THE OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST WHO BUILDS NEURO-AFFIRMING, TRAUMA-INFORMED THERAPY ENVIRONMENTS A journey creating therapy space based on paediatric neuroscience and psychology
With
Rochelle Mutton,
Director, Founder & Clinical Lead OT
Motivate Kids, Adelaide South Australia & Occupational Therapy Australia member
PEOPLE IN HEALTH CARE SEGMENT
Filmed in Broadview, South Australia | May 2025
Rochelle Mutton is a visionary leader and paediatric occupational therapist, best known for her work in creating neuro-affirming, trauma-informed therapy environments that empower children and families. As the Founder and Lead OT of Motivate Kids in South Australia, she has grown the practice over 8 years from a two-person team into a thriving organisation of over 40 staff across three purpose designed studios.
She pioneered the design and development of the Motivate Kids studio in Broadview, awarded the 2024 HIA-CSR South Australian Housing Award for Best Small Commercial Project. The facility sets a new benchmark for therapeutic environments for children, combining research-informed design with a deep understanding of regulation, sensory and developmental needs.
Grounded in clinical excellence and guided by a relational, values-led philosophy, Rochelle has led the development of holistic, evidence-informed services that extend beyond traditional therapy models—including Motivate Education, Motivate Internship, and programs that build both community and workforce capacity.
With expertise in sensory integration and attachment-based therapy, she mentors the next generation of therapists, advocates for sustainable, values-led service delivery, and collaborates on emerging research to shape the future of paediatric therapy.
At the heart of Rochelle’s work lies a commitment to connection and compassion—ensuring that every child feels safe, seen, and supported.
Source: Supplied and adapted
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The desire for primary care nurses to do more, be recognised and valued for the work they do
Denise Lyons is a highly experienced nurse with over 40 years in the profession, including more than 25 years dedicated to primary care. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in the United States in 1985 and, in 2012, became an endorsed Nurse Practitioner in Australia. Currently, she serves as a primary care Nurse Practitioner in General Practice in Newcastle, where she is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-centred care that improves the health and wellbeing of her community.
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NSW Medical Device Commercialisation Training Program (MDCTP) Graduation 2019
Cicada Innovations with NSW Health this week hosted the graduation night for the 15 individuals that were part of the NSW Medical Device Commercialisation Training Program (MDCTP).
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Shaping Health, Advancing Nursing through training, upskilling & scholarships
The Chief Executive Officer of Australian College of Nursing, Adjunct Professor Kylie Ward FACN spoke in depth with Australian Health Journal about:
The key recommendations in ACN’s pre-budget submission to Federal Government
The impact of legislation requiring a Registered Nurse (RN) at every residential aged care facility from 1st July 2023
Why scholarships in nursing leadership are important
Why ACN has recommended the Government fund 200 Pacific nurses in 15 nations for the online ACN postgraduate certification
The need for a multi-pronged approach that includes skilled migration in rebuilding the nursing workforceIn the lead up to the Australian Federal Budget in May 2023, Australian Health Journal reached out to peak health industry bodies to hear about their priorities, either noted in pre-budget submissions lodged with Federal Government in January 2023 or in recent forums such as the Strengthening Medicare Taskforce.
