Hello, my name is Rachel and I am an Occupational Therapist at Stretchy Minds Paediatric Occupational Therapy. 

I completed my Bachelor of Occupational Therapy at Australian Catholic University in 2016. Before joining the team at Stretchy Minds, I have worked in Early Intervention, Community Health and Special Developmental Schools. This journey has allowed my clinical skills to flourish and support children with a variety of strengths and challenges and from diverse cultural backgrounds. 

Outside of work, you will often find me baking in the kitchen or walking along the beach to recharge and reset. 

Occupational Therapist

Rachel Lewis

Through a holistic approach to Occupational Therapy, I adapt my approach to suit the individual needs of each child and their family. I have experience working with children aged predominately aged 3- 16 years old with challenges related to Autism Spectrum Disorder; Cerebral Palsy; Down’s Syndrome; Global Developmental Delay; Intellectual Disabilities; Profound hearing loss; Rare Genetic Disorders; and Regulation and Behavioural challenges. 

I completed extensive training in the Handwriting without Tears (Level 1 Certified) and training in the DIR101 Floortime® model of intervention, integrating a focus on child-led learning and play into my practice. I am a strong believer in building strong foundational skills with each child and their family. These skills developed supports children’s autonomy in achieving their goals and allowing them to thrive in their own individual way. 

Special Interests and Clinical Experience

  • Transporting Children with Disabilities and Medical Conditions (MACA)

  • Autism Assessment and Fundamentals and Comorbidities

  • Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2)- Introductory workshop

  • Supporting the Occupational Roles of Infants. Presented by Lisa Findlay.

  • Handwriting without Tears (Level 1 Certified) 

  • Hartley Knows I can write 

  • When Children Won’t Eat: Picky Eaters vs Problem Feeders, Assessment and Treatment Using the SOS Approach to Feeding - Dr Kay Toomey, Lindsay Beckerman, and Dr Erin Ross

  • Your Best Self, The Alert Program for All - Sherry Shellenberger and MarySue Williams 

  • DIR101: An Introduction to DIR Floortime Approach

  • Sensory Defensiveness Workshop & The Willbarger Protocol by Tracy Stackhouse and Julia Wilbarger 

  • Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Different Way of Thinking, Learning and Managing Emotions - Dr Tony Attwood and Sue Larkey

  • The Traffic Jam in my Brain - Genevieve Jereb 

Certification, Further Education, and Professional Development

Interested in seeing one of our OTs?

You can join our waitlist here:

Start Your Adventure