About Qualia
Qualia Occupational Therapy for Children has been operating in the inner west of Sydney since 2010.
We provide comprehensive intervention services to assist children with areas of difficulty (including learning, developmental and motor skills) as identified by a child, parent or teacher. Therapy is meaningful, addressing areas that are most important to a child and their family.
Our therapists participate in regular professional development and love working with families and children. Our experienced team offers practical skills and empathy when working with children.
Qualia (pronounced kwa–li–ah) is a theory explaining how unique individuals each perceive the world differently in relation to their sensory, emotional and environmental influences.
Avalon Nixon
Avalon started Qualia in 2010 after working in public and private practices in Perth and Sydney. Avalon has completed a degree in occupational therapy at the University of Sydney, a masters degree in paediatric occupational therapy and is currently completing a higher degree by research into school aged occupational therapy (cognitive application strategies for organised writing). Avalon has lectured in the paediatric occupational therapy stream at the University of Sydney and guest lectures in other departments. Avalon is the mother of a beautiful son named Henry, and now twin girls, Madeline and Odette. She lives in the inner west of Sydney and works part time at Qualia. In her spare time, Avalon practices yoga and spends time finding the best coffee.
Sophie-Anna Barling
Sophie-Anna is a co-director of Qualia. Sophie-Anna has specialised in paediatrics since graduating from the University of Sydney with a degree in occupational therapy. Sophie-Anna has experience working in a variety of settings, including within schools, preschools and home environments. Her experience includes working at both Randwick and Westmead Children’s Hospitals in orthopaedics, neurology, rehabilitation and community outpatient services. Sophie-Anna is committed to evidence based practice and continually engages in professional development to ensure she is best equipped to assist children to reach their potential. In her spare time, Sophie-Anna loves music and travelling.
Hannah Ascroft
Hannah is a passionate and creative occupational therapist who graduated from the University of Sydney. She has experience providing therapy for children with learning and developmental difficulties and has a strong passion for creating engaging and meaningful interventions and solutions for families. Hannah is committed to providing a holistic approach to client-centred practice. In her spare time, she loves spending time with family and friends.
Rebecca Mekdessi
Rebecca is a creative and enthusiastic occupational therapist with experience providing services to children with a range of developmental and learning abilities. She has a strong passion for working with children and is focused on ensuring all children meet their goals in the most creative and interactive way. She values collaboration with families, parents, carers and teaching staff throughout the therapy process to achieve the most effective and sustainable outcomes for the child. In her spare time, Rebecca enjoys baking, Pilates and travelling regularly to the Blue Mountains with her family.
Grace Muldoon
Grace is a bubbly and compassionate occupational therapist who graduated from the University of Newcastle. Grace has worked with children in various roles throughout her life and has always shown a passion for paediatrics. Grace is able to provide an environment that is fun and collaborative to ensure that children and their families achieve their therapy goals. Grace understands the importance of engaging in further learning to improve her practice and the positive impact this has on therapy outcomes. In her spare time, Grace enjoys coffee with friends, listening to music and travelling the globe.
Elanie Moulos
Elanie is an enthusiastic and motivated occupational therapist who graduated from the University of Western Sydney. Having had first-hand experience in dealing with a family member who has an intellectual disability, Elanie has a passion and strong interest in paediatrics. She has experience working with different age groups from young children, adolescents and adults. She also has a passion for exploring strategies to assist children with self-regulation and attention. Elanie loves working with children and continuously strives to provide high quality service for families. She values a persons independence and quality of life, and ensures that her strategies are meaningful. She works full time with Qualia. In her spare time she enjoys going out with family and friends, drinking coffee/tea and practicing yoga.
Alice Kettle
Alice is a compassionate and motivated Occupational Therapist, driven to support children and families to reach their potential in fun and creative ways. Alice graduated from University of Sydney and has had experience providing therapy in schools with classes and students as well as individual and group intervention in a clinical setting. Alice has worked with families and children to improve/develop a range of abilities including sensory processing, self-care skills, handwriting, social and play skills and fine and gross motor. Alice loves to spend time with her family and friends preferably strolling through the markets or at the beach. She is most partial to a chai tea.
Emily Beard
Emily Beard is a motivated and creative occupational therapist with a strong passion for working with children and their families. She has had experience working with children and enjoys engaging in professional development activities to promote lifelong learning. She enjoys collaboration, working alongside teachers and other health professionals to help children achieve their goals. In her spare time, Emily loves playing hockey, cooking and spending time with family and friends.
Becci Swan
Becci is our new full time Clinic Manager and has many years’ experience in administration in education, corporate companies and small businesses. She lives in the inner west of Sydney with her husband and two teenagers. In her spare time she enjoys music, travelling and trying out the best cafes. Becci also volunteers with her dog, Sydney the Schnoodle through a local therapy dog organisation, Deltra Therapy Dogs.