Our TEAM
co-founder, director, occupational therapist
Lara
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.
Co-Founder, Director,
Family Educator
liz
Liz is a passionate and experienced family educator, support specialist, and leader in the human services sector, with over 15 years of experience driving innovative programs and empowering families. Her extensive career includes leading large-scale operations and managing complex challenges with confidence, care, and resilience.
Liz has led Australia’s first nationwide NGO after-hours program, ensuring the safety and well-being of vulnerable individuals around the clock. With a Master of Business Administration (specialising in Strategic HR Management) and a Bachelor of Human Services, Liz combines her strategic expertise with a compassionate, person-centred approach to supporting families. Liz is currently studying a Masters of Autism and Neurodiversity.
Liz’s professional accomplishments are complemented by her lived experience as a proud parent of a neurodivergent child. This personal connection fuels her passion for neurodiversity and empowers her to create meaningful, neuroaffirming relationships with families. She blends her professional knowledge with personal insight, fostering understanding, resilience, and empowerment for parents and caregivers.
At The Place, Liz leads our family support services, offering guidance to families navigating life’s challenges. Whether through education, practical strategies, or simply walking alongside parents on their journey, Liz is committed to helping families thrive.
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST
THERAPY DOG DAISY'S PERSONAL ASSISTANT
jASMINE
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.
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With experience in community-based OT and a special love for working with kids, 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.
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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 training to be a therapy dog (and already winning hearts everywhere!).
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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!
speech pathologist
life-long learner, part-time thrill seeker
holly
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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!
allied health assistant,
support worker
self-proclaimed sports fanatic
harry