Hopscotch OT

Jodie Lang (Director/Occupational Therapist) 

I completed my Bachelor of Occupational Therapy in 2005 at La Trobe University. I have worked exclusively with children and families in a range of settings including; Early Intervention, Community Health and privately in independent schools. I established Hopscotch OT in 2014.

I have extensive experience working with children with; developmental coordination disorder or dyspraxia, developmental delays, specific learning disorders, attention deficit disorders, autism spectrum disorders, sensory processing difficulties and social and emotional difficulties. I am committed to using an evidence based approach and in recent years have completed training to become a certified CO-OP therapist, Tuning Into Kids group facilitator and have completed various other courses in; Social Thinking, sensory processing, handwriting intervention, toilet training and family centered practice. I love helping children to develop skills and am passionate about working with their parents and educators to understand their needs and how to support their skill development so that the child can reach their full potential.

                                  On a personal level I am a mum to 2 young kids and love getting out and about and being active with my family.

Jessica Hodgkin (Occupational Therapist)

I completed my Bachelor of Health Sciences and Master of Occupational Therapy Practice in 2016 at La Trobe University. I then worked at a variety of hospitals gaining experience in the public setting to further my knowledge and experience. I joined the Hopscotch team in 2020.

I am extremely passionate about assisting families to integrate therapy into their day-to-day activities. I love helping children achieve their goals and providing therapy within an evidence-based context in a positive and fun learning environment. I recently completed my certification in the Cognitive Orientation to Occupational Performance approach, an evidenced based approach to supporting children to develop motor skills, I am thrilled to now be a certified CO-OP therapist. I have also completed training in the areas of; sensory processing, toilet training and sleep.

In my downtime, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, playing basketball, skiing, and travelling.

Nicola Briggs (Occupational Therapist)

I completed my Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) at Monash University in 2021. I love  engaging with children to support them to do what is important to them and their family and helping  them to achieve their goals.

I am passionate about using my skills and knowledge to deliver client and family centred therapy in a fun and exciting way. I have completed professional development in the areas of toilet training and interoception. I a recently completed CO-OP training and certification and am excited to now be a certified CO-OP therapist. Outside of work I love spending time with my friends, playing hockey and skiing!

 

Aisling Jordan (Occupational Therapist)

I completed my Bachelor of Health Sciences and Master of Occupational Therapy Practice in 2016 at La Trobe University. I then completed further study in my Master of Clinical Audiology in 2018. I have experience in Paediatric Occupational Therapy, working in a private practice for approximately 2 years. Following this, I worked as an Audiologist in Townsville, visiting a large demographic in rural and remote areas of QLD, with a focus in auditory processing and aural rehabilitation. 

I am passionate about supporting children and their families by using a patient-centred and evidence-based approach. I love being able to marry my skills in Occupational Therapy and Audiology, to create a comfortable and encouraging environment for children to grow and engage in activities that they want, and need to be able to do. I also value the importance of working collaboratively with families to achieve therapy goals and drawing on strengths of the child.

I have completed professional development in areas of sensory processing and social thinking skills.

Outside of work, I enjoy learning pottery, exploring new countries and relaxing with my family and friends.

Ellen Ratten (Occupational Therapist)

I completed my Bachelor of Occupational Therapy in 2013 at Monash University. I have since worked with children and their families in a variety of community and school-based settings including kindergartens, schools, homes and clinics. I have had the honour of working with children with a variety of diagnoses including autism spectrum disorders, sensory processing difficulties, attention deficit disorders, developmental delays, cerebral palsy, developmental coordination disorders and social and emotional difficulties. I am passionate about working within a child and family-centred approach to work towards goals that are achievable and meaningful. I believe in making therapy fun, playful and engaging for each wonderful child. I am currently working towards becoming a certified CO-OP therapist.

I spend my days raising two little humans and I am often playing with trains, setting up obstacle courses and cubby houses, which can look very similar to my days working as a paediatric occupational therapist. I love painting, taking photos and spending time at the beach with my family.

Olivia Mance (Occupational Therapist)

I completed my Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) at Monash University in 2021. I have had experience working across the lifespan and have found my passion for working with children and their families. I take pride in making therapy enjoyable and fun in order to help children reach their goals and thrive in tasks that are important to them.

I am excited to work towards becoming a certified CO-OP therapist in the near future and using my knowledge to empower families and achieve the best outcomes for their children.

Beyond work I love spending time with my dog, doing arts and crafts, and Pilates.

Kathy Kousis (Administration)

Kathy manages all the bookings and accounts at Hopscotch. Kathy works full time for Hopscotch OT but is only on site on Tuesdays, Thursdays and alternate Fridays.