Active OT For Kids

Get to know Active OT For Kids

From Active OT For Kids's website.

• Our approach

  Active OT for Kids is a trauma-sensitive occupational therapy service with a whole-person focus that celebrates diversity. Sessions are playful with purpose, combining various techniques to support overall development in meaningful and enjoyable ways. The dynamic approach to intervention ensures goals are met efficiently while honouring each child and family's unique needs. The philosophy centres on connection—with nature, movement, culture and each other—creating an environment where children and families feel seen, heard and valued in daily life.

• Working with families

  Parent feedback emphasises that communication is timely, empathetic, kind and appropriate. The team actively helps families advocate for their children, with deep understanding enabling efficient and effective communication with schools and other therapists. Parents report feeling truly seen and heard by the team, with the clinic prioritising genuine connection and support for the whole family. The approach ensures carers feel supported in supporting their child, with the team building collaborative relationships rather than working in isolation.

• Meet the team

  The team includes Kaya Lyons as Director and Author, along with multiple occupational therapists with different roles: Emma Hanna and David Hedley as Mentors, Oriane Zarb and Ella Smuskowitz as Guides, and occupational therapists including Jessica Yazzolino, Robyn Grunberg, Hannah Sandercock, Erin Cosgrove, Molly Jones and Jan Blomgren. Occupational Therapy Assistants (Lily Doman, Collin Young and Emily Frost) and a Support Worker (Jason Hanna) complete the team, with Emily Klonowski as Administrative Leader. All roles contribute to providing knowledgeable, grounded and thoughtful support, with the team described as never too busy to help families advocate for their child.

• Your first visit

  An initial appointment includes a full occupational therapy assessment that lasts two hours. The clinic also offers shorter clinical observation screenings of one hour focused on specific areas like handwriting or sensory integration, as well as shorter assessments for families transferring from other services. During assessment, the team gathers information to understand each child's needs and develop a tailored intervention plan. Fees are always clear and transparent before services begin.