Our team

Make The Connection is a leading provider of innovative and flexible programs and services that support families who have a child with a disability or additional need. Based in Coburg, we are a small, local team of specialists who are experienced in working with children and families and have strong connections to the communities we live and work in.

Our team of specialists, with professional backgrounds in Occupational Therapy and Speech Pathology, will support the design of innovative and flexible services to improve the skills and participation of your child through life.

We are not only passionate, approachable and understanding, but all of our therapists use innovative approaches that are well-supported by theory and research and align with guidelines for best clinical practice. Depending on your child’s needs, you will be referred to one of our qualified Occupational Therapists or Speech Pathologists (or both) who will support you and the important people in your child’s lives with the resources, information and support to help them learn, develop and participate in the communities with which they live and play in.

Meet our team

Amanda

I started Make the Connection with long term friend and Speech Pathologist in 2012 to combat the long waiting lists families were enduring for quality therapeutic services. Now flying the company as sole director and Occupational Therapist, with a team of experienced, creative and enthusiastic community minded therapists, I remain dedicated to ensuring the delivery of evidence based, quality therapeutic services for children living with a disability or additional need and their families in the north west region of Victoria.

The most rewarding part of my job is working so closely with families, and being part of such positive life changing moments.

Joanna!

I have been a speech pathologist for a number of years and have worked in a variety of settings including early intervention, community health and in schools.

I am a strong believer in the importance of developing collaborative and supportive relationships with the most important people in the life of the children I am working with.

I have always enjoyed working with children and value the fun, joy and ideas that that brings to my practice.

Outside of work I enjoy books and movies and sharing these with my young son.

Jen

Hi, I’m Jen!

I’m an Occupational Therapist with a Masters in Occupational Therapy Practice and Bachelors of Applied Science. I have a keen interest in supporting children and families from Vietnamese backgrounds, and in the areas of physical disability and assistive technology.

I am enthusiastic, energetic and very motivated to develop positive relationships with families and children and be part of such positive life changing moments. I want to use my passion to bring creativity and fun into sessions.

On my days off, I enjoy playing all sports, riding my bike and hitting up food joints with friends and family.

David

I worked in the advertising industry for 25 years partnering a design studio that was passionate in the value of using creativity to build authentic brands. However I started to shift my focus on using art to understand myself and how I connect with others almost being called to study art therapy.

Having worked with Make the Connection for three years now as the General Manager I've seen the impact early intervention has for both child and family alike. My approach is to explore your goals using a range of creative mediums to understand and express feelings and beliefs to be better connected.

I believe creativity is fun and an unexpected journey that can be shared and celebrated.

Outside of work, I love to spend time with family, get a little creative and maintain a strong sneaker collection.

Rene

I have studied a Bachelor of Applied Science and Master of Occupational Therapy. Over the years I have been able to develop my paediatric OT skills by doing support work and working alongside, Occupational Therapists to support children with additional needs. I have a strong passion for working with children and love seeing them succeed. I love to get creative when working with children and see the different way they meet their goals.

I have been luckily enough to travel during my studies, and I love to experience different countries and their culture! In particular returning to Greece and the island my family grew up in.

On my days off, I LOVE to spend time with my family and friends, eating good food and watching movies… and of course spending time with my doggo going for long walks and having a good coffee.

Celina

I’m a speech pathologist, who has had the pleasure of working with children and their families over many years. I love getting to know the children’s unique qualities in the context of their family life and across different educational settings, whether it be school, kinder, or childcare. I value how working together, we can listen, laugh, and learn from each other, which then helps us to work on and achieve meaningful outcomes.

Outside of work, I enjoy going for walks, marvelling at nature, and catching up with friends.

Veronica

I am currently an Occupational Therapist here at Make the Connection, having studied my Masters in Occupational Therapy Practice and Bachelors of Applied Science. I have always had a passion for supporting children to achieve their goals, and value the importance of early intervention for children growing up.   

Over the past few years I have been able to work with children in many different environments, with the roles as a dance teacher and an allied health assistant. I valued adding joy and fun to people's lives to create change, through creativity and play activities!

Outside of work, I love dancing and listening to lots of music with my family and friends!

Sarah!

My background encompasses Occupational Therapy and Music Therapy with a Bachelor of Music and Masters of OT.

The last 10 years my professional life has been focussing on the learning strengths of children and helping them develop a sense of mastery and independence over practical as well as cognitive skills especially when learning music.

I believe children learn best when they are doing something they enjoy, having fun and finding their internal motivation for achieving a goal while having family and supports around them.

I also love being creative, sewing, making costumes and being active with my family!