Director of Western Kids Health and Paediatric Physiotherapist, Nicole Pates, features on The Kids Health Network Podcast to provide information on hypermobility with host and Paediatric General Practitioner, Dr Andrew Leech.
Some topics discussed include: What is hypermobility? How can hypermobility effect kids differently? When should a parent be concerned?
Contact us if this information raises any concerns about your child, or contact your GP for general health professional care.
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 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 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.
** 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.
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 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:
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 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.
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
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:
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
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 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
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:
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 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;
Outside of work, Hannah loves catching up with friends over a good coffee, going for bike rides and gardening.
Memberships & Affiliations:
Continuing Professional Development
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:
Outside of work Brooke enjoys camping, spending time with family, cooking and eating.
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
Recent Professional Development:
Recent Professional Development:
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!
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)
**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.
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.
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:
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 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.
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:
A wife and mother of two she is a keen advocate for nutrition and its role in living a healthy life.
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.
Australian Physiotherapy Association WA Musculoskeletal Group
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(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.
(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.
(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.
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.
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”.
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.
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.
2.1 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.