Coastal Kids Allied Health

Get to know Coastal Kids Allied Health

From Coastal Kids Allied Health's website.

• Our approach

  Coastal Kids delivers fun, evidence-based therapy designed to help children connect with their friends, family and community in a warm, child-friendly environment. Sessions focus on meaningful, goal-directed support tailored to each child's needs, with therapists who are committed to using current evidence-based practices. The team emphasises empowering families through coaching and collaboration, working closely with parents and carers to build skills beyond the clinic. Sessions are typically 45–60 minutes depending on your child's age and needs, with flexibility in how often your child attends—whether weekly, fortnightly, or as needed. Parent involvement is actively encouraged and welcomed throughout therapy.

• Working with families

  Families are central to the therapy process at Coastal Kids. Parents and carers are welcome and encouraged to sit in on sessions, particularly in early sessions, as they're recognised as a key part of their child's progress. The team works collaboratively with families to develop personalised plans, values open communication and honesty, and takes time to build trust and understanding with each family. Staff emphasise empowering families and support them beyond the clinic, offering coaching to help carers support their children's communication and development. The approach respects that all families have different needs and works to find therapy solutions that work within the family unit.

• Meet the team

  The team includes Director and Speech Pathologist Melanie von Bertouch, who founded the practice in 2010, along with Practice Manager Sara Hiatt. Speech Pathologists on staff are Jasmine Diplock (JCU 2019, interests in AAC and early language), Holly Parker-Blanch (JCU 2020, phonological awareness and literacy), Samantha Jeffery (CQUniversity 2018, Certified Practicing Speech Pathologist with training in SOS Feeding and Hanen), Charlotte Papp (JCU 2013, Certified Practising Speech Pathologist, strong focus on family-centred care), and Jenna Siandri (JCU 2022, neuro-affirming practices across the lifespan). Occupational Therapist Emma McLean (JCU 2019) has private paediatric experience and offers SOS Approach Feeding Therapy and support with daily routines. Allied Health Assistants Sophie Keyse and Ebonie Mewett are completing Speech Pathology degrees at JCU. Julie de Jongh provides customer service.

• Your first visit

  To get started, simply contact the team and they'll walk you through the process. They'll ask a few questions about your child to understand their needs and match you with the right therapist. You can also join the waitlist if immediate availability isn't available. At the first session, you're welcome to sit in—in fact, parent involvement is encouraged, especially in early sessions, because you're a key part of your child's progress. Detailed assessments and written reports can be provided upon request for NDIS, schools, kindergartens, or medical providers.