Our Story
What began as a small practice with just two passionate clinicians has grown into a thriving team of over 30 therapists and support staff.
For over 30 years, Children’s Therapy Services (CTS) has been dedicated to supporting the growth and wellbeing of children and their families in our local community.
CTS has evolved to provide a broad range of multi-disciplinary therapies, all within one service. Our team is united by a shared commitment to best practice and family-centred care in Geelong and the surrounding areas. Our practice continues to be led and operated by clinicians who are actively involved in providing care.
We are proud of the strong reputation we’ve built over the decades, grounded in trust, expertise, and genuine care. As we continue to grow, we remain focussed on delivering collaborative, high-quality therapy that empowers every child to reach their full potential.
Our mission is to nurture each child's unique potential, empowering their growth and wellbeing through dedicated, family-centred care.
Our Team
Physiotherapy
-
Kerry Britt
DIRECTOR & PHYSIOTHERAPIST
Kerry is a physiotherapist with over 25 years’ paediatric experience. She is committed to research, professional development, and working in ways that support and empower families. She holds multiple postgraduate qualifications, including a PhD aimed at exploring and promoting family-centred service in practice.
-
Kelly Reynolds
PHYSIOTHERAPIST
Kelly is a seasoned physiotherapist with a deep-seated commitment to the well-being and development of children. With an extensive background in the field, Kelly has become a trusted name in paediatric care, known for her holistic and comprehensive approach to therapy.
-
Abhi Sarvananthar
PHYSIOTHERAPIST
Abhi completed her Doctor of Physiotherapy in 2016 and has experience in special developmental schools and private practice. She works with children with various conditions, runs hydrotherapy sessions, and continually pursues professional development to enhance her paediatric physiotherapy skills.
-
Caroline Sim
PHYSIOTHERAPIST
Caroline is dedicated to supporting children's growth from early years to high school, fostering strength, coordination, and confidence. With a background in musculoskeletal physiotherapy, she also helps children with acute or chronic joint pain and sprains.
-
Marlene Stapper
PHYSIOTHERAPIST
Marlene has worked in paediatrics for almost 20 years and is passionate about helping children and families to achieve their very best. She has extensive experience across all ages and manages a wide range of conditions including infant condition, neuromuscular conditions and orthopaedic issues.
Occupational Therapy
-
Amanda Tribe
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST
Amanda is a paediatric occupational therapist with over 20 years’ experience across government, non-profit, and private sectors. She specialises in supporting families with diverse needs, sensory processing, and early childhood development, and holds a post-graduate certificate in Sensory Integration.
-
Larissa Andriske
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST
Larissa is an experienced occupational therapist with 25 years in paediatric and adult neurological rehabilitation across the USA and Australia. She has advanced training in upper limb rehab and assistive technology and is passionate about supporting functional independence in all abilities.
-
Tess Ferrier
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST
Tess is a paediatric occupational therapist with over 15 years’ experience across early intervention and school-age services. She uses a strength-based, family-centred approach and has advanced training in Autism, sensory processing, mealtime management and regulation. Tess is also on the Autism Assessment team.
-
Teri Keller
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST
Teri Keiller is a Paediatric Occupational Therapist with over 10 years’ experience supporting children and families across home, school, and community settings. She is passionate about working collaboratively with families, celebrating children’s strengths, and creating meaningful opportunities for learning, connection, and joy.
-
Belinda McVilly
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST
Belinda is a paediatric occupational therapist with over 15 years’ experience in early intervention, hospital, hand therapy, and specialist Autism schools. She uses a family-centred approach and supports children with developmental delays, neurodevelopmental disorders, self-care, sensory processing, and emotional regulation.
-
Carly Sanders
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST
Carly takes a playful, strengths-based approach to therapy, aiming to build confidence, functional skills, and independence in meaningful everyday activities. She values strong, supportive relationships with both children and caregivers and is committed to empowering families as active partners in their child’s development.
-
Madelaine Tomlin
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST
Madelaine graduated in 2010 and has extensive experience working in paediatric settings including special education and early intervention. She has a particular interest in supporting infant and young children’s social-emotional development, play and the parent/child relationship
-
Nicole Grist
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST
Nicole is an Occupational Therapist and PhD candidate researching interoception, emotional regulation, and anxiety in children. She supports neurodiverse children and those with developmental, sensory, or emotional challenges, using a strengths-based approach to empower families and enhance occupational participation.
-
Becky Glover
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST
Becky, an Occupational Therapist since 1992, has over 30 years’ experience in paediatrics across hospitals, community, education, and private practice. She specialises in neurodevelopment, AAC, and family-centred care, supporting children with complex needs and empowering families through collaborative therapy.
-
Genevieve Gorman
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST
Genevieve, a Deakin University Occupational Therapy graduate, has experience in private practice, NDIS, and specialist schools. She is passionate about supporting play, social-emotional, and daily living skills, and values building strong, supportive relationships with children and their families.
Speech Pathology
-
Jen Absalom
SPEECH PATHOLOGIST
Jen has over 25 years’ speech pathology experience – having worked across Victoria, Western Australia and the UK. She specialises in paediatric speech, language and social communication, and has co‑developed our ASD Assessment Clinic, the SP Pathways Service, and numerous Social Learning and Language group programs.
-
Kate Brommeyer
SPEECH PATHOLOGIST
Kate holds a Bachelor of Education, a Master of Speech Pathology and additional certifications, including Hanen It Takes Two to Talk. With over fifteen years’ experience in hospitals, schools and community settings, Kate now specialises in early speech, language, feeding and swallowing. She is experienced in developing services to meet families' needs and combines her expertise with a friendly, collaborative approach.
-
Annabel Tucker
SPEECH PATHOLOGIST
Annabel is an enthusiastic Speech Pathologist with a special passion for supporting children in their early years. She has three young children of her own and has a particular interest in early language development and speech sound disorders.
Psychology
-
Alex Trezise
PSYCHOLOGIST
Alex is a Clinical Psychologist experienced in assessing, diagnosing, and supporting children with neurodevelopmental disorders, including ASD and Intellectual Disability, as well as anxiety and mood disorders. She uses neuroaffirming, evidence-based approaches to support children’s wellbeing and development, working with families, educational settings, and allied health professionals to build resilience, confidence, and independence.
-
Sally Barnard
PSYCHOLOGIST
Sally is a registered psychologist with experience across disability, education, and private practice. She supports clients with diverse challenges, including Autism, using a warm, strengths-focused and collaborative approach tailored to the unique needs of individuals and their families
Accredited Mental Health Social Work
-
Melanie Backwell
ACCREDITED MENTAL HEALTH SOCIAL WORKER
I support children and adolescents through individual therapy and collaboration with the CTS team. With experience in schools, private practice, and disability support, I offer counselling, emotional regulation, social skills training, and family support, specialising in youth mental health and wellbeing.
Dietetics
-
Shellie Kintscher
DIETITIAN
Shellie is an Accredited Practising Dietitian specialising in paediatric nutrition. She helps families manage feeding difficulties, growth and dietary concerns, offering practical, evidence-based strategies to reduce mealtime stress and support a healthy relationship with food and enjoyment of family meals.
Key Worker
-
Heidi Hearps
KEY WORKER
Heidi holds a Bachelor of Teaching from Deakin University and over 20 years in education. She recently earned a Postgraduate Certificate in Specialist Inclusive Education and plans a Master’s in Disability. Heidi specializes in early intervention, inclusive learning support, advocacy, and family collaboration.
-
Michelle Waller
KEY WORKER
Michelle is a Key Worker with a background in music therapy. Michelle has worked with families for over 15 years in the community, hospitals and schools, in Australia, the UK and the USA.
Allied Health Assistants
-
Hannah Chapman
ALLIED HEALTH ASSISTANT
Hannah brings over six years’ experience working with children and families across roles such as individual/group support worker, Kinder Inclusion Support Assistant, and Family Healthcare Support at Royal Children’s Hospital. She now uses that expertise as an allied health assistant, working collaboratively to help families achieve goals in a fun, supportive environment. -
Georgie Arnold
ALLIED HEALTH ASSISTANT
Georgie is pursuing a Bachelor of Nursing and Midwifery at La Trobe University. With experience as an au pair in France and peer mentoring in the disability sector, she enjoys collaborating with other health professionals. She creates safe, welcoming environments and is dedicated to supporting children’s progress.
-
Melanie Lees
ALLIED HEALTH ASSISTANT
Melanie brings over twenty years of experience in the disability sector, across therapeutic and community settings in Canada and Australia. Holding a Bachelor in Recreational Therapy, Melanie is passionate about promoting active, connected lifestyles via sport and aquatic therapy. She enjoys supporting children and families in her role as an Allied Health Assistant at CTS. Melanie also works as a Support Worker in the community.
-
Kate Wiencke
ALLIED HEALTH ASSISTANT
Kate holds a Bachelor of Speech Pathology and enjoys working in a multidisciplinary team to deliver fun and functional AHA programs. She is passionate about supporting children to achieve their goals at home and in the community.
-
Stephanie Frazer
ALLIED HEALTH ASSISTANT
Steph earned a Bachelor of Physiotherapy with distinction from Charles Sturt University in 2015. She now applies her expertise as an Allied Health Assistant at Children’s Therapy Services. Steph draws on her circus teaching experience to inspire children's movement, confidence, and social connections in fun and creative ways.
-
Emily Santalucia
ALLIED HEALTH ASSISTANT
Emily is currently studying a Bachelor of Nursing and Midwifery at Deakin University and works as a youth disability support worker. She is passionate about creating safe and empowering learning spaces that nurture independence, build confidence, and help children achieve their goals.
Admin Team
-

Julie-Ann Richardson
OFFICE MANAGER
With over 10 years in paediatric therapy and lived experience as a parent of a child with special needs, Julie-Ann brings empathy and deep understanding. Her expertise in NDIS processes and warm, supportive nature ensures a positive experience for all families.
-
Kellie Honey
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Kellie Honey is an Administrative Assistant at Children's Therapy Services, bringing a strong background in customer service. Known for her caring, empathetic, and friendly nature, she ensures smooth operations while warmly supporting families and staff with compassion and professionalism.
-
Shannon Goodall
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Shannon is an experienced administrator and loves being part of an organisation that helps children grow and thrive. She is proud to make a positive difference to children and their loved ones through her role at CTS.
-
Montana Gillatt
OFFICE ASSISTANT
Montana has been with CTS for a few years, assisting with the daily operations on Mondays and Tuesdays. She ensures a hygienic environment by sterilising toys and resources. Her warm, friendly nature makes her a valued and supportive member of the admin team.
Our Values
-

Welcoming
We welcome people into our community by creating an accessible and safe space for all. Children, young people, families, staff and friends of CTS can be confident that they will be safe, feel heard and be accepted for who they are, without judgement.
We value every person as an individual and are proud of our ability to support all children, young people and families. You are welcome at CTS.
-

Collaborative
Our multi-disciplinary team members work together with one another, as well as with the broader community, to learn and share knowledge and skills.
We build mutually respectful and supportive partnerships with children, young people, families and external providers to enable shared decision-making. We partner with community groups, educational institutions, researchers and government agencies to contribute to improving outcomes for all.
-

Flexible
We are flexible and creative in our approach to partnering with children, families and the community.
We work with individuals, families and groups in a variety of settings, catering to their circumstances. We innovatively meet the needs and goals of our clients and their families.
-

Reliable
We are committed to doing what we say we will do. We have rigorous policies and procedures which ensure we work openly and accountably, while maintaining confidentiality, to provide high quality therapeutic services. CTS has been trusted by families and health professionals for more than 30 years to provide a holistic service.
We continue to place quality improvement at the centre of our work, to ensure we can be relied upon into the future.
-

Professional Expertise
Our team is comprised of a group of experienced clinicians with a variety of specialties and interests. Our commitment to a life-long learning culture ensures that we are driven to learn. We seek opportunities for organisational improvement, professional development and personal growth.
We aim to continually improve our skills and update our knowledge, to maintain our commitment to evidence-based practice.

