Alyssa is an accredited practicing Occupational Therapist, completing her Bachelor of Occupational Therapy in 2020. She has 8 years of experience with working with neurodiverse children with a range of diagnoses, from her background in working in at an inclusive circus school and working in homes and the community as a paediatric support worker. Alyssa has lived experience of supporting the needs of her autistic little sister. Her lived experiences have inspired her to become an Occupational Therapist and ignited her passion to promote wellbeing and support neurodiverse children’s sensory and emotional needs. 

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Alyssa has an energic and playful nature. Alyssa aims to create an atmosphere of acceptance, respect and fun. Alyssa takes a sincere interest in young people's interests and hobbies and using their interests to build their capacity to tackle challenging tasks while being fun and engaged and achieve meaningful goals important to the child and family. She is strength based and celebrates the unique talents and interests of my clients. Alyssa also shares her own skills and hobbies in acrobatics, tumbling, yoga and dance and does these activities with her clients.  

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Alyssa says that she ‘does her job with her heart.’ Alyssa prides herself on connecting with people from all walks of life, without judgement, bias. She aims to building close, safe, honest and open therapeutic relationships with young people and their families.  

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Alyssa has special interests in:

• Sensory processing, interoception and emotional regulation

• Support clients to understand and accept their neurodiversity, including their identity, strengths and challenges.

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Alyssa has and continues to seek training in:

• Sensory processing - Traffic Jam in my Brain and Gravity Training

• Circle of Security (attachment, parenting)

• Trauma informed care

• Marte Meo (social emotional development in everyday interactions)

• Child Centered Play Therapy

• Neurobiology of ASD and ADHD

• Youth and Adolescent Mental Health First Aid

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What made you want to become an OT?

I have lived experience of supporting the needs of my autistic little sister. My lived experiences have inspired me to become an Occupational Therapist and ignited her passion to promote wellbeing and support neurodiverse children’s sensory and emotional needs. 

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What are some of your favourite activities to do in your free time? 

I do hip-hop and heels dance classes, I love the gym, and Pilates, I absolutely must end my workout with practicing my handstands and headstands of course. I love live music and watching bands. 

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What is your go-to karaoke song? 

Untouched by the Veronicas.

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Do you have any fun or unique talents? 

Flips on the trampoline or tumbling mat. Give me a tumbling mat and I can show you my flips!