Meet the Team

Natalie Bishara

Occupational Therapist

Hello!

My name is Natalie and I am so glad you’ve popped by to learn more about our team and what we do!

I have a strong passion for working with children and adolescents and supporting them to achieve success in their everyday life. Success looks and feels different for every child. I believe my job is to understand the young people I work with and meet them where they are at. From there we can look at developing skills, modifying the environment or task to ensure that they can engage in occupations that are meaningful to them and their family unit. I use a developmental, play-based approach to connect and work alongside the young people that I am fortunate enough to meet. I am a big child at heart and I like to create a fun and enjoyable environment for your child to feel safe and engage in therapy.

I did not take a linear pathway to becoming an OT, I initially set out to be a psychologist, and completed a Bachelor of Applied Science (Psychology) and also a Graduate Diploma of Psychology. I had a change of heart after completing this study and decided that I wanted to be an OT and then completed a Masters of Occupational Therapy. I am so glad that I made this change, because I truly love being an OT and working alongside the kids and teenagers, I meet each day.

I work with many young people, and have experience working alongside children and adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, intellectual disability, sensory processing differences, regulation and behavioural issues, trauma, anxiety, social emotional difficulties and neurological disorders.

I like to use a variety of assessments, questionnaires, structured observation and screenings to gain insight and guide my intervention goals. These tools help me better understand a young person’s ability to achieve their roles in play, social interactions, family roles and kinder/school participation.

The core of what I do (and we do as a team) stems from one simple word, which is ‘care’. I really do care about each child that walks through our doors, whether I get the opportunity to personally work with them, or they work with another therapist in our team. The core value remains the same - we care. I hope this value comes across in my personal work, and the work we collectively complete as a team.

When I am not wearing my OT hat, you could find me regulating through heavy work at my local Pilates studio. I have also recently started learning to play tennis, which I am really enjoying!

Thank-you for taking the time to visit our website.

Have a fab day! - Natalie

Ruby Plancke

Occupational Therapist

Hello! My name is Ruby Plancke, one of the paediatric Occupational Therapist’s here at Natalie B OT.

I completed my bachelor degree in Psychology and Forensic Science, and following this I worked for 4 years in a community health service as an Allied Health Assistant, where I worked alongside occupational therapists in paediatric and adult services. I then completed my Masters in Occupational Therapy, and have been working in the paediatric health services field ever since. Outside of work my interests include reading, dancing, and taking long walks (rain or sunshine!).

I have a strong interest in mental health practices in occupational therapy, and working with children and families who have had experiences of trauma and anxiety. I use a developmental, play-based approach to support children and their families with broad range of needs. This approach means I work with families to support the development of their child’s skills and achieve their goals in a fun and nurturing environment that focuses on building confidence, independence, and a sense of achievement in every session.

Throughout my formal education and training I have always been passionate about working with children to support them and their families to achieve the best possible outcomes. My practices are based on enabling participation and engagement in occupations that are important and meaningful to children and their families. I employ a collaborative goal-setting approach to establish goals together with families, and tailor interventions to meet a child’s specific needs and meet them where they are at.

I look forward to meeting you and your child, and working collaboratively to support your child’s needs and development.

Piyumi Gunasekara

Occupational Therapist

Hi there! My name is Piyumi, and I've proudly earned recognition as "the funny OT" from the little people I work with at Natalie B OT.

My story about becoming an Occupational Therapist is personal and close to my heart. The journey began from not knowing what Occupational Therapy is to witnessing the amazing things they do with children to support their independence and autonomy.

My lived experience awakened my passion towards Occupational Therapy and I gained professional qualifications from Swinburne University of Technology with a Bachelor of Health Science and a Master of Occupational Therapy.

A recent quote I read states that "the children you work with may not remember you when they are older, but they will always have a part of you inside them. The part that gave them hope, love and taught them to believe in themselves". This quote sums up why I value working with little people and enhancing their skills so that through exploration and play, they can develop their potential as an individual.

I have both placement and work experience working with children, and I find it rewarding and self-satisfying. My kind, patient and empathetic approach and active listening skills have helped me to build strong therapeutic relationships with every little person and their families I've worked with. I believe this trusting relationship is crucial in assisting children to be creative and feel safe to explore the world around them.

Through my experience and formal education, I have a good understanding of child development milestones, play development, sensory processing, fine and gross motor skills, emotional regulation, and related activities of daily living. My approach for occupational therapy involves collaborative goal setting with the families and utilising a strengths-based approach to assist the little ones in finding interest, meaning and purpose with activities of daily living.

I have a natural love of children and firmly believe in neurodiversity-affirming practices. I strive to tailor my services according to their needs, wants and interests while ensuring every session is interactive, enjoyable and a great learning experience. I also recognise the importance of evidence-based service provision and continue to improve my practice by engaging in continuous professional development.

Outside work, I enjoy baking and sharing my freshly baked goodies with family and friends. On a personal note, I am a proud cat mum, and you will see an adorable picture of my fur baby every time you see me. I look forward to meeting you and your little person soon!

Jaimee Cook

Occupational Therapist

Hello! My name is Jaimee, and I am one of the Occupational therapists here at Natalie B OT!

I first completed my Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition Science at Deakin University before completing my Master of Occupational Therapy at Swinburne University of Technology.

My background in nutrition means that I love cooking, learning fun facts about the science of food and exploring new ways to make food fun and enjoyable for young people. I believe this knowledge complements many aspects of Occupational Therapy.

I have two years of experience working as a Therapy Assistant in a paediatric setting, where I worked 1:1 with children to support their gross motor, fine motor, play skills and school readiness. This role ignited my passion for working in paediatrics and solidified my decision to become an OT.

I really enjoy building therapeutic relationships with young people and assisting them to achieve their goals.

Throughout my training and work experiences I have utilised a strength based and client-centred approach. This means I ensure that I highlight a young person’s already existing strengths and capacities and tailor interventions for their individual needs and interests. I aim to work collaboratively with young people and their families on occupations meaningful and important to them. 

When I am not at work, you will find me enjoying walks/runs in the sun with my dogs, baking sweet treats and going out for brunch with my friends and family. I look forward to meeting you and your young person!

Jessica Anstee

Occupational Therapist

Hello! My name is Jessica, and I am one of the Occupational Therapists here at Natalie B OT. My workdays are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday.

I graduated from Deakin University in 2021 with a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy and have two years of experience working across the lifespan in community settings before discovering my passion for paediatrics. I am committed to supporting children in feeling safe, comfortable, and empowered to reach their potential by engaging in the activities they need, want, and enjoy. I value working closely with families and colleagues to ensure therapy sessions are both meaningful and fun.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time as a first-time mum, exploring nature through walks, and discovering new restaurants and cafes. I also love staying active by running, playing netball, and searching for the perfect coffee.

I look forward to meeting you and working alongside you!

Angelique

Allied Health Assistant

Hello, my name is Angelique, and I am one of the Allied Health Assistants here at Natalie B Paediatric Occupational Therapy.

I am completing a Bachelor of Health Science at Swinburne University of Technology, with a Major in Psychology with the intent to study occupational therapy. 

I have a passion for working with children, in particular connecting with them and assisting them to achieve their goals. I look forward to working with your child and developing a positive relationship with them at their schools, kindergartens or in their home environments.   

Outside of work, I love going on long walks and hikes. I also enjoy spending time with my family and friends and trialling new restaurants, theatres, and movies. 

I am excited to meet and work with you and your family.

Adele 

Administration 

Hi my name is Adele. Natalie and the team also amusingly refer to me as the Administration Angel.

I am a mum of 4 children who keep me very busy with their sporting activities, schooling and part time jobs.

I absolutely love the outdoors, cold or hot, I love the beach and the bush. I enjoy being on the go and walking with my big hairy groodle dog, who I think may be my best friend.

Surrounding myself with family and friends puts a smile on my face and I enjoy a chit chat with anyone and everyone.

I work Monday, Wednesday and Friday so please sing out if you have any questions or require any support with bookings or billings.

I look forward to us brightening each other’s day when I welcome you into reception at Natalie B OT.