Hopscotch OT

 

 

Jodie Lang (Director and 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; Occupational Performance Coaching, Social Thinking, sensory processing, handwriting intervention, toilet training and family cantered 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. 

 

 

 

Nicola Briggs (Clinical Lead Occupational Therapist) 

I completed my Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) at Monash University in 2021. I love working with families to support them in setting and working towards goals that are important them.  

I am passionate about using my skills and knowledge to deliver client and family centred therapy in a fun and exciting way. I have a strong passion for supporting the social and emotional development of children, and love using my training in Occupational Performance Coaching (OPC) to do this. OPC involves working with both parents and children to address areas of concern. I have completed professional development in the areas of toilet training, Interoception, neurodiversity affirming practice, mental health, executive functioning, sensory processing, Pathological Demand Avoidance, and school can’t. I have also completed my CO-OP training and certification and am proud to be a certified CO-OP therapist. 

Outside of work I love spending time with my friends, watching Carlton play in the AFL, and going skiing. 

 

 

Ava Pritchard (Occupational Therapist) 

I completed my Bachelor of Occupational Therapy at the Australian Catholic University in 2023. Since graduating, I have gained two years of experience working with children across both the school and clinic setting.  

I’m passionate about helping children and their family achieve their desired goals using evidence-based practice while ensuring therapy is fun, engaging and supportive for kids. I believe in creating a safe and welcoming environment where children can feel comfortable, confident and empowered to learn.  

I’ve completed professional development in the areas of Occupational Performance Coaching (OPC), and Cognitive Orientation to daily Occupational Performance (CO-OP). I value these approaches as they can support families/children to achieve meaningful outcomes and create long lasting change in everyday life. I’ve also recently become a certified CO-OP Therapist.  

Beyond work I love going to the beach and spend time with my family, and friends. 

 

 

 

Mel Ronald (Occupational Therapist) 

I completed my Bachelor of Industrial Design in 2016 at the University of Canberra, and my Master of Occupational Therapy in mid 2024 at Curtin University. My passion has always been in improving the lives of others through creating collaborative solutions both as a designer and an OT.  

I have completed professional development in the areas of executive function, emotional regulation, sensory processing, mental health, motor difficulties, Occupational Performance Coaching and CO-OP. I am currently working toward gaining CO-OP certification. I am excited to continue my learning in the wide range of areas my clients need.  

I am passionate about creating a fun and safe environment to deliver evidence-based therapy to build on a child’s strengths and skills. I believe that if something can be fun, it should be, which I try to bring into sessions with new and interesting ways to complete activities. 

Outside work I enjoy pursuing my many hobbies, dancing and exploring different parts of Melbourne.

 

 

Genevieve Hunter (Occupational Therapist)

I completed my Master of Occupational Therapy at La Trobe University in 2025. I am a compassionate, client-centred occupational therapist with strong foundations in early childhood development and evidence-based practice.

Drawing on extensive early childhood leadership experience, I am enthusiastic about supporting children through play to become independent and functional in developing the skills necessary to achieve their goals for daily life.

I am passionate about empowering children to reach their full potential through a child-centred, family-centred, collaborative approach, ensuring therapy sessions are meaningful, practical, and tailored to the unique strengths of each child. I value working closely with educators and allied health professionals, believing that consistent support achieves the best therapeutic outcomes.

I strive to create safe, meaningful, engaging therapy experiences that nurture confidence, independence, and participation in everyday life.

I’m committed to ongoing professional development and have completed training in the areas of autism spectrum disorder, trauma, art, fine and gross motor skill development, self-regulation, emotional regulation, sensory play, sensory-friendly classrooms, challenging behaviours, school readiness, Lego Club, learn to play and play therapy.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my friends, walking, going to the movies, and dining out at cafes and restaurants.

 

 

Nicky (Practice Manager)

With a background in business management, marketing, and the arts, Nicky brings a creative yet practical approach to keeping the practice running smoothly and supportively. She loves fostering a warm, welcoming space where clients, families, and team members feel valued and connected.

Outside of work, Nicky channels her creativity into community wellbeing projects and photography, inspired by the joy of connection and the power of self-expression.

 

 

 

Doreen (Administration)

I am a friendly face at the front desk working part time at the clinic. I have worked in allied health for the past 14 years in admin, as a bookkeeper and as a practice manager. I am also a certified BAS agent.

Outside of work I dance, garden, volunteer and spend time with family.