ABOUT US

A toddler sits in a red indoor cubby house with his toys during an occupational therapy session. He has blonde hair, blue eyes and is smiling.

THE JOURNEY
SO FAR…

OUR FOUNDING STORY

Moment by Moment was established in 2021 with the vision to work collaboratively with families, educators, and other health professionals to enhance children’s’ wellbeing and developmental health with a holistic, family-centred approach.

Bringing services to families in familiar environments fosters a safe space for therapy, and provides new opportunities for us to collaborate and co-create a therapy experience unique to your child’s needs, interests and personality.

As we move into 2024, we’re proud to look back on our business journey as we step into a new phase of growth that not only supports children and adolescents, but also young adults and elderly clients. Stay tuned!

We believe every child deserves the opportunity to thrive, and our dedicated team is committed to making a positive impact that starts with a single moment, and extends into a lifetime.

Meet The Team

Samantha O'Donovan smiling at the camera. She has short auburn curls and is wearing a blue and white floral dress.

Samantha O’Donovan

Founder and Senior Occupational Therapist

Samantha is the driving force behind Moment by Moment. In her role as our founder and Senior Occupational Therapist, Samantha not only brings a wealth of experience but also an unyielding dedication to elevating the well-being of children. Her path is guided by a profound belief in the remarkable impact of occupational therapy, a belief that underscores her commitment to fostering each child's unique potential.

  • Samantha graduated from the University of Sydney with a Masters of Occupational Therapy in 2012, and from the University of Wollongong with a Bachelor of Science: Exercise Science in 2010.

    Since graduating she has specialised in paediatrics, working across Sydney, Melbourne, the Illawarra and the United Kingdom in communities, pre/schools, day care, homes, private clinics, and the NHS.

    As a lifelong learner, Samatha has completed many post-graduate courses and techniques to complement her practice, specifically in the areas of sensory processing, behaviour, Autism and ADHD, including:

    The SOS approach to feeding course, including the Autism-specific program (2015)

    The Cognitive Orientation to Daily Occupational Performance CO-OP (2016)

    The Collaborative for Leadership in Ayres’ Sensory Integration (CLASI): Certificate Program in Ayres’ Sensory Integration (2019 & 2021).

Casaundra

Occupational Therapist

Cas is an energetic and enthusiastic OT with a passion for making therapy fun for children of all ages. Central to her approach is establishing meaningful connections with her clients and their families, fostering a positive and collaborative environment to help children thrive in all areas of life.

  • Casaundra graduated from the Australian Catholic University with a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy.

    With a lifelong interest in paediatrics, she has travelled to China, Nepal, and Australia working and volunteering in community centres, pre/schools, daycares and within the private practice setting.

    Casaundra’s professional development has focused on working with children with autism, physical disabilities, genetic disabilities, behavioural disorders, trauma, and developmental delays through a trauma-informed approach.

    Casaundra has completed post-graduate training to complement her practice including:

    • Therapeutic Listening

    • Astronaut Training

    • Sensory Integration

    • Trauma Informed Therapy with Kaya Lyons

    • 2-day Intensive Training & Co-treatment with Sheila Frick

Amelia

Occupational Therapist

Amelia is a playful therapist who seeks to support her clients to find success in their everyday life through skill development and self-discovery. She continues to love working in paediatrics, as every day is an opportunity to help kids to see their unique strengths and abilities.

  • Amelia graduated from Griffith University with a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) in 2019 and first began her career in a sensory-based practise in Brisbane.

    She has continued to gain experience working with kids needing support for emotional regulation, play development, handwriting, toileting, feeding, and sensory processing difficulties.

    She has completed Karen Stagnitti’s Learn to Play courses which is foundational in her practice and recently completed Learn Play Thrive by Meg Proctor which has equipped her with neuro-affirming approaches to support learning and development for autistic children.

    In her spare time Amelia loves cooking, painting, reading a good novel, going for a run, or playing a boardgame.

Pippa

Occupational Therapist

Pippa is a bubbly OT from Aotearoa (New Zealand), who completed her Bachelor's degree in Occupational Therapy to begin a career in paediatric based work after finding a passion for working with children. She works from a play based approach and strongly values the importance of collaboration with parents, teachers and other health professionals to support a child. 

  • Pippa has worked in Australia for 3.5 years and has experience in supporting children with ASD, GDD, Trauma, gross motor/fine motor, sensory integration and play skills. 

    She has been trained under Kaya Lyons, and completed a certificate in sensory informed therapy by Georgina Ahrens, and Hanen's 4 I's To Socialise. 

    In her spare time, she enjoys training at the gym and in Muay Thai, ocean swims, good chin wag with her friends.

Our Approach

A Family-Centric Philosophy

We embrace a collaborative and family-centric approach to care. We understand that families play an integral role in a child's development, and our therapy process reflects this belief. By working closely with families, we create an environment (and help you to create them outside the therapy room) where every moment counts towards fostering independence, confidence, and wellbeing.

Ready to begin your child’s therapy journey?

Let’s explore how Moment by Moment supports your child’s development.