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KidsFirst Clinic

Our clinic-based Occupational Therapy, Speech and Language Therapy and Physiotherapy services support children’s development in physical development, language, communication, feeding, social, and play development. KidsFirst Clinic offers 1 hour individual and group-based intervention.

Our clinicians are dedicated to keeping up with Evidence Based clinical approaches. We pride ourselves on working closely with schools, families, and support services to support each child’s development. We offer clinic based, home based or school-based sessions.

Our team works with a range of diagnoses including but not limited to:

  • Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
  • Cerebral Palsy
  • Genetic, chromosomal, and metabolic disorders/syndromes
  • Birth injuries
  • Sensory processing disorder
  • Global Developmental Delay (GDD)
  • Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD)
  • Traumatic brain or spinal cord injuries

Speech and Language Therapy

Speech and Language Therapy (SLT) provides life-changing treatment, support and care for children who have difficulties with communication, eating, and drinking.

Our SLT works with children with:

  • Mild, moderate or severe learning difficulties
  • Language delay
  • Difficulties with speech sounds
  • Hearing impairments
  • Cleft lip and palate
  • Stuttering
  • Developmental Language Disorder (DLD)
  • Feeding and eating difficulties
  • Complex Communication needs - Augmentative Alternative Communication (AAC)

Our SLT team can complete formal and informal assessments which will provide information into your child’s understanding and expression of language, communication profile, speech or feeding difficulties.

KidsFirst is a certified iLs provider

iLs solutions integrate with existing therapies to support patients in a range of therapeutic approaches including: occupational therapy, psychotherapy, trauma and addiction counseling, ASD, ADHD, speech language, physical therapy, education, and school counseling.

Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP)

An auditory intervention developed by Dr. Stephen Porges to restore the nervous system, reduce stress and auditory sensitivity and enhance social engagement and resilience.

The SSP has been successfully applied as a therapy to treat patients experiencing difficulties with emotional control, behavioural organization, and hearing and auditory sensitivities. The SSP is an adjunct therapy meant to be used in combination with and enhance existing treatment programs. Once patients are able to enter a regulated state of safety and calm by listening to the treated music served by the SSP, they become more receptive to other effective therapies.

Focus System

The iLs Focus System combines auditory, balance, and movement activities to create a foundation for learning, attention, processing and behavior.

This system is commonly used by mental health professionals to treat patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Sensory Processing Disorder, or those experiencing issues with learning and attention.

The key to the Focus System’s success lies in the concept of neuroplasticity – the idea that we can rewire the neural pathways in the brain through specific and repeated stimulation.

Learn More

Occupational Therapy

Occupational Therapy (OT) empowers and facilitates children’s participation in activities of everyday living (i.e. occupations). Our OT team takes a developmental approach to address

  • Physical ability (fine and gross motor skills)
  • Sensory processing and modulation
  • Handwriting skills
  • Visual motor skills
  • Self-help skills
  • Body awareness
  • Coordination of movement
  • Self regulation

Our OT team can complete formal and informal assessments which will provide information on your child’s sensory processing, gross and fine motor skills.

Speech Therapists in Action

Explore Our Sensory Gym

Discover the Benefits of Physiotherapy

Check out this inspiring video of one of our students conquering an obstacle course!

Unlock the Power of the Orton-Gillingham Approach at KidsFirst!

Dynamic Movement Intervention

What is DMI?

Dynamic Movement Intervention (DMI) is a comprehensive intervention that incorporates current research on neurorehabilitation, technologies, and methodologies. This therapeutic technique is used by physical (PT) and occupational therapists to treat children with gross motor impairments by improving and/or provoking a desired action with great emphasis on alignment, sensory integration, and function. The goal is to promote progress toward developmental milestones.

Why is DMI different than standard Occupational Therapy?

Our therapists had to undergo specific specialised training to conduct this intervention. Specialised equipment only utilised by DMI practitioners is used throughout sessions. All DMI sessions are conducted by DMI-trained physiotherapists and occupational therapists, qualified up to Level C Advanced.


For more information, click here to download a copy of our brochure. For further questions please do reach out to our team.

We are certified!

Physiotherapy (PT)

Physiotherapy is a vital component of our holistic approach to children’s well-being. Our experienced physiotherapists specialize in functional therapy, using hands-on techniques to help children achieve their maximum functional ability. We target various functional impairments, including abnormal muscle tone, strength, coordination, balance and posture, mobility, and achieving an optimal range of motion.

Our Physiotherapists work with a wide range of conditions, including:

  • Global Developmental Delay (GDD)
  • Down Syndrome
  • Cerebral Palsy
  • Neuromuscular disorders
  • Genetic conditions
  • Hypotonia
  • Hypertonia
  • Torticollis
  • Flat feet
  • General strength and conditioning
  • Exercise endurance

Our comprehensive assessment process evaluates your child’s functional skills, gross motor skills, strength, balance, and coordination. This assessment allows us to identify areas that may require additional support and to tailor our therapeutic goals accordingly.

Flow chart

Making an appointment at KidsFirst Clinic

  • Reach out to KidsFirst admin team
  • A therapist will give you a call to discuss your concerns
  • We will arrange an initial consultation/ assessment at a time of your convenience
  • Your child attends the initial OT/ SLT/PT consultation (Parents are encouraged to join).
  • Therapists follow up with your child’s school to discuss your child’s strengths and areas for growth.

All families are provided with written feedback following the assessment. Therapists will assemble individual therapy for your child based on the areas for growth identified in the consultation. Progress will be monitored and evaluated regularly with families.

 

Group Based Intervention

Feeding And Eating Difficulties

The Sequential Oral Sensory (SOS) approach is a play-based method that helps picky eaters develop a positive relationship with food. SOS Approach to Feeding is a Transdisciplinary Program for assessing and treating children with feeding and weight/growth difficulties. SOS Approach to feeding integrates motor, oral, learning, medical, sensory and nutritional factors and approaches in order to comprehensively evaluate and manage children with feeding/growth problems.

Based on the initial feeding assessment, a child may be assigned to Individual Feeding Therapy or Group Feeding Therapy.

A compulsory information session precedes the group-based program. The information session will address:

  • The SOS approach
  • Explore reasons why their child may be having difficulties with feeding and eating
  • What can be done at home

Child goals:

  • Participate in a play-based group alongside their peers
  • Learn to have positive experiences with food
  • Increase willingness to try different foods

Parent goals:

  • Learn the cues to eating
  • Understand the steps that are involved in eating
  • Create a feeding routine at home
  • Know your child’s limits
  • Get support from other parents and staff

Lego® Social Groups

Lego based therapy is a social development programme originally developed to help develop communication skills. Research has found that Lego based therapy improves verbal and non-verbal communication, joint attention, sharing, turn-taking and most importantly collaborative problem-solving. At KidsFirst, we run Lego Social Groups to encourage carry-over to everyday life the skills we are targeting in sessions. This Lego based therapy group will target the development and carry over of higher-level language skills (e.g. inferencing).

The aim of Lego based therapy is to work together as a team to complete a Lego project. Each team can have up to 4 roles:

  • Engineer - The engineer is in charge of sourcing the building materials.
  • Architect - Has the plans and instructs the engineer and builder what to do.
  • Builder - Follows the directions of the architect and puts the building materials together.
  • Problem solver - Solves any problems that may come up during building.

Each role will alternate regularly to allow for each child to have an opportunity to take part.

Social Groups

At KidsFirst, we run social pairs/small groups for children of different ages and developmental stages, which incorporate strategies and concepts from Michelle Garcia Winner’s Social Thinking Curriculum. Sessions are run by a Speech & Language Therapist, Occupational Therapist or Special Education Teacher. Depending on the needs of the children, intervention goals range from increasing peer awareness and interacting with peers in play to working cooperatively as a group, and problem solving when social conflicts occur. Activities during sessions are a combination of structured and unstructured activities, always keeping fun and relationship building at the core.

During the social pair/group sessions, we aim to guide individuals on a journey of discovery where they can:

  • Learn formulas for gathering clues by observing a setting, the situation, and the people involved.
  • Be empowered to figure out how the social world works through their own detective lens.
  • Learn to identify feelings and emotions and connect them to behaviours.
  • Understand that all feelings are okay, even uncomfortable ones, and we can still learn and grow.
  • Have numerous opportunities to make smart guesses about hidden social rules in various situations.
  • See examples and learn tips for school, home, and community life.
  • Celebrate how all of us are social observers who are affected by others’ actions and reactions.

Zones of Regulation

The Zones of Regulation curriculum is for children (ages 8 – 18) that struggle with self-regulation including regulating sensory needs, executive functioning and emotions including anger management, and impulse control so that the child can exhibit socially appropriate behaviour with others. The program is a 10 week group for 60 minutes per session. Children will be grouped by age and developmental levels. Parents will receive information following every group so that the concepts can continue to be incorporated at home.

YES Group

The YES Group is a social and special interest group for 12 – 18 year olds. The group is based on a strengths-based approach to concentrate on the inherent strengths an individual has with the goal of focusing on the position while working together with others to build on their strengths as a group.

The group is centered around the interests of the individual and the individuals in the group, while creating an environment where they can come and have fun, develop new friendships and learn new skills, in a fun, facilitated and engaging way! It enables all group members to begin to apply social skills in a structured and facilitated environment while using their strengths to overcome areas that are more challenging for them.

We aim to help participants to build confidence, self-esteem and to identify strengths. The participants are encouraged to make decisions on what they would like to develop throughout, both individually and as a group.

Executive Functioning Social Groups

We run executive functioning groups following the CAAT treatment program. This research- based curriculum is tailored to provide developmentally appropriate programs that teach children how to gain flexibility, understand and effectively set goals, plan for individual achievement and practice collaborative problem-solving.

This group includes 8 interactive sessions. For younger students (Grade 3-5) this group will target self- advocacy, compromise, friendships and social cues, emotional self- identification and executive functioning. For students within middle school (Grade 6-8) this group will target motivation, goal- setting, follow through, and flexible problem solving.

Handwriting Club (OT Lead)

KidsFirst Handwriting Club is a group that consists of 8 classes. It is for children between the ages of 5- 15 years who will be split into age- appropriate groups.

The goal of the group is to lay the foundation of efficient handwriting by working on gross motor, fine motor and visual motor skills that support this complex skill. This group also works on correct pencil grip, correct formation of letters, letter reversals and writing legibility. The group targets mainly print, but cursive will be taught if appropriate.

Parents are provided with weekly newsletters that explain the skills worked on and activities to practice at home.

Sensational Storytellers Group (SLT Lead)-

This fun Speech and Language Therapy based group helps develop children’s narrative skills. Narratives or storytelling allows students to orally discuss their thoughts and experiences while developing an understanding of higher- level language and theory of mind.

This group focuses on identifying the elements that make a good story (character, settings, problems, and solutions) We incorporate visuals to help children organize their stories and brainstorm ideas to make the story fun.

This group is ideal for students 8-11 years.

Sensational Storytellers Group (SLT Lead)

This fun Speech and Language Therapy based group helps develop children’s narrative skills. Narratives or storytelling allows students to orally discuss their thoughts and experiences while developing an understanding of higher-level language and theory of mind.

This group focuses on identifying the elements that make a good story (character, settings, problems, and solutions). We incorporate visuals to help children organize their stories and brainstorm ideas to make the story fun.

This group is ideal for students 8-11 years.

LET’S GET IN TOUCH

We are happy to arrange a phone call to answer your questions, We can also arrange a complimentary center visit to discuss KidsFirst school with one of our Team members.

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Rismi Runnisha

Occupational Therapist

  • Graduated From

Singapore Institute of Technology – Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy

  • Past Work Experience

Upon completing her Bachelors in Occupational Therapy, Rismi gained experience in various clinical settings, including outpatient rehabilitation, forensic mental health, and acute hospital.

Rismi discovered her passion for working with children through her clinical experiences in outpatient paediatrics rehabilitation, where she collaborated with preschool and primary school-aged children facing sensory, behavioral, and motor challenges. She has supported children in developing their fine motor skills, sensory processing, handwriting, and emotional regulation. By adopting a holistic, child-led approach, Rismi ensures that therapy is engaging, meaningful, and tailored to each child’s strengths and needs.

  • Philosophy to Working with Children

Rismi believes in working alongside each child to foster their creativity and keep therapy sessions engaging. She values allowing children to lead their own learning process, using their interests to guide the direction of therapy. By making sessions fun, child-centered, and supportive, Rismi encourages children to explore, grow, and develop essential skills in a natural and enjoyable way. She collaborates closely with caregivers to ensure therapy goals are aligned with the child’s needs and the family’s aspirations.

Outside work, Rismi enjoys traveling, cycling, and expressing her creativity through various crafts.

Alison Baker

Senior Occupational Therapist

  • Graduated From

Queen Margaret University – BSc Occupational Therapy

  • Past Work Experience

Ali graduated from Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh with a BSc in Occupational Therapy. She has worked both for NHS (in Scotland) and DHB (in New Zealand), holding a number of Senior Positions. She was the Lead OT in a busy inpatient unit in Auckland, and held the Clinic Leader Position within a Dual Diagnosis Residential Rehabilitation. She was also responsible for the upskilling and supervision of Community Mental Health professionals, offering training programmes and supervision, whilst evaluating and auditing existing services.

Ali has previously worked across a number of clinical specialties including Community Care (provision of Aids and Adaptations), Acute Adult Mental Health, Homeless Practice, Community Mental Health (Crisis Team), and Community Alcohol and Drug Services.

Since moving to SG, she has worked in various roles at an International School, and most recently as a Clinic Manager for a Psychology and Counselling provider, before joining KidsFirst.

  • Philosophy to Working with Children

Ali believes that every child should have opportunities and support, to be able to develop the skills they need to be able to engage in activities that offer meaning and purpose to their lives, and that the child should be at the centre of the therapy process. Identifying what is important to the child and building on strengths, interests and abilities, in order to improve motivation and levels of confidence.

Ali has two children who keep her busy, but in her spare time, Ali plays, referees and coaches touch rugby, and is involved with a singing group.

Rayson Hong Rui Shu

Senior Occupational Therapist

  • Graduated From

La Trobe University, Master of Occupational Therapy Practice

  • Past Work Experience

Ray is an AHPC registered Occupational Therapist with clinical experience in Melbourne and Singapore.
After earning his master’s degree in occupational therapy from La Trobe University, Ray began his career in a private practice in Melbourne, where he provided tailored therapy services to individuals with autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disabilities, and other conditions. His clients ranged from children and teens to young adults facing a diverse range of physical, cognitive, and psychosocial challenges.


Ray then expanded his expertise by working in a hospital setting and providing rehabilitation to clients presenting with a wide range of different diagnosis and conditions where he supported his clients to improve their independence and quality of life through his physical and cognitive rehabilitation skills.

  • Philosophy to Working with Children

Ray is passionate about working with children and enabling them to live, play and learn to their full potential. He believes that every child is unique with different individual strengths and needs. As an Occupational Therapist, Ray is devoted to delivering evidence based interventions while ensuring therapy sessions remain fun, engaging and purposeful for children.


Outside of work, Ray enjoys playing video games, being in nature, working out and running.

  • Training and Certification

Fully Registered Occupational Therapist with AHPC

Sally Ting

Principal Occupational Therapist

  • Graduated From

Sally completed her occupational therapy degree at the Auckland University of Technology (New Zealand) and is a fully registered occupational therapist with NZOT, SAOT and AHPC Singapore. She has also completed her Master of Gerontology at SUSS (SG).

  • Past Work Experience

She has 13 years of working experience in different settings in Singapore.

  • Philosophy to Working with Children

She is a mother of 2 and love working with children, her kids are her inspiration to help other kids. Her clinical experiences with Peads is about 5 years, working with developmental issues such as ASD, Sensory Processing Disorders, ADD, GDD and cerebral palsy . Her experiences also span across a variety of settings ranging from clinic based, home and school program, she also worked with international school kids ranging between pre schooler until secondary school level helping them with life skills, emotional regulation and handwriting issues. She also enjoyed coaching other parents with parenting skills and family relationship.

Sally loves traveling with her family to explore and meeting new people, sally also enjoyed her Pilates class.

  • Training and Certification

Masters of Gerontology (2019)
Singapore Association of Occupational Therapy
Bachelor’s Degree of Health Science (Occupational Therapy) (2010)
Allied Health Professions Council (AHPC) Fully Registered Occupational Therapist
Registered Occupational Therapist in New Zealand
DIR/Floortime 101 DIR Model
Ayres Sensory Integration level 1-3

Amelia Roberts

Physiotherapist Assistant
Dynamic Movement Intervention and Motor Specialist

  • Graduated From

York St. John University – First-class Honours degree in Physiotherapy BSc (Hons) 

  • Past Work Experience

Amelia’s journey in working with children commenced at age 17 when she served as a lifeguard and coach at a summer club. She then transitioned to the role of a physiotherapy assistant at a prestigious private hospital in the UK. Pursuing her passion further, she enrolled in university to pursue a degree in physiotherapy. Post-graduation, she embarked on a career in the National Health Service (NHS), gaining extensive experience through rotational physiotherapy placements in both adult and pediatric settings, including acute and community care. Progressing from a static pediatric band 5 physiotherapist to band 6, she honed her expertise before transitioning to a private pediatric practice where she specialized in Dynamic Movement Therapy (DMI). Concurrently, she continues her impactful work in the NHS as a specialist pediatric physiotherapist.

  • Philosophy to Working with Children

Amelia’s approach to working with children is rooted in providing tailored, innovative, and impactful interventions for each individual. She is committed to empowering both parents and children, fostering belief in their abilities to overcome challenges and achieve their aspirations. Believing in the potential of every child, she is dedicated to facilitating their journey towards greatness, irrespective of past setbacks.

  • Training and Certification

Dynamic Movement Therapy

Bobath for Adults

Cerebral Palsy Integrated Pathway (CPIP)

Whole Body Vibration Therapy (WBV)

TEDEI (Training in Early Detection for Early Intervention)

Peter O Brien

Occupational Therapist
Advanced Sensory Integration Practitioner
Head of Department

  • Graduated From

University of Ulster, Jordanstown (Northern Ireland) – Bachelor of Science (Occupational Therapy).

  • Past Work Experience

Peter graduated from the University of Ulster with a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy and has been living in Singapore for 11 years. During this time, he has worked within a private clinics in Singapore, and in 2 International School settings.

Clinically, Peter has worked with children from toddlers to teenagers and a variety of developmental and physical needs. Peter has worked with a variety of clinical needs including sensory processing difficulties, feeding challenges and various motor and learning challenges. 

Some recent notable professional achievements for Peter have been the opportunity to be a part of a development team for an Intensive Support Program in an international school setting, and the creation of in school Occupational Therapy services within another International school.

  • Philosophy to Working with Children

Peter believes in a holistic approach encompassing the Childs occupation at both home and school, taking not just a functional approach but also a psychosocial approach. He has centered his professional development to ensure he is skilled in working with not just the child but the team around them.

  • Training and Certification

USC Chan Sensory Integration Continuing Education (CE)

Certificate in Dyspraxia- Defining, Assessing and Intervening for Change 

Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) training

Reimbursement

Physical Agents and Modalities

Credentialing, Regulation, Licensure, and Supervision of OT

Dysphagia and related care (AOTA approved)

Therapeeds Julia Harper sensory Integration courses 1-2-3

Community Mobility (AOTA approved)

Floortime Greenspan Approach 201

HANDLE Introductory course

Supervision and case management (Florida gulf Coast University)

CPR training

Apple Teacher Certified

Common Sense Educator

Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol (SIOP) Training

Dynamic Movement Intervention (DMI) Therapy

Our family has so much gratitude for KidsFirst and especially the teachers the therapists for our son. After our first meeting with the teachers and the therapists, we felt heard and we knew they could guide us through our son’s IEP.

Navigating the IEP process is challenging and in many instances frustrating. Often there were times when I felt unheard and dismissed by my child’s previous schools. It was the best feeling going into our IEP with a solid plan and the staff being there to support. Their collective knowledge of our son’s needs (and abilities) coupled with extensive experience in education/special education, along with their child-centred approach has allowed to identify those support that would benefit and assist our son in a way that makes our son feel successful. We learned so much along the way.

Enrolling KidsFirst gave us the robust IEP we wanted, and furthermore, needed for our son’s needs. Their level of care and understanding is unmatched. It has been nothing short of amazing for our son and the rest of us. He is so calm, well regulated and has developed more functional communication skills. Such a positive change for him – he has always loved school, but now it feels like he is getting so much more from it. We are now confident that our son will get what he needs from his education as long as he remains at KidsFirst.

We find that we can take a deep breath and have confidence that our child will get the support he requires. Our only regret is not enrolling our son earlier. We will and have recommended KidsFirst to other families who are not getting their child’s goals and needs met within their school and IEP. There is no clear path to get your child what they need, but KidsFirst have the resources to getting them there. Once again we have immense gratitude to the team that works with our son.

 

Nina

 

Sinead Nathan

Principal Physiotherapist

  • Graduated From

University of Limerick, Ireland – Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy

  • Past Work Experience

After graduating Sinead moved to Singapore where she worked for 2 years in school based early intervention with 0-6 year old children with Neuro physical And developmental delays. Sinead then went on to complete over 3 years in an acute hospital. In 2018 Sinead returned to work in paediatrics in a private setting where she got to work and train in the application of therasuit and neurosuit, spidercage therapy and Cuevas Medek Exercises (CME).

In 2021 Sinead made the decision to return to Ireland with her family, where she continued to work in paediatrics private practice. Being Ireland’s first CME therapist, Sinead worked in introducing this ground breaking therapy to families and therapists. Sinead assisted in setting up individualised intensives for clients and implementing intensives during school holidays.

  • Philosophy to Working with Children

Sinead strives to empower children to reach their maximum potential and believes that every milestone is a big milestone. Sinead also knows that motivation is important for participation and does her best to understand each child and get to know their personal interests and goals to help them achieve greater function.

 

  • Training and Certification

Vestibular rehabilitation in adults

Cuevas Medek Exercises certified

Therasuit method and spidercage therapy

DMI certified

Alzena Chiam

Senior Speech and Language Therapist

  • Graduated From

Masters of Speech Pathology

National University of Singapore – Bachelor of Arts (Social Work)

  • Past Work Experience

Alzena worked in a paediatric setting in Australia and has experience in a variety of clinical areas. The areas include working with children that presents with speech and language difficulties and disorders, autism spectrum disorder, global developmental delay, social communication disorders, fluency disorders, and intellectual disabilities. Having completed a degree in social work, and a diploma in psychological studies, Alzena demonstrates a strong interest in working with the vulnerable population. She strives to advocate for her clients in pursuit of the best possible outcomes.

During her free time, Alzena also volunteered in a hospital supporting adults with chronic aphasia and special education school supporting children with special needs.

  • Philosophy to Working with Children

Alzena is passionate about providing holistic evidence-based client-centred care to clients and their families. She believes in employing innovation and creativity to ensure that therapy sessions are fun, enjoyable and at the same time support clients in realising their full potential. She strives to empower parents, teachers and other relevant stakeholders by equipping them with the skills and knowledge to support their child’s speech and language development.

  • Training and Certification

Hanen – It takes two to talk

Attended trainings on Key Word Sign Australia

Holly Yau

Principal Speech and Language Therapist

  • Graduated From

National University of Singapore

 

  • Past Work Experience

Holly has extensive experience working with children in different settings since graduating in 2009. She has worked with patients and their families in special education schools as well as in private therapy clinics.

She sees children aged 18 months to 18 years old with a variety of conditions and developmental disorders (autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, etc.). She has experience seeing them in individual sessions, group therapy sessions, home therapy as well as in tele-therapy.

She is particularly passionate about working with children aged 7 and under. She is keen to help them and their families build a good foundation for their child’s speech and language development.

She is fluent in English and Mandarin. She is also able to speak conversational Cantonese.

  • Philosophy to Working with Children

Holly believes in helping every child to live up to their fullest potential. She strives to partner with caregivers and other professionals to provide therapy that would best benefit the child and the family.

  • Training and Certification

It Takes Two to Talk – The Hanen Program for Parents of Children with Language Delays

Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) Level 1

Talktools: A Three-Part Treatment Plan for Oral Placement Therapy

SOS Approach (Sequential Oral Sensory Approach to Feeding)

M.O.R.E.: Integrating the Mouth with Sensory and Postural Functions

Diagnosis and Treatment of CAS using Dynamic Temporal and Tactile Cueing (DTTC)

Melissa Loh

Senior Occupational Therapist

  • Graduated From

University of Melbourne, Australia – Bachelor of Early Childhood Studies

Singapore Institute of Technology – Bachelor of Science (Hons) Occupational Therapy

  • Past Work Experience

Prior to being an Occupational Therapist, Melissa held previous roles in early childhood and special education where she had the privilege to work with children and young adults with special needs in both school based and center based settings. These experiences gave her opportunities to assess and tailor interventions to meet the individual care needs and goals of her clients and families.

 

  • Philosophy to Working with Children

As an Occupational Therapist, Melissa is passionate about creating a supportive environment for growth and learning, nurturing the potential within each client by giving them the tools to thrive. She is a strong advocate in partnering caregivers during the therapy process, recognizing their essential roles in achieving positive outcomes together.

 

Kacey Lieu Ngoc Diep

Senior Occupational Therapist

  • Graduated From

La Trobe University (Melbourne, Australia) – Bachelor of Health Sciences and Master of Occupational Therapy Practice

  • Past Work Experience

Prior to arriving in Singapore, Kacey worked as an allied health assistant in a private therapy clinic in Melbourne, where she found her passion in working with children with a wide range of needs. She was also a tutor for children with disabilities and find much joy in working with all children. Upon graduating with a Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy, Kacey has experience working in public healthcare settings, private and community clinics. In her career as a paediatric occupational therapist, she has worked closely with preschool and school-aged children to support the development of executive functions, emotional regulation, as well as other motor and learning challenges.

  • Philosophy to Working with Children

Kacey believes that every child is different and that effective intervention should be tailored to their unique strengths, abilities and interests. By creating a fun, encouraging, and supportive experience, she is able to connect with the child and build a strong and meaningful relationship with them. She is also passionate in finding the best strategy to support children enjoying the therapy sessions while becoming more self-confident and making improvements in their own skills.

 

  • Training and Certification

Essentials of Sensory Integration by Dr Teresa May – Benson

DIR®/FloortimeTM 101 DIR Model (Developmental, Individual Differences, Relationship Model)

Grace Tan

Senior Occupational Therapist

  • Graduated From

Curtin University with a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy

  • Past Work Experience

She has over 4 years of experience as an Occupational Therapist in special education in Singapore. Grace has experience working with children with autism, cerebral palsy and profound multiple learning disabilities (PMLD). In a school-based setting, she has worked closely with Individualised Education Program (IEP) team to support students in areas such as sensory integration, self-care skills, leisure participation, assistive technology prescription, and vocational training. Grace has carried out postural care interventions such prescription of specialised seating and sleep systems through collaboratively working with other therapists and providing parent coaching on 24-hour postural care. She has also conducted trainings for teachers in school to equip them with strategies that can be carried out in their classrooms.

  • Philosophy to Working with Children

As an Occupational Therapist, Grace believes that attunement is key to connect with the child before supporting them to develop their skills to participate in their daily activities. She is passionate about integrating children with disabilities in the community through empowering their families and advocating for their needs. With a strong supportive ecosystem, the child can meaningfully engage and thrive in their natural environment.

  • Training and Certification

USC Sensory Integration Continuing Education Certificate Program

DIR 101 Introduction to DIR® and DIRFloortime®

Postural Care Awareness (Level 2) by Open College Network (West Midlands)

Essentials to Sensory Integration Intervention by Dr Theresa May-Benson

Niamh Donnelly

Clinical Director
Principal Occupational Therapist
Advanced Sensory Integration Practitioner

  • Graduated From

University of Ulster, Jordanstown (Northern Ireland) – Bachelor of Science (Occupational Therapy).

  • Past Work Experience

Niamh graduated from the University of Ulster with a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy and has been living in Singapore for over 9 years. During this time, she has worked within a number of private clinics in Singapore, her roles include Clinic Manager of a centre based extensive MDT team and Lead Principal Occupational Therapist at Thomson Paediatric Centre. Niamh has vast Paediatric clinical experience working both in Ireland and Singapore. During Niamh’s practice she has worked with children with multiple developmental and physical needs. Niamh has clinically managed a caseload ranging in age, from infants to teenagers and young adults. This caseload has presented with various clinical needs including sensory processing difficulties, feeding challenges and various motor and learning challenges. Niamh is focused on a holistic therapy approach with a therapeutic focus on supporting a child’s social, emotional, and cognitive development. Niamh has conducted a number of presentations and trainings in Singapore at the SENIA and early childhood conferences, alongside various international/local schools, and polytechnics. Niamh has also provided a number of parent trainings and workshops.

  • Philosophy to Working with Children

Niamh believes that children, parents, and paediatric providers must work together as a team to provide excellent paediatric healthcare. To ensure that children are provided with the best care possible, it is her passion to remain current with the latest paediatric developments and approaches to children’s health.

  • Training and Certification

Ayres Sensory Integration

Neuro-Developmental Treatment (NDT)

Certified DIRFloortime Provider

SOS feeding

Beckman Oral Motor

MORE Feeding

Reflex integration

Rhythmical Movement Training

Learn to Play (Karen Stagnetti)

Interactive Metronome

Therapeutic Listening

Trauma Informed Intervention

Attention Autism

DMI Certified

Interoception Curriculum Training 

Team Teach Trained

Celine Goh

Administrator

Ferah Feyzan Turen

Administrator

Samuel Chi

Speech and Language Therapy Team Lead (EIP)

  • Graduated From

University of Sydney -Master of Speech Language Pathology

Nanyang Technological University- Bachelor of Arts (Honors), Linguistics and Multilingual Studies

  • Past Work Experience

Samuel is an AHPC registered Speech-Language Therapist who believes that therapeutic success requires the harmonious teamwork of the therapist, caregiver, and the community. Following his Bachelor’s degree in Linguistics and Multilingual studies, he was awarded a postgraduate scholarship from the Ministry of Health to read Speech and Language Pathology at University of Sydney.

He has worked in a variety of settings across a wide range of populations in Singapore and Australia. Prior to joining KidsFirst, he worked in acute and community hospitals, providing assessment and intervention for clients with swallowing and communication difficulties. He is adept at treating language, speech, social and cognitive communication disorders and has also provided services at preschools, paediatric clinics and early intervention centres. These experiences have helped Samuel develop a broader understanding of different cultural and linguistic backgrounds that are involved in providing holistic speech therapy services.

In his time with public healthcare, Samuel spearheaded a national campaign that addressed the need for the provision of modified diets in the community. This pioneer campaign was publicly launched with media coverage and allowed Samuel to work with different community stakeholders to better understand their needs.

  • Philosophy to Working with Children

Samuel believes in creating a fun, child-centered therapeutic environment and is constantly on the lookout for opportunities to work on goals that are meaningful to his clients. He provides therapy in English and Mandarin.

Outside of work, Samuel enjoys spending time with his children and strength training.

  • Training and Certification

Fully Registered Speech-Language Therapist

Certified Clinical Supervisor with Allied Health Professional Council

Prompts for Restructuring Oral Muscular Phonetic Targets (PROMPT) Technique

Signing Exact English Stage 1

Hanen: More Than Words

Play Project

McNeil Dysphagia Therapy (MDTP)

Lee Silverman Voice Therapy (LSVT LOUD)

Fundamentals of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

DIRFloortime® 101

Dynamic Temporal & Tactile Cueing (DTTC) for Speech Motor Learning

Enhancing Early Language and Literacy Skills with Read It Again!

Hanen: It Takes Two to Talk

3 Part Treatment Plan for Oral Placement Therapy by TalkTools

Anita Fox

Curriculum Co-ordinator
Senior Special Education Teacher

  • Graduated From

Liverpool John Moores University – Postgraduate Certificate in Education (Primary – with SEN)

University of Ulster (Northern Ireland) – Bachelor of Science in Sports Coaching

  • Past Work Experience

Anita graduated from Liverpool John Moores University with a Postgraduate Certificate in Education. Over her career, Anita has taught in various settings of Educational needs in England and Australia. For the last three years, Anita had been based in an Autistic Specialist School in Melbourne.

 
  • Philosophy to Working with Children
Anita believes every child can build a love for learning and become independent lifelong learners. She uses a student-centred approach and works closely with families to help children reach their goals and their full potential.

Niamh Donnelly

Clinical Director
Director of Operations
Principal Occupational Therapist
Advanced Sensory Integration Practitioner

  • Graduated From

University of Ulster, Jordanstown (Northern Ireland) – Bachelor of Science (Occupational Therapy).

  • Past Work Experience

Niamh graduated from the University of Ulster with a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy and has been living in Singapore for over 9 years. During this time, she has worked within a number of private clinics in Singapore, her roles include Clinic Manager of a centre based extensive MDT team and Lead Principal Occupational Therapist at Thomson Paediatric Centre. Niamh has vast Paediatric clinical experience working both in Ireland and Singapore. During Niamh’s practice she has worked with children with multiple developmental and physical needs. Niamh has clinically managed a caseload ranging in age, from infants to teenagers and young adults. This caseload has presented with various clinical needs including sensory processing difficulties, feeding challenges and various motor and learning challenges. Niamh is focused on a holistic therapy approach with a therapeutic focus on supporting a child’s social, emotional, and cognitive development. Niamh has conducted a number of presentations and trainings in Singapore at the SENIA and early childhood conferences, alongside various international/local schools, and polytechnics. Niamh has also provided a number of parent trainings and workshops.

  • Philosophy to Working with Children

Niamh believes that children, parents, and paediatric providers must work together as a team to provide excellent paediatric healthcare. To ensure that children are provided with the best care possible, it is her passion to remain current with the latest paediatric developments and approaches to children’s health.

  • Training and Certification

Ayres Sensory Integration

Neuro-Developmental Treatment (NDT)

Certified DIRFloortime Provider

SOS feeding

Beckman Oral Motor

MORE Feeding

Reflex integration

Rhythmical Movement Training

Learn to Play (Karen Stagnetti)

Interactive Metronome

Therapeutic Listening

Trauma Informed Intervention

Attention Autism

DMI Certified

Interoception Curriculum Training

Team Teach Trained

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