OT to GO is a private occupational therapy practice offering services to primary school and pre-kindy aged children in the northern suburbs of Perth. Therapy sessions take place within the child’s school, home or other community setting (such as child care centres), in close collaboration with teachers and parents.
It is now well recognised that delivery of OT services within the child’s natural environments, such as in the school and home setting, is often the most effective way to improve and maintain a child’s skills.
We provide a thorough assessment of each child by using a range of assessments to analyse why a child may be struggling to carry out specific tasks.
Often the difficulty that a child presents with is the result of another poorly developed skill. For example, handwriting problems may be the result of weak shoulder stability, low muscle tone, or difficulty with visual perception or visual motor skills.
We incorporate information from parents and teachers in this process, and consider a child’s previous work samples where appropriate.
We provide very detailed and comprehensive reports so that parents/carers and teaching staff understand the reasons behind difficulties.
This understanding often allows faster progress and enduring outcomes. We also provide detailed, practical recommendations specifically for your child’s needs.
This assists parents, teachers and others working with him/her to maximise progress and help maintain improvements.
Once we have identified underlying difficulties we then work with the child at his/her school, home or other community setting, in collaboration with teaching staff and parents.
Our aim is to maximise development and learning using fun activities, which take into account the child’s interests.
Our treatment sessions are usually 45 minutes long, occasionally shorter or longer depending on the child’s needs and school/family timetable.
Over 20 years experience working with children in both the public and private sectors, within mainstream and specialist schools, enables us to deliver a quality, professional service.
We understand the importance of flexibility and strive for maximum effect with minimum disruption.
After living in various other Australian states Vanessa and her family settled in Perth when she was in high school. She grew up in a busy, noisy household surrounded by 7 brothers and sisters. She now has 4 school age children of her own, and their hobbies have become her interests.
When she is not working or juggling the tasks and activities that come with having children, she enjoys catching up with friends and keeping fit. Travel with family and friends is another favourite pastime. Just about any destination will do!
Vanessa completed a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy in 1995, graduating with honours (dissertation topic in the area of adolescent mental health).
After finishing her degree she worked with kindy, preschool and school aged children at Lockridge Child Health and Development Centre before moving to London for a year.
In London Vanessa worked at Westminster Social Services where she assisted children with physical and intellectual disabilities through home and school visiting. She also developed a community visiting program through Paddington Hospital, providing therapy services to children with developmental and learning difficulties.
After travelling Vanessa returned to Perth and commenced work with Therapy Focus Inc. For five years she provided OT services in education support centres and units, mainstream schools, in various Language Development Centres, as well as the children’s homes.
Starting in 2002 she co-ran an occupational therapy clinic in Joondalup, where she started a school and home visiting service to cater for busy families, and provided services to country schools at the request of the Disability Services Commission.
Vanessa then established OT to GO which has now been providing OT services to schools within the Perth Metropolitan area for over 15 years.
Bachelor of Science(Occupational Therapy). Graduated in1995 with Honours
Master of Health Science with a specialisation in Paediatric Occupational Therapy
Registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency
Member of the WA Occupational Therapy Association
Member of the Developmental Occupational Therapy interest group
