Meet Our Team
At Hop and Learn Children’s Therapy Services, our team of highly skilled and compassionate occupational therapists is dedicated to providing exceptional care to children and their families. Each member of our team brings a unique set of qualifications and expertise to ensure the best possible outcomes for our young clients.
Rutu Patel
Occupational Therapist
Rutu Patel is a dedicated and compassionate occupational therapist at Hop and Learn Children’s Therapy. With a strong educational background and a passion for helping children with developmental delays, Rutu brings valuable experience and expertise to our team.
Education and Experience
Rutu holds a Diploma of Health Science and a Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Therapy. During her studies, Rutu actively sought opportunities to gain practical experience in the field.She worked as a support worker, providing assistance to a family with children experiencing developmental delays. This hands-on experience allowed Rutu to understand the challenges faced by both the children and their families.
Furthermore, Rutu’s commitment to making a positive impact led her to volunteer at a local school, where she conducted group-based therapy sessions. This experience enhanced her ability to address the unique needs of children in a school setting and foster their development through engaging activities.
Professional Development
Rutu believes in staying updated with the latest advancements in occupational therapy. To further enhance her skills, Rutu has completed certifications in DIR Floortime and Learn to Play by Karen Stagnitti. These certifications have equipped Rutu with valuable techniques and strategies to support children’s social-emotional development and play skills.Personal Interests
When Rutu is not at work, she cherishes spending quality time with her nephew. She understands the importance of family and utilizes her experiences to connect with children and their loved ones on a personal level. Rutu also has a passion for reading books, which allows her to broaden her knowledge and incorporate diverse perspectives into her practice.Rutu’s compassionate nature, dedication to ongoing learning, and ability to create meaningful connections make her an invaluable member of our team. She is committed to providing individualized care to each child and helping them reach their fullest potential.
We take pride in our collaborative approach, working closely with families and other professionals involved in your child’s care. Our team is committed to ongoing professional development, staying up-to-date with the latest research and techniques in Hop and Learn Children’s Therapy to provide the most effective interventions for your child.
Joahnne Bernadas
Occupational Therapist
Joahnne is an eager and passionate occupational therapist. She is a valued member of our team because of her good educational foundation, professional expertise, and commitment to working with children who are facing developmental delays.
Education and Experience
Joahnne has a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy, and when she was a student, she actively sought out opportunities to gain practical experience in the field.She completed her internship in a variety of settings, including geriatrics and paediatrics, with a focus on physical and behavioural dysfunctions.
She has also gained a variety of expertise working in homes, schools, and clinics while she was working as a mobile occupational therapist in Cambodia for three years, visiting homes, communities, and schools.
Through these experiences, she was shaped to be more understanding of and adaptable to the needs of her clients. She is also able to communicate effectively with families from various cultural backgrounds thanks to these encounters.
Professional Development
To hone her skills, Joahnne has obtained credentials in Winnie Dunn’s Introduction to Sensory Profile II. She believes that learning never stops and that developing one’s skills and knowledge is important. She is committed to do more continuing studies to enhance her abilities, to have a greater grasp and to support the needs of the children and their skills development.Personal Interests
Joahnne enjoys going for walks or travelling to see new locations in her free time. She enjoys spending time with her family and dogs because she understands the importance of family and uses her own life experiences to connect with children and their loved ones on a personal level. She constantly makes sure to look after herself so she can give her all when working.Because of her compassionate demeanour, dedication to lifelong learning, and aptitude for forming trusting relationships, Joahnne is a crucial member of our team. She is committed to providing each child with customised care and helping them reach their full potential.
Mary Louise Sedurifa
Occupational Therapist
Mary Louise Sedurifa is a compassionate and dedicated Occupational Therapist with a strong background in caring for others. Her upbringing as the eldest sister, coupled with her natural inclination towards helping people, has led her to pursue a career in Occupational Therapy.
Education and Experience
Mary holds a Diploma in Health Science, which likely provided her with foundational knowledge in the healthcare field. She also has a Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Therapy, indicating her commitment to specializing in this field.Personal Interests
Mary has been practicing as an Occupational Therapist since 2018, showcasing her dedication to her chosen career.Her experience includes working with a diverse range of children, from 6 months to 13 years old, who have various conditions such as Autism, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Global Developmental Delay, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Cerebral Palsy, Hydrocephalus, and other neurological cases. This demonstrates her versatility and expertise in addressing a wide spectrum of developmental and behavioral challenges in children.
Mary’s practice extends beyond individual therapy sessions. She has experience conducting group sessions, teletherapy (an increasingly important aspect of healthcare delivery), and family consultations. This suggests her commitment to holistic care and involving families in the therapeutic process.
She is dedicated to staying current in her field by actively engaging in research based on evidence-based journals. This commitment to evidence-based practice indicates her desire to provide the most effective and up-to-date care for her patients.
Mary is fortunate to have a senior Occupational Therapist as a mentor. This mentorship likely provides her with valuable guidance, professional growth, and insights to further enhance her skills as a therapist.
In addition to her professional qualifications, Mary’s personal interests in arts and crafts, dancing, and acting illustrate her creative and expressive side. These interests can potentially be integrated into her therapy sessions to make them more engaging and enjoyable for her young patients.
Mary’s genuine desire to put smiles on people’s faces, combined with her education and experience, makes her a well-rounded and caring Occupational Therapist who is well-equipped to make a positive impact on the lives of the children she works with.
Mehak Bhangu
Allied health Assistant
Mehak works to support and empower clients on their journey to improved well-being. She possesses a diverse set of skills to effectively support clients in achieving their physical, developmental, and emotional goals, so that they can lead more independent and fulfilling lives.
Mehak has completed a Bachelor of Science degree and is currently undertaking an Occupational Therapy degree, which allows her to actively apply interventions that are supported by up-to-date research.
Mehak idolises the importance of outdoor activities on physical, mental, and social health, which is why she enjoys being outdoors and active, participating in many activities, including gardening, hiking, badminton and painting.
Mark
Occupational Therapist
Mark is an outgoing and cheerful occupational therapist who likes work with children. He is dedicated in making occupational therapy sessions fun and engaging for children.
Education and Experience
Mark has a Bachelor’s degree as well as a Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy. Throughout his student life, he was described as having a happy disposition and jolly personality.He enjoys working and collaborating with other people and finds pleasure in helping others. He has good experience in community based services, where he worked alongside several local and indigenous communities from the Philippines. He also has several years working with children and families in private clinics and special education centers. He helped numerous children with various conditions such as Autism, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Global Developmental Delay, Cerebral Palsy, Intellectual Disability and Down Syndrome.
He also had some experience working as a clinical supervisor dedicated to supporting and teaching a new generation of Occupational therapists who want to help other people in need.
He is also a project lead in a non profit organization, wherein he helps the organization develop programs to train community helpers, families and students in managing, handling and providing interventions to families and clients with disabilities and special needs.
Professional Development
To show his dedication to his clients, children, families and students, he took on several trainings and workshops for the betterment of his skills and improving his knowledge. He took international seminars such as sensory feeding in Penang, Malaysia. He also took some workshops for sensory integration, handwriting, and visual perception. He is also an advocate of evidence based learning and believes that as professionals, we should always take pleasure in learning and striving for more.Personal Interest
Mark is also often described as a "child-at-heart" person. He likes to play video games and board games, often tours around amusement parks, and likes to explore, collect and play with toys. These qualities made him at ease working with children.In addition, he likes designing his own type of games, being creative with rules and instructions and sharing them with other people. This in turn helped him in developing activities that children can enjoy in their sessions.
Mark’s enthusiastic and playful personality makes him a fun and lively therapist to work with while at the same time, committed in making a significant and life changing impact to the lives of his clients, children and family.
Maria Patricia (Trisha)
Occupational Therapist
Trisha is an exceptional and dedicated Occupational Therapist. Her journey is marked by her unwavering commitment to children with special needs. Her passion is evident in her tireless efforts to provide them with the support and care they need to thrive. Trisha’s ability to forge meaningful relationships with both children and their parents/guardians is a testament to her empathetic nature, patience, and innovative approaches, creating a nurturing environment where growth flourishes.
Education and Experience
With a Bachelor's of Science and a Master&'s Degree in Occupational Therapy, Trisha has built a strong foundation for her practice. Through her educational background, she has acquired a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices of her field.She has worked in her profession for almost a decade in clinical settings, school environment and homecare.
Her knowledge and experience have given her an empathetic nature which allows her to connect deeply with her clients, understanding their unique challenges and needs. Trisha's patience and compassion create a safe and supportive environment where children feel empowered to explore and grow. By involving parents/guardians in the therapy process, Trisha ensures that her clients receive consistent support and encouragement both in and out of therapy sessions.
Professional Development
Her commitment to professional growth is evident through her pursuit of continuing education, focusing on areas such as Social Thinking (Social Skills Therapy), Feeding Therapy (Sensory- Motor Approach), Executive Functions Training, Handwriting Training, and early childhood education. This solid foundation has empowered Trisha to deliver high-quality care to her clients, ensuring that they receive the best possible outcomes.Trisha's innovative approaches to therapy set her apart as a practitioner. She is constantly seeking new and creative ways to engage her clients and help them achieve their goals. Whether through sensory-based activities, play therapy, or social skills training, Trisha's interventions are tailored to the individual needs of each child, ensuring that they are both effective and enjoyable. Her dedication to finding the right approach for each client speaks to her commitment to their success.
Personal Interest
Outside of her work, Trisha finds joy and inspiration in nature and travel. Her love for the outdoors and exploration of new places reflects her holistic approach to life and therapy. Trisha's personal interests likely influence her practice, incorporating elements of nature and sensory exploration into her interventions. By incorporating these interests into her work, Trisha is able to provide her clients with a well-rounded and enriching experience.Trisha is defined by her unwavering commitment to her clients. She aspires excellence in her field, embodying the values of empathy, patience, and innovation. Trisha's holistic approach to therapy ensures that her clients receive comprehensive care that addresses their physical, emotional, and developmental needs. She is always ready to provide help to families navigating the challenges of raising a child with unique needs.
