Rise High Therapy
Suite 401A/12-14 Ormonde Parade, Hurstville NSW 2220
- Clinic
- Comes to you
- Online sessions
About Rise High Therapy
At Rise High Therapy, we're more than a therapy team—we're also partners in life and parents to two wonderful children, one of whom is autistic. Our experience as both professionals and parents gives us a genuine understanding of what families need during and after the diagnostic process. We offer a compassionate, neuro-affirmative, and evidence-based approach—always focused on helping children grow and supporting parents every step of the way.
What's offered
Telehealth sessions
Home or school visits
Clinic sessions
Services provided
Rise High Therapy lists
- ESDM Therapy
- Evidence-based, play-based early intervention for autistic children aged 1–5, supporting development in communication, social engagement, imitation, and everyday skills through joyful connection.
- School Readiness & Social Development
- Support for 4–5-year-olds building confidence and social skills for school transition, group participation, and friendship-building, including the Sunday Social Explorer small group program.
- Registered Developmental Educator Services
- NDIS-aligned allied health support including individual assessments, planning, school visits, strategy plans, and reports for transitions and reviews.
- Parent Coaching
- Tailored coaching sessions using ESDM-based and Project ImPACT strategies to build family skills, routines, and strategies for transitions, communication, and everyday challenges.
Get to know Rise High Therapy
From Rise High Therapy's website.
Our approach
Rise High Therapy uses the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM), a play-based, relationship-focused approach that supports learning through connection, social interaction, and everyday routines. Sessions are designed to build meaningful engagement through your child's strengths and interests, helping them develop communication, social engagement, imitation, and everyday skills. Unlike compliance-based models, ESDM emphasizes joyful, play-based learning that builds strong relationships and confidence. Therapy takes place at the Hurstville clinic, in your home, or through preschool visits, and is tailored to suit your family's needs.
Working with families
The team works closely alongside families to build skills, routines, and strategies you can use every day at home and in the community. Parent coaching sessions are tailored to your specific goals—whether supporting transitions, encouraging communication, or managing daily routines—using ESDM-based coaching and Project ImPACT strategies. The team also provides school visits, strategy plans, and reports to support transitions and NDIS reviews, while collaborating across home, early learning, and community settings. As both therapists and parents, they offer practical guidance and resources designed to empower you throughout your child's journey.
Meet the team
Vasily Shchegolev is a registered Developmental Educator, certified ESDM therapist, and casual academic at the University of Wollongong, holding a Master of Autism and Graduate Certificate in Neurodiversity. Rita Shchegoleva is a certified ESDM therapist with over a decade of early childhood education and therapy experience, plus postgraduate qualifications in teaching and early childhood development. Rita offers multilingual support in English, Russian, and Mandarin, and contributes to early intervention research at the Brain and Mind Centre (University of Sydney). Both are parents themselves and bring lived understanding alongside their professional expertise and evidence-based practice.
Locations & areas served
Hurstville
Suite 401A/12-14 Ormonde Parade, Hurstville NSW 2220
Get directions to Hurstville (opens Google Maps in a new tab)- Comes to you
- Online sessions
Opening hours
- Mon–Fri
- 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM
- Sat–Sun
- Closed
Not sure where to start?
Answer a few questions about your child and we will help connect you with providers that suit your needs and your funding.