About

Francesca is the founder of Nature Sense OT. She is a dedicated pediatric occupational therapist with a deep passion for helping children thrive. With a Bachelor's degree in Natural Science and a Master of Occupational Therapy from the University of Sydney, Francesca has been working in the pediatric sector since graduation. She has witnessed first-hand the transformative power of sensory integration for children, helping them to develop essential skills, improve their coordination, and enhance their overall well-being. Francesca is committed to providing individualised care that meets the unique needs of each child, empowering them to reach their full potential.

Francesca's passion extends beyond her work in the clinic. In her free time, Francesca enjoys spending quality time with her family and her beloved Lagotto Romagnolo, Cino. Together, they explore the outdoors through hiking, beach walks, and swimming. Francesca also finds peace through yoga by the sea.

She firmly believes in the healing power of nature and the incredible benefits of animal-human interaction. "Nature is my happy place," she shares, "and I've experienced firsthand the positive impact of connecting with animals." This deep appreciation for the natural world informs her approach to therapy, incorporating nature-based activities and animal-assisted interventions whenever possible.

Some of the training Francesca has completed includes:

DIR Floortime Intoduction
Therapeutic Listening® — Listening with the Whole Body by Sheila Frick & Tracy Bjorling
The Traffic Jam in My Brain: A Sensory Processing Approach to Challenges Associated with Autism, ADHD, Learning and Behavioural Differences, presented by Genevieve Jereb.
Power Up for Participation: Ready, Steady, by Sheila Frick
Finding Safety & Stability: A trauma- Informed Sensory Motor Approach - Instructed by Sheila M. Frick; OTR/L
Collaborative & Proactive Solutions Course by Dr Ross Greene
The SpIRiT of Pediatric Therapy by Tracy Murnan Stackhouse
Camp Jabiru Practicum
Dog Training for Therapy – Assistance Dog Australia

Our Approach

Nature Sense OT is dedicated to creating a holistic and nurturing environment where children can learn, grow, and flourish through play, connection, and exploration.

We believe that parents are their child's first and most important teachers. We work closely with families, providing education, support, and strategies to integrate sensory activities into everyday routines. We empower families to access and appreciate the nature surrounding them, whether it's a local park or their backyard, providing ideas and inspiration for nature-based play.

Nature Sense OT also uses other models and approaches:

Relationship-based
Child-led (eg. DIR Floortime)
Play-based
Evidence-based
Strength-based

My Approach