Lifespan Therapies - Kids Physio, Speech & OT - Brendale QLD

Get to know Lifespan Therapies - Kids Physio, Speech & OT - Brendale QLD

From Lifespan Therapies - Kids Physio, Speech & OT - Brendale QLD's website.

• Our approach

  The team takes a collaborative, whole-child approach where Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists and Speech Pathologists work together to understand how movement, communication and emotional regulation connect. Sessions are grounded in real-world environments—therapy happens not just in clinic but also in homes, schools, parks and other community settings where children actually need to use their skills. The therapists combine evidence-based practice with practical strategies families can use every day, and every interaction is shaped by values of belonging, collaboration, patience, compassion and innovation. Sessions feel supportive rather than overwhelming, with therapists celebrating progress and respecting each child's individual pace and timeline.

• Working with families

  Parents and carers are central to therapy at Lifespan—all initial appointments are conducted with a parent or carer present, and ongoing sessions include time at the end for the therapist to hand over strategies and goals for the week or fortnight ahead. The team partners with families as part of their collaborative approach, listening before leading and ensuring goals align across home, school and sport. Regular goal reviews happen at intervals appropriate for each child, with communication tailored to help families understand their child's progress and feel heard, respected and supported rather than overwhelmed or worried.

• Meet the team

  The team includes Physiotherapists (Prudie White, Brigit McMahon and Hannah Speedy—all recent graduates, with Prudie graduating from ACU in 2022), Occupational Therapists (Emma Joss, Georgia Black, Ryan Hopkinson, Thea Wilson and Bethany Brandon, the latter graduating from University of Queensland in 2024), and Speech Pathologists (Emilie Adams, Courtney Haim, Roslyn West who graduated from the University of Sydney in 2007 and is a Senior Speech Pathologist, and Chloe Evans who graduated from ACU in 2025). The clinic is led by Director and Physiotherapist Liz Donnellan, who has worked across many settings and brings extensive knowledge; supported by Business Manager Venetta Lilley, Practice Manager Nicole Dewhirst, Clinic Coordinator Aly Imeson, and Allied Health Assistant Tiana Odessa, a third-year Occupational Therapy student. The multi-disciplinary team works collaboratively to deliver integrated support.

• Your first visit

  The initial appointment is a 90-minute session held in clinic with a parent or carer present. The first 60 minutes involves getting to know your child and family, discussing their concerns, what assessment and therapy might look like, and working together to set meaningful goals. The final 30 minutes is when the therapist steps back to complete detailed clinical notes and planning to prepare for your next visit. This structure means you're fully involved in understanding what's happening and why, and you leave with a clear sense of direction for your child's therapy journey.