Our Team

  • Tori - Senior Speech Pathologist, Occupational Therapist and Director of Allied Health,

    (BSpPath - CPSP, MOccThy - AHPRA reg, Certified Facilitator of LEGO® Based Therapy)

    Tori is a dedicated speech pathologist and occupational therapist with a passion for neurodivergence and complex needs. Her therapeutic approach is distinctly holistic, recognising that mental health, communication challenges and a person’s capacity for daily living often intertwine.

    She is dedicated to addressing not only the immediate issues but also the underlying factors that contribute to a client's well-being. Tori's commitment to client-specific and targeted interventions ensures that each person receives tailored support that aligns with their unique goals.

    Tori is a whole hearted advocate for empowering individuals and their support networks to navigate their complex needs with resilience and hope.

  • April - Senior Speech Pathologist

    (BSpPath (Hons) - CPSP, Level 1 Cert NZ Sign)

    April is talented speech pathologist with a strong clinical interest and expertise in early language intervention and the holistic treatment and management of stuttering.

    April is Lidcombe trained, ensuring the highest level of proficiency in stuttering therapy. April's extensive experience includes working with complex neurodivergent children and those facing severe speech sound disorders, including Childhood Apraxia of Speech.

    April excels in addressing complex communication difficulties and is experienced in facilitating HANEN parent workshops such as "It Takes Two to Talk" and "More Than Words." She is also committed to supporting families by implementing AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) systems.

  • Mitzi - Speech Pathologist

    (BA. Languages - French & Italian , MSpPath - CPSP)

    Mitzi is a dedicated speech pathologist who enjoys working in client advocacy and providing specialised support for neurodivergent individuals across the lifespan. With a focus on neuro-affirming practice, she is committed to creating an environment that recognises and celebrates neurodiversity as a valuable aspect of an individual's identity.

    Mitzi's passion also extends to acquired brain injury rehabilitation and dysphagia management, where she excels in helping individuals regain their independence and quality of life.

    Mitzi's dedication to her field and her unwavering commitment to the well-being of her clients make her a trusted advocate and resource for those seeking compassionate and effective care.

  • Kathryn - Speech Pathologist

    (Cert Med Admin, BSpPath - CPSP)

    Kathryn is an commited speech pathologist with a passion for working with children of all ages. Her energy and commitment to her chosen field shines through in every aspect of her work. Her infectious enthusiasm for helping children unlock their communication potential is evident in her approach.

    Kathryn’s keen interest in life long learning has provided her with a wealth of knowledge in childhood development. Kathryn is always ready to go the extra mile to ensure that her methods are evidence-based and tailored to meet each child's unique needs, providing the highest level of care and support.

    Kathryn's exceptional attitude, commitment, and her unwavering love for helping others makes her such an inspiring professional in the field.

  • Sandra - Speech Pathologist

    (BSpPath (Hons) - CPSP)

    Sandra is a passionate speech athologist with a profound commitment to enhancing the communication journey of young minds. She is passionate about early intervention, fluency, literacy, and language disorders,

    Sandra has an unwavering dedication to holistic and client-centered models of care. Acknowledging the distinctiveness of each child, Sandra tailors her approach to address individual needs, ensuring a personalised and impactful therapeutic experience. Whether guiding early communicators, tackling fluency or stuttering challenges, nurturing literacy skills, or navigating language disorders, Sandra's methodology is deeply rooted in a comprehensive understanding of each child's unique journey.

    With a steadfast focus on individualised care, she opens doors to brighter futures for every child under her guidance.

  • Anita - Senior Counsellor

    (BSSc (Psych), BSSc (Hons)(Psych), GradDip SocAdmin (Advanced Family Therapy), Cert Play Therapy)

    Anita brings to our team a wealth of experience, including a profound understanding of play-based therapy, recognising its significant impact on children's development and emotional well-being. Her experience extends to working with non-verbal children and those with complex needs, where her empathetic and innovative approach has made a meaningful difference in their lives.

    Anita's dedication to harnessing the power of play as a therapeutic tool, especially for children facing communication challenges, aligns perfectly with our commitment to holistic care and client-centered support at First Step Therapies. Additionally, Anita’s complex understanding of attachment styles and the impact of trauma on well-being adds a unique depth to her clinical expertise and therapy she provides.

  • Haley - Administrative and Client Services Officer

    (BPubHlth)

    Haley is a valued member of our team, bringing with her a wealth of experience in supporting children with diverse needs.

    Her passion for holistic care and effective communication is at the core of her work, as she tirelessly endeavors to find optimal solutions that enable families to access the vital services they require.

    Haley's commitment to facilitating smooth and efficient processes, coupled with her unwavering dedication to ensuring families can engage with the services they need, highlights her integral role in making a positive impact on the lives of children and their families.

  • Charlie - Allied Health Assistant

    (Cert III Individual supports)

    Charlie is a hardworking individual who is deeply committed to delivering exceptional service to each of his clients. His approach is rooted in a relentless pursuit of excellence, ensuring that every step he takes is geared towards providing the best possible outcomes. Constantly expanding his knowledge and skills, Charlie enhances the value of his support, driven by a genuine desire to see others achieve an optimal quality of life.

    His passion for helping is twofold: it stems from a sincere wish to empower individuals and their families in realising their fullest potential. In every interaction, Charlie strives to create meaningful connections, understanding that each person's journey is unique and deserving of personalised attention and care.

  • Naina - Allied Health Assistant

    (BBiomedSc, Completing BSpPath)

    Naina is a life long learner who is currently pursuing her Speech Pathology degree, driven by a love for working in early intervention. Her passion lies in supporting families during these crucial developmental stages, and she firmly believes in the power of a holistic approach to achieve the best outcomes.

    As Naina continues her academic journey, her commitment to early intervention shines through in her dedication to providing comprehensive and tailored support to children and their families. Her enthusiasm for this field is evident in her wholehearted embrace of a holistic approach, recognising that each child is unique and deserves a customised path to success.

    With Naina's dedication to both her education and her work, you can trust her to be a valuable resource in the realm of early intervention, and a compassionate advocate for the well-being of the children and families she serves.

  • Julie - Allied Health Assistant

    (Dip RM, Cert IV TAE, Cert IV Mass, currently completing Dip EN)

    With over 15 years of experience, Julie brings an extensive wealth of knowledge to the realm of healthcare. Her passion for working with individuals from all walks of life has been a driving force throughout her professional journey.

    In addition to her healthcare expertise, Julie also possesses valuable experience from her time working in a mediator role, which has cultivated her compassionate understanding of those navigating challenging times.

    This unique combination of skills and empathy positions Julie as a trusted advocate for individuals seeking support and guidance in their healthcare journey.

    Her commitment to inclusivity and unwavering dedication to the well-being of others make her an invaluable asset to any healthcare team.

  • Natasha - Allied Health Assistant

    (BA. Languages - Mandarin Chinese)

    Natasha is a compassionate individual whose heart is deeply committed to helping children with neurodivergent conditions. Her passion drives her to provide unwavering support to these families, going above and beyond to ensure they receive the assistance they need.

    Natasha understands the unique challenges that come with neurodiversity and strives to be a reliable advocate and source of guidance for parents and caregivers.

    With Natasha's profound passion for making a difference in the lives of these families, you can trust in her dedication to providing compassionate and effective support, ensuring that they are equipped to navigate the unique journey of raising neurodivergent children with resilience and empowerment.