Passionate – Dedicated – Professional
Passionate – Dedicated – Professional
supporting little ones under 4 years
The purpose of our Early Intervention Clinic is to support little ones under 4 years of age to have the best start possible. We can help with their their physical, language, emotional and cognitive development.
Conditions or concerns we can help with
- Plagiocephaly / Torticollis
Late to reach milestones (tummy time, roll, sit, crawl, walk)
- Mild talipes equinovarus / Metatarsus adductus
- Developmental Hip Dysplasia
Walking concerns; knock knees, bow legs, flat feet
- Trips and falls
- Not jumping
- Concerns with play skills or motivation to play
- Personal / Social interactions
Late to reach fine motor milestones
- Difficulty with gripping or manipulating toys
Baby play and handling / Parent confidence
Feeding – please see our Feeding Clinic
- Communication development (babbling, first words, first sentences, understanding others, speech clarity, speech sounds, stuttering, language delay)
We understand that being a parent to babies and young children can feel like a rollercoaster at times. It’s certainly hard to know what’s normal.
We want you to feel confident about how to support your little ones development.
We want you to connect and play, enjoy those early years!
That’s why our online Baby & Toddler Play Academy memberships include the following.
- Baby & Child Physiotherapy, Speech Pathology, Occupational Therapy and Psychology experts on hand.
- Age & Stage specific content with How To videos, Purposeful Play galleries, Masterclasses and new content added monthly.
- Answers to all your questions about child development. No need to be Googling and worrying at 3am!
- A village of support in our private membership group.
It’s all you need, whenever you need it, all in one place
Mothers Group Talks
- Starting Solids
- Move & Play: Purposeful play ideas to facilitate motor development
- All the Feels; what is normal in behaviour & emotions
Daycare & Early Childhood Talks
Our therapists can provide workshops for Early Childhood educators, including:
- Friends with Food: Strategies for developing a healthy relationship with food in daycare centres
- Childhood Development: What is normal and communicating your concerns to parents
Child Health Nurse Talks
Our therapists can provide workshops for Child Health Nurses, including:
- Torticollis
- Tongue ties
- Hip Dysplasia
- Introducing solids
… and more!
Expert Care for Developmental Progress
Early Steps to
Brighter Futures
Passionate – Dedicated – Professional
Early Intervention Team
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
Erin is deeply committed to family-centered practice, believing that every child’s journey is best supported within the context of their family. With a focus on integrating developmental goals into everyday routines, Erin emphasizes a strengths-based approach, recognizing and building upon the unique strengths and abilities of each family. Erin takes great pleasure in celebrating the achievements and interests of the children and families she works with, fostering a sense of pride and accomplishment. Her practice is characterized by empathy and understanding, ensuring that families feel supported and valued throughout their journey. Recognizing the importance of collaboration, Erin prioritizes teamwork and actively partners with families to create individualized plans that meet the needs of each child. By working closely with families, Erin ensures that interventions are tailored to the specific circumstances and goals of each family, ultimately leading to meaningful progress and growth for every child.
Bachelor of Science (Physio)
- Paediatric Level 1 – APA
- Australian Bobath Neuro-Developmental Therapy; Introduction to Bobath, Typical Child Development, Infant Handling, Transition to Home (NICU)
- Paediatric Orthopaedic Physiotherapy – Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne
- Paediatric Orthopaedic Workshop – APA
- Neuro Sensory Motor Developmental Assessment Training
Erin has almost two decades worth of experience managing 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. She is also a mum of three children herself and has an intimate understanding of typical parenting concerns and demands!
Erin takes special interest in the area of Early Intervention (under 3 years) including plagiocephaly and torticollis, preterm infant care and infant developmental delay
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
Georgia graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy and is currently completing her Master of Advanced Paediatric Physiotherapy Practice through Monash University
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.
Georgia leads our Learn to Ride individual and group programs.
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.
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.
BSc (Physiotherapy)
Currently completing her Masters in Paediatric Physiotherapy
- Juvenile ACL Injuries – Australian Physiotherapy Association
- Starting Blocks: Paediatric Physiotherapy – Royal Children’s Hospital
- Targeting Pain Science for Children Challenged by Pain
- Talking to Children about Weight and Health
- 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
- Paediatric Developmental Hip Dysplasia Behaviour
- Support for Children with Disability: Working Alongside Parents
Georgia is experienced in working with babies, children and adolescents. Georgia has developed a bike riding intensive program in conjunction with an occupational therapist to facilitate the transition off training wheels.
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Head and foot shape changes
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Gross motor development
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Coordination difficulties
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Toe walking
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Sport injuries and return to sport rehabilitation
Victoria graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 2020 and worked at a community disability provider in the Lower South West before moving back to Perth and joining Western Kids Health in early 2022. It was in her first job that Victoria realised her passion lay within paediatrics and she has pursued a path in this area since then.
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 from infants to teenagers ensuring therapy is goal directed, meaningful, and fun.
During her free time Victoria is currently enjoying running with her friends all around Perth. She has jumped on the running trend that is taking over the world.
Bachelors of Physiotherapy, Graduated 2020.
- Paediatric gait and running analysis and retraining.
- Australian Bobath Neuro Developmental Therapy: Typical Child Development Course
- LGBTQIA + Affirming Physiotherapy
- Paediatric Developmental Hip Dysplasia
- 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
Victoria has experience across all ages from early childhood through to the teenage years.
Victoria is currently developing a group for children with different skeletal dysplasia diagnosis, with the hope to have it up and running mid 2024.
Victoria currently runs both primary school and kindergarten gross motor skill groups in Hillary’s and Victoria House.
Victoria has a strong passion for working with children with skeletal dysplasia’s including but not limited to achondroplasia and osteogenesis imperfecta.
Victoria enjoys working across the ages from early intervention through to high school.
Tim graduated from Curtin University in 2022 with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy with Distinction and member of the Vice Chancellors List. Tim is heavily involved in a number of different sports including Field Hockey and Surf Life Saving, where he stills competes in the open divisions and volunteers as part of life saving operations. Tim has had longstanding passion for working in paediatrics, Tim strives to make therapy fun and enjoyable for children of all ages, but most importantly making it meaningful to children and their families to best achieve their goals. When he is not working you will probably find Tim swimming at the beach or spending time with friends and family.
Bachelor of Physiotherapy with Distinction, Member of the Vice Chancellors List.
- Running through out the Lifespan – Annie Chappel PhD,
- Introduction to Paediatric Musculoskeletal Assessment and Intervention – Western Kids Health,
- Paediatric Infant Physiotherapy Workshop – Western Kids Health.
Tim has had a wide range of exposure to different paediatric conditions as part of working at Western Kids Health. This includes helping infants with developing milestones all the way up to older teens. As a student physiotherapist Tim worked at Perth Children’s Hospital working in rehabilitation for children with neurological disorders. Before work as a physiotherapist Tim worked in a number of different roles including Swimming Teacher, Surf Life Saving Community Instructor and Sports Trainer for various sporting clubs. Tim strives to use this range of experience to complement his physiotherapy education.
Tim enjoys working with children of all ages. He has a particular interest in Hydrotherapy, working with infants and children in an aquatic setting to achieve their goals in a fun and different environment. Tim also has an area of interest in working with primary school aged children and helping them with skill development of key gross motor skills such as running, jumping and skipping.
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Normal Movement Workshop by Australian Bobath Neuro-Developmental Therapy Association Inc.
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Classification of Cerebral Palsy by Australian Bobath Neuro-Developmental Therapy Association Inc.
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Sleep Quality for Health Professionals
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Upper Limb Movement of Children with Cerebral Palsy – Perth Children’s Hospital
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Screening Hand Assessment for Infants (s-HAI)
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Winnie Dunn Conference for Sensory Processing by Winnie Dunn
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‘Traffic Jam in My Brain’ Sensory Processing Workshop by Genevieve Jerub
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Learn to Play Therapy – Part 1
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DIRFloortime 101
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Emotional regulation
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Behaviour
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Sensory processing,
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Upper limb and fine motor skills
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Independence
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Play skills
Katie is passionate about using a family-centred practice approach and involving parents and other key stakeholders in therapy to ensure the best outcomes for clients. She also enjoys working within a multi-disciplinary team and watching all the pieces of the puzzle come together to support clients achieve their goals.
Katie graduated with a Bachelor of Science (Occupational Therapy) from Edith Cowan University in 2014.
Since graduating, Katie has worked across both the private paediatric and non-government sector, with her recent experience supporting clients under the age of 8 with a range of diagnoses, including Autism and ADHD. She has experience with developing fine motor skills, emotional regulation, sensory regulation, play skills and social skills and has a passion for supporting clients to live their lives to the fullest.
Katie’s clinical interests primarily revolve around early intervention, particularly in addressing challenging behaviours and developing emotional regulation.
Tyler is a paediatric speech pathologist with extensive experience, who is passionate about supporting children and families with the best evidence-based treatment options. She is determined to provide clear diagnostic information and collaboratively work together with parents to develop an individualised therapy plan to maximise a child’s progress, while also incorporating a good dose of fun. Her passions are stuttering, complex speech sound disorders, and language and literacy disorders, including Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) and dyslexia. She is also generous in sharing her experience with other speech pathologists. Outside of work she is most happy when she manages to get her globetrotting children together for family catch ups. She also enjoys seaside walks, art, and travel.
Bachelor of Applied Science (Speech Pathology) Master of Arts (Communication Disorders)
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Sounds Write
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Read3
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Talk for Writing
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Complex Speech Sound Disorders
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Cued Articulation
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ADOS Assessment
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SACS-R, Social Stories
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Makaton Signing
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Family Centred Practice
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Trauma Informed Practice
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Marte Mao Approach
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Lidcombe Program
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Oakville Program
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Camperdown Program
I have over 30 years in paediatric speech pathology, working in health, education, university, telehealth, and private practice settings across Australia. This experience has included program development, mentoring, training, and student education. I have led teams of speech pathologists in education, health, and NGO settings. I have been involved in projects to develop multidisciplinary assessment services, group therapy programs (early language, parent training, and stuttering), and to develop the skills of speech pathology students, education staff, and less experienced speech pathologists.
I have particular expertise in the areas of stuttering, language and literacy disorders, speech sound disorders, supervision of staff, and also multidiscipline team assessment of neurodiverse children. My focus is to ensure that every child and family has access the best individualised evidence-based services to support their communication and literacy skills. My approach is strengths-based. I aim to provide families with the relevant information so that they can make well-informed decisions about what is best for their child.
Amelia’s approach to intervention is about empowering and upskilling families to support their children’s communication.
Amelia works with your child and your priorities and works hard to ensure therapy is tailored to your child.
Amelia’s therapy is always based around FUN and engaging activities so children feel excited and happy when coming to see her.
Graduated from Curtin University in 2018 with a Bachelor of Science (Speech Pathology).
Professional Development in
- Sounds Write – First Rate Phonics
- Lidcombe Program- stuttering intervention
- Sequential Oral Sensory (SOS) Approach to Feeding
- Talk 4 Writing Intervention
- Hanen – It Takes Two to Talk
Amelia possesses a comprehensive background in paediatric speech pathology, encompassing various presentations such as developmental delay and disability. Her expertise extends to specialized areas including spelling and literacy intervention, mealtimes, early intervention for children below 4 years of age, language skills encompassing both understanding and expression, stuttering, speech sound delay and disorder. Additionally, Amelia has garnered experience in supporting the assessment and prescription of alternative communication devices.
Prior to graduating from Curtin University, Amelia served as a disability support worker, offering invaluable assistance to a young family with a child experiencing disability. Following her graduation, she transitioned to a role as a sole trader within a private practice setting, honing her skills and expertise. Subsequently, Amelia transitioned to a paediatric NDIS provider, specialising in catering to children with vision impairments, further enriching her breadth of experience in paediatric speech pathology.
Amelia’s special areas of interest are within early intervention, specifically children who are ‘late talkers.’ She enjoys working closely with children and their family to ensure parents feel empowered to support their child’s communication. Amelia is passionate about making therapy meaning to each child and their family.
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Sounds Write Program (literacy program) by the DSF.
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Early intervention
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receptive/expressive language delays
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literacy issues
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speech sound disorders
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)
Emily graduated from Curtin University in 2017. Since then she has furthered her knowledge by completing the professional development below;
• Melanie Potock Workshop “Your Feeding Tool Kit”
• Melanie Potock Workshop “AFRID – The Anxious Eater”
• Dietitians Australia “Managing and Measuring Growth”
• Maddie Todd, Hatch Dietetics “Developing your disability specific assessment skills”
• Queensland Health Course “Paediatric Nutrition modules”
She is also currently completing a course by Dr Fiona Willer on the Non- Diet Approach
Emily enjoys working in a variety of different areas including;
• Paediatric feeding disorder / fussy eating / food aversions
• Growth faltering / weight management
• Constipation
Passionate – Dedicated – Professional
Passionate – Dedicated – Professional
what parents are saying
Discover the difference we make in children’s lives through the
words of our parents: real stories of progress, care, and breakthroughs.
Absolutely the best place I have ever taken my daughter who has a chronic condition. She felt listened to and the care matched her needs.
Cheryl Kershaw
After our child was diagnosed with a complex pain condition he was unable to walk and was crying in agony 24 hrs a day. We learned more from the first meeting with the Physio and OT than from any other specialist. We are eternally grateful for the help from Nicole and Emily.
Jenny Wright
