ChelleCare - Occupational Therapy

Get to know ChelleCare - Occupational Therapy

From ChelleCare - Occupational Therapy's website.

• Our approach

  ChelleCare takes a practical, person-centred approach focused on building skills, confidence and independence in everyday environments. The service is holistic and multi-disciplinary, working closely with GPs and other allied health professionals to create integrated support plans tailored to each child's needs. Sessions emphasise creative, movement-based and practical strategies that are empowering and achievable. For paediatric OT specifically, the team partners closely with children and families to support developmental skills, sensory processing, enhanced play, and participation at home, school and in the community. Every child is treated with empathy, respect and understanding of their unique story and lived experience.

• Working with families

  Family involvement is central to ChelleCare's approach. Parents and carers are always welcome at appointments and encouraged to attend initial assessments. The service takes a holistic, integrated approach working closely with families to create support plans that suit their child's needs and goals. Communication is transparent and clear, with tailored cost breakdowns provided before services start. The team prioritises being responsive, listening first and treating every family member with care, dignity and respect without judgement.

• Meet the team

  The team includes Michelle Hopa, Founder and Senior Occupational Therapist, with over 13 years' experience and a Master's degree in Occupational Therapy; Nicola Stewart, an Occupational Therapist with 9 years' disability sector experience and particular expertise in paediatrics, trained in hippotherapy and person-centred approaches; Frances Parkhow, an Occupational Therapist with 8+ years' experience supporting children and young adults, specialising in capacity building and neurodivergent support; and Cathy Philips, a Senior Occupational Therapist with 10 years' complex home modifications experience. The team also includes Allied Health Assistants Amy Schoof and Jodi van Niererk, both qualified in Certificate III Allied Health Assistance and passionate about supporting children and teenagers.

• Your first visit

  Initial assessments typically run 60–90 minutes and are designed to gather information about your child's needs and goals. It's helpful to bring any GP referrals or specialist letters, your child's NDIS plan or funding details if applicable, a list of current medications, and any previous reports from hospitals, schools or other therapists. You're welcome to bring a support person—parents, carers and family members are always encouraged to attend. This first session establishes the foundation for a tailored therapy plan that works for your family.