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 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.
Mark Maddison
Mark, an enthusiastic and friendly Occupational Therapist, has always been passionate for helping children reach their potential in all aspects of life. Qualified with a Masters as both a Primary School Teacher and Occupational Therapist from the University of Sydney, he has always enjoyed working with children and chose to focus on occupational therapy to be able to work with those who had learning and developmental difficulties, helping children on a more individual level to reach goals that are meaningful to them and their families. Mark also loves playing soccer, exploring different countries and cultures, and playing with his dog Bella.
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.
Nicole Visontay
Nicole is an enthusiastic and kind Occupational Therapist who completed her masters degree at La Trobe University in Melbourne. She previously worked as a primary school teacher and has a strong understanding of childhood development. Nicole understands how schools operate and the importance of collaborating with families, carers and the teaching staff to develop individualised and effective strategies for the child. She is passionate about empowering children and their families to achieve their therapy goals. In her spare time, Nicole loves to go on coastal walks, spend time with friends and go to weekend markets.
Nicole Amery
Nicole graduated from the University of South Australia with a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy in 2005 and has has experience working in a wide variety of settings from paediatrics to aged care both in Australia and overseas. A passionate and committed Occupational Therapist, Nicole has always loved working with children, and enjoys seeing clients achieve goals and reach their full potential. When she is not at work, Nicole is busy raising her two small children. She lives on the Lower North Shore and enjoys yoga, meditation and good coffee.
Becci Swan
Becci is our full-time Clinic Manager and has many years’ experience in administration in education, corporate companies and small businesses. She lives in the Sydney’s Inner West 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, Delta Therapy Dogs.