Dr Nicole Sharp

BAppSc(Hons)OT, PhD

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Nicole is a proud mum to two gorgeous boys, Cooper and Levi, and a passionate and experienced registered occupational therapist, specialising in working with neurodivergent children and young people. Proudly neurodivergent herself, Nicole's lived experience is at the heart of her passion for helping neurodivergent young people to live authentic lives, supported in affirming ways. Nicole has a Bachelor of Applied Science (Honours) in Occupational Therapy from Western Sydney University (2004) and a PhD from University of Wollongong (2019). She also holds a Cert IV in Training and Assessment and is an experienced presenter, trainer and educator. Nicole is dedicated to strengths-based, neurodiversity-affirming, and trauma-informed practice, and loves opportunities to provide consultancy and professional development to educators and employers.

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Nicole is an Adjunct Fellow at Western Sydney University and a member of the Occupational Therapy Australia NDIS/Disability National Reference Group. Nicole has presented research at numerous National and International Conferences, and published in peer reviewed journals. Nicole is a passionate qualitative researcher dedicated to understanding lived experience of disability and amplifying the voices of people with disability. 

Matt Howie

Matt has over 12 years experience in business management, across a range of positions and industries. He is excited to bring his skillset to managing his own family business.

Matt is responsible for all things accounts, human resources, and intake at Believe and Become, and a passionate primary carer to four year old Levi and twelve year old Cooper. Don't forget to say hi to the boys when you see them around the clinic!

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Bree Barker

Postgrad Cert Play Therapy, Dip Counselling, Grad Cert Child, Adolescent and Family Counselling, Certified AutPlay Play Therapist, Certified Interplay Therapist, Cert IV Allied Health Assistance (OT)

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Bree is a certified Play Therapist and Registered Counsellor. Bree has Postgraduate Certificates in Child Centred Play Therapy from Play Therapy School and Child, Adolescent, and Family Counselling from University of Southern Queensland, a Diploma of Counselling from Australian Institute of Professional Counsellors and is a certified Interplay Facilitator and Occupational Therapy Assistant. Bree is currently completing a Master of Autism from University of Wollongong. She is a certified AutPlay therapist with additional AutPlay trainings in group therapy, sensory processing, Sandtray Therapy, and Trauma Therapy and she has additional training in working with neurodivergence, Digital Play Therapy, Synergetic Play Therapy, TraumaPlay, Theraplay, and Art Therapy.

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Bree is a mum to two gorgeous kids, and is passionate about supporting and empowering children, young people, and families. Bree has a particular interest in supporting neurodivergent children and young people to be their authentic selves while navigating the challenges of living in a neurotypical world. Bree is a strong believer that through the therapeutic powers of play, children and young people can find their authentic selves, integrate challenging experiences, enhance their self-esteem and self-worth, and learn to regulate themselves emotionally and physically. Her aim is to provide a space where children and young people can be seen, heard, and empowered by honouring and respecting their unique way of being and playing. As such, Bree is committed to a neurodiversity-affirming, strengths-based, trauma-informed, humanistic approach to all aspects of counselling and play therapy. Her work integrally involves families within the therapeutic process, providing psychoeducation, parent/carer education and support to understand themselves to allow them to authentically support their child’s journey.

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Melissa Engel

Currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in occupational therapy, Melissa is a dedicated individual, proud to have been a personal trainer specialising in performance development for young athletes. With a strong focus on nurturing young people to reach their potential, she has strived to empower the next generation of athletes to achieve their dreams. She is excited to widen her reach as an OT Assistant, supporting individuals in building skills and overcoming challenges.

Beyond her professional pursuits, Melissa finds immense joy in being a mother to four incredible children. Balancing the demands of a career and being a nurturing parent has taught her valuable lessons in time management, patience, and adaptability, and instilled in her a deep understanding of the importance of holistic development and individualised care. Melissa has an unwavering commitment to excellence and continuous learning, and strives to make a positive impact in the lives of those around her. 

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Sophie Giannetta

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Sophie is a proud Wollondilly local with a deep-rooted commitment to the community she calls home. Currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy at Western Sydney University, she's on a journey to further her expertise and make a meaningful impact on the lives of those around her.

With a background that includes working at a local pharmacy and within Carrington Care nursing homes, Sophie has developed a genuine passion for supporting and empowering her neighbours, as well as learning valuable skills in providing holistic patient-centred care. She is excited to expand her skills as an OT Assistant and provide dedicated support to children through their most critical stages of development.

Outside of her professional endeavours, Sophie enjoys competing her 11-year-old horse, Petal, at local horse shows and eventing competitions. Sophie is excited and enthusiastic to creative a positive influence in the lives of those in her community.