CEO

Cate joined Muddy Puddles in November 2015 to establish the organisation as the local service provider of choice for children with a disability and their families. Cate's professional experience is in the corporate arena and her expertise in operations, HR and project management has contributed to a solid foundation on which Muddy Puddles can grow. By forging strong and well-aligned partnerships, Cate has built a team of experts to provide children of all ages with programs and therapy to build their skills for a good life. As a mother of a teenager with an intellectual disability, Cate understands the challenges faced by families living with disability and the achievements that are possible when the right services are available. 

Early Childhood Teacher

Christine is an Early Childhood Educator who has had a long association with Batemans Bay and over 30 years experience in the early childhood sector. Christine has worked in preschools, day care centres and in primary schools. More recently she has held executive positions in Catholic Education such as Religious Education Coordinator, Assistant Principal and Early Learning Director of a long day care centre in O'Connor ACT. We are very fortunate to have Christine working with Muddy Puddles in our early childhood early intervention groups.

Occupational Therapist

Christine Martin is a qualified Occupational Therapist and, although early in her career, she has already gained excellent experience working with children and young people and their families. Christine embarked on her Master of Occupational Therapy at the University of Canberra after completing a Bachelor of Education (Primary). Christine joins Muddy Puddles from EACH ACT where she worked both as an Occupational Therapist and as an Early Childhood Early Intervention (ECEI) Coordinator, assisting families to access the NDIS and appropriate supports. 

Occupational Therapist

Heidi has 20 years experience as an occupational therapist, and has worked in a variety of settings with both adults and children, which include: rehabilitation, acute hospital care,  community and home assessments, early intervention, school aged  assessment and therapy, health promotion, and clinical education of occupational therapy students. Heidi focuses on making therapy fun and family centred.

Speech Pathologist

Jessica is an experienced and skilled Speech Pathologist who has worked in multi-disciplinary teams and supported a broad range of caseloads. Jessica completed her Bachelor of Speech Pathology at the University of Newcastle and commenced her career in the Early Intervention sphere. Over the years she has worked with clients across all age groups but admits that she is in her element when working with children. She works creatively with the strengths of each child and family and uses an evidence based approach to help maximise child development. 

Behaviour Specialist

Kerry is a Behavioural Specialist who has worked with both children and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and related disorders for over 13 years. She has a BSc in Psychology and an MSc in Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA). She has formal training in ABA, speech and language therapy, PECS, Son-rise, Floortime and TEACCH.  Kerry’s aim is to empower parents, carers, grandparents, educators, siblings and peers of children with ASD. Kerry achieves this by providing practical and understandable knowledge, information and strategies designed to allow these people to best support their loved ones.

Psychologist

Lisa Cassar is a registered psychologist with over 10 years’ experience working with children, adolescents and their families. With a special interest in paediatrics, Lisa is skilled in therapeutic support for a range of disabilities including autism spectrum disorder, developmental delay, learning difficulties, and behavioural disorders.  In 2010 Lisa completed her Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) and submitted a qualitative thesis that explored the lives of parents with young children diagnosed with ASD. Lisa enjoys taking a team-based approach with families, schools and other supports and is passionate about helping children and families feel supported and empowered through learning new skills for life.

Dramatherapist

Michaela is a qualified Dramatherapist with a Bachelor of Creative Arts and Graduate Diploma of Dramatherapy. Dramatherapy is the intentional use of drama and/or theatre processes to achieve therapeutic goals. These sessions can be 1-1 or in a group setting. Michaela believes strongly in the power of Dramatherapy to assist participants to build skills for a good life. Dramatherapy ensures active participation, helping children to engage their imaginations, minds and bodies, rather than simply engaging their cognitive abilities. Although Michaela is a new Dramatherapy graduate she has extensive experience as a youth worker with at-risk adolescence. This experience has been in clinical, community and educational settings.

Finance Manager

Anne was a founding member of Muddy Puddles and has been its Treasurer since its inception in 2014.  She has many years experience in both paid and voluntary roles with a number of not for profit organisations.  In early 2019 Anne formally took on the role of Finance Manager.

Business Manager

Nicole has a background working for a range of not for profit organisations.  She is passionate about the work she does and is committed to supporting families and their children to achieve their goals.  

Administration Assistant

Maureen works full-time in the office of Muddy Puddles managing reception and communicating with clients.