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.
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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.
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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.
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We believe that learning and change are achieved through enjoyment and success, which drives everything we do.
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We acknowledge and welcome diversity in all its forms and work to honour the unique challenges, gifts and situations to empower children, their families as well as their informal and formal supports.
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We are committed to upholding the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations and Child Safe Environments and strive to provide a safe, positive and enjoyable space for children.
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As a registered NDIS provider, the Playing for Change team are committed to maintaining quality services with high standards of accountability. All staff adhere to the NDIS Worker Code of Conduct as well as meeting the standards for ethical care as required under the Australian Health Practitioners Regualtion Agency (AHPRA).
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About
Meet the Team
Sue Robinson
Director, Occupational Therapist
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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.
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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.
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Bec Waters
Senior Occupational Therapist
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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!
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Poppy Montague
Admin assistant
Poppy has joined the Playing for Change team as an allied health assistant student currently completing her cert IV. Poppy will be around fortnightly for admin support roles, additionally, you will see Poppy around in clinical observations to help her develop her skills in assisting occupational therapists.
Poppy found her passion for working with children through a seasonal job of working with 3-6-year-olds as a daycare attendant. Where she discovered many ways to engage and interact with children, Poppy is
eager to learn and develop her passion even further through partaking in observing sessions.
