Our amazing team of Occupational Therapists and Speech Pathologists are the heart of the exceptional service that we deliver. Delivering care across six Metro Adelaide sites, our team make a difference in children’s lives each and every day through providing clinic, community, home and educational setting intervention and support.
Our clinicians are led by highly experienced clinicians who support, mentor and supervise their teams to ensure clinical excellence. Regular Professional Development and quality control measures form part of all clinicians expectations each term. Our clinical leaders believe in making sure our team is not just suitably qualified but is well trained, resourced and highly organised. This allows our clinicians to deliver the best clinical service in the most efficient and effective manner possible. Our clinicians join the therapy team in a specific employment stream (eg Career change, Return to Work, Graduate) that delivers tailored training and supervision to ensure that all clients receive the best care possible.
Joanna Buttfield is the Founder & Executive Director of Kid Sense Child Development.
Joanna founded Kid Sense in 1998 after returning to South Australia in 1997 following specialist training in the USA. She recognised the unmet need for developmental services that focused on ‘helping children overcome life’s little challenges in movement, play and learning’ As a result of Joanna’s vision, the lives of thousands of South Australians have been positively impacted – many for life.
Joanna aims to lead a team of confident therapists who can continue to make positive changes in the lives of children and young people across South Australia. Joanna’s entrepreneurial efforts have been publicly recognised: Kid Sense was awarded 2017 Telstra Small Business of South Australia Award and the 2018 Telstra Small and Succeeding Business of South Australia Award. Joanna was also a finalist in the 2017 Telstra Business Women’s Awards for South Australia.
Tayla Manuel first started her career as an Occupational Therapist at Kid Sense in 2016, and has excelled in her support of clients and therapists alike. As Clinical Director, Tayla is personally involved with each and every therapist at Kid Sense and provides professional and nurturing care to the team. As well as being a highly competent therapist, in 2024, Tayla completed the Dare to Lead course (written by Brene Brown) to enhance her leadership skills, and embodies this every day, leading with compassion, trust and respect.
Our Occupational Therapy team is dedicated to supporting individuals in achieving their fullest potential in everyday activities. With a strong focus on function, our team members are trained in key areas of regulation and sensory processing, ensuring a tailored approach to support each client’s unique needs. We provide comprehensive services including Functional Capacity assessments and therapeutic supports in executive function, fine and gross motor skills, self-care skills, and emotional regulation. Regular team training ensures we stay at the forefront of the latest techniques and therapies. Our team is here to make life easier and more fulfilling for those we serve.
The Speech Therapy team takes an inclusive and “All Communication is Valid” approach to therapy, celebrating the diverse ways people express themselves. Every team member is trained and supervised to provide effective and compassionate therapy, including support for AAC, speech, language, literacy, social engagement, and executive functions. We pride ourselves on working collaboratively with clients and their families. By customizing our therapy to suit each individual, we create pathways for communication that empower those we work with.
Our West Lakes team is made up of passionate therapists who enjoy a great balance of professionalism and fun. We are not just great at what we do—we also know how to make the most of the beautiful surroundings. Whether we are providing top-notch therapy or enjoying a peaceful lunch by the lake, we love serving our clients with real life priorities in mind. You can count on us for expert care in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
The Glenelg team is a talented group of therapists with a bit of a sweet spot for ice cream along Jetty Road! But it’s not just about the treats—we are passionate about providing high-quality, professional therapy to every client. As the newest clinic in the group, we’re excited to bring fresh perspectives and exceptional care to the local community. Having a tight-knit group of speech pathologists and occupational therapist, we love being able to provide a collaborative approach to therapy goals.
The Golden Grove team is all about community. We are lucky to work with a diverse range of clients throughout the north and north-east areas, and we love being a part of these communities. Whether we are helping a child reach their developmental milestones or supporting someone through a challenge, we are dedicated to making a positive impact. Our team’s commitment to providing excellent therapy is matched only by our passion for helping those around us thrive.
Our Morphett Vale team is proud to serve the South, an area that often lacks access to specialized therapy services. We are committed to filling that gap and providing top-tier support to those who need it most. We also know how to keep things light, so you will often find us sneaking in a quick trip to McDonald’s as a well-deserved break during the day. We are here to make a difference, and we take pride in being a trusted resource for families in the area.
The Unley team is proud to call the original big blue Kid Sense building, home. Working in such an iconic space allows us to continue delivering exceptional therapy for both Speech and Occupational Therapy needs. We take great joy in seeing our clients grow and achieve their goals through creative and engaging SP/OT sessions. It’s a privilege to be a part of the Kid Sense legacy and to make a difference in the community.
Convenience meets expertise at the Walkerville team’s location, tucked into the local shops. We love the ease of having everything within reach while providing top-quality therapy services to our clients. Whether it’s a quick grocery run before or after a session or just the convenience of being centrally located, our parents and families thrives in this practical and welcoming environment. We are here to offer professional, friendly care to those who need it most.
Our playful team of Occupational Therapists are trained to deliver quality services to help children and young adults overcome challenges in:
Our team of therapists are trained and competent to administer the following specific intervention methods (amongst others):
Our team of fun loving speech therapists are trained to deliver ‘best fit’ services to help children and young adults overcome challenges in:
Our team of therapists are trained and competent to apply the following specific intervention methods (amongst others):
We acknowledge the land on which we operate as the traditional lands of the Kaurna people, and pay our respects to the spiritual relationship with country that all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples hold.
Kid Sense is founded on inclusion and the belief that everyone is welcome. All diversity is celebrated, encouraged, represented and supported in our staff, our clients, and our community. You are welcome here.
