Paediatric Occupational Therapy Bayside & Surrounds
About Us
At Steps OTKids, we provide personalised paediatric occupational therapy that helps children thrive at school, kinder, home, and in the community.
We meet children where they feel most confident, using real-world, play-based strategies to build independence, boost confidence, and support everyday routines.
As a boutique, family-run team, we offer genuine connection, flexible therapy, and close collaboration with families, educators, and health professionals.
Most of all, we listen to your child, to you, and to their team so therapy is not only effective, but truly empowering and child-led.
Our Core Values
Steps That Started Our Journey
Hi, I’m Jade, founder and occupational therapist at Steps OTKids.
Steps OTKids began during a time of great uncertainty, shortly after I returned from maternity leave. In the wake of COVID, I noticed a growing need for outreach OT services in the Bayside area, as many families were hesitant to take their children out of school for therapy. That’s when I took the leap, gave my practice a name, and let it grow, one trusted connection at a time.
I've always known I wanted to work with children, even as a kid, lining up my teddies and “teaching” them through their tricky moments. My OT journey began in mental health and later took me into neurological and orthopaedic rehab, giving me a strong, well-rounded foundation and a deeper understanding of what people need to truly thrive.
Eventually, I followed my heart into paediatrics, working in both clinic-based and outreach roles. I loved the connection, the creativity, and most of all, seeing children grow in confidence as they took steps forward in their everyday lives.
Steps OTKids started simply, just me, a car full of toys, and a belief that therapy works best when it meets children where they are: at school, at home, and in their communities. From those early days, the practice grew organically, guided by warmth, trust, and a deep respect for each child and family we supported.
Today, Steps OTKids partners with a number of wonderful government and independent schools. We’re known for our collaborative, down-to-earth approach and our commitment to making a meaningful difference in children's lives. I’ve since built a small team of therapists I’m incredibly proud of, compassionate, skilled professionals who bring joy, care, and creativity to their work every day. I often refer to them as my OT family – and in true family spirit, one of them literally is!
As a mum of three (including twins!), I understand what families juggle and how much trust it takes to invite someone into your child’s world. I also prioritise the family lives of our team. While I spent some time behind the scenes during the baby years, I’m now back with renewed energy and a clear vision: to grow Steps OTKids thoughtfully, staying true to our boutique roots while expanding our reach to support more families who need us.
Thank you for being here. We’d be honoured to walk alongside you and your child, one step at a time.
— Jade