About us
Family Connections Sydney
is an Occupational Therapy practice focused on providing high quality, family centred and holistic therapy in a supportive environment.
We collaborate with families along their journey, fostering resilience, optimism and strength. We recognise that families are crucial to a child’s learning and development. We work with children who have specific learning difficulties, sensory processing disorders, autism and other developmental disorders.
We believe that by helping parents understand their child’s specific needs they will be better equipped to support their child to develop their skills, increase self esteem and build their confidence as individuals, as part of the family and also as part of their peer group.
Our Team
IRENA WOODWARD
CLINICAL DIRECTOR
Irena is a Paediatric Occupational Therapist with special interest in Sensory Processing Disorders, Autism, ADHD, learning difficulties, anxiety and oppositional behaviours in children and adolescents. In recent years Irena expanded her work and inter…
KIMBERLY ELTER
PAEDIATRIC OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST
Kimberly (Kim) is a Paediatric Occupational Therapist with a special interest in Sensory Integration, Autism and developmental trauma. She has her Masters in Sensory Integration. Kim attends a number of Australian and International Conferences throughout …
MONIQUE MCKERNAN
PAEDIATRIC OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST
Monique joined Family Connections Sydney in August 2022. She graduated from the University of Sydney in 2008 with a Bachelor of Applied Science (Occupational Therapy) and has experience providing occupational therapy to various age groups in an occupatio…
ALYSSA HAWKINS
PAEDIATRIC OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST
Alyssa joined the Family Connections team in August 2024. She graduated from Western Sydney University with a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy, where she had learning experiences in hospital wards, special education schools & in occupational rehabilitation.
MELODY NELSON
PAEDIATRIC OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST
Melody (Mel) completed her Bachelor of Occupational Therapy at Western Sydney University and is a registered Occupational Therapist with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulatory Agency (AHPRA). Mel completed her …
KAREN FAHMY
PAEDIATRIC OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST
Karen joined Family Connections in January 2025. She graduated from Western Sydney University with a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy and a special interest in paediatrics. Karen has always been passionate about helping, teaching and empowering others..
ELLA KATALINIC
PAEDIATRIC OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST
Ella joined Family Connections in July 2024. She began working as an Occupational Therapy Assistant prior to completing her Bachelor of Occupational Therapy at Western Sydney University. Ella believes that all children and adolescents have the potential to learn and grow. She is dedicated to supporting them..
AMY HORTON
PAEDIATRIC OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST
Amy believes that every child has unique strengths and the potential to grow, learn and thrive especially when they are given the support they need. Amy joined the Family Connections team in 2021 as an Occupational Therapy Assistant prior to graduating as an Occupational Therapist.
TEGAN BRADLEY
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY ASSISTANT
Tegan joined Family Connections at the beginning of 2023 as an Occupational Therapy Assistant. She is currently studying a Bachelor’s of Occupational Therapy at Western Sydney University.
LEANNE PEARCE
BUSINESS ADMINISTRATOR
Leanne has a broad range of business administration and accounting experience joining the Family Connections Sydney team in 2009. She has also lived in the world of learning disabilities over many years having raised her own daughter who was diagnosed wi…
KIRSTEN SOMERVILLE
RECEPTIONIST
Kirsten joined our team in October 2018 and is your first point of contact for appointments and general enquiries. Kirsten provides administration support to the team of therapists with regards to appointment schedules and liaising with families.
KYLIE PECULIS
PRACTICE MANAGER
Kylie has been working in the allied health sector for over 12 years as an Operations Manager and joined Family Connections in May 2021 as our Practice Manager. Kylie has extensive administration and recruitment experience and began her career as a Recrui…
Want to join our team?
Looking for an excellent career opportunity? Something closer to home? Our team is always growing and expanding. If you are interested in working in paediatrics and you are a dynamic and flexible team player. Please contact us at office@familyconnections.com.au