Kate Woods
Director and Senior Occupational Therapist
Bachelor Occupational Therapy/Applied Science (Deakin) University
Registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)
Kate is the Founder and Director of Connecting OT, bringing extensive experience working alongside diverse teams, schools, families, and allied health professionals. She is passionate about building meaningful connections with teachers, parents, and her team, and values seeing the real-life impact therapy can have on children’s confidence, independence, and everyday success.
Over the years, Kate has developed strong and trusted relationships with schools, providing ongoing support and practical strategies for both educators and families. She has a special interest in sensory regulation and understanding how it influences emotional wellbeing, behaviour, learning, and the development of positive habits.
Known for her warm and engaging approach, Kate loves working directly with children and celebrating every step of their progress. As a passionate advocate and cheerleader for growth and development, she is dedicated to empowering children, supporting families, and helping young people thrive in their everyday environments.
Meet Our Team
Lauren Stasi
Senior Occupational Therapist and General Manager
Bachelor Health Sciences (Latrobe) University
Masters Occupational Therapy (Latrobe) University
Registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)
Lauren is one of our outstanding Senior Occupational Therapists at Connecting OT. With a Master's degree in Occupational Therapy from La Trobe University and a wealth of life experiences, Lauren brings a unique perspective to her work. Her passion for working with children shines through in her previous roles as a tennis coach and in her time spent caring for her younger cousins. She believes that fostering relationships and being a positive role model are crucial to child development.
Lauren is also our General Manager, supporting our team of therapists through clinical leadership and professional development, while also providing guidance to families and ongoing support to our Practice Manager.
At Connecting OT, Lauren excels in supporting children of all ages, with a particular talent for helping those as young as 2 and 3. She focuses on developing sensory diets and essential skills that promote positive behaviours. Her warm and caring demeanour allows children to connect with her quickly, creating an ideal setting for them to thrive. Lauren also works extensively with primary school-aged children, aiding in handwriting development and helping them succeed in the classroom. Lauren also has a key interest in working with adolescents and young adults. She is able to create a safe and engaging environment where clients feel empowered to express themselves. Lauren’s commitment to fostering growth and resilience is evident in every interaction.
Tanya Mazur
Practice Manager
Tanya is an invaluable member of the Connecting OT team, playing a vital role in supporting the day-to-day operations of the practice. With exceptional organisational skills and a warm, approachable communication style, Tanya is a trusted support for both families and staff.
She is always willing to help, taking the time to answer questions and ensure families feel welcomed, supported, and informed throughout their journey. Tanya provides essential administrative support to our therapists, helping keep the team organised and running smoothly behind the scenes.
Known for her integrity, reliability, and caring nature, Tanya goes above and beyond to support the entire team and the families we work with, making a meaningful difference every day.
Gabbie Smethurst
Senior Occupational Therapist and Assistant Manager
Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) from Monash University
Registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)
Gabbie is one of the most compassionate individuals you’ll ever meet, and her extensive volunteer experience is a testament to her unwavering integrity and commitment to excellence in everything she undertakes. Driven by personal experiences that have shaped her professional journey, Gabbie approaches her work with a deep understanding and empathy for those she see’s.
As part of her research honours program, Gabbie published a significant article titled “Families’ Reflections After One Year Using the National Disability Insurance Scheme.” This work not only showcases her dedication to understanding the challenges faced by families but also equips her with insights that resonate deeply with the families we support. Gabbie's ability to relate to clients and their experiences sets her apart, making her an essential part of our team. Her commitment to learning and her genuine care for others inspire everyone around her.
Amelia McDonald
Senior Occupational Therapist and Team Leader
Bachelor of Occupational Therapy from Australian Catholic University
We are so excited to welcome Milly back to the team! Milly is a Senior Occupational Therapist who originally started with us as a new graduate before spending several years working in Perth and gaining valuable experience across a range of settings.
Milly brings a calm, gentle and caring approach to her work and is known for making clients feel comfortable, supported and understood. Her kindness, professionalism and extensive experience make her a wonderful asset to our team, and we are thrilled to have her back with us.
Alexandra Boys
Occupational Therapist with Excellence
Monash University - Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours)
Registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)
Alexandra brings a wealth of experience to our team, having worked extensively with children of all abilities. Alex graduated from the Occupational Therapy Honours Program at Monash University, and quickly established herself as an outstanding therapist, making a significant impact on the families she works with at Connecting OT.
Alex’s dedication and skills shine through in her work. Her warm demeanour, bubble personality and positive attitude create a welcoming environment that fosters trust and rapport with her young clients. She is adept at tailoring her approach to meet the unique needs of each child, ensuring they feel supported and encouraged throughout their therapeutic journey. In addition to her clinical expertise, Alex is passionate about continuous learning and actively seeks out opportunities to enhance her skills. This commitment to professional development.
Ilona Pruscino
Intermediate Occupational Therapist
Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) at Monash University
Registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)
IIona graduated with Honours from Monash University. Ilona is dedicated to continuous learning and growth in the industry. She actively engages in a variety of professional development opportunities, exploring topics that spark her interest and enhance her expertise. Her passion for learning not only keeps her skills sharp but also enables her to bring fresh insights and innovative practices to her work.
Ilona has a key passion for empowering individuals to lead fulfilling lives is at the heart of her work, and she is committed to adopting a family-cantered approach that engages parents and caregivers in the therapeutic process. Ilona focuses on promoting independence and active participation for children with a wide range of diagnoses and developmental delays. She employs evidence-based strategies tailored to each child's unique needs, fostering skills that enhance their everyday lives. Her gentle and nurturing demeanour allow her to build rapport with children effortlessly, creating a safe space where they feel comfortable exploring their abilities.
Sarah Duddy
Intermediate Occupational Therapist
Bachelor of Health Science (Human Movement) , ACU
Diploma of Remedial Massage, Australian College of Sports Therapy
Diploma of Myotherapy, Australian College of Sports Therapy
Bachelor of Occupational Therapy, ACU
Registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)
Sarah began her career in the world of Remedial Massage and Myotherapy, which has given her a deep understanding of the musculoskeletal health. Driven by her passion to make a broader impact, she pursued further studies in Occupational Therapy expanding her expertise to support clients in achieving their daily living goals and improving their overall quality of life. Additionally, she has a passion for working with primary school-aged children, creating fun, supportive, and engaging therapy sessions that help children build confidence, develop skills, and thrive in everyday life. With a rich background and a compassionate approach, Sarah brings her unique perspective to our team.
Peony Chui
Intermediate Occupational Therapist
Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours), Monash University
Registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)
Peony is a dedicated Occupational therapist who brings both expertise and enthusiasm to our team. A proud graduate of Monash University, Peony has built her career working with both children and adults, but her true passion lies in paediatrics. With hands-on experience and a deep commitment to fostering growth and development in young people, Peony is excited to contribute her specialised skills and compassionate approach to our practice. Her dynamic background and dedication to making a difference in the lives pf children promises to be a tremendous asset to our team and the families we serve.
Cindy Benecia
Occupational Therapist
Cindy is an Occupational Therapist who is passionate about supporting children to build confidence, develop valuable skills, and participate in the activities that are important to them.
Cindy is a kind, caring, and approachable therapist who strives to create a fun, supportive, and comfortable environment where every child feels safe to be themselves, have a go, and celebrate their progress. She takes the time to get to know each child and their unique strengths, interests, and goals, while working closely with families to provide meaningful and individualised support. Cindy is a reflective, client-centred, and adaptable OT with a genuine passion for working with children.
Cindy is excited to get to know your child and work alongside your family to help them feel confident, capable, and thrive in their everyday lives.
Millsa Ong
Occupational Therapist
Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy
Bachelor’s Degree in Social Sciences
Millsa is an Occupational Therapist with a Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy and a Bachelor of Social Sciences in Sociology. She is passionate about supporting children to develop confidence, build new skills, and feel empowered to participate in the activities that are meaningful to them.
Millsa brings a warm, kind, and caring approach to therapy, with a strong understanding of the many factors that influence a child’s development, learning, and participation. Her studies included electives in Early Childhood Education, Childhood Development, Adolescent Development, Learning Environments for Young Children, Basic Counselling Skills, and Youth Psychopathology, giving her a broad understanding of children and young people across different stages of development, as well as the social, environmental, and family factors that shape their experiences. Millsa has also worked as a private tutor supporting children aged 7–15. This experience helped her develop strong rapport with children and families, adapt her communication to different developmental and learning needs, and create engaging and individualised approaches to support participation and confidence.
Millsa is excited to bring her knowledge, warmth, and enthusiasm to paediatric occupational therapy and looks forward to working alongside children and their families to help them learn, grow, and thrive in everyday life.
Alex Di Mascolo
Allied Health Assistant
Bachelor of Health Sciences at Monash University
Currently studying Master of Occupational Therapy Practice (La Trobe University)
Alex is currently studying a Master of Occupational Therapy Practice at La Trobe University. Alex is a dedicated team member who seamlessly blends a passion for studies with a commitment to work. With a focus on children and adolescents, Alex excels at creating engaging sessions that incorporate gross motor skills and strengthening activities. His enthusiasm for helping young clients build confidence and physical abilities shines through in every interaction. By integrating fun and effective exercises into AHA sessions, Alex not only supports developmental goals but also fosters a love for movement in the children he works with.
