Meet the team

Brianna Fitzalan

(Principal Occupational Therapist & CEO) 

As the Principal Therapist and CEO of Childworks, Bri is deeply committed to helping children thrive and reach their fullest potential. She is a registered Occupational Therapist with AHPRA and brings a wealth of expertise and passion to her practice.

Bri’s dedication to continuous learning is evident in her comprehensive training in developmental coordination disorder, trauma, executive functioning, ADHD, ASD, and dysgraphia therapy. By staying informed about the latest developments in her field, Bri ensures that she provides the most effective and up-to-date interventions for her clients, always striving for the best outcomes.

Bri established a unique school readiness programme and facilitated the development of a social skills programme for Childworks too. These programmes are thoughtfully designed with neurodiversity-affirming interventions, helping children and their carers develop vital school readiness and social skills within supportive, evidence-based frameworks. The programmes empower children to step confidently into their educational journey, fostering skills they can build on for years to come.

Bri acknowledges that each child has their own unique strengths and challenges, and therefore applies a client-centred approach to all that she does. Parents and carers are always encouraged to be active participants in therapy sessions, ensuring a collaborative approach to the child’s development and progress.

Bri’s infectious energy and positivity shine through in all aspects of her work. Her ability to infuse each session with joy and enthusiasm creates an environment where children feel safe, empowered, and motivated to explore and grow.

Her mantra, “Practice makes progress,” is a reflection of her belief in the transformative power of persistence, resilience, and a growth mindset. Bri truly believes that every small step forward is an accomplishment, and her commitment to progress drives her to continually inspire both children and their families.

 

 

Julia

(Practice Manager)

Meet Julia, our incredible Practice Manager at Childworks. With her warm, welcoming smile, Julia is often the first person to greet everyone who walks through our doors.

As a true all-rounder, Julia plays a key role in ensuring the seamless day-to-day operations of our clinic.

She is dedicated to creating a positive and supportive experience for all our clients and their families. In addition to overseeing the smooth running of the practice, Julia provides invaluable support to our therapists, assisting with everything from NDIS paperwork and appointment scheduling to organising meetings, community visits, and team-building events.

Julia’s thoughtful touch extends to making sure our staff feel appreciated with birthday treats and the organisation of team-building days. 

She is a local mum who says she really enjoys welcoming children and their families as they come into our clinic.

Outside of work, she loves spending time with her family and friends, playing board games, and walking her cavoodles.

Julia can help you with rearranging appointments, working out payments and generally with any other information that you need.

 

Nigel

(Occupational Therapist, Student Supervisor) 

Nigel is a passionate Occupational Therapist who loves helping kids build confidence and independence in their everyday activities. He takes a fun and engaging approach to therapy, using evidence-based strategies to support each child’s unique strengths and challenges. Whether it’s developing fine or gross motor skills, improving emotional regulation, or working on executive functioning, Nigel ensures that every session is both meaningful and enjoyable.

He’s all about teamwork—working closely with families, teachers, and other professionals to make sure every child gets the support they need to thrive.

Outside of work, you’ll probably find Nigel playing his guitar, enjoying the great outdoors or chilling with his pet macaw named Sonic! He believes that progress happens one step at a time and loves celebrating the little wins along the way!

 

Tyla

(Occupational Therapist) 

As a passionate Paediatric Occupational Therapist, Tyla is dedicated to helping children thrive through play-based therapy. With a firm belief that play is children’s primary occupation, Tyla focuses on creating engaging and fun OT sessions that incorporate their personal interests, ensuring therapy is both rewarding and enjoyable.

With a background in gymnastics, Tyla enjoys incorporating gross motor activities to support children’s coordination, midline crossing and sensory regulation alongside fine motor, self care, executive functioning, social or emotional regulation goals.

In addition to her clinical work, Tyla also works as a Kindy OOSH educator where she continues to foster a love for learning and development in young children.

Outside of work Tyla loves travelling. Her most recent adventure took her to Northern Europe where she saw the Northern Lights and fed reindeer! At home, Tyla is a proud dog owner, and enjoys expressing her creativity through music and art.

Micayla

(Allied Health Assistant) 

Micayla is our new allied health assistant and is currently in her fourth year of studying occupational therapy.

She has a passion for working with children, particularly supporting the development of their fine and gross motor skills.

In her free time, she enjoys Pilates, working out at the gym, and taking beach walks with her family and friends.

Isaac

(Allied Health Assistant) 

Isaac is a dedicated second-year Occupational Therapy student at Australian Catholic University (ACU), who is passionate about working with children and their families.

He is currently one of our highly valued Allied Health Assistant at Childworks. 

He thrives on making sessions exciting, engaging, and personal and is eager to be involved.

Outside of his studies and work, Isaac is an avid cricket enthusiast, enjoying everything from playing to following the game in his spare time.