Neuroaffirming Paediatric OT · Lane Cove
About OT Kids Academy
Get to know the caring team behind your child’s therapy.
- Members of Occupational Therapy Australia
WELCOME
Choosing someone to support your child is a big decision, and you want to know who they are before you ever pick up the phone. OT Kids Academy is a team of paediatric occupational therapists in Lane Cove, supporting children and teens aged 0 to 18 to take part in the everyday activities that matter to them, with a neuroaffirming, family-centred approach.
OUR APPROACH
Our Approach to
Paediatric Occupational
Therapy
We believe every child deserves to be understood for who they are. Our approach is neuroaffirming and strengths-based, which means we build therapy around your child's interests, abilities and personality, rather than trying to change who they are. Therapy is respectful, meaningful and, importantly, fun.
We are also family-centred. We see ourselves as part of your team, an integral part of the village in raising your child. Our assessment and therapy sessions are designed around the needs of each individual child and family, because no two children are the same, and neither are their goals.
What matters to us
What Matters to Us
Our values guide everything we do, from the first phone call to every session
that follows.
We value your child and family
We become part of your team and walk alongside you on the journey, getting to know your child and what matters most to your family.
We work with your child's network
Whether it is teachers, educators or grandparents, we share our approach and resources so the whole network around your child feels equipped and empowered to support them.
We listen to your concerns
Your insights matter. Understanding what you are noticing helps us offer practical strategies that make everyday life run more smoothly.
We support and guide you
We understand the challenges families face, and we are committed to supporting you with care and understanding at every step.
We make it fun
Our sessions are built around play, engagement and feeling successful, because children learn best when they are enjoying themselves.
Your child is always the focus
Making your child a central, active participant helps nurture their potential and encourages their own unique development and growth.
We work flexibly
We meet your child in the setting that suits them best, at home, school, daycare, preschool, or in our purpose- built clinic.
We are specialists
Our team focuses on paediatric occupational therapy, with training informed by leading paediatric occupational therapists and post-graduate programs, and membership of Occupational Therapy Australia.
Meet the team
Meet the Team
Behind OT Kids Academy is a dedicated team of paediatric occupational therapists and support staff, each bringing their own specialisms and warmth to the children and families they work with. Here is a short introduction to the people you will meet.
Meet the people behind OT Kids Academy:
- Director
Leona Brennan
- Occupational Therapist and Director
Leona leads our team and brings extensive experience across paediatrics, with special interests in sensory processing, trauma, feeding and mental health. Her compassionate, practical approach reflects a deep understanding that every family is unique, and she is dedicated to helping children grow in confidence while supporting families along the way.
Tara Doyle
- Clinic Manager
Tara plays an integral role in the day-to-day running of the clinic and is a valuable support to parents, families and the whole OT team. Making sure your experience with us feels smooth, welcoming and rewarding is what matters most to her.
Shauna Doyle
- Occupational Therapist
Shauna brings experience working with
children who have a wide variety of needs. She is committed to giving every child the time, attention and tools to build their skills and confidence.
Molly Ley
- Occupational Therapist
Molly has a passion for play-based,
neuroaffirming therapy. She has experience supporting children with autism, ADHD, developmental differences and sensory
processing needs, and enjoys working closely with families and schools on strategies that help in everyday life.
Anna Durning
- Occupational Therapist
Anna believes the wellbeing of the child is central to therapy, and is committed to
holistic, child-led support. With a caring and compassionate approach, she builds
meaningful connections with children and their families, creating an environment of trust.
Eridani Saleh
- Occupational Therapist
As a mother of two, Eridani brings warmth and an understanding of the joys and challenges of parenting. She works in close partnership with families to suit each household's unique dynamics, and considers it a privilege to support them on their journey.
Carly Blum
- Occupational Therapist
Carly values building strong connections with children and their families. She has
experience supporting fine and gross motor development, emotional regulation and social participation, with a patient, understanding approach that helps children build confidence.
Tyla Petrie
- Occupational Therapist
Drawing on over five years of experience as an educator and gymnastics coach, Tyla brings a strong understanding of children’s everyday environments to her OT practice. She loves bringing movement, creativity and play into therapy and truly enjoys getting to know children’s personalities and connecting with their interests to make sessions engaging and meaningful.
Brianna Martin
- Occupational Therapist
Bri supports children to develop practical
skills, independence and self confidence. She brings a playful, strengths-based approach to every session, combining movement, creativity and everyday routines to make therapy engaging and meaningful.
Mia Rajamantri
- Therapy Assistant
Mia is passionate about supporting children and is currently studying Occupational Therapy at university. As a Therapy Assistant, she brings an empathetic and patient approach to her work with children and their families.
Morgan Wright
- Administration Officer
With a background in administration and
genuine empathy for families, Morgan helps keep things running smoothly while
supporting both parents and therapists. She is often a friendly first point of contact when you reach out.
Sarah Waugh
- Accounts
Sarah has a real interest in the therapy work that supports children, and loves helping clients feel welcome and comfortable when they reach out to our clinic.
On the Lower North Shore
A Local Practice on the
Lower North Shore
We are proud to be a genuinely local paediatric occupational therapy practice, based in Lane Cove and serving families across Sydney's Lower North Shore. Our purpose-built clinic is designed with children in mind, with engaging spaces and equipment that make therapy effective and enjoyable. When you choose OT Kids Academy, you are choosing a familiar, community-minded team, not a faceless chain.
Getting started with us
Getting Started With Us
If you would like to learn more about our team or talk through how we might
support your child, we would love to hear from you. Get in touch with our friendly
team and we will help you take the first step.
Send an enquiry
Tell us what you are noticing and hoping for, and we will be in touch.
Call us: (02) 8040 0876
Speak with our friendly team on (02) 8040 0876.
Explore our services
See how our paediatric OT team can support your child.
Frequently Asked Questions
Getting to know a new clinic often comes with questions. Can't find yours here? Our friendly team is happy to talk anything through.
What is OT Kids Academy?
OT Kids Academy is a paediatric occupational therapy clinic in Lane Cove, on Sydney's Lower North Shore. We support children and teenagers aged 0 to 18 to take part in the everyday activities that matter to them, from play and self-care to school and managing emotions. Our team takes a neuroaffirming, family-centred and play-based approach, shaping therapy around each child's strengths, interests and goals.
What does a neuroaffirming approach mean?
A neuroaffirming approach means we celebrate children for who they are and build therapy around their strengths and interests, rather than trying to change them. We focus on helping each child participate in the activities that matter to them, in ways that feel respectful, meaningful and fun. Your child is never treated as a problem to be fixed, and difference is understood and supported, not corrected.
What ages do you work with?
We work with children and young people from birth through to 18 years of age. Our paediatric occupational therapists support babies, toddlers, preschoolers, school-aged children and teenagers, adapting their approach to each child's age, stage and goals. Whether your child is just starting out or navigating the teenage years, we tailor our support to where they are right now.
Who will be working with my child?
Your child will be supported by one of our experienced paediatric occupational therapists, with input from the wider team where helpful. Each therapist brings their own specialisms and a shared commitment to strengths-based, playful therapy. We will match your child with a therapist suited to their needs, and you are always welcome to ask about the person who will be working with your family.
Are your therapists qualified and registered?
Yes. Our occupational therapists are qualified professionals, and our practice is a member of Occupational Therapy Australia. Our team focuses specifically on paediatric occupational therapy, with training informed by leading practitioners and post-graduate programs. We are always happy to answer questions about our team's experience and approach so you feel confident in your choice.
Where are you located?
We are based in Lane Cove, on Sydney's Lower North Shore, in a purpose-built clinic designed with children in mind. We also offer therapy in other settings, including your home, school, daycare and through telehealth, so support can fit around your family. Please get in touch to confirm our current clinic address and the options available to you.
How do I get started with OT Kids Academy?
Getting started is simple. Contact our friendly reception team by phone, email or through our website, and let us know what you are noticing and hoping for. We will talk you through the next steps, help you understand your options, and find a time that suits your family. There is no pressure, just a warm conversation about how we might be able to help.