Vallentine

Vallentine Occupational Health is a Port Macquarie, New South Wales, practice providing occupational therapy for children. Its approach is designed to create a welcoming, happy family environment, helping children feel supported as they work towards everyday goals. The practice views childhood occupations as the activities that give daily life meaning and purpose, including playing, learning, socialising, being part of a family, and managing self-care such as eating, drinking and sleeping.

Therapy begins by understanding why a child may find particular activities difficult. The team then develops an individualised program to support the child’s participation and success. Child-led therapy may address underlying challenges, explain difficulties and strategies to children and parents, and adapt the child’s natural environment to support attention, concentration and physical positioning. Practitioners also identify each child’s strengths and use them to encourage development and build confidence.

The team includes occupational therapists Amy Vallentine, Grace Davey and Hannah Appleby, alongside practice manager Louise Pearce and occupational therapy assistant and administrator Vanessa Harper.