Our Services

Photo of Jessica with world-renowned Autism spokesperson 'Professor Temple Grandin' at the 2016 Sydney Autism Conference. 

Jessica is an Autism Consultant with a Graduate Certificate in Education (Autism studies) and has also undertaken studies in Education Support, Allied health and Psychology.

Jessica is the founder and Director of Spectrum Village and provides her clients with Animal-assisted Behaviour Counselling/Psychosocial Recovery Coaching and Support coordinator. 

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She is an experienced professional with a vast knowledge of ASD and first-hand experience.

Jessica brings much passion to Spectrum Village and is thrilled to make a positive difference in the lives of children and their families. Jessica believes that every person should have access to support for their loved ones on the spectrum. 

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Jessica is a registered member with several professional Autism and Early Childhood organisations across the country. Each year, she attends a variety of webinars and conferences to help better her clients on their Autism journey.

Jessica looks for the ‘ability’ in your loved one with Autism.

Jessica sees the ‘ability’ in disability.

When Jess is away from the office, she enjoys spending time with her family camping/4WDing and swimming, reading, riding motorbikes and practicing Yoga.

Ashlee studied a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy at Southern Cross University on the Gold Coast and has years of experience working with children on the autism spectrum.  

Ashlee has so much fun working with children and contributing to their development.

When she is not at work, she is hanging at the beach, with her family, bushwalking, gardening or playing hockey. 

Tracy has over 30 years experience in office management and customer service. Her friendly and outgoing personality makes her shine. She endeavours to go above and beyond to assist with all enquiries.

When Tracy is finished work she loves to pamper her 4-legged pooch, spend time with her family, and go caravanning.
Tracy looks forward to meeting the faces at Spectrum Village.

Michelle recently relocated to Hervey Bay after 12 years experience working as a receptionist and optical dispenser. Her skills range from office administration, customer service to management. 

Michelle is an avid artist. She loves painting and exhibits her work and facilitates local workshops. 

When Michelle is not at work, she enjoys nature, hiking, camping and goats while living on a farm in a tiny home being self-sufficient. 

​Craig is an Occupational Therapist who has a keen interest in childhood attachment and emotional development. Before working at Spectrum Village, Craig, worked as an Early Childhood Intervention Facilitator and enjoyed his work travelling to provide community outreach, through reading programs and social/emotional supports. He enjoys supporting families as a unit and tracking progress towards common goals. When Craig is not at work, he is spending time with his wife and 4 year old son.

Kirsten came to Spectrum Village with almost a decade of experience working as an Education Support Aide in Special Education. Kirsten has worked with children with varied abilities and enjoys making a positive difference in their lives.

Kirsten loves doing art and being creative. She is a mother to five daughters, one with ASD and ID and one granddaughter.

She has a happy outlook on life and is full of positive vibes.

Sam studied at Southern Cross University and graduated in 2022. Additionally, Sam is post-graduate trained in Ayre's Sensory Integration through the

University of Southern California. 

Sam has always had a desire to help children achieve their full potential. She has a passion for helping people and making a difference in children's lives. 

When Sam is not at work she is busy being a mum of 4 children and enjoys participating in church, sports, and community events.

Sam's husband is the Pastor at Grafton local church and Sam thoroughly enjoys leading kids groups and adult groups as part of the church. 

Sam loves being outdoors and exploring Australia with her family. Sam is also the coordinator for Grafton soccer club.

Christina is a new-graduate occupational therapist who studied at the University of the Sunshine Coast.  Across Christina's degree she had the opportunity to gain clinical experience in providing occupational therapy services to clients in hospitals; a paediatric private practice in the Sunshine Coast, and an adult disability service in the Sunshine Coast. 

When working within the paediatric sector, Christina had the opportunity to work with a range of children all with differing abilities, and tailor evidence-based intervention practices to help meet each child's needs. Christina has a lot of experience being around children as she also spent time volunteering at a local primary school each year since she was 14.

Christina loves working within a multidisciplinary team environment. She is very passionate about working with kids and helping them achieve their goals.

When Christina is away from work, she enjoys yoga, pilates, hiking and baking.

Kate is a Qualified Teacher with experience in primary schools and Early Childhood. Throughout her career, she has taught in Australia and international schools in Vietnam.

Kate is passionate about working with children with diverse learning needs and from all cultural backgrounds. She believes that building a strong rapport with children and families is key and that each child has the potential to achieve their personal goals.

Kate is looking forward to pursuing a career in Speech Pathology and is enjoying her studies in this field. 

In her own time, Kate enjoys relaxing by the water and going on adventures with her daughter.

Shani is a provisional psychologist, with a passion for Early Intervention and Animal Assisted Therapy. 

Alongside Shani works her Therapy dog, Sprite.

After a fulfilling nursing career spanning cardiac, general medical, and surgical wards, Shani discovered her true passion in mental health care, particularly in childhood development.

Shani's enthusiasm for psychology led her to delve into research projects, including studying rapport building with children in forensic interview settings and investigating the effects of motivational interviewing on adolescent engagement and follow-up behaviors within mental health services.

Lesley has been teaching her whole adult life. Lesley has lived in the Bay since 2000 and absolutely loves it. Lesley loves spending time walking at the beach with her two dogs when she is not working, messing about in the garden, and doing craft activities. Lesley also teaches two days a week at a local primary school. She feels fortunate to have become part of the team at Spectrum Village and looks forward to working with your kids.

Fiona is a highly accomplished Qualified Teacher and Speech Therapy Assistant who is pursuing a career in Speech Pathology.

Fiona has over 30 years of experience in the Early Childhood industry and holds a master’s degree in education (STEM in Education).

She has a strong interest in speech and language development and is excited about her university studies in Speech pathology. 

Kathleen is an NDIS paediatric dietitian who specialises in using the SOS (Sequential Oral Sensory) method for helping picky eaters increase the variety and nutritional quality of their diet.

Kathleen is an Accredited Practising Dietitian with 3 years’ experience across many areas, specifically surrounding weight management and chronic disease management, and healthy ageing.

Kathryn is a Certified Practicing Speech Pathologist with almost 20 year's experience. Kathryn brings vast experience, supervision and mentoring to our team of allied health assistants. She is dedicated to providing quality care to clients and has a keen interest in early speech and language development.

Kerin brings extensive experience in supporting families living with Autism, PDA, and developmental delays, with a strong focus on empowering families and advocating for neuro-affirming practices.

Her background includes studying at the University of the Sunshine Coast and working as an OT in the Sunshine Coast area before relocating to the Clarence Valley.

Prior to her OT role, Kerin worked as a registered nurse, gaining valuable experience in paediatric and neonatal care.

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Outside of work, Kerin and her husband have developed a deep love for the Clarence Valley and its natural surroundings. During her leisure time, Kerin enjoys engaging in outdoor activities, sewing, crocheting, and spending quality time with her grandchildren.

Animal-assisted therapy promotes engagement and motivation by including a trained dog in therapy sessions to support social, emotional, cognitive and physical functioning.

Bessie was born in 2014. She is a medium-sized Labradoodle.

Bessie grew up in a family home and a veterinary clinic environment (in her younger years). She attended VETPetPep talks at local primary schools in her earlier years.

Bessie is a chill-laid-back girl who gives a friendly wag of her tail and licking kisses to those who approve.