First Choice Allied Health

Get to know First Choice Allied Health

From First Choice Allied Health's website.

• Our approach

  First Choice Allied Health uses evidence-based, client-centred therapy tailored to each child's unique strengths, interests and goals. Sessions are designed to be engaging and supportive, with therapists skilled at building positive relationships that help children feel at ease and motivated to participate. The team emphasises neuroaffirming, child-led practice across speech pathology, occupational therapy and psychology, creating a collaborative environment where families are involved every step of the way. Therapists work flexibly, adapting treatment plans to suit individual needs, and draw on diverse therapeutic approaches including play-based interventions, motor learning strategies, and functional skill development to support children's participation at home, school and in the community.

• Working with families

  Parents and carers are central to therapy at First Choice Allied Health, with the team emphasising family-centred practice and collaborative goal-setting from the start. Therapists maintain clear, open communication throughout the therapeutic journey, ensuring families feel informed, respected and involved in decisions about their child's care. Group programs like Hanen 'More Than Words' explicitly teach parents research-based strategies to support their child's development at home. The team works with families to create meaningful goals and individualised plans, and actively involves parents in sessions where appropriate, recognising that families play a vital role in their child's progress and participation across home, school and community settings.

• Meet the team

  First Choice Allied Health has a qualified, experienced multidisciplinary team including speech pathologists, occupational therapists and psychologists. The team is led by Director Mai Pham, who holds a Master of Accounting and Finance and is undertaking a Master of OT to support clients directly. Speech pathologists hold MSPA certification and qualifications including Pearson WIAT-III training, trauma-informed care and neurodiverse affirming practices. Occupational therapists include Dr Atefeh Taghizadeh (PhD, 15+ years paediatric experience, specialising in upper limb therapy and motor learning) and other registered AHPRA practitioners with experience from infancy through adolescence. All staff are committed to evidence-based, family-centred practice and participate in ongoing professional development and supervision.