Kelly Powell
Director & Founder / Paediatric Occupational Therapist
Kelly has over 30 years’ experience in Paediatric Occupational Therapy (working in a range of settings including Private Practice, SCOPE, Special Schools, DHS, Early Intervention Teams and in the UK and USA). Kelly lectured in Paediatric OT at Deakin University for 7 years. She is the Director and founder of Amazing Kids OT.
Kelly regularly attends conferences & workshops from Australian and International Therapists to ensure that herself and the other OT’s at Amazing Kids OT are kept up to date with evidence-based practices. She has a post-graduate certificate in Sensory Integration (SIPT) and is a PLAY (Play and Language for Autistic Youngsters) Project consultant.
Away from the clinic, Kelly enjoys travelling, playing tennis, walking along the beach and socialising. She is married with 3 adult children, a dog and a cat.
Kim Soden
Clinical Manager and Senior OT
Kim graduated from the Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Monash University) in 2010. Kim has worked locally and internationally in private practice, community health services, kindergartens, mainstream and special education and hospital/outpatient settings. Most recently Kim was employed as the Senior Occupational Therapist at the Gatehouse Centre (Royal Children’s Hospital) working with children with complex developmental trauma.
Kim has experience working with children aged 2-18 years who have Autism Spectrum Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Developmental Delay, Learning Difficulties, Sensory Processing Dysfunction and Developmental Trauma. Kim has completed specific training in the areas of sensory processing, behaviour support, trauma-informed OT, emotional regulation, feeding, dyspraxia, school readiness, social skills, toilet training and handwriting.
Kim is passionate about building the knowledge of parents, teachers and other key stakeholders to improve their understanding of the child and increase their confidence to implement strategies to support the child at home, school and the community.
Kim’s therapy approach is family centred, playful and engaging, and sessions will be structured according to your child’s therapy goals. This may include assessment, coaching, direct therapy, consultation or professional development/education. The approach chosen will ensure that your child reaches their full potential!
When she is not working Kim enjoys spending time with her family, keeping fit, traveling, good food and spending time outdoors.
Laura House
Occupational Therapist
Laura completed her Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) at Deakin University in 2021, where her Honours research project examined the relationship between children’s perceptions of their playfulness and interoceptive awareness.
Laura is passionate about working with children and their families to support them to reach their functional goals and enable independence in meaningful activities. Laura loves working with young people due to their fun, passionate and determined nature. Everyday is different and very rewarding!
In her spare time Laura enjoys travelling, spending time with family and friends, and trying new foods!
Naomi Gador
Occupational Therapist
Naomi graduated from Australian Catholic University in 2017 and began her career in paediatrics in 2018.
Naomi has experience working in Early Childhood Intervention Services with NDIS clients, has worked within the School Readiness Funding program with Kindergarten educators, and has worked closely with primary schools supporting teachers and children within the educational system.
Naomi loves working with children and their families to work towards building their independence. She uses a holistic approach when working with your child and considers the many factors that may be impacting their participation and skill development. Naomi loves working with the team around your child to ensure a consistent approach is in place. Good communication and shared goals help in achieving your child’s goals effectively and are in line with good professional practice.
Naomi works with children with autism, developmental delay, sensory processing difficulties, and educational challenges.
Naomi has completed training in sensory processing, the SOS approach to feeding, zones of regulation, handwriting, interoception, CPS problem solving, DIR floortime, and video-self modelling. Naomi tries to incorporate your child’s interests into therapy sessions to support engagement and participation.
Outside of work, Naomi enjoys going to the beach, spending time with her friends and family, skiing, and running!
Lachlan Brown
Occupational Therapist
Lachlan completed his Bachelor of Occupational Therapy at Deakin University in 2023. Lachlan has worked as a support worker and therapy assistant throughout his studies, providing several years of hands-on experience working with neurodivergent children.
As an Occupational Therapist, Lachlan values building a safe and trusting therapeutic relationship, adopting a holistic and neuro-affirming approach to positively impact each child and their family. Lachlan is passionate about supporting children reach their goals to lead positive and meaningful lives.
Lachlan has completed training in the Polyvagal Theory and is a certified Safe & Sound Protocol (SSP) Certified Practitioner.
As well as Lachlan’s passion for working with children and their families, Lachlan loves watching football, playing cricket and going for walks with his Australian Shepherd!
Sandy Grose
Administration
Sandy works in Administration at Amazing Kids on a causal basis. You will see her at the reception desk usually on a Tuesday and Friday. Her role is to answer your phone inquiries, book appointments, process payments and answer general questions or concerns you might have.
She trained as a Pre-school Mothercraft Nurse and has worked at Deakin University and various Geelong schools, kindergartens and hospitals. She has extensive experience in the administration, computer skill and early childhood education areas which makes her a great fit for our team. When away from work Sandy likes to cook, spend time with family and friends and enjoys going to the football.