Katie-Leigh Paulsen
Director & Occupational Therapist BSc (Hons)
Certificate in Ayres Sensory Integration (CASI), Typical Child Development (Australian Neurodevelopmental Association), Therapeutic Listening (Vital Links)
Katie-Leigh has worked as a Paediatric Occupational Therapist since graduating from the University of Queensland in 2015. Katie-Leigh has extensive experience supporting young children who have Autism Spectrum Disorder, Global Developmental Delay, Sensory Processing Disorder and Childhood dyspraxia. She is especially passionate about delivering early intervention services for the Clarence Valley.
Katie enjoys spending her time outside of work playing soccer, learning aerial sports and spending time with her partner and their dogs on their farm.
Kerin Peterson
Senior Occupational Therapist BSc (Hons)
Certificate in Ayres Sensory Integration (USC)
Kerin has a passion for working with children and empowering families to build their independence. She was a Paediatric and Neonatal Nurse before becoming an Occupational Therapist. Kerin has experience working with children of all ages to develop fine and gross motor skills, resilience, well-being and social-emotional skills. She enjoys having fun and helping children to develop their play skills.
Kerin and her husband decided to move to this beautiful part of the country looking for a change in scenery. Kerin enjoys sewing, crocheting, visiting the beach at Wooli and reading to her grandson over video calls.
Samantha Davies
Occupational Therapist BSc
Currently completing Certificate in Ayres Sensory Integration (USC)
Samantha studied at Southern Cross University and joined our team in 2022. She has grown up in Grafton and has a strong passion for helping our local children and families. She loves working with kids, providing them with skills to participate in meaningful everyday activities and school preparation. Samantha is an advocate for holistic learning and incorporates the school, home, and clinical settings into intervention.
Sam enjoys participating in church, sports, and community events with her husband and four children. She loves being outdoors and exploring Australia with her family.
Lisa Casson
Occupational Therapy Assistant
Currently studying Occupational Therapy with SCU
Previously, Lisa worked in the Aboriginal community control sector as a Registered Nurse. Lisa decided to change her career to become an Occupational Therapist after seeing the benefits of occupational therapy with her son. Lisa has always loved helping people. She is passionate about helping children of all ages to increase their ability to engage in meaningful activities and to make a positive impact in their lives.
Lisa enjoys spending time with her family and exploring the countryside. In her spare time, she enjoys swimming, building Lego and playing with her dog.
Jamie Bailey
Administrative Assistant
Currently studying Social Sciences with UNE
Working as a nurse in paediatrics for several years, she was drawn to the profession in the hopes of helping families to achieve their goals and improve outcomes for the children of the area.
Jamie has seen first hand the benefits of occupational therapy for her daughter, which provides her with understanding and compassion when working with families. She always wears a smile, brings lots of fun and enthusiasm into her work.
In her downtime, Jamie can be found spending time with her two young girls and her husband on their family farm.
North Coast Kids OT 