Northern Beaches Children's Occupational Therapy

Get to know Northern Beaches Children's Occupational Therapy

From Northern Beaches Children's Occupational Therapy's website.

• Our approach

  The practice uses a relationship-centred, play-based approach grounded in the DIR/Floortime model, which promotes development through respectful, joyful engagement. Sessions focus on understanding each child's individual sensory processing differences and motor development, recognising how these influence behaviour and learning. The team also draws on polyvagal theory and the Safe and Sound Protocol to help children's nervous systems feel safe, along with Collaborative and Proactive Solutions to identify underlying skills gaps rather than simply modifying behaviour. Throughout all sessions, the emphasis is on creating therapeutic opportunities that incorporate each child's strengths, interests and unique profile in a playful, engaging environment.

• Working with families

  The practice is built on partnership with families and prioritises helping parents understand their child's individual sensory and motor profile so they can adapt their environment and parenting strategies to suit that child's needs. The team works collaboratively with families through the CPS model to identify underlying skill gaps and solve problems together, rather than focusing purely on behaviour modification. Parents are valued as essential partners in the therapeutic process, and the practice aims to empower families with knowledge and strategies they can use in everyday life.

• Meet the team

  The team includes Carly Coleman, the director and a certified occupational therapist with over 23 years of paediatric experience and extensive DIR/Floortime certification, plus additional training in trauma-informed practice, sensory integration and polyvagal theory. Carly Ritchie and Chloe Cason are registered occupational therapists with backgrounds in early intervention and disability support, both trained in DIR Floortime and neuroaffirming practice. Aurora Henke is a certified speech pathologist with qualifications in DIR Floortime and evidence-based interventions. Supporting the team are three occupational therapy assistants—Vanessa Maruca (early childhood educator completing her OT assistant course), Dani McKerrel (early childhood educator with 18+ years experience and yoga and shiatsu training), and Aidan Coleman (OT student). Bianca Pollok provides administrative support.