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Occupational Therapy can help to give your child the greatest opportunity in life, particularly in those early years of development. Happy Dots is a privately owned Paediatric clinic located in the Hunter Region (New Lambton, Cardiff & Medowie), which offers a friendly, professional and sensory based approach for children of varying conditions, aged between 2-18 years of age. We strive for sensory & play based therapy that is FUN! We are also proud winners of the Best Health Improvement Service in the Hunter for 2020.
Sensory processing is our ability to detect, integrate and process information from our senses and then perform appropriate actions in relation to this information. If a child is over reacting, under reacting or fluctuating in how they register this input it will directly impact their ability to attend to tasks.To be effective sensory processing must be efficient. Sensory Integration refers to the process of creating efficient sensory pathways and connections in the central nervous system. Experts agree that until about seven years of age the brain is most active in the development of these pathways.
All children are learning to process sensory information and children with more apparent disabilities such as hearing or visual impairments may not receive, perceive, organize or interpret information accurately, however, many children also have difficulties with this which are not so obvious.
A difficulty in sensory processing may result in an inability to regulate sensory input. These include: sensitivity to sensations, inconsistent or confused responses to situations, disorganized behaviours, poor peer interactions, immature social/emotional development, reduced self-esteem or self-control and poor academic development.
At Happy Dots, we are able to work collaboratively with you and your child to develop a functional sensory diet that will assist in keeping their sensory system calm, but alert. For more information on how a sensory diet may benefit your child, please contact us.
Happy Dots strives to maintain a client-focused approach where children and families feel validated in their concerns, supported in difficult times, encouraged to be proactive and inspired to facilitate change.
We are motivated to facilitate and empower our staff and the families that access our service to reach their potential because we care about helping others achieve their goals and dreams.
At Happy Dots, we aim to create a brighter future for all children and their families.
Play is a powerful tool in therapy with children. Children naturally do most of their learning during play, they learn about themselves and the world around them, about relationships with others, and about the expression and management of feelings all through active exploration in playful activity. Play is fundamental to the learning and development of all children.
Play-based therapy utilises enjoyable and child-directed activity to assist children with challenges. Therapists modify these child-directed activities in a playful manner to provide appropriate challenge for the child, and to achieve therapeutic outcomes whilst the child engages in play.
Play is also highly meaningful and motivating. When an activity is meaningful, the child is likely to be more driven, work harder, and persist in a way that they would not in an activity that they find uninteresting or overly challenging. Activities that are meaningful bring about greater memory and learning of the experience than do activities that are less meaningful.
Play-based therapy at Happy Dots incorporates families into therapy sessions where appropriate. Through including families in play-based therapy sessions, family members have the opportunity to enjoy time together whilst achieving therapeutic outcomes. These sessions also provide an opportunity to model activities that can then be taken home to extend the activities and strategies from therapy sessions into everyday life.
Everything has intent. We have a passion for improvement and a commitment to learning and growth. We care for our clients, and are committed to WOW. We are empowering and high performance.
We are innovative, creative, engaging, and flexible. We are always extending horizons and kicking goals. We create the right place to be for endless possibilities. We are solutions focused and capacity building. Practice makes progress. Uno is more than just uno!
Clients and team are like family. We are collaborative and value diversity. We work AND win together. We are empowering safe, secure, open, and honest. "It takes a village to raise children...you've got this!" We celebrate wins and are filled with gratitude.
We are fun, enthusiastic, and passionate. Kids love coming to our clinic spaces. We find and work with flow. We play with purpose and take PLAY seriously!
Clinic Director/Senior Paediatric Occupational Therapist
Rachelle, BAppSc (OT) Hons, is the owner and clinical director of Happy Dots. Rachelle graduated from the University of Sydney achieving first class honours, and has since shown a strong passion and desire to work with children.
Rachelle has experience in providing therapy to children with a range of varying conditions, predominantly Autism, along with other conditions such as Sensory Processing Disorder and ADHD. Rachelle has experience in working across a variety of different environments such as clinic, home, school and in the community.
Rachelle’s main role involves business development & client relations, to ensure everything runs as smooth as it can at Happy Dots. Rachelle also spends time working closely with her team to ensure they are mentored and guided in a way to ensure great outcomes both personally & professionally.
Rachelle has built and expanded the company over the last 8 years, whilst raising children. In her spare time you will find Rachelle anywhere near the lake/beach, drinking coffee & spending times with friends & family.
Owner / Operations
Josh brings a vast array of skills and experience to Happy Dots, and is often found behind the scenes, or with a tool belt on building & expanding our clinics.
During his early career, He spent ten years in the Royal Australian Air Force as an Aircraft Technician, where he served in multiple rescue missions, and is a returned serviceman.
In addition to his duties within Happy Dots, Josh also ran a successful financial planning & mortgage broking business, being voted as one of the top 20 financial planners within his dealer group.
His most recent achievement is a Master’s degree in Business, which he earned whilst owning two businesses and raising three children. The various concepts learned in this degree allows Josh to provide direction and support to key areas relating to business.
Josh’s favourite activities include; Spending time with family, playing guitar, property investment, and building cars.
Practice Coordinator
Dee is one of our lovely girls you will find on our reception. Dee is a true Novocastrian and has worked in various administration roles for more than twenty years. Dee is a mother of two teenage sons and enjoys spending most weekends as a soccer mum.
Dee looks forward to working and supporting the Happy Dots team and loves helping people get the best out of everyday, seeing people leave with a smile and a refreshed positive attitude.
You will find Dee will make you feel very welcome and do all she can to assist you.
Receptionist
Sally is excited to have joined Happy Dots as a member of our admin team.
Sally has a passion for working with children, her last position, working as a childcare educator. Sally has experience working within various customer service and administration roles and loves that her position here at Happy dots is the perfect blend of her skills.
Sally is looking forward to supporting our team and helping families wherever she can!
Receptionist
Kristyn is one of our superstar receptionists at our Cardiff Clinic. Kristyn comes to us with an extensive background in working alongside children and their families in GP clinics throughout Newcastle.
Kristyn has a strong belief in client experience and will ensure you feel welcome and supported when you attend your appointment at Happy Dots.
When Kristyn is not at work, she enjoys the company of her husband and two children.
Receptionist
Hi, my name is Neri and I am a proud Happy Dots Receptionist based predominantly in Medowie. You may see my smiling face around Cardiff too!
I come from a Corporate background having many roles as Executive Assistant/Office Management and Customer Service. One of my career highlights was when I worked at Newcastle Knights Football club as Football Administrator. This was a very fast paced and exciting role with a great culture.
Most importantly though my biggest role was when I became a Parent. The learnings I have had since then are things you just can’t learn from a manual; you have to experience them. My son at an early age was diagnosed with Sensory processing disorder, anxiety and specific phobias with speech delay so I have personally experienced firsthand the benefits of OT for kids and also, I have experienced personally the challenges you face so I am so excited to be working as a Receptionist for Happy Dots where I can welcome the parents with a smile and make them feel they are in loving a safe place.
Receptionist
Alison is excited to be part of the Happy Dots admin team and can’t wait to meet you all.
Alison has had many years working in early childhood and loves supporting children and their families. You may recognise Alison’s face as a long serving member at GymbaROO!
Alison has four children and is a Cardiff local. She enjoys spending time with her family, catching up with friends and going for long walks around the lake or beach.
Receptionist
Bio coming soon!
Receptionist
Amanda is Newcastle born and bred, has a gorgeous 15yr old daughter who shares her Mum’s passion for living life to the fullest!
Family and friends are very important to Amanda and she likes nothing more than spending time catching up with them, that’s when she’s not playing tennis or tap dancing!
Having previously worked in Childcare for 10+ years, it was time for change, so she entered the “health” industry working for a wonderful Chiropractor and for an inspirational exercise Oncology centre.
Before the last sentence please mention “Amanda works from our New Lambton clinic on Mondays & Thursdays.
She is looking forward to saying hello next time you’re at the clinic.
Receptionist
Bio coming soon!
Clinical Lead / Senior Paediatric OT
Sarah has a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy from the University of Newcastle. Graduating in 2011. Sarah has experience in working across a range of functional issues and diagnosis’ including Sensory Processing issues, Autism, Down syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Spinal Muscular Atrophy, ADHD, Tourettes Syndrome, anxiety and global developmental delay.
Sarah is passionate about working collaboratively with families and their teams to support better outcomes for her clients. She has a particular interest in sensory processing issues and it’s impact on diet and fussy eating, anxiety and trauma informed practice.
Sarah also had a passion for play and it’s power to teach a range of skills in early
intervention. She enjoys being creative and personalising therapy, making it individualised and fun. Sarah works across both our Cardiff & Williamtown clinics.
Senior Paediatric Occupational Therapist
Katrina completed her BA Applied Science degree in Occupational Therapy at Cumberland College, Sydney University. Katrina has been driven by her love for children with a career focus within the Paediatric OT specialisation.
Katrina initially worked in the ACT but returned to Newcastle in 1995 where she took on the role of Head Occupational Therapist at the John Hunter Children’s Hospital.
For the past 14 years, Katrina has worked with children who have sustained brain injuries. She has provided occupational therapy to children and adolescents who have experienced mild to significant injuries arising from various accidents.
The goal of her therapy has been to lead to greater independence and satisfaction of improved outcomes in their daily life at home, school, play, sport and in their leisure activities.
Katrina sees the team approach with parents and carers as being essential to best outcomes.
Outside of Occupational Therapy, Katrina enjoys art and painting, developing her gardening skills and looking after her cheeky chickens! And more recently, she enjoys the exercise from riding her e-bike!
Paediatric Occupational Therapist
Ally completed a Bachelor of Applied Science (Occupational Therapy) from the University of Sydney in 2016, and moved to Wagga for her first few years practicing as an OT. She has recently returned to the Central Coast/ Newcastle area to be closer to family, and the beach!
She has spent the past few years working in the Mental Health Units in Wagga Wagga, and is very excited for a change of specialties into paediatrics.
Ally is passionate about motivating and inspiring people to achieve what they are capable of, and can’t wait to work alongside you to help your child achieve their potential.
Paediatric Occupational Therapist
Rachel graduated with a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) from the University of Newcastle. Rachel has a background in aged care, corporate health, property and professional associations before retraining in occupational therapy.
Rachel completed clinical placements in community health, mental health, paediatrics and occupational rehabilitation. It was during the schools-based placement that Rachel discovered her passion for assisting children with occupational therapy. Rachel has a passion for helping families grow and seeing children reach their full potential by having fun with therapy!
Outside of work, Rachel enjoys live music and theatre, cooking and spending time with her friends and family. Rachel is excited to be joining the Happy Dots team.
Paediatric Occupational Therapist
Ethan graduated with a bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) from the University of Newcastle. Ethan is a Newcastle local and really loves it here.
Ethan has gained experience working in paediatrics as a therapy assistant in Maitland, mostly with children with cerebral palsy.
Ethan is enthusiastic about the role of Occupational Therapy with children and has a keen desire to meet goals set by families and looks forward to working with these kids to achieve their goals.
On the weekends you can find Ethan kicking about a soccer ball or relaxing inside with a video game or two. Ethan looks forward to joining the team!
Paediatric Occupational Therapist
Amelia completed a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (honours) at the University of Newcastle in 2020. Amelia was born and raised in the Lake Macquarie region and is excited to become a new graduate paediatric occupational therapist and remain local to work with our children and families.
It has always been Amelia’s dream to work within the health sector, especially with children to make an impact on their lives. Amelia has gained experience working in paediatrics as a disability support worker and in multiple voluntary positions (local and in Vietnam), supporting children mostly with physical disabilities including cerebral palsy. She finds it extremely rewarding working in paediatrics as she is able to observe first hand children achieve goals and overcome obstacles which allows them to achieve their full potential.
Amelia is enthusiastic about gaining additional knowledge in sensory based therapy whilst also incorporating her existing love for creativity in play based sessions. She is determined to make a big impact and provide the best possible therapy.
Paediatric Occupational Therapist
Sophie graduated from the University of Newcastle with a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) in 2020. Sophie has grown up in Nelson Bay and enjoys the beach, playing rugby, and going out for coffee in her spare time.
Throughout her studies, Sophie has gained experience working in a range of settings including community aged care, acute and rehabilitation hospitals, and paediatrics. Sophie has also worked as an administration assistant at a paediatric OT clinic throughout her final two years of university. Through this experience working with children, Sophie has seen the positive impact that OT can have upon families lives by boosting a child’s independence, confidence and self-esteem.
Sophie is passionate about helping children become the best version of themselves and assisting them to achieve all of their goals. Sophie is looking forward to joining the Happy Dots team and meeting all of the amazing families!
Paediatric Occupational Therapist
Maileen graduated from the University of Newcastle with a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) in 2020. Maileen has lived in the Maitland/Newcastle area for her whole life and has always dreamt of working in an area where she can help others. Maileen has clinical experience in community, neurological and acute settings. She has recently completed her fourth and final clinical placement in a school-based setting, which she thoroughly enjoyed.
Maileen feels that her employment as a community support worker, and her various clinical placements have prepared her with a vast range of skills that she is excited to bring to the Happy Dots team. Maileen is looking forward to implementing and furthering her knowledge of Paediatric Occupational Therapy, and implementing quality therapy sessions that benefit all who are involved.
Paediatric Occupational Therapist
Sara graduated from the University of Newcastle with a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours). Sara has grown up in Nelson Bay, where she enjoys spending time with her family, swimming at the local beaches, water skiing and going for walks with her dog.
Sara has always had a passion and felt the need to help others, which inspired her to enroll into Occupational Therapy. Sara believes the foundations of being an occupational therapist is to provide clients with holistic and client/person centred approaches to best achieve their goals.
Throughout her degree, Sara has gained experience on clinical placements in community mental health, rural and remote paediatric settings, and an inpatient mental health ward. In addition to her placements Sara gained employment at an allied health practice in her second year of university, as an administration officer and then quickly transitioned into the role as an allied health assistant.
Sara is looking forward to assisting children and their families/supports to achieve goals to help build independence in their meaningful occupations.
Paediatric Occupational Therapist
Vanessa completed her Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) from the University of Newcastle graduating with first class honours. During her clinical placement Vanessa worked in mental health/eating disorders, rehabilitation and paediatrics.
Vanessa has a diverse background working in aged care, marketing and business. One of the highlights of operating her remedial massage clinic was becoming an Infant Massage Instructor. Vanessa found supporting parents to connect with their babies incredibly rewarding which sowed the seed for her desire to work in paediatrics.
Outside of work Vanessa enjoys staying active with bushwalking, live music experiences, cooking, hula hooping and spending time with her family. Vanessa is an enthusiastic advocate for children and is looking forward to working with the wonderful Happy Dots Team!
Paediatric Occupational Therapist
April completed her Bachelor of Occupational Therapy at the University of Newcastle. April finds fulfillment in providing support for children and their families. April has grown up, and currently resides, in the Port Stephens area.
As a mum to 5 kids, April knows what it is like to have a busy home life. She also knows what it is like to have a child with medical and emotional challenges.
In her spare time you can find her plodding around the garden, raking up the mess the chickens make when they escape, sitting on her swing seat, walking and swimming.
April is honoured to be joining the Happy Dots team in Medowie!
Paediatric Occupational Therapist
Georgia graduated from the University of Newcastle with a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) in 2020. Georgia grew up on the mid north coast and moved to Newcastle to begin university where she loves spending time at the beach.
During her studies, Georgia has gained experience doing mental health, hospital and community OT placements and completed her 4th year placement working in school-based and clinic-based paediatric settings.
Georgia has worked as a gymnastics coach for many years where she gained skills in running group and individual sessions with children of all ages and backgrounds. She loves the opportunity to be creative and see children explore and discover their abilities and potential.
Georgia is very excited to join the Happy Dots team!
Paediatric Occupational Therapist
Lara graduated with a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (honours) from the University of Newcastle in 2020. She grew up in the beautiful Hunter Valley and enjoys visiting her family there as often as possible. Lara currently splits her time between Newcastle and Salamander Bay and spends her weekends learning to surf.
During her university degree, Lara has had the opportunity to work in a number of settings. She has clinical experience in rural and regional hospitals, as well as outpatient stroke therapy, and has a keen interest in Neuroscience and the Ageing Brain. Lara’s most recent placement in paediatrics reinforced her love of working with children and she enjoys the high energy of paediatrics. Lara also finds the opportunity to help whole families very rewarding.
Lara is so excited about joining Happy Dots and starting her career helping children and their families meet and exceed their goals!
Paediatric Occupational Therapist
Jesse holds a Master of Occupational Therapy Practice from La Trobe University. Jesse has lived on and off in Newcastle for the last 15 years and considers it to be his home.
Jesse has worked in various roles within the disability sector for the past 7 years and has recently transitioned into working as an Paedatric Occupational Therapist. Jesse is passionate about the positive impact Occupational Therapy can provide for children and is highly motivated to achieve the best outcomes for children and their families.
Jesse enjoys all things involved in the outdoors, hiking, surfing, camping and scuba diving.
Jesse is excited to be involved in the awesome Happy Dots team!
Paediatric Occupational Therapist
Alyse completed a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) in 2021 from the University of Newcastle. Alyse has always had an interest in working with children and loves being part of their journey to achieve their goals and grow.
She has completed practical placements within acute and rehabilitation units for people with neurological conditions as well in primary schools and private practices working within paediatrics. Alyse has worked as a community Support Worker working with participants with complex high physical needs.
When Alyse is not working or studying she loves walking around the Newcastle region, reading a book in the park, kayaking and catching up with friends. Alyse is also a board member of a community volunteer organisation, completing service projects where needed. She has lived in the Hunter Valley most her life but has travelled a fair bit and is eager to settle down and start her career with Happy Dots.
Paediatric Occupational Therapist
Tim graduated from the University of Newcastle with a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) in 2018. Tim has a background in rehabilitation and outpatient services at Maitland Private Hospital. Additionally, Tim has experience working with Autism Spectrum Disorder and challenging behaviors as a member of Allambi Care.
Tim is motivated and passionate about the role of Occupational Therapy with children and believes in trying to embrace the small wins and strive for outcomes for any child, particular from a sensory perspective.
Outside of work, Tim enjoys the beach, kicking a soccer ball and can play music endlessly. Tim is thrilled to work at Happy Dots and is a little happy dot himself!
Paediatric Occupational Therapist
Bio coming soon!
Allied Health Assistant
Sarah is a third year Occupational Therapy (Honours) student at the University of Newcastle.
Throughout her studies, Sarah has had experience working in paediatrics, in both clinic and school contexts, and more recently in mental health rehabilitation.
Sarah has a background in gymnastics coaching and hopes to bring this unique skillset into the paediatric context. She more recently worked as a disability support worker and spent time getting to know and assisting a variety of clients.
Sarah has a great passion for working with the paediatric population and loves the tangible difference therapy can provide to both the child and their family. Sarah loves using play and creative avenues to engage with kids and provide fun but therapeutic activities. Sarah is looking forward to assisting the occupational therapists at Happy Dots and further developing her skills as she completes her degree.
Outside of work, Sarah loves having coffee with friends, walking her dog, and crocheting with a good TV show.
Sarah is very excited to join the team at Happy Dots and meet many new faces!
Therapy Assistant
Sonny is a gorgeous little cavoodle, who you will see around the clinics at the start of next year as he under takes formal training as a therapy assistant dog.
We are so excited to have Sonny a part of our team!
