Janiata Malone Director / Senior Occupational Therapist Janiata brings over 24 years of extensive experience as an Occupational Therapist to her practice. Throughout her career journey, she has served in various impactful roles with children, including: Disability Services Queensland – Family and Early Childhood team. Education Queensland – mainstream schools, special education environments, and early intervention programs. Queensland Health – Senior paediatric occupational therapist Offering specialised services through her private practice, catering to the unique needs of children and families. ​ Janiata's rich background encompasses working with children aged 1 to 16 years, encompassing a broad spectrum of challenges spanning physical, intellectual, neurological, psychological, and behavioural domains. Her dedication extends to early intervention initiatives, with a particular focus on children on the Autism Spectrum. As a devoted mother of two, including a child with Autism, Janiata's personal journey fuels her passion for her work. She is deeply committed to empowering children and families, guiding them towards growth, development, and the achievement of their aspirations.

Ashleigh Aubrey Occupational Therapist Ash completed her studies at the University of the Sunshine Coast graduating with a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy Honours. ​ Throughout her studies Ash developed a passion for working alongside children and was determined to fill a role within the Paediatric setting. She has experience working with children with a range of physical, intellectual, psychological and behavioural difficulties and disabilities including but not limited to Down Syndrome, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Asperger’s and Dyslexia. Ash enjoys creating fun, meaningful relationships with children to help them become the best versions of themselves. Ash is a vibrant and energetic therapist who always brings a smile to the faces of those around her.

Liz Troop Occupational Therapist Liz completed her Bachelor of Occupational Therapy Honours at the University of the Sunshine Coast. During her studies Liz completed her 10 week clinical placement at Malone Therapy and then continued to work with Malone Therapy, first as a therapy assistant and then as a registered occupational therapist. Liz has experience working with pre-school and school aged children with Autism SpectrumDisorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Down Syndrome, globaldevelopmental delays and intellectual impairments. Liz is passionate about building meaningful connections with her clients and their families.She creates a fun and nurturing environment where children can thrive. Liz takes pride inthinking of creative ways to spike a child’s interests to make therapy fun! ​

Sophie Hewitt Occupational Therapist Sophia completed her studies at the University of the Sunshine Coast, graduating with a degree in Occupational Therapy with Honours. ​ Sophia is passionate about working in paediatrics and is dedicated to supporting children as they grow in confidence and reach their full potential in daily life. Sophia is a caring, perceptive, and upbeat therapist who loves building rapport with clients through creative and playful interactions. ​ Sophia has experience supporting preschool and school-aged children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Pathological Demand Avoidance Disorder (PDAD), as well as global developmental delays and intellectual disabilities. Sophia strives to make each therapy session enjoyable and motivating, always focusing on the unique goals and interests of every child and their family.

Kayleigh Byrne Occupational Therapist Kayleigh completed her studies at the University of the Sunshine Coast, graduating with a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy Honours. Kayleigh was initially welcomed to Malone Therapy as a student completing her final clinical placement. After placement, Kayleigh transitioned to work as an occupational therapy assistant while she completed her studies. After graduating she stayed with the team and is now a registered occupational therapist. Kayleigh has experience working with preschool and school-aged children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Pathological Demand Avoidance Disorder (PDAD), global developmental delays and intellectual impairments. She has a great passion for working with children and strives to create an environment where both children and their parents love coming to therapy. Kayleigh enjoys making craft and playing games that enhance children’s learning experiences.

Emily Harper Occupational Therapist Emily completed her Bachelor of Occupational Therapy Honours at the University of the Sunshine Coast. During her studies, Emily completed her 10 week clinical placement at Malone Therapy. After completing her placement Emily then continued to work as a therapy assistant and now as a registered occupational therapist. She has experience working with children across diverse age groups and abilities, including but not limited to Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Cerebral Palsy, Global Developmental Delays, and intellectual impairments. Emily creates a calm, friendly, and positive approach within her therapy sessions. She fosters meaningful relationships with her clients and their families to collaboratively pursue their goals in a supportive environment.

Victoria Clark Speech Language Pathologist Victoria is a genuine, caring and enthusiastic speech pathologist who loves working with children and helping them grow in confidence through fun, engaging activities. She is dedicated to supporting each child in reaching their goals and enjoys working closely with families to create a positive, collaborative experience. Victoria is committed to making every session a supportive and enjoyable space where children and their families feel valued and empowered. ​ Victoria has a Master of Speech Pathology from Charles Sturt University, bringing a strong academic foundation to her caring and family-centered approach.

Elaine Mullane Speech Language Pathologist Elaine completed her studies at University College Cork, Ireland, graduating with an Honours Bachelor's Degree in Speech and Language Therapy. Following her studies, Elaine worked on an Early Intervention Team called 'Happy Talk' in Ireland. She delivered therapy services through this program and also assisted in research into the benefits of the program. Elaine then moved to Australia and began working as a Speech Pathologist on an Early Intervention team in Sydney. Elaine has experience working with pre-school and young school-aged children across a range of environments which include preschool, school, clinic and family homes. Elaine is passionate about delivering holistic therapy services that are both client/child and family-centred. She enjoys working collaboratively with families and education settings to help children reach their goals (and maximise their participation in everyday interactions). Elaine enjoys creating therapy sessions that are fun, light-hearted and engaging to foster positive experiences and learning for children (and their families).

Rhianna Pahor Speech Language Pathologist Since graduating in 2015, Rhi has gained experience across a range of government and private settings. She specialises in early intervention, with a focus on supporting neurodivergent communication styles and gestalt language processing. ​ Rhi provides telehealth support, and also manages therapy assistant programs to extend the reach of her services. Her approach is centred on exploring communication holistically and functionally, empowering children to thrive in all their everyday environments. ​ Rhi is passionate about multi-disciplinary collaboration and integrates emotional and sensory regulation into her speech pathology practice. She places a strong emphasis on supporting not just the individual child, but also their caregivers and family as a whole, believing this is key to maximising communication development. Creating a sense of psychological safety and a welcoming therapeutic space is always at the heart of her work.

Brodin Humphreys Therapy Assistant Brodin comes to Malone Therapy with experience working with children of all ages and abilities. ​ With a background in Early Childhood Education and Riding for the Disabled coaching, Brodin particularly enjoys sessions with the younger ages. Brodin is kept very busy in her spare time juggling her young family and completing her certificate IV in Allied health, and is excited to share her enthusiastic and bubbly way with children with our families.

Kenei Henwood Therapy Assistant Kenei has professional experience in the world of neurodiversity through executive function and ADHD coaching with adults. She did her training with the ADDCA academy and has also completed her Certificate IV as an Allied Health Assistant. She has a strong interest in neurodiversity and has a lot of life experience in ASD, ADHD and Anxiety. Happy living locally in Gympie for the last 15 years.

Merry Rigby Therapy Assistant Merry has over 15 years of experience within the Allied Health Industry. She has in recent years become interested in, studied and gained a lot of life experience in assisting children with different abilities, with a special interest in the autism and ADHD world. ​ Merry has completed her Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance.

Sam Stevens Early Years Teacher, Speech Pathology Student/ Speech Therapy Assistant Samantha is a dedicated and passionate educator with 8 years experience in early years and primary teaching within Gympie, and is currently completing further studies in Speech Pathology. ​ She has a genuine passion towards working with children and delights in helping them discover their strengths, recognise their own potential and feel successful in their learning. ​ Samantha believes in fostering meaningful connections with her students and utilising their individual interests and needs to create enjoyable and meaningful learning opportunities.

Honey Malone Therapy Dog Honey is our therapy dog. She loves swimming, chasing a stick or ball, following the kids around in the gross motor area and cleaning up any leftovers at lunch time. ​ You will find Honey by Janiata's side, soaking up any pats she can get.