Melissa is an Occupational Therapist with more than 10 years’ experience supporting children and young adults across NHS community services, specialist schools, integrated therapy centres and private practice.
She has extensive experience working with children and young people with complex needs, developmental trauma, neurodivergence and learning disabilities, and works closely with families, schools and wider professional networks to develop practical, child-centred recommendations.
Melissa’s areas of expertise include:
Melissa has completed Ayers Sensory Integration Level 3 training and has experience supporting adopted children and their wider networks using Sensory Attachment Intervention-informed approaches. She has also completed specialist developmental trauma training with Beacon House.
More recently, Melissa has trained as an Eco-Sensory Practitioner, using engagement with natural environments and sensory experiences to support regulation, development, mental health and wellbeing.
Her additional training includes Level 2 Counselling Skills, Motivational Interviewing, First Aid and Children’s Yoga.
Melissa’s approach is playful, creative and highly individualised. Sessions are child-led and responsive, with activities, expectations and environments adapted according to what the child or young person needs in the moment.
At Sense Inclusion, Melissa provides Occupational Therapy assessment and intervention both as a standalone service and as part of wider multidisciplinary packages, helping ensure sensory, functional and developmental needs are understood alongside emotional and educational needs.
Melissa is registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and receives regular professional supervision.