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Meet the Squish Kids Dedicated Occupational Therapy Team

 

At Squish Kids, the essence of our Occupational Therapy services lies in the collective passion and dedication of our quality Occupational Therapy and admin team members.

From our experienced clinical team to our wonderful reception and admin staff who ensure smooth operations, and our therapy aides who provide invaluable support—every member of our team is cherished and valued equally. 

We understand that it takes a village to empower children on their unique journeys. Our dedicated Occupational Therapy team is here to make a difference in the lives of children and their families. Each of our dedicated team members play a crucial role in fostering the growth and well-being of the children we work with.

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Anna Peterson

Occupational Therapist

Special Interests

Fine & Gross Motor Development

Sensory Processing

Emotional Regulation

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Anna is a passionate Occupational Therapist at Squish Kids, dedicated in supporting children build confidence and develop the everyday skills they need to thrive.

Anna holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Occupational Therapy from Otago Polytechnic in New Zealand, and is committed to ongoing professional development. She has a background in physical health and rehabilitation within a hospital setting, where she developed strong skills in supporting functional independence, communication skills, and working closely with families.

Anna is originally from New Zealand and has recently moved to Brisbane in August 2025. Outside of work, she enjoys both running and walking, going to the beach, trying new restaurants, and reading books

 

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Dani Lloyd

Senior Occupational Therapist

Special Interests

Social Skills

Complex Support

Emotional Regulation

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Dani is our Senior Occupational Therapist at Squish Kids. Dani has worked with diverse Paediatric clients and supporting the highly skills team with their clinic and professional skills. Dani is passionate about seeing children and adolescents make progress towards their goals through involvement in fun interest-based activities. Dani loves getting to know each individual, connecting with them, working with them and celebrating successes with families.

 With over 21 years working in Paediatric Occupational Therapy, Dani, has worked at multiple settings including a childcare centre, a special school, a community organisation, a peak autism organisation and a paediatric private practice. The diverse experience has provided Dani with skills to work effectively across the Paediatric age span from 12 months up to 17-year-olds. She has worked on a wide range of goals inclusive of toileting, independence, executive functioning, sensory processing, emotional regulation, coordination, engagement, transitions, handwriting/typing and social skill development. Dani has a special interest in neurodiversity affirming practice and has an autistic / ADHD daughter.

Dani enjoys dancing and is currently part of a belly dance troupe. She loves to spend time at home or at the park with her two daughters, her husband and the family dog.

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Tara Sinclair

Occupational Therapist

Special Interests

Sensory Processing Needs

Fine & Gross Motor Development

Children of all ages

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Tara is a passionate paediatric Occupational Therapist who takes a fun, collaborative, and supportive approach to therapy. She focuses on what’s meaningful to each child and their family, making sessions engaging and effective.

Tara holds a Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Therapy from Australian Catholic University and is committed to ongoing professional development. Tara works closely with parents and caregivers to create an empowering environment for growth and success.

 Tara provides therapy in the clinic and, when possible, in home and school settings.

Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with family, running, swimming, and weekend beach trips.

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Caity Wilson

Occupational Therapist

Special Interests

Emotional Regulation

Trauma-Informed Practice

Prep Readiness

Fine & Gross Motor Skill Development

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Caity is a dedicated Occupational Therapist who is passionate about helping children and families build confidence, independence, and success across different environments. She strives to create a supportive and engaging atmosphere where therapy is both enjoyable and motivating.

A recent graduate of Australian Catholic University, Caity has gained valuable clinical experience working with both paediatric and adult populations. She also brings a strong foundation in child development from her time as a camp counselor in the U.S. and an au pair in the U.K., further enriching her understanding of family dynamics and child-focused care. She is committed to delivering holistic, client-centered therapy, tailored to each child and their family’s unique needs.

Outside of work, Caity enjoys going to the beach with friends, going to the gym, and riding her skateboard along the waterfront. For relaxation, she loves reading on her Kindle and exploring arts and crafts.

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Ella Richards

Occupational Therapist

Special Interests

Prep readiness

Fine and Gross motor development

Early childhood

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Ella is one of our Occupational Therapist at Squish Kids. She recently graduated from Griffith University, having completed a Bachelor Degree in Occupational Therapy.

Ella works with children to support their development, enhance their skills, and empower them to engage in everyday occupations through play and personalised support. She is passionate about fostering growth and joy in every child she works with.

Ella graduated Griffith University with Honours and received an Award for Academic Excellence. Ella has several years experience working with children as an Educator at an Outside School Hours Care (OSHC), where she facilitated opportunities for children to enhance their social, emotional, and motor skills through engaging and inclusive activities. In this role, she supported children in group settings, managed diverse behaviours, and built positive, trusting relationships with both children and their families. This experience has strengthened Ella’s ability to design engaging interventions, support children’s development, and work collaboratively with families and caregivers.

Ella has gained valuable experience in paediatric practice through multiple university placements across diverse settings, including schools, clinics, community, and at an OSHC. Through this Ella has gained a passion for working with children and their families to ensure a holistic, family centred and engaging occupational therapy process.

In her spare time Ella enjoys camping, seeing friends and keeping active by going to the gym and walking her two dogs!

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Beth Dermer

OT Director

Beth started DOTS Allied Health, an adults OT service, in 2006 and expanded to include children in 2011.

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Beth enjoys creating a therapeutic and learning environment for our Squish Kids families. The spaces that we work in are carefully considered to make them a comfortable and emotionally safe space for children.

Beth has three kids – one who has flown the nest and two teenagers. At any opportunity, Beth travels and explores.

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Casey Sayers

Occupational Therapist

Special Interests

Primitive Reflexes & Coordination Development

Fine & Gross Motor Skill Development

Early Childhood & School-Age (3-8 years)

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Casey is a passionate Paediatric Occupational Therapist at Squish Kids, dedicated to supporting children’s development and daily skills. She creates personalised therapy plans, collaborates with families, and adapts strategies to meet each child’s unique needs.

With over four years of experience, Casey works with children diagnosed with ASD and ADHD, with a strong focus on sensory processing, primitive reflexes, and foundational skill development. She is committed to helping children build confidence, independence, and balance in their daily lives.

Casey holds a Degree in Occupational Therapy from Auckland University of Technology (AUT) and has additional training in trauma, primitive reflexes, and self-injurious behaviours. She has worked in both community and clinic-based settings, supporting children and adults.

Originally from New Zealand, Casey moved to Australia in 2023. Outside of work, she enjoys staying active, watching sports, and reading.

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Ava Wright-Martin

OT Aide & Administration officer

Special Interests

Social & life skills

All aged children

Fine & gross motor development

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Ava is an Occupational Therapy Assistant and a part of the admin team at Squish Kids. Ava is currently completing a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy at Australian Catholic University and is passionate about pursuing a career in paediatrics once graduated.

Guided by a holistic and play-based approach Ava is passionate about creating engaging and strength-focused sessions that support children to participate meaningfully in their everyday lives. Ava has gained diverse experience through her placements in schools, community settings and private practices. Ava’s background as a teacher aide in special education has further strengthened her ability to connect with children of all ages, foster learning and provide meaningful play opportunities that are client centred.

Outside of work Ava enjoys spending time at the beach, camping with friends and doing Pilates.

 

 

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Meg Meany

Occupational Therapist

Special Interests

Fine and gross motor development

Emotional regulation and sensory processing

School readiness

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Meg is a passionate Occupational Therapist who works with children experiencing challenges in their everyday activities whether it’s playing, learning, or developing independence. Having received occupational therapy as a child herself, Meg brings a unique perspective, and a deep understanding of the positive impact therapy can have on a young person’s life. This personal experience continues to inspire her approach, making therapy fun, engaging, and truly meaningful for each child.

She has a special interest in fine and gross motor development, emotional regulation, sensory processing, and school readiness. Meg is committed to building strong connections with children and their families, and she takes joy in celebrating every milestone together.

Meg holds a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) from Griffith University and has completed additional training in vehicle modifications, assistive technology, and parent coaching. During her studies, she was recognised with a university award for excellence in practice education for her work with children.

Outside of work, Meg enjoys travelling, playing sports, and has a fun party trick, she can say the alphabet backwards at lightning speed!

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Katherine James

Receptionist & Administration officer

Special Interests

Client experience

Allied Health reception & administration

Creative & home based hobbies

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Katherine is the Receptionist at Squish Kids, where she plays a pivotal role in ensuring a smooth and welcoming experience for all clients.

With over 20 years of experience in Allied Health reception, Katherine brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise from her previous background in Allied Health Optical, making her a valued asset to our team.

Katherine’s responsibilities include managing bookings, coordinating rescheduling needs, liaising closely with our Occupational Therapists, and assisting with general office duties. Her commitment to client satisfaction is evident in her dedication to creating a warm and efficient environment, and she is always willing to go the extra mile to support the needs of our clients and their families.

Outside of work, Katherine enjoys spending her time reading, gardening, baking, and making cherished memories with family and friends.

 

 

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Mikayla Genzel

Practice Manager

Special Interests

Family-centered care

Team leadership & development

Child development & milestones

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Mikayla is our Practice Manager at Squish Kids, she brings extensive experience in administration, reception, and leadership.

Her journey with Squish Kids has provided invaluable opportunities to develop alongside an outstanding team, and she is proud to apart of clinic that offers such meaningful services to families in our community.

Mikayla is deeply committed to fostering a warm, professional, and supportive environment for our team and the families we serve. Building strong connections with colleagues, families, and the children at our clinics is central to her role, Mikayla finds it incredibly rewarding to witness each child’s progress as they thrive and grow with us.

Outside of work, Mikayla enjoy spending quality time with her partner and their two young children, embracing the joys of family life.

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Danielle Thompson

Receptionist and Administration officer

Special Interests

Healthcare education

Engaging frontline support

Outdoor lifestyle

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You will find Danielle working in reception at one of our paediatric OT clinics.

Having worked in medical reception previously, Danielle loves getting to see the children grow and learn through their journeys.

In her spare time Danielle is studying Midwifery, spends time with her 3 daughters, fur babies and partner.

She loves going to the beach, spending time outdoors and socialising

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Joanne Taylor

Receptionist & Administration officer

Special Interests

Inclusive education and neurodiversity

Positive, relationship-focused culture

Supporting student wellbeing 

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Originally from the UK, Joanne has called both New Zealand and Queensland home. Joanne brings over 20 years of experience in education, including 15 years in senior leadership, and have had the privilege of supporting schools, staff, students, and families across a wide range of settings.

Joanne has background which includes strong expertise in educational leadership, administration, and operational management. In recent years, I’ve specialised in working in settings that support neurodiverse young people a role that has deepened her passion for inclusive, student-centred education.

At the heart of her work is a commitment to building strong, respectful relationships. Joanne is dedicated to creating environments where families feel welcomed, relaxed, and supported, and where young people feel truly seen, valued, and empowered. Joanne also enjoy collaborating with colleagues and love contributing to a positive, connected team culture.

Outside of work, Joanne shares life with her partner, grown-up daughter, and our two fur babies, Charli, a mischievous 9-month-old cat, and Bodhi, our lovable 1-year-old Wolfhound cross. They enjoy spending time together as a family, catching up with friends, and making the most of any opportunity to travel or enjoy a weekend away.