Our Team
Naomi
Director/ Occupational Therapist
Naomi graduated from Monash University with a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) in 2016. Since then, Naomi has worked in a range of settings including hospitals, NDIS, Community Paediatrics and Private Practice Paediatrics.
Naomi started Grow With Me OT in 2019 when she recognised the shortage of support services in the Gippsland region. Families from Gippsland were travelling 3 hours to visit her in Melbourne. Other families, having been on waitlists for 3 years, still did not have access to an OT. Naomi wanted to help and is incredibly proud that Grow With Me OT has since grown and is now able to provide therapeutic supports to many families in West and South Gippsland.
Naomi’s passion is working with children with additional needs to meet their potential. She particularly enjoys developing school readiness skills in young children, and fine motor and emotional regulation skills in older children. Currently, Naomi is working behind the scenes, building and supporting the team, and developing the group programs.
Melanie
Occupational Therapist
Melanie graduated with her Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) from Monash University. She has experience providing OT services under the NDIS, working in Early Childhood Intervention Services and Private Practice Paediatrics. She has provided support to children with global developmental delay, ASD, ADHD, and other disabilities.
Melanie enjoys working closely with parents and carers to support their children with achieving their goals. She firmly believes that therapy is best provided when families and professionals work together to support the development of the child. Melanie is passionate about empowering children of all ages to develop their independence, confidence, and skills in childhood occupations. She aims to do so through fun, playful activities that focus on engaging children through their interests and motivations.
In her leisure time, Melanie enjoys spending time with her family and friends, trying new activities, and travelling.
Ellen
Occupational Therapist
Ellen graduated from Monash University with a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) in 2017.
Ellen has worked in a range of hospital and community practice settings.
Ellen utilises a holistic approach to therapy that encompasses a child's physical, social, and emotional needs. A family-centred collaborative approach is important to Ellen when working with your child. Ellen is passionate about supporting your child to achieve their goals and looks forward to meeting you.
When not at work you are likely to find Ellen spending time with her partner, her children and her two pet dogs.
EMMA
Occupational Therapist
Emma graduated from Monash University with a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) in 2021. She has experience working with NDIS, Early Intervention, and Victorian Catholic Education Authority (VCEA) clients. She has provided support to children with Global Developmental Delay, ASD, ADHD, and other disabilities.
Emma enjoys engaging with clients of all ages and empowering them to achieve their goals. Alongside this, working with parents and carers to ensure they have the best support in order to assist their child with the achievement of different milestones. Emma completes this through play-based activities with a focus on the child's interests.
Outside of the office, Emma enjoys spending time with her family, reading, painting and cooking.
MICHAELA
Practice Manager
Michaela joined GWMOT in the Practice Manager role in February 2023. She completed her Business and Medical Administration qualifications while working in an outpatient’s clinic at a local hospital in 2007. Since this time, she has worked in reception and audiotyping for a private paediatric clinic, and most recently was the practice manager of a private psychology clinic for 7 years.
From these settings she brings with her a wealth of allied health administrative and operational knowledge, and she is passionate about ensuring all clients who access Grow With Me OT have a positive, uplifting and professional experience.
Outside of the office, Michaela enjoys spending time with her partner, young son and extended family, and when she has time – reading and watching reality TV. If you have any questions about Grow With Me OT, please get in contact with Michaela!
CHARLEE
Allied Health Assistant
Charlee completed a Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance (AHA) in 2023 and is currently studying a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) at Federation University. She has completed AHA placement in community-based settings with a range of ages and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
Charlee believes that providing occupational therapy requires the collaboration of both the therapist and family to create effective and achievable outcomes. She loves being creative, innovative, and adaptive.
Charlee will be helping us to run the group programs and will be available to provide follow-through support with these programs 1:1 through the following term for those who require further repetition or extension.
Outside of work you will find Charlee in nature; hiking, camping, or travelling. Otherwise, she will be spending time with her family and friends.
KATHERINE
Allied Health Assistant
Katherine has been working as an Allied Health Assistant with families in the Pakenham - Bunyip area since the start of October 2024, and has quickly found her feet in our little team.
Katherine has a diverse background in healthcare. She has a bachelor of Nursing with Distinction, she has been a dental nurse/ assistant, and she is 3/4 of the way through a Masters of OT at Swinburne University of Technology.
Katherine is a proud mum & she has a keen interest in helping children achieve their full potential.
GIANNA
Allied Health Assistant
Meet Gianna, a dedicated student pursuing her Bachelors of Occupational Therapy (Honours) at Federation University.
With a heart full of compassion and a mission to make a difference, Gianna is passionate about helping young children, especially through early intervention strategies. She embraces a client-centred approach, recognising and honouring the unique needs of each child and their families.
As an Allied Health Assistant, Gianna will be providing support to children that may benefit from a more regular therapeutic interaction. Gianna will also be in the clinic assisting in group therapy programs.
Outside of work and study, Gianna enjoys spending time with her little brother, her beloved cat Pesto, and the company of her friends. Gianna also has an interest in puzzles, escape rooms and crafting activities.
JAS
Exercise Physiologist
Did you know we offer Exercise Physiology? Meet Jas!
Jas’s personal experiences with chronic health conditions, chronic pain, and endless unusual injuries, led her to discover the therapeutic benefits of exercise. She realised that exercise not only helped her manage her own health conditions, but it could also benefit others struggling with complex symptoms. Jas’s desire to help others led her to pursue an education at the worlds leading Sport Science University to study a Bachelor of Exercise & Sport Science. To further her education, she then completed a Masters in Clinical Exercise Physiology, achieving an Executive Dean’s Award.
Jas is passionate about helping children with various
conditions improve their physical health, functional ability, and overall well-being through tailored exercise programs which will enhance your child's quality of life by addressing
specific physical and psychosocial challenges they may face, and improving health outcomes through movement and exercise
Jas is seeing clients in Traralgon on weekdays and evenings and in Longwarry on Saturdays. She also offers telehealth.
Get in touch if you think your child would benefit from working with Jas!