The Ohana team is made up of experienced and passionate therapists who truly care about our clients. We are all licensed professionals with our respective governing bodies and collectively, we have more than 30 years of experience in the allied health field; both overseas and in Singapore. We can’t wait to walk alongside you on your journey to a fulfilling life!
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Hello! I am Xiao Hui, a speech-language therapist and a mother of two little girls! I graduated from the BSc Speech Sciences (Honours) programme at University College London with a First Class Honours, then spent 6.5 years working at KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital in Singapore. I specialise in early and school-age language, speech difficulties, dysphagia (swallowing problems), and picky eating. I am a certified clinical supervisor in the above specialities, with experience in clinical education, and have worked in both inpatient (multidisciplinary neuro-rehabilitation) and outpatient settings.
Beyond the clinical environment, I wanted to experience providing intervention in the child’s natural environment (such as schools) and explore a higher therapy frequency (weekly instead of monthly), so I transitioned out of the hospital to work in an Early Intervention setting. As part of the enhanced Pilot for Private Intervention Providers (PPIP) programme, I assessed and provided intervention for children under 7 years old with autism, global developmental delay, childhood apraxia of speech, etc. This also gave me opportunities to work directly with teachers and early interventionists in preschools.
I actively innovate in therapy choices to improve engagement for wider learning objectives. Being an avid pianist who enjoys music, I often incorporate music into therapy, which is always a big hit with the little ones! One of my career highlights was working with a music therapist on a speech and music collaboration program, which benefitted children who had longer-term hospital stays due to medical reasons. With my own children, I recently started to learn more about open-ended play and have been experimenting with this concept in therapy too.
I strongly believe that a caregiver’s involvement, whether as a parent or otherwise, is key to a child reaching their utmost potential. As a speech therapist, I advocate strongly for empowering caregivers with the knowledge and skills to grow their child’s communication and feeding potential. Supporting a child’s communication is close to my heart because I believe it is the key to starting and building their relationships with their caregivers and loved ones.
As a mother, I also highly value my feeding work as a clinician because I am fully aware of the anxieties families face and the impact of mealtime struggles on the parent-child relationship.
Journeying with these families has been rewarding for me, and I hope to support you and your family to the best of my abilities!
Heya, I’m Deborah! I’m a Speech Language Therapist from Singapore. I received my undergraduate training in Perth, Western Australia and further grew my experience working in both paediatric and adult care settings since moving back home. I feel immensely grateful and humbled for the role I play in helping my clients regain autonomy and quality of life through their communication skills. My interest in the field sparked when I first saw the potential of how Speech Therapy could give a voice to autistic students and enable stroke patients to eat and drink independently again.
In the last few years, I especially enjoy working with little ones and their families. I believe in early intervention through providing the right level of support for a child’s needs that will get them ready to thrive in their future academic years ahead. Taking into consideration a child’s ability to learn – be it through child-led or structured play, I support children through one on one intervention as well as group therapy sessions for a range of speech, language and communication difficulties. These include speech sound disorders, language delays and disorders as well as developmental difficulties like ASD, ADHD, GDD. I am currently gaining proficiency in the area of feeding therapy too, which includes fussy and picky eaters. Caregiver training is equally important as a form of indirect therapy, and I love for parents to sit in sessions to learn strategies that can work well in the home environment as well. I take an individualised approach when it comes to assessment and intervention planning, with an emphasis to empower caregivers to gain confidence in their role as their child’s first teacher and expert!
For my adult clients, I generally provide therapy for the intellectually disabled and geriatric population in rehab and maintenance therapy for aphasia, apraxia of speech and cognitive communication challenges. This includes developing communication aids for them to better converse and engage in conversation with others. I am proficient in English and Mandarin, and am confident in supporting families with bilingual backgrounds.
No man is an island, and I strongly believe in the power of collaboration through peer learning and support, as well as growing my knowledge from other healthcare professionals on the best practices for our clients. Client centred care is fundamental to my ethic as a therapist and I hope to journey well with you!
Hi, I am Fahimah! I am a Speech-Language Therapist fluent in English and Tamil. I graduated from the BAS Speech Pathology programme at University of Sydney with First Class Honours. I have experience working with young and school-aged children with various diagnoses such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down Syndrome and Global Developmental Delay in the areas of speech, language and social communication. I have worked across different services along the early intervention continuum such as early intervention centres, mainstream preschools as well as international schools. In addition to working in different settings, I have also conducted various parent trainings such as the More Than Words Hanen program and workshops on speech and language milestones and strategies.
Having worked closely with caregivers and in multi-disciplinary teams with other professionals such as occupational therapists, physiotherapists and early interventionists, I strongly believe in looking at children holistically, taking into consideration their sensory needs and preferences and providing neurodiversity affirming therapy. I am passionate about empowering the families and creating a fun and engaging environment for children to learn through play-based and child-led intervention.
My areas of interest are early language and functional communication, speech sound disorders, and feeding therapy. Over the past few years, I have attended specialised training such as Natural Language Acquisition, Sequential Oral Sensory (SOS) approach to Feeding and Food Chaining Therapy. I am currently working with picky eaters and problem feeders.
It has been a fulfilling and rewarding journey working as a speech-language therapist with many different children and families. I look forward to working with you and being a part of your child’s journey!
Hi, nice to meet you! I’m Krystal. Born in Jakarta, Indonesia and raised in Singapore, my roots come from both places. Over the last year, I’ve had the privilege of working with families and their kids, supporting them through their communication development as a Speech Therapy Assistant. I am grateful to be a part of my clients’ journeys to achieving their utmost potential.
As a Speech Therapy Assistant, I assist the Speech Therapists with group sessions and intervention in the areas of speech, language, and social communication skills. I adopt a play-based approach and believe that building trust with a child and developing a relationship based on understanding and acceptance is key in fostering a positive and nurturing therapeutic environment. Acknowledging that not one child is like another, I also work closely with the Speech Therapists I assist in order to ensure that every client experiences individualised, holistic care. Using one’s strengths to support developing skills is just one way I build confidence for the little ones to communicate their wants and needs. I always ensure that I create a safe and self-affirming space whenever with them. I believe that learning can take place anywhere and I place importance on collaborating with the educators and caretakers of the child, be it school teachers or you, the parent! I believe in the strong values of community, where I aim to build communicative relationships with the families I work with.
I have worked with children with developmental difficulties such as ASD, ADHD, and GDD. I also have experience assisting with group sessions in Early Intervention Programs; collaborating with teachers on classroom-based strategies and guiding children to use language socially in order to cultivate interactions and connections between peers. While my strengths lie in paediatric speech-language therapy, I hope to broaden my scope to help the adults in our community eventually.
Passion, empathy, and patience are the basis for successful outcomes alongside a significant amount of technical knowledge and skills. I am humbled to be working alongside a team of dedicated therapists, allowing me to constantly expand my skills and collaborate with them to further support each family that walks through the door.
I believe that communication is the foundation of human interaction and I hope to be a part of yours!
Hello! I’m Rebecca, and I have been a speech therapist in Singapore since graduating from the University of Sydney. I have worked in a variety of settings with both adults and children, including hospitals, clinics, and home-based care. My paediatric practice specialises in children with autism and late talkers. I enjoy discovering how their brains work, what they like, and what motivates them to communicate.
I am also a mother to a feisty and strong-willed toddler. Experiencing the parental load myself has made me a better therapist, because I became more patient and empathetic with the families I work with. It has also given me new ideas on how to better integrate therapies into existing home routines. We adopt respectful parenting at home, which I carry over to my clinical practice as well. I prefer to focus on working with the child (be it mine or yours), understanding and putting their needs first, rather than simply doing things to them or having them complete activities.
My experience in a public hospital here was focused on adult clients, where I developed a particular interest in speech and swallowing disorders associated with acquired neurological impairment and progressive neurological diseases. My clients had swallowing and communication difficulties of various etiologies, and I worked with them in inpatient acute, as well as inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation settings.
I strive to build relationships with my clients and families and to give them a safe space to share what they know with me. The best outcomes are achievable only when parents and families share what they know, and take the extra effort to learn and know even more. I focus on person-centred practice, and working collaboratively with clients and their families to achieve positive outcomes. Rather than focusing on the impairment, I firmly believe in meaningful outcomes, and engagement and sustainability in setting goals and selecting activities. I enjoy working together with other professionals to bring about the best outcomes for my patient.
I’m Rho, a fully registered Speech and Language Therapist originally from the beautiful island of Barbados in the West Indies. My journey in the field of speech and language therapy began with a deep-seated passion for helping children communicate. I completed my Bachelor of Science in Speech and Language Therapy at University College Cork (UCC) in Ireland.
I’m an advocate for the incredible impact of Speech and Language Therapy. My clinical specialties revolve around working with children who use Augmentative Alternative Communication (AAC) and children with Developmental Language Disorder (DLD). In my eyes, each child has a unique voice waiting to be discovered, and I’m dedicated to helping them unlock their full potential. During my time outside of work, I channel my creativity into craft projects and volunteer with the International Society Augmentative Alternative Communication (ISAAC) Singapore chapter. My mission is to raise awareness and advocate for AAC in Singapore, ensuring that everybody’s voice is heard.
I’m a passionate clinician who believes in a family-centered and strength-based therapeutic approach. I collaborate closely with families to set goals and provide caregiver coaching to empower them to support their children effectively. With a developmental approach at the core of my practice, my therapy sessions are play-based, neurodiversity-affirming, and uniquely tailored to each child’s individual needs. I recognise that every child is different, and my approach reflects this belief.
My experience is diverse, having worked with children facing a wide range of developmental needs, including Autism, ADHD, Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, and Intellectual Disability. My background includes working in mainstream and special education schools, private practice, and as the Assistant Lead of an Early Intervention Program (EIP). I’ve conducted numerous presentations for professionals and regularly host AAC parent workshops. At the same time, my commitment to excellence is unwavering. I stay at the forefront of my field by consistently implementing evidence-based practices in my work.
Aloha (hello)! My name is Sadhana. I am a speech-language therapist primarily working with school-aged children with different needs, such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, in the areas of language and alternative and augmentative communication (AAC), social communication, feeding, and speech. I am fluent in English and Tamil, and can conduct therapy in either language.
My journey started out when I volunteered at a special school. There, I had the opportunity to witness how important having a voice (which can look different for everyone) and the right to communicate is to one’s overall quality of life and happiness. This led me to embark on my journey as a speech-language therapist, as I hope to make a difference in helping people find their voice in this world.
Over the years I have gained experience in providing intervention through individual and group sessions through play and strength-based approaches. I specialise in assessing and recommending AAC for clients with communication disorders, in order to improve their participation and functional communication.
As a firm believer that caregivers and teachers are primary agents for change, I work closely and provide training and coaching in implementing strategies to increase skills in AAC. I also support families with picky eaters and problem feeders, hoping to make mealtimes less stressful and more enjoyable for each child and their caregiver. I adopt evidence-based methods and continue to deepen my knowledge and proficiency in this area through attending professional development courses.
Every individual is unique and a holistic approach through collaboration with other health professionals, stakeholders, and peers is something I intentionally practise in my work. As a speech-language therapist, I am blessed to be able to empower my clients with the ability to be heard and am continuously learning and trying new ways to advocate for them.
Hi everyone, I’m Wanda! I’m a Speech-Language Therapist from Jakarta (Indonesia), who now calls Singapore home. In the past few decades, I’ve had the opportunity to study and work in Australia, UK, and Singapore. Even though I moved around a lot, my passion for children never once wavered and I’m so glad to be doing what I’m doing today.
Growing up with a preschool principal as a mother, I learned from a young age the importance of early intervention and collaborative work with parents in order to help children reach their utmost potential. In my years of experience working with the paediatric population, I have enjoyed involving parents in my sessions, and I continuously believe in empowering caregivers to be the main agents of change in their children’s lives. I take on a largely play-based, strength-focused, neurodiversity-affirming approach for the little ones, altering every session to meet their individual unique needs. I actively collaborate with other healthcare professionals, teachers, and stakeholders in my clients’ lives to ensure that they get the best care they deserve. I currently specialise in speech sound disorders (including childhood apraxia of speech), language delays or disorders (including natural language acquisition for gestalt language learners), and literacy, and I have also journeyed with families who are navigating developmental difficulties including ASD, ADHD, GDD, and hearing impairments, dysfluency (stuttering), fussy eating, selective mutism and more.
In recent years, I have expanded my area of care to include adults looking to improve their communication skills. I currently work with clients facing cognitive-communication difficulties, fluency disorders, language rehabilitation, or just wishing to improve their speaking skills in general! I am fluent in English and Bahasa Indonesia, and am comfortable conducting therapy in either language.
Supporting my clients to be confident in tackling their day-to-day communication needs has helped me grow as an individual and as a therapist. It has taught me to practise ethically, serve emphatically, and to help earnestly. I’m humbled and privileged to be able to encounter so many families and form deep connections with my clients and their caregivers. They say it takes a village to raise a child – let me be a part of yours!
Hi, I’m Breanna, an Occupational Therapist from Singapore. I started out as an early interventionist in a special education sector and I found my passion in working with children who are differently abled. Through my stint in the special education sector, I found occupational therapy to be very fulfilling and pursued a mid-career switch.
I have worked with a wide range of adult and paediatric caseloads through my time in the public health sector here in Singapore, which included geriatrics, orthopaedics, cardiothoracic, and general surgery. I have also worked with neonates in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, offering parent training and support while the child was inpatient and post-discharge. In my career as a paediatric occupational therapist, I have worked extensively with preschool and school-going aged children to work on attention, emotional regulation, as well as other motor and learning challenges. I have also run groups that focus on handwriting, executive functions, as well as social skills. I am fluent in conducting therapy in English or Mandarin
My interest lies in working with premature babies and babies with congenital issues. Being a mother of a preemie myself, I understand the challenges and worries parents have in bringing up a premature child. I believe that intervention is a balance of encouraging independence and facilitating participation in desired and meaningful activities across the lifespan. Using child-led techniques, I am able to connect with the child and to build a deeper relationship with them. With a family-centred approach, I strive to develop close relationships with the child and their parents so that the child’s capacities can be developed and challenged to the next level, and I hope to journey with you and your child.
Hello! My name is Ernie and I am an Occupational Therapist. I obtained my diploma in Occupational Therapy in Nanyang Polytechnic, Singapore, before going for a degree conversion programme jointly helmed by the Singapore Institute of Technology and Trinity College Dublin. I then practised in a local restructured hospital for 8 years.
To me, Occupational Therapy is about providing someone with something more meaningful, to help replace what they have lost. In the face of illness and disability, people lose function, independence, roles, opportunities, and even social standing. When done properly, occupations and activities have the power to overcome loss. This is what I aim to help my patients and clients achieve in their course of rehabilitation.
During my tenure in the public hospital, I mainly worked with adult patients and clients in both the inpatient and outpatient setting. I had the opportunity to work with different groups of patients, ranging from those with hand injuries, neurological conditions, and even those with oncology conditions.
Gradually, my interest veered towards the field of stroke and understanding the functional implications it could have on the human body. The intricate relationship between cognition, learning, motor coordination and translation into functional movements fascinates me to this day.
Moving forward, I hope to be able to support the clients I work with, and be a therapeutic source of comfort to them and their families. Being an Occupational Therapist has allowed me the privilege of journeying with many people and just as I seek to help them, my patients and clients have also taught my many valuable lessons of life and living. I look forward to these opportunities of learning and growing together with you.
Hi everyone, I’m Loretta — most people and kids just call me Lorry. I’m an Occupational Therapist and a mum of three little kiddos (two girls and one boy)! I graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Therapy from Queen Margaret University (Scotland, UK) and have been practising in Singapore since completing my training.
Over the past 8 years, I have worked in clinical, home, mainstream and special school settings. The clients I have seen range from children with developmental difficulties, physical and multiple disabilities. I enjoy supporting them in their development of self-care skills and maximising their potential to learn, play and even work in their different stages of life. I find great fulfilment when my clients are able to meaningfully engage and participate in everyday activities.
I adopt a person-centric and holistic approach when working with my clients. Every child is a unique individual who has his or her own interests, skills and challenges. Listening to them and being attuned to a child’s needs is key. This way, I can understand and meet them where they are at before guiding them to develop the skills they need to be independent.
I also believe that a strong support system is necessary for success, which is why I value a close working relationship with my client’s families and teachers. A big part of therapy is also finding the right strategies that will work for each child and his or her caregivers, so that a concerted effort from all fronts and the right nurturing environment will help them thrive.
Hi! My name is Nanthida. My journey in this field began with a deep-rooted desire to help children overcome challenges and reach their full potential. I believe in the power of therapy to enhance the lives of children with various developmental, sensory, and motor skill difficulties.
I have extensive experience in working with children from different settings in Singapore including early intervention programmes, special schools, local mainstream schools, and international schools. With a strong background in paediatric Occupational Therapy, I have honed my skills and knowledge to provide comprehensive and compassionate care to children and their families. I firmly believe that every child is unique, and I tailor my approach to meet their individual needs.
I understand that a child’s well-being is deeply intertwined with their family’s support and involvement. Hence, I work collaboratively with parents and caregivers to empower them with the tools and knowledge they need to support their child’s growth and development.
Working with children has always been my passion, and I find immense joy in helping them overcome challenges and achieve their fullest potential. I look forward to working with your child and celebrating every little success and progress in our journey together!
Hello! I am Anuja. Growing up in a large, nuclear family in a kampong (village) meant that I was always surrounded by children to whom I was a nominated babysitter. Baby-sitting was fun as I was getting hugs, kisses, cuddles and invited to partake in fun games. But being around the children also made me realise that I could contribute more than just being their playmate. This realisation paved my career of working with children.
I started my journey as a preschool teacher. Over time, as my skills improved and I gained more knowledge in preschool education, I became more aware of children with varied learning, behavioural and physical needs – both in my professional and personal environments.
In 2008, I made the career switch to become a Special Education Teacher and I have not turned back. I have had the opportunity to work with children with a range of challenges, including Dyslexia, ADHD and ASD in a classroom, small group, as well as one-on-one settings. My journey has allowed me to work in both local and international schools, as well as therapy centres.
In addition to being trained in the Orton-Gillingham Approach (an instructional approach intended primarily for use with individuals who have difficulty with reading, spelling, and writing), I am also trained in Learning Skills and Engagement for Underperforming Students, Auditory-Visual Interactive Decoding, and managing children with ADHD and its related emotional and behavioural difficulties. I have a special interest in behavioural management, language, and literacy development.
I do not believe that all children develop in the same way. Hence, my approach encompasses play, varied learning strategies and interactive experiences. I am a strong believer in empowering the child and family members with skills and strategies that will aid with their life-long learning and development as one unit.
Hello, I am Iylia, and I am an Educational Therapist and Special Education (Shadow Support) Teacher. My journey in the field of education has been an incredible and fulfilling one, driven by my passion for helping students with unique learning needs to learn and grow.
I started as an Assistant Teacher in Singapore’s first inclusive preschool during my ‘A’ Levels break before University. The break then turned into a gap year and that gap year never really ended. Seeing my passion for young children, my centre leaders gave me the opportunity to enrol into a diploma programme in Early Childhood Education. After graduating, I was promoted to a Preschool Teacher.
Being in an inclusive preschool, I wanted to do more to cater to the needs of students with different learning needs. This motivated me to pursue an Advanced Diploma in Early Childhood Intervention. I then moved to teaching in a government funded early intervention (EI) programme which gave me the training to teach a class of children with special needs ranging from 2 years to 6 years old students.
At present, I’m finishing up my degree in Early Childhood Education with a Minor with Special Education at the Singapore University of Social Sciences. Ever since I embarked on this path, I have been dedicated to creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment for my students. I firmly believe that every child has the right to an education that caters to their individual needs and strengths. As a therapist and teacher, I play a crucial role in making this belief a reality.
My educational journey has equipped me with the knowledge and skills necessary to address a wide range of learning differences and developmental disorders, from Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), to dyslexia and beyond. I have had the privilege of working with students of all ages, each with their own unique challenges and abilities. Through patience, empathy, and a deep understanding of various teaching methods, I strive to tailor my lessons and activities to meet the specific needs and interests of each child.
I find immense joy in witnessing the growth and development of my students, not only in their academic skills but also in their self-esteem and confidence. It’s incredibly rewarding to see them overcome obstacles and embrace their unique abilities. Outside of the classroom, I am committed to continuous professional development, staying updated on current best practices in the sector which ensures that I can provide the highest quality education and support to my students and families.
I am honoured to have the opportunity to make a positive impact in the lives of exceptional students every day. Together with my students, their families, and my fellow educators, we create a community where every child has the chance to shine and reach their full potential.
Hello, I’m Jolene! Most people call me Jo. I have been a Physiotherapist for seven years, and have worked in various places – Singapore Sports School, National Youth Sports Institute, and National University Hospital (in the Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, Orthopaedic, and Paediatric wards). My journey has given me exposure to a wide spectrum of patients from newborns to seniors, but for the most part I have been working with the younger population.
My experience in the hospital setting provided me with the knowledge and skills to treat a variety of medical conditions relating to cardiology, respiratory, neurology, oncology (and the list goes on!). Specific to the younger clients, I manage and treat musculoskeletal conditions such as torticollis, correctable clubfoot, flat feet, idiopathic scoliosis, as well as provide intervention for children with gross motor difficulties with or without neuromuscular disorders.
What sparked my interest in physiotherapy was the rehabilitation journey to manage my own injuries when I was training and competing in rhythmic gymnastics. As time passed and with the experiences gained, I learned that the role of physiotherapy extends beyond the physical body and outside of the wards/clinic. I believe that understanding the biopsychosocial background of a client is equally important as knowing their condition, so as to ensure that appropriate, relevant, and holistic care is delivered. Working with caregivers is also part of what the work entails, and I always strongly encourage and support the involvement of family members in a client’s rehabilitation process.
To me, the most fulfilling part of being a physiotherapist is when clients gain or regain their ability and confidence to perform their daily activities as well as participate better in their hobbies and play, and are able to share these precious moments with their families.
Hello, I’m Rafizah, but you can call me Raf. I’m a dedicated physiotherapist with a passion for helping individuals achieve their personal mobility goals. My philosophy centres around not just restoring functionality but making life enjoyable for those I work with. I believe in respecting each person’s journey through life, from birth to ageing, and I value the importance of maintaining dignity and independence at every stage.
I completed my Bachelor of Applied Science (Physiotherapy) degree at The University of Sydney in 1994. Since then, I’ve been on a fulfilling professional journey, working in both Australia and Singapore, with a predominant focus on paediatrics and disability. In 2010, I pursued a Master of Physiotherapy (Paediatrics) from the University of Queensland, which elevated my skills and positioned me as one of the most experienced paediatric physiotherapists in both Australia and Singapore.
My professional experience has been diverse. I’ve been part of the elite consultancy team of the Disability Services Commission in Western Australia, providing physiotherapy services to therapists within the West Australian Country Health Service. I’ve also worked as a paediatrics physiotherapist in remote Central Australia. From 2018 to 2021, I served as a senior physiotherapist at the Cerebral Palsy Alliance in Sydney.
In Singapore, I’ve had the privilege of teaching as a lecturer at the physiotherapy course at Nanyang Polytechnic. Currently, I hold the position of a paediatrics lecturer at the Singapore Institute of Technology’s Degree in Physiotherapy Course. Beyond my physiotherapy degrees, I’m a certified Neuro-Developmental Treatment/Bobath therapist, and I’ve also delved into aquatic physiotherapy.
My diverse skill set, coupled with a continuous commitment to learning, fuels my passion as a paediatrics physiotherapist. And I look forward to making a positive impact on you and your child’s journey in physiotherapy!
Hi, I’m Jung Eun and my clients call me JE. I offer play therapy to help children feel confident, express their needs, regulate emotions and build positive relationships. Research and feedback I personally received show that children listen better, communicate better, participate in group settings and improve focus after therapeutic play sessions.
Born and raised in Seoul, Korea, I have lived and worked in the U.S., Hong Kong and Singapore. I received my Bachelor’s degree from Stanford University with a major in Visual Arts and a minor in Psychology. After receiving Masters from New York University, I worked as a visual artist and at various social welfare organisations. I went on to pursue Play Therapy through PTUK (Play Therapy UK) as it was the perfect intersection of all my passions and experiences.
Utilising play as a medium, I have helped children with selective mutism voice out their needs to others. I walked alongside some children with high levels of anxiety as they reconciled their fears. Children who played alone began to open up to peers. I believe that children have in them what’s needed for them to thrive. They just need a safe space for this potential to germinate and take shape.
It’s been a privilege providing that safe space for the children I work with and see them transform. During each session, the children can delve into drama, storytelling, art, sandplay, music, dance and movement, clay, puppets and creative visualisation. I believe that everyone is empowered when one’s uniqueness is respected and not judged. Open communication between their parents/ guardians and myself plays a key role in giving that boost to the children’s growth journey. As a mother of four children, I understand the utmost importance of helping the child be the best they can be.
Hello there! I’m Windy, a trainee Play Therapist in Singapore who has lived in the United Kingdom and Indonesia. Though I have mostly worked in a different field, I have always enjoyed working with children, especially the fact that I get to witness them grow and learn. Throughout the years, even as I studied and entered the corporate world, I have been actively involved in charitable work such as volunteering in orphanages, teaching, and helping with the children’s ministry at church. These experiences have left me feeling fulfilled and purposeful, as I could see first-hand how my work impacts their lives.
Play – everyone plays! It is so natural to each child and such a powerful form of communication. Each child has their own worries and challenges. They experience anxiety, torment, and grief the same way, if not in greater intensity, as adults do. Akin to how adults seek counselling or a listening ear for some comfort when they are going through tough times, I believe children would greatly benefit from being able to explore their emotions and deal with any unresolved trauma.
I practise the Child-Centered Play Therapy under the Integrative Holistic Model as I resonate with the non-invasive approach and its focus on each child’s character. As children may not be able to process their own emotions, let alone articulate their problems to parents or other adults, this modality provides a safe and non-judgmental way for children to discover one’s thoughts and feelings, develop healthy methods to resolve conflicts and coping mechanisms, learn social skills, improve emotional regulation, and feel more empowered and confident.
Going into imaginative play was a wonder for me as a child and now as a therapist, I find it truly inspiring and humbling to see a child’s capacity to express themselves through their natural language of play. I believe all meaningful change comes from within and I’d love to be a part of this positive change in your child’s life!
Hello! I’m Cherilynn and I am an Art Therapist from Singapore. When I was 14 years old, I moved to the USA for high school and that was the start of incorporating art into my daily life. I discovered the therapeutic benefits of artmaking and it helped me get through the difficult times of being away from my family and the comforts of my home. I continued to stay in the USA to get my Bachelors and Masters and have had the opportunity to work in the mental health field in both Singapore and the USA. This has given me the experience to work with different cultures and family backgrounds.
Even though my title is Art Therapist, I love to incorporate all kinds of creative modalities in sessions such as art making, storytelling, play, and baking. Drawing from person-centred theory, I meet my clients where they are at and believe that building a trusting therapeutic relationship is key. I support my clients by creating a safe environment to explore their feelings or self-awareness and allow them to embrace the creative process.
I have experience working with children and adults but especially enjoy working with children as I have learned the importance of early intervention. When working with children, I actively involve parents as consistency in and out of sessions is beneficial. I have worked with a wide array of mental health difficulties including ADHD, ASD, GAD, PTSD and depression/grief. However, I strongly believe that therapy can be beneficial for everyone and you do not need to have a diagnosis to be in therapy. Art can not only help those who find it difficult to find their words but can also be therapeutic, healing, and lead to self-discovery. Fundamental to my work is the belief that everyone has the ability to heal and grow. A big misconception with art therapy is that you have to be good at art. On the contrary, I have witnessed how a safe space can allow clients who have never done art, learn to enjoy the different creative processes freely. A big part of art therapy is the journey and not the destination, and I am passionate about guiding clients through their own journey.
A picture speaks a thousand words, so allow me to be your best art tool!
Hello! My name is Jia Xin, and I am a dietitian with close to 10 years of experience in Singapore’s healthcare sector. I graduated with a Bachelor of Nutrition & Dietetics with First Class Honours from Flinders University in 2014, and had the privilege of working in KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH) for the next 7.5 years. At KKH, I have dedicated myself to providing care in the nutritional needs of women, infants and children. The specialised clinical setting has provided me with a solid foundation in understanding the unique dietary requirements and nutritional challenges faced by women and children. Collaborating closely with multidisciplinary teams, including paediatricians, nurses, and allied health professionals, I have had the opportunity to apply my expertise in developing tailored nutrition plans for children with various conditions, ranging from faltering growth, feeding difficulties, food allergies, and gastrointestinal disorders. Witnessing the positive impact of proper nutrition on their growth, development, and overall health has been immensely rewarding.
More importantly, on top of my work as a dietitian, I am also mom to my 2.5-year-old daughter, Hannah. Motherhood has helped me to understand firsthand the joy, struggles and challenges of raising children. This personal experience has further fuelled my commitment to support parents navigate the intricate world of childhood nutrition. I believe in building strong connections with the families I work with, and that each child is unique. Hence, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. By taking the time to actively listen to parents’ concerns, understand their family dynamics, and collaborate with them, I strive to create a safe and non-judgmental space where parents can openly discuss their concerns, ask questions, and receive evidence-based advice that are practical and effective for their child and lifestyle. By bringing professional expertise and personal understanding to my practice, I am here to provide support and guidance every step of the way. Let’s navigate the world of childhood nutrition together and work towards raising healthy, happy children!
