My name is Angela and I am the creator, director and principal paediatric occupational therapist of The Best Team. With a professional paediatric OT background both in Australia and Europe, I practiced as an occupational therapist in a multi-disciplinary team assessing and treating children with global developmental delay, neurological disorders, learning difficulties, co-ordination disorders and autistic spectrum disorders.

I obtained a Bachelor of Applied Science degree from The University of Sydney and I am a current Member of AHPRA and Occupational Therapy Australia. To further enhance my skills I have trained in the Zones of Regulation and DIR Floortime Model.

‘The most effective method for children to achieve their goals is by creating a therapeutic environment that is both fun and challenging.’

I have experience and expertise in areas such as learning difficulties, co-ordination disorders, handwriting, fine-motor skill acquisition, gross-motor skills, sensory-processing disorders, autistic spectrum disorders and visual perceptual difficulties.

I am passionate about helping children to achieve their goals and develop their confidence in the classroom, playground and social environment. I assess the child and design treatment plans to provide strategies that improve the child’s performance in learning environments, reduce barriers that limit student participation within and outside the school environment and to support the needs of students with disabilities.

As a single mother of an amazing 10 year old daughter, I am only too aware of how important early, professional and loving interaction can enhance a child’s ability to succeed.

Pebbles is a black Maltese x Toy Poodle who works alongside Angela and although she is still a puppy she is getting amazing results and connecting with the kids. Pebbles is currently in intensive training to become accredited in the provision of Animal Assisted Therapy services.

Animal assisted therapy is a goal driven intervention approach with the animal holding an integral role in therapy. Either with family animals or Angela’s therapy dog Pebbles, assessment and intervention will be implemented to address individual goals, such as increasing social and emotional wellbeing, increasing communication, following instructions, lowering stress and anxiety.

Who might benefit from Animal Assisted Therapies?
A variety of people may benefit from therapy incorporating animals to support participation and satisfaction in daily activities. As a foundation, Animal Assisted Therapy may increase spontaneity in the sessions, encourage independence, support motivation and build self-esteem. Additionally, goals may include:

• Social and emotional wellbeing,


• Stress and anxiety,


• Social skills,


• Every day activities,


• Difficulties related to Autism,


• ADHD and Sensory Processing,


• Community engagement.

What is the background to Animal Assisted Therapies in Occupational Therapy?
Research into Animal Assisted Therapy is overwhelmingly positive in its belief that using animals in therapy is highly effective across a wide variety of symptoms, conditions and ages. Canine assisted therapy has been found to be particularly effective with physical, cognitive, and behavioural therapy programs. Showing that developing a bond with an animal promotes self-worth, self-esteem and trust.