ABOUT US
THE JOURNEY
SO FAR…
OUR FOUNDING STORY
Moment by Moment was established in 2021 with the vision to work collaboratively with families, educators, and other health professionals to enhance children’s’ wellbeing and developmental health with a holistic, family-centred approach.
Bringing services to families in familiar environments fosters a safe space for therapy, and provides new opportunities for us to collaborate and co-create a therapy experience unique to your child’s needs, interests and personality.
As we move into 2024, we’re proud to look back on our business journey as we step into a new phase of growth that not only supports children and adolescents, but also young adults and elderly clients. Stay tuned!
We believe every child deserves the opportunity to thrive, and our dedicated team is committed to making a positive impact that starts with a single moment, and extends into a lifetime.
Our Approach
A Family-Centric Philosophy
We embrace a collaborative and family-centric approach to care. We understand that families play an integral role in a child's development, and our therapy process reflects this belief. By working closely with families, we create an environment (and help you to create them outside the therapy room) where every moment counts towards fostering independence, confidence, and wellbeing.
Meet The Team
Samantha O’Donovan
Founder and Senior Occupational Therapist
Samantha is the driving force behind Moment by Moment. In her role as our founder and Senior Occupational Therapist, Samantha not only brings a wealth of experience but also an unyielding dedication to elevating the well-being of children. Her path is guided by a profound belief in the remarkable impact of occupational therapy, a belief that underscores her commitment to fostering each child's unique potential.
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Samantha graduated from the University of Sydney with a Masters of Occupational Therapy in 2012, and from the University of Wollongong with a Bachelor of Science: Exercise Science in 2010.
Since graduating she has specialised in paediatrics, working across Sydney, Melbourne, the Illawarra and the United Kingdom in communities, pre/schools, day care, homes, private clinics, and the NHS.
As a lifelong learner, Samatha has completed many post-graduate courses and techniques to complement her practice, specifically in the areas of sensory processing, behaviour, Autism and ADHD, including:
The SOS approach to feeding course, including the Autism-specific program (2015)
The Cognitive Orientation to Daily Occupational Performance CO-OP (2016)
The Collaborative for Leadership in Ayres’ Sensory Integration (CLASI): Certificate Program in Ayres’ Sensory Integration (2019 & 2021).
Amelia
senior Occupational Therapist & team lead
Amelia is a playful therapist who seeks to support her clients to find success in their everyday life through skill development and self-discovery. She continues to love working in paediatrics, as every day is an opportunity to help kids to see their unique strengths and abilities.
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Amelia graduated from Griffith University with a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) in 2019 and first began her career in a sensory-based practise in Brisbane.
She has continued to gain experience working with kids needing support for emotional regulation, play development, handwriting, toileting, feeding, and sensory processing difficulties.
Amelia has completed Karen Stagnitti’s Learn to Play courses which is foundational in her practice and recently completed Learn Play Thrive by Meg Proctor which has equipped her with neuro-affirming approaches to support learning and development for autistic children.
In her spare time Amelia loves cooking, painting, reading a good novel, going for a run, or playing a boardgame.
Pippa
Occupational Therapist
Pippa is a bubbly OT from Aotearoa (New Zealand), who completed her Bachelor's degree in Occupational Therapy to begin a career in paediatric based work after finding a passion for working with children. She works from a play based approach and strongly values the importance of collaboration with parents, teachers and other health professionals to support a child.
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Pippa has worked in Australia for several years and has experience in supporting children with ASD, GDD, Trauma, gross motor/fine motor, sensory integration and play skills.
She has been trained under Kaya Lyons, and completed a certificate in sensory informed therapy by Georgina Ahrens, and Hanen's 4 I's To Socialise.
In her spare time, she enjoys training at the gym and in Muay Thai, ocean swims, good chin wag with her friends.
Antonela
senior Occupational Therapist
Antonela is a warm and playful therapist who loves supporting children to grow, develop new skills, and discover their unique strengths. Although she has worked with children, adolescents, and adults throughout her career, in recent years she has discovered that paediatrics is her true passion. She enjoys creating fun, engaging, play-based sessions where children can learn in a way that feels natural, meaningful, and aligned with their interests.
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Antonela graduated from the University of San Martín in Buenos Aires, completing her qualification as an Occupational Therapist in 2017 and obtaining her Bachelor in Occupational Therapy in 2019. She has experience working with children across a range of settings, as well as with adolescents and adults.
Antonela enjoys using a play-based, child-led approach to help children build everyday skills, increase confidence, and explore their potential. Her clinical experience includes supporting children with emotional regulation, handwriting, play development, and daily living skills.
In her spare time, Antonela loves singing and playing the guitar, reading, and spending time with friends and family.
Muireann
Occupational Therapist
Muireann is an empathetic and caring Occupational Therapist from Ireland with a Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy and a strong passion for paediatric practice. She takes a child-led, play-based approach to therapy and is committed to helping children build confidence, develop skills, and discover their unique strengths. Muireann places great importance on working collaboratively with families, teachers, and other healthcare professionals to support each child’s individual needs and development.
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Muireann graduated from Glasgow Caledonian University with a Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy, following a Bachelor of Science in Sports Management from University College Dublin.
She specialises in paediatric practice and began her career in Dublin working with children with complex disabilities.
Muireann has completed additional training in:
Assistive technology
Specialised seating
Lámh (sign language)
Bimanual and CIMT therapy.
Muireann has experience delivering 1:1 therapy, clinics, and group program, including activities of daily living and assistive technology clinics, teen sensory groups, school transition groups, and a weekly AAC Chat Club and parent sensory workshop. She also contributed to securing funding to develop a sensory room to support children and families accessing the service.
Ready to begin your child’s therapy journey?
Let’s explore how Moment by Moment supports your child’s development.