BSc (occupational therapy)

Early Intervention Team (0-5 years)

Shannae has a Bachelor of Science (Occupational Therapy) from Curtin University. In the past, she has worked privately as a paediatric occupational therapist and in the community with people of all ages.

Shannae has extensive experience working with children, their families and support networks to assess and manage their development and engagement in every day activities. Shannae has a passion for working with young children and is skilled at using play to assess and manage interventions to assist with supporting their development. Shannae is passionate about creating strategies that fit into families every day life whilst challenging and encouraging independence. Shannae has experience working with children with a wide range of developmental disorders and disabilities, in a variety of different settings.

Shannae is passionate about working with children and their support networks to address:

Play development
Engagement and social interactions
Developmental delay
Toileting
Fine and gross motor skills
Sensory processing
Handwriting
Self care
Sleep
Mealtimes
Attention and concentration

In her spare time Shannae enjoys spending time outdoors with her family, friends and two dogs.

Recent Professional Development:

DOT (Developmental Occupational Therapy) WA member

Key Word Sign training

Tools for Schools workshop

Innovative play interventions for children

Activity Based Rehabilitation for Children

Picky Eaters Workshop

Functional Hand Use in Hemiplegia Dr Brian Hoare – Melbourne

Mealtimes and Autism Spectrum Disorder training

Principles of bimanual training

Advanced Learn to Play Therapy Training

Alyse Kendall
BSc Physiotherapy

Alyse graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 2014 with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy. She has recently returned from working overseas in the UK for two years, working in community paediatrics, with children at a special needs school and in various roles across the NHS as a Senior Band 6/7 Physiotherapist. Prior to working overseas, Alyse worked at Royal Perth Hospital gaining rotational experience in Respiratory Therapy, including working in intensive care as well as neuro-surgery, spinal injuries and orthopaedic management.

Alyse has been involved in competitive gymnastics since she was young, including as a National level 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. Through her involvement in competitive gymnastics, Alyse understands the passion of young people wanting to return to sport as quickly as possible but also the need to carefully manage their injuries to ensure they return to their peak performance. Alyse is highly skilled at helping kids and teens develop there strength, mobility, balance, gross motor skills and confidence through games, play and function based rehab.

Alyse has a special interest in Respiratory management with a broad range of experience from intensive care to working within the community setting and able to adapt management accordingly. Her passion for preventative health has shaped her enthusiasm for Paediatric Physiotherapy and inspires her to help better manage an individuals health across their life-span.

Recent Professional Development

APA Paediatric Physiotherapy Level 1
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

Email Alyse

Alison Climie-Holmes
Accredited Practising Dietitian

Alison is an accredited practising dietitian with many years of extensive training and experience. Graduating from Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, Scotland in 1992. Alison has worked in hospitals and community settings in both the UK and Australia.

Since 1996 the majority of her work has involved the nutritional care of children and adolescents, working at Yorkhill Children’s Hospital in Glasgow and at Princess Margaret Hospital in Perth, WA. She currently also works with the neonatal and paediatric units at Fiona Stanley Hospital and Perth Children’s Hospital. She has completed the postgraduate certificate in clinical paediatrics run by the British Dietetic Association.

Paediatric nutrition is her passion and some particular areas of interest are:

Using evidence-based and practical nutritional advice to work with overweight children, adolescents and their families, an increasing and complicated area.
Nutrition for disorders of blood sugar control such as diabetes type 1, 2, gestational diabetes and polycystic ovarian disease.
Guiding and advising families of fussy/picky eaters.
Issues such as Irritable Bowel, constipation, iron deficiency anaemia, coeliac disease and failure to thrive.
Management of nutrition in chronic conditions such as persistent pain, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis, Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder and Ehlers Danlos Syndrome.

A wife and mother of two she is a keen advocate for nutrition and its role in living a healthy life.

Email Alison

Michelle Quinn
M. Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy, BSc (Physiotherapy)

Michelle is an APA titled Musculoskeletal physiotherapist, with significant experience working with children of all ages. Michelle completed her Masters in Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy at Curtin University in 2015, and has extensive experience in assessing, treating and managing clients with acute and chronic conditions, including sporting injuries, orthopaedic presentations, persistent pain and fatigue, and rheumatological presentations.

Michelle understands how injuries and pain can impact children in all aspects of their life – including school, sport, at home, and when socialising. Michelle is dedicated to assisting her clients to achieve their full functional capacity, and is committed to delivering family-centered, evidence-based treatment and management for her clients.

Michelle has a strong focus on client education and active management, and combines her knowledge of clinical pilates and functional strength to create fun, play-based and effective exercise rehabilitation and injury prevention programs. Michelle aims to empower her clients to be able to independently managed their condition in the long term.

Michelle has travelled interstate as physiotherapist for the Women’s WA state AFL team in 2011, and also works as a sessional academic for Curtin and Notre Dame, supervising undergraduate and postgraduate students on clinical placements.

Outside of work you can find Michelle spending time with family and friends, going to yoga, trying a new hobby, taking her rescue dog to the beach, or planning the next adventure away.

Memberships & Committees

Australian Physiotherapy Association WA Musculoskeletal Group

Professional Development

Paediatric Orthopaedics Workshop
Paediatric Athletes: Illness, Injury and Training Load, Sports Medicine Australia
Accredited Complete Concussion Management Practitioner
The Sporting Hip and Groin (Level 1)
Accredited KNEE Netball Australia Provider
Eating Disorders – Physiotherapy Management, Perth Children’s Hospital
Differential Diagnosis of Dizziness: VBI, Cervical Vertigo, Vestibular Dysfunction (Kieran Richardson, Associate Fellow FACP)
Polestar Pilates Rehabilitation Series

Email Michelle

Privacy Policy

Your use of this Website is subject to both our Privacy Policy and Website Terms of Use.

1. Please note this Privacy Policy is subject to change from time to time, as deemed appropriate by Western Kids Health (us or we).

2. We understand the importance of privacy to our Website visitors. This Privacy Policy describes how we handle personal information that you provide to us on our Website.

3. We respect your right to privacy and are committed to observing the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth).

4. The Booking and Referral forms available on the Website invites you to upload information that may include personal information such as your and/or your child’s name, relevant health information and other details. All such personal information will be handled appropriately and in accordance with the APPs. We will hold personal information that you voluntarily upload to our Website and use that information to generate and hold new information including assessment scores, reports and records. By uploading personal information to this Website you consent to us holding, processing and generating such personal information in accordance with this policy and the Website Terms of Use.

5. You may contact us at any time to request details about the information we hold, or request it be changed or deleted.

6. We will not sell or otherwise provide your personal information to a third party (other than is reasonably necessary to process and deliver our services and maintain this Website and its supporting systems), or make use of your personal information for any purpose which is not incidental to your use of this Website.

7. However, we may use your personal information to contact you electronically from time to time for our own marketing and customer survey purposes. You will have no obligation to respond to such communications.

8. We will not provide your personal information to any other person or organisation without your consent. If you request us not to contact you or use your personal information in a particular manner or at all, we will adopt all reasonable measures to observe your request.

9. We may use “cookies” to store and sometimes track information about our customers and users.

10. We may access your personal information uploaded to the Website for the purposes of aggregating statistics and conducting analysis and research after your personal information has been first de-identified.

11. Personal identifying information is used only for our legitimate interests, including complying with applicable laws and regulations.

12. You should not provide us with any personal information that is not specifically required in the Booking or Referral forms.

13. This Website contains links to other websites. Links to other websites may not remain current or be maintained. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of any linked website or any website linking to us.

Website Terms of Use

Welcome to the Western Kids Health website! This website, including these Website Terms of Use and our Privacy Policy is owned and operated by Western Kids Health (we, us, our) on the World Wide Web (WWW).

The Website is available for you to access, use and purchase services conditional upon your acceptance of our terms and conditions, notices and disclaimers, including terms of use or purchase (if any), set out below. By continuing to access or use the Website you are agreeing to the terms and conditions set out below. If you do not accept these Terms of Use, you must immediately cease to use the Website or any part of it.

1. Use of Material on the Website

1.1 Intellectual Property and General Terms

(a) Western Kids Health reserves all intellectual property rights including, but not limited to, copyright in material and/or services provided on the Website is for personal use and permitted non-commercial shared use only and must not be:

(i) re-sold and/or re-distributed in any material form;

(ii) stored in any storage media; and/or

(iii) re-transmitted in any media,

except as expressly permitted by this Website, without the prior written consent of Western Kids Health.

(b) Notwithstanding the above restrictions on the use of and access to this Website, you may access, use, download material or purchase services from the Website for your personal and permitted non-commercial shared use, provided you do not remove any copyright and trademark notices contained therein.

(c) For the purposes of paragraph (b) of this clause, permitted shared use means the non-commercial distribution, publication, posting or sharing by you of this Website on social media, chat rooms, SMS texting and email transmission to private non-commercial third parties.

(d) You may not in any form or by any means modify, copy, adapt, reproduce (other than for the purpose of viewing the Website in your browser), store, distribute or commercialise:

(i) the layout of the Website; or

(ii) any software or code contained in the Website.

1.2 Links to other Websites

(a) The Website may contain links to sites owned and operated by third parties and which are not under the control of Western Kids Health.

(b) In relation to other sites, which are linked to the Website, Western Kids Health:

(i) provides the links to other sites as a convenience to you and the existence of a link to other sites does not imply any endorsement by Western Kids Health of the linked site; and

(ii) does not control and is not responsible for the content or material contained on those linked sites or any sites linking to our Website.

1.3 Warranties and Guarantees

(a) To the full extent permitted by law Western Kids Health disclaims any and all guarantees, conditions and warranties, express or implied, regarding:

(i) the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, usefulness or otherwise of any information contained or referred to on the Website and/or of any linked sites;

(ii) the merchantability or fitness for any particular purpose for any service or product contained or referred to on the Website and/or on any linked sites; and

(iii) the misinterpretation, incorrect or inappropriate clinical decisions that are taken from the Material and/or any linked sites.

(b) Western Kids Health will not be liable under any circumstances for any loss of profits or any damages of any kind recognised by law including, without limitation, direct or indirect, special, punitive, incidental, or consequential damages, losses or expenses (even if it has been advised of the possibility of such loss of profits or damages) which are the consequence of you:

(i) accessing or using, or your inability to access or use, this Website or any linked website;

(ii) acting, or failing to act, on any information contained on or referred to on the Website and/or any of the linked websites; and

(iii) using or acquiring, or your inability to use or acquire, any service or product contained or referred to on the Website and/or any linked sites.

(c) Western Kids Health does not warrant, guarantee or make any representation that:

(i) the Website or the server that makes the site available on the WWW are free of software viruses;

(ii) the functions contained on the Website will operate uninterrupted or are error-free; and

(iii) errors and defects in the Website will be corrected.

(d) Western Kids Health is not liable to you for any:

(i) error or omission in the Website and/or any linked sites;

(ii) delay to, interruption of or cessation of the services provided in the Website and/or linked sites; and

(iii) defamatory, offensive or illegal conduct of any user of the Website,

whether caused through negligence of Western Kids Health, its employees or independent contractors, or through any other cause.

(e) You agree to accept the full cost of any necessary repair, correction and maintenance of any of your computer software or hardware, which may be necessary as a consequence of you accessing the Website or using other applications or software or the Material.

1.4 Limitation of liability

Clause 1.3 (Disclaimer 1) and/or clause 1.4 (Disclaimer 2) may not apply to you in jurisdictions in which limitations on or exclusions of warranties or liabilities are not permitted by law. To the full extent permitted by law, the liability of Western Kids Health for any implied warranty or condition is limited, at the choice of Western Kids Health, to one or more of the following:

(a) If the breach of an implied warranty, condition or consumer guarantee under any applicable legislation or law relates to services:

(i) the supply of the services again; or

(ii) the payment of the cost of having the services supplied again; and

(b) if the breach of an implied warranty, condition or consumer guarantee under any applicable legislation or law relates to goods:

(i) the replacement of the goods or the supply of equivalent goods;

(ii) the repair of such goods; or

(iii) the payment of the cost of replacing the goods or acquiring equivalent goods, or having the goods repaired.

1.5 Use of information gathered about you

In relation to all personal information uploaded to the Website, Western Kids Health undertakes to comply with the terms of our privacy policy. The privacy policy can be accessed on this Website by clicking on the footer link “Privacy Policy”.

1.6 Termination of access

Western Kids Health may terminate access to the Website to you without giving any explanation or justification for the termination of access, and Western Kids Health has no liability for any costs, losses or damages of any kind arising as a consequence of terminating access to the Website.

1.8 Alteration of Terms of Access

Western Kids Health reserves the right to change these Terms of Use:

(a) with or without further notice to you; and

(b) without giving you any explanation or justification for such a change.

2. Relevant jurisdiction

2.1 If any part of these Terms of Use is found to be void, unlawful, or unenforceable then that part will be deemed to be severable from the balance of these Terms of Use and the severed part will not affect the validity and enforceability of any remaining provisions.

2.2 These Terms of Use will be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the law of the State of Western Australia without giving effect to any principles of conflicts of laws.

2.3 You agree to the jurisdiction of the courts of the State of Western Australia to determine any dispute arising out of these Terms of Use.

Supporting Parents of Kids with Chronic Conditions

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