Our team
◎Meet our practitioners
Learn about the people who work with Marsden Therapy, their professional fields and how they support children, adults and families.

23 current profiles
Find a practitioner by field
Choose a professional field, then hover, focus or tap a card to read the practitioner’s profile.
↗Hover, focus or tap to read a profile

Aanchal Aryal
Allied Health Assistant
Aanchal Aryal
Allied Health Assistant
I am an Allied Health Assistant in Occupational Therapy with over two years of experience supporting children, including those with developmental delays and autism. I work closely with occupational therapists to deliver engaging, child-centred therapy sessions that support each child’s individual goals. I have a strong interest and skill in developing writing and fine motor skills, school readiness, handwriting, and early learning foundations. My strengths include building positive rapport with children, implementing therapy programs, supporting emotional regulation, and adapting activities to suit each child’s needs. I am passionate about helping children build confidence, independence, and essential skills for everyday and school participation.

Anna Kuwaoka
Speech Therapist
Anna Kuwaoka
Speech Therapist
Master of Speech and Language Pathology (Macquarie University) Anna is a Speech Therapist experienced in working with clients of all ages (school-aged children, teenagers and adults) and from multilingual and multicultural backgrounds. She has worked with clients diagnosed with complex diagnoses such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) - Level 3, Intellectual Disability (ID) and Neurological conditions (e.g. Stroke, Parkinson's Disease, Cerebral Palsy). She is experienced in implementing aided Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) systems and supporting functional literacy and communication skills across all ages.

Breanna Fernando
Occupational Therapist
Breanna Fernando
Occupational Therapist
Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Occupational Therapy Specialisation & Experience: Passionate and dedicated Occupational Therapist specialising in paediatrics and adolescents, with a strong commitment to delivering client-centred, evidence-based, and culturally responsive care. I have significant experience working with Indigenous children and their families, children in foster care and those with complex family backgrounds. Experience supporting those presenting with PDA characteristics as well as those with additional needs or diagnosis. I also have experience working with young adults, supporting them with ways to build confidence and independence.

Duaa Ahmad
Allied Health Assistant
Duaa Ahmad
Allied Health Assistant
I am currently studying a Bachelor of Speech Pathology and am a compassionate and enthusiastic AHA - Speech Pathology Assistant, passionate about supporting individuals to develop their communication skills and participate with confidence. I value building genuine connections with clients and creating positive, engaging therapy experiences that are tailored to their individual needs and goals. I enjoy working collaboratively with speech pathologists, families, and the wider team, while continuing to build my practical skills and knowledge throughout my studies.

Dylan McLeod
Behaviour Support Practitioner
Dylan McLeod
Behaviour Support Practitioner
Marsden Therapy - Positive Behaviour Support Team Lead Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) at Macquarie University Bachelor of Human Sciences (Cognitive & Brain Sciences) at Macquarie University NDIS Registered Behaviour Support Practitioner - Advanced Dylan is an astute and empathetic practitioner with strong interest in how thinking and behaviour are shaped by neurodevelopmental conditions (e.g., Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, etc). Dylan takes a strengths-based, neuro-affirming and trauma-informed approach and is passionate about supporting others to overcome challenges and enhance their quality of life. Dylan has strong experience working with people who are living with complex diagnoses to reduce behaviours that present a risk of harm and fade out restrictive practices. He is an active listener with skills in conducting assessments, formulating and implementing evidence-based interventions, working collaboratively within multidisciplinary clinical settings, and communicating complex information in acces

Farah Yowakem
Occupational Therapist
Farah Yowakem
Occupational Therapist
Hi! My name is Farah, I am an Occupational Therapist with 5 years of experience as a Behaviour Support Practitioner and Behaviour Therapist. Alongside developing behaviour support frameworks, I’ve had the joy of delivering hands‑on OT interventions, supporting clients to build meaningful skills, grow their confidence, and achieve goals that truly matter to them. I bring warmth, initiative, and a creative, client‑centred approach to every therapeutic interaction. My strengths include forming strong rapport, problem‑solving holistically, collaborating effectively with multidisciplinary teams, adapting interventions with enthusiasm and care, and bringing a positive, can‑do approach to every session. Empowering clients to live more independent, fulfilling lives is what lights me up - and I’m excited to bring that passion, heart, and enthusiasm into every space I work in. 💛

Gabrielle Doueihi
Behaviour Support Practitioner
Gabrielle Doueihi
Behaviour Support Practitioner

Ithia Farah
Senior Specialist Behaviour Support Practitioner
Ithia Farah
Senior Specialist Behaviour Support Practitioner
Ithia Farah, Assoc. MAPS, has a background in Clinical and Educational Psychology (BSc Psychology Hons), is a qualified NDIS Specialist Behaviour Support Practitioner, and is a published author.. With more than 30 years of professional experience abroad and in Australia,she provides evidence-based, person-centred support for children, young people, and families across education, health, and disability settings. Her practice is trauma-informed, collaborative, and focused on inclusion, positive behaviour support, and improving outcomes for neurodivergent individuals, their families, and communities.
Julian J
Occupational Therapist
Julian J
Occupational Therapist

Lyssa Andal
Occupational Therapist
Lyssa Andal
Occupational Therapist
I am an AHPRA-registered paediatric Occupational Therapist with 9 years of experience supporting children and their families. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy and have worked extensively with children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Down syndrome, global developmental delay, and cognitive and physical delays. I value working closely with families, educators, and other key stakeholders to ensure a collaborative, strengths-based approach that supports each child’s development and meaningful participation in everyday activities. I am bilingual and provide therapy in both English and Tagalog.

Miss Tatiana Avinante
Speech Therapist
Miss Tatiana Avinante
Speech Therapist
TATIANA Bachelor of Speech Pathology Specialisation & Experience: I am deeply passionate about working with children and supporting them to become confident communicators. My clinical interests lie particularly in speech sound development, articulation, and phonological processes, and I enjoy helping children develop clear and effective speech through engaging, evidence-based therapy. I also have a strong interest in early literacy skills and supporting the foundational language abilities that underpin learning and academic success. My caseload primarily consists of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, and I enjoy tailoring therapy to each child's unique strengths, needs, and communication style. I strive to create therapy sessions that are engaging, supportive, and meaningful for both children and their families. I also have experience in feeding therapy, including exposure to the SOS Approach to Feeding, and value working collaboratively with families to support positive outcomes across all areas of

Mrs CJ Delos Reyes-Cosio
Occupational Therapist
Mrs CJ Delos Reyes-Cosio
Occupational Therapist
CJ has been practising as an Occupational Therapist (OT) for 8 years. She is highly experienced with working with children (up to 12 years old) and their families who have developmental conditions, such as ASD and ADHD. CJ is skilled in working under a sensory processing and integration framework and embedding it into different life tasks and skills. CJ has been supporting clients and their families across different settings -- centre, home, school, and communities as well as providing constant caregiver/parent and educator coaching and feedback. She has helped several clients with providing low to mid-cost assistive technology (AT) recommendations as well as Functional Capacity Assessments (FCAs), as needed. CJ is an experienced, dedicated, and passionate OT who engages in evidence-based practise and who has a commitment to ensure a collaborative, multi-disciplinary, and holistic approach to supporting clients and their families.
Mrs Khatera Almazari
Positive Behaviour Support Practitioner
Mrs Khatera Almazari
Positive Behaviour Support Practitioner
Khatera Almazari is a Positive Behaviour Support Practitioner with extensive experience in behaviour assessment, intervention planning, and supporting individuals with complex needs within the NDIS framework. She was raised in the United States, in Maryland, where she completed her primary and high school education, before moving to Australia to complete her university studies. She holds a Bachelor of Primary Teaching and a Master of Education, which gives her a strong foundation in pedagogy, inclusive practice, and special education. Experience and Areas of Practice Khatera has worked across a broad range of settings, including aged care, Supported Independent Living, schools, support units, family homes, community environments, and forensic settings. She supports children, adolescents, and adults with autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, intellectual disability, Parkinson's disease, mental health conditions, pica, self harm behaviours, and other complex support needs, including clients within the forensic syste

Mrs Monica Basta
Speech Therapist
Mrs Monica Basta
Speech Therapist
Bachelor of Applied Science (Speech Pathology) Speech team leader Specialisation & Experience: Dedicated Speech Therapist with a strong background in Paediatrics, working with children and teenagers diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD, Global Developmental Delay (GDD), Developmental Delay (DD) and other neurodevelopmental conditions. Experienced in early language intervention, specifically with children beginning to use a few words or combining words to communicate their needs and wants. Experienced in working with speech sound development and helping children produce certain sounds/ words clearly. Special interest and experience in Gestalt language processing and stuttering.

Ms Israt Tamanna
Speech Therapist
Ms Israt Tamanna
Speech Therapist
Master of Speech Language Pathology (University of Sydney) Bachelor of Speech Language and Hearing Sciences (Macquarie University) I am a Speech Pathologist who supports children presenting with speech sound disorders, language delays, social communication challenges, fluency difficulties, and early literacy needs. I have a particular interest in early intervention and school readiness, focusing on developing the foundational communication skills that support a successful transition to school and ongoing academic participation. My practice is evidence-based and aligned with school curriculum expectations, incorporating structured, goal-oriented intervention and term-based planning where appropriate. This approach ensures therapy goals remain functional, measurable, and relevant to each child's educational and everyday environments. I adopt a holistic and collaborative approach, working closely with families, caregivers, educators, and other professionals.

Ms Neeta Deo
Occupational Therapist
Ms Neeta Deo
Occupational Therapist
Neeta is a registered Occupational Therapist with experience across the NDIS and aged care sectors, working in both community and clinic settings. Since graduating from Western Sydney University in 2020, she has provided holistic, family‑centered support to clients of all ages. Her current practice focuses on pediatrics and young adults, with clinical experience in fine motor development, ADLs, handwriting, social skills development, school readiness and emotional regulation. Neeta is committed to empowering individuals and families through collaborative, meaningful, and strengths‑based therapy.

Nesnee Pagcaliwagan
Occupational Therapist
Nesnee Pagcaliwagan
Occupational Therapist
Hi, I am Nes, a paediatric Occupational Therapist with 9 years of experience supporting children with ASD, ADHD, sensory processing differences, and developmental delays. I work collaboratively with families, schools, and multidisciplinary team to help children build confidence, independence, and everyday life skills. My approach is strengths-based and goal-focused, supporting children to reach their full potential and thrive in everyday life. Languages: English and Tagalog

Samina Hussain
Occupational Therapist
Samina Hussain
Occupational Therapist
Doctor of Occupational Therapy (DOT) Hi! My name is Samina, and I am an Occupational Therapist with a doctoral degree in Occupational Therapy and experience working with children, adolescents, and adults with diverse developmental and functional needs. My clinical experience includes sensory and emotional regulation, executive functioning, motor development, social participation, and daily living skills. I take a practical, engaging, and client-centred approach, working collaboratively with clients, families, and multidisciplinary teams to support meaningful goals and greater independence.

Terese Alconga
Speech Therapist
Terese Alconga
Speech Therapist
Speech Pathologist with a Bachelor of Science in Speech Pathology (Honours), supporting both children and adults to develop their communication skills and participate more confidently in everyday life. When working with children, supports language development, literacy and spelling, including teaching spelling patterns and rules, as well as speech sound development to help children produce sounds and words more clearly and accurately. Also works with older adults, supporting clearer and more effective communication through individually tailored assessment and intervention.

Usamah Hussain
Speech Therapist
Usamah Hussain
Speech Therapist
Senior Speech Pathologist Bachelor of Speech Language Therapy – Ziauddin University Master of Public Health – University of Wollongong Master of Speech Pathology – University of Sydney I am a Senior Speech Pathologist with 10 years of experience working with children and young people from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds across private and government settings in Australia and overseas. My clinical approach is grounded in the belief that effective therapy extends beyond working on an isolated speech, language or literacy goal. I considers the broader skills a child needs to successfully engage, learn, communicate and become increasingly independent. He places a strong emphasis on building rapport, understanding each child’s strengths and challenges, and working collaboratively with families to develop goals that are both meaningful and functional. I have a particular interest in language, literacy, higher-order thinking and executive function. He works with children and young people to devel

Veronica McShane
Senior Speech Therapist
Veronica McShane
Senior Speech Therapist
Bachelor of Science (Speech Pathology) from Curtin University Senior Speech Therapist Specialisation & Experience: Compassionate Speech Pathologist with 7 years of experience working with children of all ages with differing difficulties and diagnoses including Developmental Language Disorder (DLD), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD & ADD, Specific Learning Disorder (SLD, dyslexia).

Viveka Lakhiani
Occupational Therapist
Viveka Lakhiani
Occupational Therapist
Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) Specialisation & Experience: Dedicated and compassionate Occupational Therapist with a strong background in Paediatrics (cognitive and physical), working with children and young adults diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD, Global Developmental Delay (GDD), Developmental Delay (DD), Cerebral Palsy, CHARGE Syndrome, Angelman Syndrome, and other neurodevelopmental and physical conditions. Skilled in sensory and emotional regulation, functional skill development, and parent coaching. Experienced in providing low- and mid-cost assistive technology (AT) recommendations, basic home modifications, and customised AT solutions to support participation and independence in daily activities. Demonstrated ability to work effectively within complex multidisciplinary teams (MDTs) and engage collaboratively with external stakeholders, families, and educational settings.

Zahrah Khimani
Behaviour Support Practitioner
Zahrah Khimani
Behaviour Support Practitioner
I am Zahrah Khimani, a Positive Behaviour Support Practitioner with a Master’s degree in Clinical Neuropsychology from the UK and specialised training in Neurodevelopmental Disorders from the USA. I bring more than 10 years of experience working with children and young people with neurodevelopmental conditions. I believe every child is unique, with their own strengths, abilities, and potential to learn and grow. My approach is centred around understanding the child as an individual rather than simply viewing them as a client. I believe that when we take ownership of a child’s journey, build genuine connection, and understand the reasons behind their behaviour, we can create meaningful and lasting change. My practice is grounded in neuroaffirming and trauma-informed approaches, with a strong focus on promoting communication, independence, emotional wellbeing, and participation in everyday life. I also believe that parents and caregivers play a pivotal role in a child’s development. Building strong relations
Next step
Looking for the right practitioner?
Contact the team if you would like help understanding current services, practitioner availability or where to begin.