Kids Can! OT
Kids Can! OT
Occupational Therapy Service
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Therapy that feels like home- Delivered with heart, skill and lived experience.
Meet the Team
Hannah (Admin), Bernetta (AHA), Debbie (OT), Melinda (OT)
About Debbie Swanwick, Occupational Therapist and Manager
Hi, I’m Debbie—a paediatric occupational therapist with over 28 years of experience helping children with developmental delays and disabilities grow, connect, and thrive. I work with warmth, humour, and a deep understanding—shaped by both my professional training and my lived experience as a parent of neurodivergent children.
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I support kids with a range of needs including Autism, ADHD, Cerebral Palsy, genetic conditions, and developmental delays. My sessions are fun, practical, and always tailored to what matters most to each family. I help children build skills in play, movement, attention, sensory processing, social connection, self-care, and more—all in a warm, home-like environment where they feel safe and seen.
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I’m trained in the SOS Approach to Feeding and especially passionate about supporting children with Autism. I work across home, school, daycare, and community settings, and am registered with AHPRA. Whether you're funded by NDIS, Medicare, or privately, I’m here to walk alongside you with care, creativity, and kindness—every step of the way.
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About Melinda Saxon, Occupational Therapist
Melinda is a senior Occupational Therapist who has been part of the Kids Can! OT team since 2018. With a background in paediatrics in private practise and Education Queensland, she brings both experience and heart to every session.
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Melinda is passionate about helping children build confidence and independence in the things that matter most—whether it’s getting dressed, managing toileting, tying shoelaces, preparing food, or feeling calm and focused at school. Her approach is gentle, playful, and skill-based, always meeting children where they’re at and supporting them to grow in their own time.
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Melinda has a special interest in sensory processing, self-regulation, handwriting, and feeding therapy, including the SOS Approach to Feeding (Food School). She also brings valuable lived experience of supporting neurodivergent family members, which deepens her empathy and understanding of the day-to-day realities many families face.
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Melinda sees children on Mondays, Tuesdays, and every second Friday, and loves working alongside families to make everyday life a little easier—and a lot more joyful.
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About Bernetta Billing, Allied Health Assistant
Bernetta is a vibrant and compassionate Allied Health Assistant who joined the Kids Can! OT team in 2023. She works closely with Debbie and Melinda to deliver therapy plans tailored to each child, helping boost the frequency and impact of intervention in a fun, practical, and cost-effective way—all under the guidance of a qualified Occupational Therapist.
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Bernetta is a proud Autistic and ADHD adult who brings a deep, lived understanding to her work. She passionately believes that everyone is perfect just as they are and is committed to supporting each child to feel happy, confident, and truly themselves.
With a background in swimming instruction and a natural love for play, Bernetta brings warmth, energy, and connection to every session. She’s always loved supporting children as they grow and was thrilled to formalise this passion by completing her Allied Health Assistance certification.
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Bernetta is available on Wednesdays and Thursdays and looks forward to helping your child feel empowered, seen, and supported—just as they are.
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About Hannah Dwyer, Administration Assistant
Hannah is our wonderful remote admin support, currently travelling around Australia with her family in a caravan! Even while on the road, Hannah keeps things running smoothly behind the scenes.
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She takes care of invoicing on Tuesdays and Thursdays and is always happy to help with any admin questions you might have. You can reach her anytime via email at admin@kidscanot.com.au.
Her friendly nature and eye for detail help keep our service organised and family-friendly—no matter where in Australia she happens to be!
The Furry Team
​We’re also lucky to have some very special furry (feathered and scaled) team members.
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Luna, Baby, and Cookie—our friendly dogs—sometimes join sessions for clients who enjoy canine companionship. For those who prefer something a little different, we also offer chicken visits, cat pats, and even lizard cuddles!
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Our animal friends bring comfort, joy, and a little extra magic to therapy.
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