Meet Our Founder— Melissa Biedak, Podiatrist & Art Therapist
How this all started...
Neurodiverse Playhouse was founded by Melissa Biedak — a mother of three, a qualified Podiatrist with over 18 years of paediatric experience, and an Art Therapist with a deep passion for neurodiversity-affirming care. Melissa built the Playhouse because she couldn't find what her own child needed. So she created it — for her family, and for yours.
Struggling to navigate therapy centres scattered across Brisbane, Melissa was determined to find a holistic, connected approach that would help her child reach their individual goals. She recognised that the disjointed nature of seeking therapy across multiple clinics — in cold, clinical environments — not only created logistical hurdles but hindered learning, skill mastery, and collaboration between therapists.
Guided by her personal and professional insight, Neurodiverse Playhouse was born — a warm, multidisciplinary space where families access a full spectrum of therapies under one roof, and every child is celebrated exactly as they are.
Meet Melissa - founder neurodiverse playhouse
Hi I'm Melissa!
Hi, I'm Melissa! As an art therapist and podiatrist with a special interest in paediatrics and supporting neurodiverse children, I'm committed to helping children explore and realise their full potential. My approach is child-led and play-based, rooted in a deep understanding of primitive reflex integration.
Emotional Regulation
Executive Functioning
Cognitive Abilities
Fine and Gross Motor Skills
Motor Coordination
Planning Skills
Biomechanics (foot posture and gait)
My Approach
All my therapeutic strategies are aimed at supporting the transition to mainstream schooling and life. I create nurturing, safe environments where children and adolescents can freely explore their inner world without judgement.
I also offer family therapy to support the whole family unit, and facilitate group activities that promote social engagement and friendships. I have experience supporting children and adolescents with prep readiness, school refusal, bullying, friendship challenges, and anxiety.
My Qualifications
- B Health Science (Podiatry)
- Graduate Certificate Education (Autism)
- Diploma Art Therapy (Psychoanalytic Practice)
- Certificate Play Based Primitive Reflex Integration
- Certificate in Play Therapy
- Certified Autism Consultant
- Registered Children's Yoga Teacher
- Certified Zumbini Instructor
For more on primitive reflex integration and art therapy please read my blog: https://neurodiverseplayhouse.com.au/f/art-therapy-retained-primitive-reflexes