OUR TEAM
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LARA
FOUNDER, DIRECTOR, OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST
Lara is an experienced Occupational Therapist with over 15 years of clinical practice in Disability, Aged Care, and Community Therapy. As co-founder and director of The Place, she is dedicated to providing hands-on support to individuals of all ages with diverse needs.
Her knowledge encompasses Mental Health, Disability, and Neurodiversity, with a focus on ADHD and Autism. Lara offers practical support in areas such as Capacity Building, Living Skills, Functional Assessments, Family-Centred Therapy, and Therapeutic Play. She also addresses emotional regulation and sensory processing needs, providing guidance on Equipment and Assistive Technology to enhance daily living for her clients.
Lara has led large allied health teams supporting NDIS participants, concentrating on behaviour support and complex support needs. She is committed to evidence-based therapeutic interventions and provides support across multiple settings—clinic, school, home, and group environments—ensuring that care is accessible for everyone, including through Telehealth options.
As a mother of a neurodivergent child, Lara brings both personal insight and professional knowledge to her practice. She understands the unique challenges and strengths of neurodivergent individuals and is passionate about creating tailored, inclusive strategies that empower clients of all ages to reach their full potential.
JASMINE
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST
Jasmine is an occupational therapist who’s as down-to-earth as they come and passionate about helping people live their best lives. Growing up in a small country town, she knows firsthand the value of community and is all about supporting rural and remote families to thrive.
With experience in community-based OT and a special love for working with young adults, Jasmine brings a neuroaffirming approach to her practice. Whether it’s supporting sensory needs, boosting mental health, or finding the perfect piece of assistive technology, she’s all about practical solutions that make a real difference.
Outside of work, Jasmine’s love for animals shines. She spends her free time riding horses and hanging out with her two dogs—one of whom is Daisy the therapy dog (and winning hearts everywhere!).
Jasmine’s friendly, approachable vibe and commitment to making a difference make her a perfect fit for families looking for support, guidance, and a bit of fun along the way. She’s here to help build stronger, more connected communities—one goal (and wagging tail) at a time!
STEPH
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST
Steph is an occupational therapist who’s all about connection, play, and practical strategies that actually work for kids and their families. She takes a neuroaffirming, family-centred approach — whether that’s supporting sensory needs, boosting independence in daily routines, or helping parents feel confident in their child’s journey.
Clinically, Steph has supported neurodivergent children and young people with goals around emotional regulation, daily living skills, and school participation. She works closely with families, teachers, and other professionals to create tailored strategies that play to a child’s strengths. She has a particular interest in supporting parents through coaching and collaborative problem-solving, making sure therapy feels achievable, meaningful, and woven into everyday life.
With experience across hospital and community settings, Steph knows how to adapt quickly, think on her feet, and still keep therapy fun and meaningful. As a parent herself, she gets that family life is busy and messy — and she loves working alongside caregivers to find solutions that fit real life (not just the textbook).
Growing up in a small country town, Steph values community, authenticity, and a good laugh. When she’s not in OT mode, you’ll probably find her wrangling her toddler, experimenting with pottery that occasionally looks intentional, or planning her next travel adventure (ideally somewhere with less laundry).
JUDY
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST
Judy is one of those truly special people who feels woven into the fabric of the Highfields community. For almost 20 years, she was a much-loved kindergarten teacher, supporting countless children and families through those important early years. Her warmth, patience, and gentle manner are well known, and she has played a meaningful role in shaping not just little learners, but also the strong sense of connection that makes Highfields such a wonderful place to raise a family.
Judy is now a qualified Occupational Therapist, and we are absolutely thrilled to have her stepping into this role at The Place. She brings with her a deep understanding of child development, learning, and family life, alongside a calm, strengths-based approach that helps children feel safe, capable, and celebrated.
A mum of adult children, Judy understands the joys and challenges of family life across every stage. She loves to travel and explore, and her curiosity about the world shines through in the way she connects with children — nurturing their confidence, independence, and sense of wonder.
Families often describe Judy as calm, compassionate, and endlessly resourceful. We feel incredibly lucky to have her as part of our OT team and are excited to see the positive impact she continues to make in this next chapter of her career.
HOLLY
SPEECH PATHOLOGIST
At The Place, we love great humans who bring passion, warmth, and a deep sense of community to their work—and that’s exactly what Holly does.
Growing up in a small country town in NSW, Holly knows firsthand the power of connection and the magic of small communities. She believes speech therapy should be accessible, practical, and fun, with a focus on real-world communication, neuro-affirming practice, and a dash of sensory play to support engagement and learning—not just for individuals, but for the families and communities that support them.
Holly is passionate about AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) for kids and teens, early language development, and supporting parents and communities through education and advocacy. She takes a strengths-based approach, making sure every person she works with feels heard, valued, and supported in ways that truly fit them.
Holly also loves to learn and has a knack for detective work—if she doesn’t know the answer, she’ll find out! Whether it’s staying on top of the latest research, problem-solving tricky communication challenges, or working alongside families to tailor the best support, Holly is always up for the challenge.
Outside of work, Holly is always up for an adventure—she’s even been skydiving! When she’s not exploring new ideas, she’s immersed in a great book, enjoying time with friends and family, or doting on animals.
Holly brings expertise, kindness, and a love for what she does to The Place. We’re stoked to have her on the team, and we know our families will love working with her!
DOMINIQUE
BEHAVIOUR SUPPORT PRACTITIONER & FAMILY SUPPORT SPECIALIST
Dominique is a proud mum of three with a big heart for community and connection. Her world has been deeply shaped by her daughter, who lives with a severe neurodevelopmental condition, and this journey has inspired her to follow a new path.
Now working as a registered Behaviour Support Practitioner and Family Support Specialist at The Place, Dominique is also furthering her studies with a Master of Autism and Neurodivergence at the University of Wollongong. She originally completed a Bachelor of Laws and Arts (majoring in International Relations and Public Relations) and has since gone on to complete postgraduate studies in areas such as child development, family therapy, and mental health. These experiences, combined with her lived experience as a parent, have strengthened her passion for supporting children and families.
Dominique knows first-hand how isolating and overwhelming the journey can feel, but also how important it is to have the right support. She’s passionate about creating spaces where families feel seen, supported, and empowered. Outside of work and study, Dominique loves spending weekends with her kids and soaking up family time. She also enjoys winding down with a good podcast—anything that makes her laugh, learn, or feel inspired.
DANI
BEHAVIOUR SUPPORT PRACTITIONER
Danielle is a Specialist Positive Behaviour Support Practitioner and experienced Social Worker who has spent more than 20 years working alongside children, adults, families and support teams.
Before joining The Place, Danielle worked across disability, child safety and community services and held senior clinical and leadership roles within a large national organisation. This included leading Positive Behaviour Support and Social Work services and supporting the development of practitioners across Australia.
Danielle believes behaviour is communication. She takes the time to look beyond what is happening on the surface and understand the person, their experiences, their environment and what they may be trying to tell us.
Her approach is warm, curious and deeply respectful. Danielle works closely with individuals and the people who know them best—including families, carers, educators and support teams—to create strategies that are practical, meaningful and able to work in real life.
For Danielle, Positive Behaviour Support isn’t about simply “managing” someone or stopping a behaviour. It’s about listening, understanding and creating the right conditions for each person to feel safe, connected and genuinely supported.
Danielle holds a Bachelor of Social Work from James Cook University, along with qualifications in Community Services and Training and Assessment. She brings an incredible depth of knowledge to The Place, but just as importantly, she brings compassion, humour and a genuine belief in the people she supports.
BEC
FAMILY SUPPORT SPECIALIST
Bec is our wonderful Family Educator, disability advocate and proud mum of four. She brings a whole lot of heart, insight and real-world understanding to the children, families and communities she supports.
With experience across early childhood, behaviour support, family support, trauma-informed practice and inclusion leadership, Bec is passionate about helping people feel genuinely seen, heard and understood. She works from the belief that kids do well if they can—so when things feel tricky, she gets curious about what is underneath, what is getting in the way, and what supports might make life feel a little lighter.
Bec loves supporting families to make sense of the big stuff: behaviour, school, relationships, advocacy, overwhelm and navigating systems that do not always make things easy. Her approach is warm, practical, neuro-affirming and centred on helping people be their full, authentic selves.
She is a fierce advocate, a thoughtful problem-solver, an industry-changer and, quite simply, an all-round wonderful human. We are very lucky to welcome Bec into The Place team.
HARRY
ALLIED HEALTH ASSISTANT
Harry brings a wealth of experience and energy to The Place team! Currently studying Exercise Physiology, Harry has spent several years working with Queensland Health across various departments, including at the Children’s Hospital in Brisbane. His diverse background equips him with the skills and compassion to provide outstanding support to our clients.
Harry’s AHA supports include:
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Therapy Support – delivering tailored, neuroaffirming programs under the guidance of our allied health team.
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Goal-Based Activities – helping clients build independence and confidence through motivating, functional activities.
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Outdoor and Active Sessions – blending movement and therapy to make sessions fun, practical, and meaningful.
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Social and Life Skills Practice – supporting everyday routines, communication, and independence in ways that matter most to clients and families.
When Harry’s not working, he loves staying active through rock climbing, running with his dog Cocoa, and spending time in nature. He also enjoys woodworking, riding motorbikes, and has even run a half marathon! If that wasn’t enough, Harry can solve a Rubik’s cube—a testament to his problem-solving skills and determination!
Fun fact: Harry is also the co-owner of Violets and Vases, a local florist, alongside his beautiful wife.
CHERISE
ALLIED HEALTH ASSISTANT
Cherise is one of our wonderful Allied Health Assistants and a mum of two who brings warmth, creativity and a brilliant sense of humour to every session.
She is especially passionate about supporting neurodivergent children and families, with a keen interest in PDA, AuDHD, behaviour and trauma-informed care. Cherise has a thoughtful, relationship-first way of working—meeting people where they are at, leaning into their interests, and finding fun, practical ways to build confidence, skills and connection.
As part of a military family, Cherise also understands the unique mix of challenge, adventure and change that can come with postings, relocations and starting again somewhere new. Having experienced multiple URF transitions herself, she brings genuine understanding to families navigating that world.
Cherise is deeply caring, wonderfully creative and always ready to bring a little fun into the room. We are so lucky to have her as part of The Place team.
BROOKLYN
ALLIED HEALTH ASSISTANT
Brooklyn is one of our bright and bubbly Allied Health Assistants, bringing more than five years of experience supporting children and families.
She has a beautiful way of bringing the energy up in every room—helping children feel comfortable, capable and ready to give things a go. Brooklyn is all about connection first; she loves following a child’s interests, finding the fun in the moment and creating playful, meaningful opportunities to build confidence, independence and skills.
A little bit of a free spirit, Brooklyn brings a lovely mix of warmth, curiosity and creativity to her work. Whether she is setting up a space, creating an activity from scratch or turning an everyday moment into something engaging, she has a knack for making things feel welcoming and possible.
Outside of The Place, Brooklyn is happiest organising spaces, making things beautiful and getting her hands dirty in the garden. We are very lucky to have her bright energy, big heart and creative spirit as part of The Place team.
MEL
CLIENT EXPERIENCE OFFICER
Mel is our incredible Client Experience Officer — and, truth be told, the person who keeps The Place running like clockwork.
With a career spanning special education, local council, and customer service, Mel brings a wealth of experience across a wide range of sectors. Her professional background is matched only by her warmth, attention to detail, and ability to make every family feel supported from the very first hello.
As a proud mum to a neurodivergent child, Mel brings deep understanding, empathy, and lived experience to her role. This personal insight shapes the way she connects with families and supports our team — ensuring every interaction reflects the heart and values of The Place.
Mel has been part of our journey for a while now, quietly keeping everything (and everyone) organised behind the scenes - she continues to be the steady presence and caring soul at the centre of our village.
JACK
THERAPY DOG - IN TRAINING
Jack is our golden retriever therapy dog in training. With his gentle nature, friendly face and very waggy tail, he is learning to help children and families feel calm, safe and comfortable at The Place.
Whether he is offering quiet company during a tricky moment, joining in play, or simply being nearby for a pat, Jack is here to bring a little extra comfort and joy. As he is still in training, his involvement will always be guided by each person’s comfort, consent and individual needs.
FIND YOUR PLACE
We’re always on the lookout for amazing humans to join The Place. We’re not simply filling roles—we’re building a team of kind, capable, curious people who genuinely care about neurodivergent people, their families and each other.
If you’re looking for meaningful work, room to grow, plenty of personality, and a workplace where you can bring your whole self, we’d love to chat.
