Sue Robinson established a small private Occupational Therapy practice in December 2011, to provide a quality, local occupational therapy service for young children aged 0 to 8 years and their families, one that could offer a sensory approach and be flexible to meet the needs of local families.
The name 'Playing for Change' was inspired by the work of Mandy Seyfang's UniSA student OT clinic in 1998, of the same name and which used a strongly narrative therapy approach to children's needs. The clinic's philosophy was one of using play and playful activity to assist children to overcome challenges and to assist their families to develop a positive new story about their child as capable.
At Playing for Change we continue this approach - focusing on each child's strengths and developing the capacity of caregivers and educators to see the child as a person with unique strengths.
We believe that learning and change are achieved through enjoyment and success, which drives everything we do.
Please note that our books are currently full at Sept 2022. Referrals accepted, wait time unknown at present.
About
Meet the Team
Sue Robinson
Director, Occupational Therapist
Sue is a registered Occupational Therapist, who graduated from the University of South Australia in 1996. She worked in adult mental health before relocating to Whyalla to work within the adult and child health team. This work was predominantly focused on paediatrics however also included adults and aged care. During this time she had the opportunity to fly with the Royal Flying Doctors Service to remote South Australia.
After 10 years in this role she returned to Adelaide to have children which provided a new perspective to her career in paediatric occupational therapy.
After a year with OT for Children, and following the arrival of her third child, she founded Playing for Change Childrens Occupational Therapy in late 2011.
Sue is a trained Marte Meo Therapist who values working with clients to achieve their goals and developing strategies to overcome the physical and emotional obstacles that arise.
Bec Waters
Senior Occupational Therapist
Bec is a registered Occupational Therapist who graduated from the University of South Australia in 2003. Bec worked across a variety of settings in her first 6 years as an OT including Domiciliary Care and Paediatrics at Murray Mallee Community Health, and Youth Development with the City of Norwood Payneham and St Peters.
Following a short time away from OT to care for her first child, Bec returned in 2011 to the area for which she holds the most interest and passion - working with children! She spent 4 years working with Disability Services in Murray Bridge and Mt Barker with some adult clients, but predominately with children and their families.
In 2016 Bec began working with Playing for Change. She spent 4 years working with families and their children, and undertaking further training and development in sensory and relationship based approaches, including completing Marte Meo Practitioner Level training.
In early 2020 Bec took the opportunity to work with Autism SA, and for 18 months worked as an OT and Site Coordinator in the Foundation Skills Group Program, providing a school readiness program for young children on the spectrum. Here she developed experience and extra training in behavioural approaches.
Bec returned to Playing for Change in July 2021, welcoming the opportunity to work closely with children and families in the Adelaide Hills Region once more, as well as the Kindys, child care centres and schools that support them.
Bec is currently completing her Marte Meo Therapist Level training and is also trained in the Circle Of Security.
Jo Telfer
Occupational Therapist
Jo graduated from the University of South Australia in 1997 and spent several years working as a clinical Occupational Therapist in Murray Bridge. During this time she worked primarily with adult and aged care clients in community settings.
The period stimulated an interest in community health more broadly, which led Jo to complete an additional postgraduate diploma in health promotion. She then spent over a decade in policy and planning work within SA Health. During this time she was involved in a number of service initiatives for children and families.
After having two children of her own, Jo moved out of health planning to work closer to home in the Adelaide Hills, and expanded her skills working with kids as a primary School Support Officer (after completing a certificate 3 in Education Support) for three years, working alongside teachers to support children’s learning and personal development: in the classroom; small learning groups; and 1:1 learning situations.
Jo joined Playing for Change in April 2019 and spent 16 months as an allied health assistant while re-registering as an OT.
Jo regained her registration in August 2020 and is excited to ‘return to her roots’, bringing her knowledge and experience back into clinical work as an OT!
