About Us

Hello, I am a dedicated Occupational Therapist with over a decade of experience providing therapy services for children and their families. My journey began in South Africa, where I graduated with a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) from the University of KwaZulu Natal in 2011. Working in inclusive education, I discovered my passion for supporting neurodivergent children and those needing specialized assistance.

Immigrating to Australia in 2019, I have focused on early intervention for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, movement-based disorders, sensory processing differences, learning disorders, developmental delays and complex medical or genetic conditions. My approach emphasizes helping each child and family embrace their authentic selves, fostering a true sense of belonging.

In 2022, I established Upside Down Therapy to support neurodiverse individuals and their families with responsive, family-led services. I’ve completed extensive training in various therapeutic approaches, including my Certificate in Ayers Sensory Integration, Therapeutic Listening, Astronaut Protocol, PDA, the Early Start Denver Model, toileting, feeding, and more. Staying current with the latest research, I ensure my practices are evidence-based. I collaborate with families, teachers, and therapists to create positive learning experiences, developing confident and resilient children.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, being outdoors, and traveling around Australia. I feel privileged to be welcomed into the lives of the families I work with and look forward to supporting your child on their growth and development journey.

Hey, my name is Lochie! I believe that building strong relationships and rapport between the client, family, and therapist is crucial. This not only supports skill development for independence but also makes the process fun and engaging.

I love working with children incorporating a sensory integration approach to develop social, emotional and motor skills. I’m passionate about understanding how mental health impacts everyday independence and tailor my approach to meet each client’s unique needs. My therapy style is client-centred, play-based, and child-led, ensuring sessions are meaningful and engaging. I combine these fun, interactive methods with evidence-based practices to achieve the best outcomes for my clients.

I believe therapy should be a positive, enjoyable experience that fosters genuine growth. I have attended professional development workshops to expand my knowledge in behavioural optometry, sensory integration, pathological demand avoidance (PDA), and incorporating mental health tools into therapy sessions. This ongoing learning helps me provide the most effective and comprehensive care.

Outside of work, I’m a massive sports lover—whether it’s AFL footy, cricket, NBA, Premier League, or golf, I’m either watching or playing it. When I’m not enjoying sports, I love spending time with friends, exploring Brisbane, or finding new shows to binge-watch on Netflix.

I’m a pediatric occupational therapist with a real passion for helping kids reach their full potential and become as independent as possible. Originally from South Africa, I studied Occupational Therapy at the University of Cape Town. After a while, I decided to try something new and made the move to Australia, where I’ve been living in Brisbane for the past two years.

I’ve worked in both pediatric and mental health settings, in both South Africa and Australia. I’ve had the chance to work with kids diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders, sensory processing issues, developmental delays, ADHD, intellectual disabilities, and learning difficulties. I believe therapy should always be fun and tailored to what each child is into—that way, we get the best progress from every session. I love working closely with other health professionals, teachers, and families to make sure everyone’s on the same page and the child gets the best support possible.

When I’m not working, you’ll usually find me doing pilates, going for walks, traveling, or reading a good book.

Hi there! I’m Mark, the friendly face behind the scenes at Upside Down Therapy. My primary roles involve managing accounts and finances, administration, IT, and a range of tasks that keep our practice running smoothly.

With a background in design and printing, I made the leap to Upside Down Therapy to help our practice grow ensuring that our team can focus on providing the best possible care – knowing that the behind-the-scenes operations are in good hands.

 When I am not in the office, I am doing school drop-offs, attending extracurricular and sporting activities, and holding down the fort. I also oversee our therapy equipment business, ensuring we have the best tools to support our clients. When I’m not at work, I love spending time with my family, camping, trail running, hitting the beach, and outdoor adventures.

Meet Demi, the most recent addition to the Upside Down Therapy family, and our Chief Cuddle Officer! Demi specialises in cuddles, zoomies, and playful antics, perfectly complementing our early intervention services for children with her unmatched snuggling skills and energetic spirit.

 Demi’s Key Skills:

• Cuddles: Her warm snuggles brighten any day.
• Zoomies: Promotes laughter and physical activity with spontaneous sprints.
• Playtime Pro: Keeps everyone creative with her playful nature.

 Demi’s Achievements:

• Boosted office morale by 200%.
• Pioneered the “Daily Fetch” initiative.

When she’s not on duty, Demi loves finding new holes to dig, taking a snooze, or exploring the neighbourhood with her owners for new sensory experiences.

Her future professional development will focus on improving her cuddling skills, reading body cues, and displaying appropriate social behaviours – especially when she’s overexcited. Demi embodies our philosophy of joy and affection, making her an invaluable team member.