The Play Projects
The Play Projects is a paediatric therapy clinic that combines the science and magic of play across OT, speech therapy and physiotherapy.
About The Play Projects
The Play Projects is a multidisciplinary paediatric therapy clinic.
We offer occupational therapy, speech therapy and physiotherapy in a clinic setting and beyond.
Our primary clinic is based in Yarrawonga in Victoria’s north, with in-person services available in Bendigo too.
We also service clients across the country via online group therapy and individualised telehealth consults.
We don't restrict our therapy to the confines of a traditional clinical setting.
Many of our innovative programs take place in our purpose built gym and in nature, at our farm Quondong.
It's therapy, but not as you know it
From ropes courses, to river-play, to escape rooms and sensory gardens, we take an innovative and play-based approach to therapy.
We know that children learn best through play, and when they are engaged with their therapy their skills are most likely to stick.
We work closely with a child’s whole support team including families, support workers, educators and schools.
We offer therapy, reports and assessments through NDIS, Medicare, Private Health Insurance, self-funded options, and other funding models where applicable.
Meet the clinicians and experts who deliver our therapy
Aleisha Harding
ALLIED HEALTH ASSISTANT
Aleisha is an Early Childhood Key Worker who takes pride in helping participants achieve their goals in a fun and engaging way. She holds a Bachelor of Health Science from La Trobe University, with a double major in Public Health and Rehabilitation Counselling. Aleisha has a strong interest in supporting clients who experience behavioural challenges, which has inspired her to further her professional development. She is currently working towards becoming a Behaviour Support Practitioner and is dedicated to providing tailored, evidence-based support to help clients and their families flourish.
Catherine Shaw
ALLIED HEALTH ASSISTANT
Catherine is an Allied Health Assistant who thrives on the variety her role offers. She loves the collaborative, creative, and playful approach to therapy at The Play Projects, where clients’ goals are always the focus. Catherine completed a double Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance and Health Services Assistance during high school and is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychological Science online through La Trobe University. She is dedicated to supporting clients achieve their goals and finds immense joy in witnessing their progress.
Danni Ridley
EARLY YEARS KEYWORKER
Danni is an Early Years Key Worker. Being part of the learning and developmental growth journey with children and their families is really special. Having everyone on board to work through the challenges and celebrate the achievements is always a big win. As a Keyworker she has been able to connect and build relationships with children and their families.
Emily Cheeseman
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST
Before becoming an OT, Emily studied to be a lawyer. She’s worked in academic, private and not-for-profit research, policy and consulting roles in international development and First Nations’ health. Emily brings empathy of lived experience of chronic illness and neurodivergence. Emily is based in Bendigo and specialises in working with neurodivergent children and young people with developmental delays. Working from a neuroaffirming practice framework, Emily supports the exploration of her clients’ strengths and interests, helping identify what their brains and bodies need to feel safe.
Gracie Whitmarsh
GRADUATE OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST
Gracie completed her Bachelor of Occupational Therapy at Charles Sturt University in Albury in 2024. During her studies, she gained valuable experience through a variety of placements, which sparked her passion for working in paediatrics. She is a new Occupational Therapist at The Play Projects and currently participating in the new graduate program. Drawn to the adaptability and creativity of Occupational Therapy, she is excited about the diverse opportunities her role offers.
Hannah Parker
SPEECH THERAPIST
Based in Bendigo, Hannah is a paediatric Speech Pathologist working with children aged 0-7 years. She specialises in identifying and supporting communication and feeding difficulties in young children. Hannah trained at Charles Sturt University and has experience across a variety of settings, including mainstream and specialist schools, as well as early intervention programs. Dedicated to ongoing learning, she stays up to date with advancements in speech pathology and early intervention. Hannah values collaboration with other clinicians, bringing her expertise and a “Speechie” perspective to help clients achieve their goals in a holistic and effective way.
Kaleisha Pell
ALLIED HEALTH ASSISTANT
Kaleisha is an Allied Health Assistant and although this role is still very new to her she is super excited to see what opportunities will be thrown her way. She is also looking forward to learning the many new skills that come with this role throughout her time here.
Katie Butt
GRADUATE OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST
As well as being an Occupational Therapist at The Play Projects, Katie is also a participant in the new graduate program. She graduated from Charles Sturt University in Albury in 2024 with a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy. During her studies, Katie completed placements across various areas, with paediatrics igniting her passion for working with young people and their families. Katie loves the diversity of the OT profession and is excited to grow her skills and make a meaningful impact through her work at The Play Projects.
Keely Bond
PHYSIOTHERAPIST
Keely is proud to be the first Physiotherapist at The Play Projects and is passionate about helping children and their families achieve their goals to improve their quality of life. She has a special interest in supporting children with developmental delays and neurological conditions. Keely graduated from Charles Sturt University in Albury with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy in 2022 and has been working in private practice since. This year, she is embarking on a Master’s in Paediatric Physiotherapy at Melbourne University to deepen her expertise.
Laura Ryan
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST
Laura is an Occupational Therapist who is passionate about supporting children and families to build confidence and develop skills in everyday occupations. She completed a Bachelor of Applied Science and a Master’s in Occupational Therapy at La Trobe University and has been a dedicated member of The Play Projects team since graduating. Laura works with children and adolescents aged 6 to 20, with a particular focus on supporting teenagers in developing independent living skills. She is committed to creating a supportive environment that empowers young people to achieve their goals.
Nyree Conquer
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST
After graduating with a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy from La Trobe University, Melbourne in 1995, Nyree began her career in adult rehabilitation at a major Melbourne hospital, followed by work in London. Currently, she is a paediatric Occupational Therapist based in Bendigo, working with children aged 0-7 years, and loves incorporating play into therapy to support children’s development and engagement. After taking time out to raise her own children, Nyree transitioned into paediatrics and found her passion, where she remains dedicated to helping young children thrive.
Raney MacPherson
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST
Originally from South Africa, Raney brings with her two decades of rich, international experience. Her journey has taken her from South Africa to London, Dubai, and the Channel Islands, where she led the Children and Young People’s Occupational Therapy Service across four islands. Raney’s expertise spans paediatric and neonatal care, paediatric intensive care, early years development, developmental and neurological disorders, sensory integration, feeding disorders, and autism. She’s highly passionate about evidence-based, tailored therapies.
Sophie Smith
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST
Sophie completed a Bachelor of Applied Science and a Master of Occupational Therapy at La Trobe University in Bendigo. While at university, Sophie worked as a support worker with children, gaining invaluable experience and fostering a strong passion for helping children and their families. Now specialising in paediatrics, Sophie works with children of various ages and particularly enjoys supporting goals related to emotional regulation, social skills, and everyday life skills. With a deep understanding that every child is unique, Sophie thrives on the diversity and excitement of tailoring her approach to suit each individual’s needs.
Sophie Wilson
ALLIED HEALTH ASSISTANT
Sophie is an Allied Health Assistant with a Certificate IV in Disability. Originally from Nathalia, Sophie grew up on a small hobby farm with her parents, brothers, and an array of animals. Her upbringing instilled a strong sense of community and adaptability, which she brings to her role. She is passionate about working in a creative and supportive environment that helps families and individuals reach their fullest potential. Sophie enjoys building meaningful connections with clients and supporting them in a way that is both empowering and impactful.
Are you an Allied Health professional keen to offer our services to your clients?
Intensive
programs
programs
Some of the most powerful outcomes we see arise from our intensive programs, both group-based and 1:1.
