About Michelle
Senior Occupational Therapist | Brilliant Minds Allied Health
Michelle is a Senior Occupational Therapist at Brilliant Minds Allied Health, bringing 13 years clinical experience and a strong background in mental health and neurodiversity. She graduated with a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (B.Occ Ther) from the University of Pretoria in South Africa, is registered with AHPRA, and is an member of Occupational Therapy Australia (OTA). She is currently working towards her Mental Health Endorsement through OTA and is an ADHD Certified Rehabilitation Services Provider (ADHD-RSP) through Evergreen Certifications. Her commitment to evidence-informed practice is backed by comprehensive professional training in neurodiversity-affirming care, polyvagal theory, sensory and play-based interventions, motivational interviewing, and clinical supervision.
In her clinical practice, Michelle supports children, adolescents, and adults presenting with ADHD, Autism, sensory processing differences, and psychosocial mental health challenges. Her work draws from neurodiversity-affirming, strength-based frameworks, nervous system regulation informed by polyvagal theory, sensory-informed strategies, and collaborative family collaboration. Michelle has a clinical interest in supporting ADHD and Autism across the lifespan, exploring the connection between sensory regulation and emotional well-being, and guiding clients toward sustainable independence in daily life.
Michelle believes that meaningful therapy is built on genuine connection, mutual respect, and a deep understanding of each person’s lived experience. Rather than aiming to change who someone is, her trauma-informed approach focuses on discovering how a client experiences their world and co-creating practical, everyday solutions that honor their individual needs. She is dedicated to creating a warm, non-judgmental space where clients and families feel safe, validated, and equipped with the confidence and tools to advocate for themselves. Sessions can be conducted in both English and Afrikaans, with communication tailored to each individual’s cognitive, developmental, and sensory preferences.
What Michelle loves most about occupational therapy is the problem-solving nature of the work—piecing together a person’s unique strengths, nervous system needs, and real-world routines to find practical ways to thrive. Outside the clinic, Michelle treasures spending quality time with her family and dogs, stays active training in karate, and loves heading outdoors on caravan camping trips. When relaxing at home, she often unwinds with creative projects like nail art.
Fun Facts
- Michelle is a twin mum
- She enjoys gaming, anime, fantasy and sci-fi reading, and occasionally cosplay
- She is bilingual and speaks Afrikaans and English fluently
- She also enjoys language learning and has learnt a little isiZulu, German and Japanese
Services
- Sensory processing and modulation
- School participation and performance
- Handwriting skills
- Social-emotional development
- Self-care skills including toileting, eating, sleep, dressing, showering and menstrual care
- Executive functioning skills including attention, focus, planning, sequencing, organisation and problem solving
- Play skills including pretend play
- Gross motor development
- Fine motor development
- Family support in understanding and managing tricky behaviours in children
- Emotional awareness and regulation, including the ALERT program and polyvagal theory