Jaya Jenkins
Occupational Therapist
As a neurodivergent individual, I bring both professional expertise and lived experience to my work, allowing me to create inclusive and engaging therapeutic experiences for children and adolescents. I’m passionate about social development, helping young people build confidence, communication skills, and meaningful connections through play, movement, and self-expression.
I also have a deep appreciation for primitive reflex integration and its role in supporting motor and sensory development. Understanding these foundational movements helps me guide children towards greater ease and coordination in their daily lives.
Above all, my goal is to empower neurodivergent individuals to thrive in ways that feel natural and fulfilling to them.
I’m excited to be part of the Neurodiverse Playhouse community and look forward to connecting with and supporting the amazing kids and families here!
Emma Ellis
Accredited Exercise Physiologist
AEP ESSAM
I have always had a love of working with children and this had led me to working as an Exercise Physiologist at Neurodiverse Playhouse!
I am highly passionate about providing all children the opportunity and support to lay the foundational skills for a healthy and for-filling life through primitive reflex integration. I offer playful and engaging exercise and game-based play within my sessions to help children reach their fullest potential!
In my spare time, you’ll find me listening to music, exploring the outdoors and spending time with my family.
Working at Neurodiverse Playhouse provides me the opportunity to assist children in building and mastering the skills to explore their activities of interest whether that be bike riding, rock climbing, or backyard play!
Khiw Dang
Integrated Learning Practitioner
B. Education (Early Childhood); Graduate Diploma Psychology
Every child is a unique individual who possesses innate curiosity and potential. As an early child teacher, I am dedicated to creating inclusive and supportive learning environments that celebrate diversity and honour each child’s individuality. All children are capable, curious, and active participants in their own learning journey, and regardless of their neurological differences, deserve experiences that are nurturing, respectful, and supportive to their unique needs and strengths.
With ten years of experience working with children, I am passionate about fostering a love of learning through play. Play is a cornerstone of childhood that fosters growth and development, shaping a child’s cognitive, social, emotional, and physical well-being.
Communication and collaboration are essential aspects of my practice. By fostering strong partnerships and open lines of communication, we can ensure continuity of care and maximise each child’s potential.
I believe in the inherent worth and dignity of each child, regardless of their neurodiversity. By embracing inclusion, promoting acceptance, and advocating for equitable opportunities, I endeavour to create learning environments where all children feel valued, empowered, and inspired to thrive.
Jamie - Leigh Jackson
Accredited Exercise Physiologist
AEP ESSAM
Jamie-Leigh Jackson is a highly experienced Exercise Physiologist with a passion for supporting children's physical and developmental well-being. With a background as an Inclusion Teacher at a special school, she brings a unique blend of clinical expertise and hands-on teaching experience to her work.
Jamie-Leigh has a deep interest in working with children of all abilities, particularly those with neurodiverse diagnoses and developmental delays. She is dedicated to using movement-based interventions to enhance motor skills, coordination, strength, and overall confidence in young learners. Her approach is playful, engaging, and evidence-based, ensuring that every child can thrive in an inclusive and supportive environment.
Through her work, Jamie-Leigh empowers educators and families with practical strategies that support children's physical development, emotional regulation, and classroom participation. Her passion for early intervention and holistic education makes her an invaluable part of our team.
OUR TEAM - Melbourne
Lauren Osborne
Clinical Team Leader
As the Clinical Team Leader at Neurodiverse Playhouse, Lauren oversees a multidisciplinary team committed to creating inclusive and supportive environments for neurodivergent individuals. With a deep understanding of the complexities of neurodiversity, she ensures that each client receives tailored care that fosters growth, confidence, and independence.
In addition to her leadership role, Lauren is a skilled podiatrist with a special focus on primitive reflex integration. She works closely with children and adults to address and manage primitive reflexes, which are critical for optimal motor and sensory development. Her holistic approach to podiatry goes beyond traditional care, integrating innovative techniques to enhance her patients' overall well-being.
Lauren’s passion for helping others is rooted in her extensive experience and ongoing commitment to professional development. She holds a degree in Podiatry and has pursued advanced training in neurodiversity and reflex integration therapies. Lauren is not only an advocate for her patients but also a mentor and leader, inspiring her team and the broader community to embrace neurodiverse perspectives.
Malina Jajo
Accredited Exercise Physiologist
As an Accredited Exercise Physiologist with a passion for paediatrics and primitive reflex integration. I love working with children of all abilities, helping them develop strong movement foundations, improve motor skills, and enhance their overall physical and neurological function.
My expertise lies in assessing and addressing retained primitive reflexes, which can impact coordination, balance, and learning abilities. Through personalised exercise programs, I support children in building strength, stability, and confidence, ensuring they reach their full potential in both movement and daily life.
I also have a deep love for swimming and have been a swimming teacher for over three years. I understand the incredible therapeutic benefits of water-based movement and enjoy incorporating aquatic therapy into my approach. Whether it’s helping children build confidence in the water or using swimming to improve coordination and motor skills, I find it to be an incredibly effective and enjoyable tool.
I’m a strong believer in early intervention and the power of movement to transform lives. My goal is to make therapy fun, engaging, and meaningful for every child and their family. Whether working with neurodivergent children, those with developmental delays, or young athletes looking to refine their movement patterns, I bring expertise, empathy, and enthusiasm to every session.
I love what I do, and I’m excited to help children grow, move, and thrive!