​The Sensory Gym Mission

We believe in providing the highest quality of service possible to children and families. We respect the individuality of each child and each family; we value the gifts that each child has to offer. We look for beauty and strength, and we are never disappointed. We honour the child, not the challenge, and seek to support the child in showing and being all that they really are. We recognise the power that belief, hope and love hold in the therapeutic process. We believe in what is possible, in what can be.

About the Clinic

The Sensory Gym is a cutting edge paediatric occupational therapy practice with Colleen Hacker, MS, OTR and Lynette Burke, OTR/L, as its clinical directors. Colleen holds a bachelor's degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, Texas and an advanced clinical master's degree in Paediatric Occupational Therapy from the Medical College of Virginia in Richmond, Virginia. Her career spans over 35 years of experience in paediatric occupational therapy in settings including neonatal intensive care, early intervention, public schools, rehabilitation, public health settings, and private practice. Lynette completed her training in Occupational Therapy in 1984 at San Jose State University in San Jose, California after graduating with a degree in Psychology/Child Development from St. Mary's College in Moraga, California. Since that time she has practiced continuously, both treating and consulting in a variety of paediatric settings including early intervention, private and public schools, and private practice.

Although Colleen and Lynette never worked together in the United States their paths crossed frequently as they each pursued advanced learning and mentoring opportunities from leaders in the field of paediatric occupational therapy. Their direct mentors include Patti Oetter, Pat Wilbarger, Julie Wilbarger, Sheila Frick, and Beth Osten. Colleen and Lynette have both volunteered numerous times as therapy leaders at Camp Avanti (a summer camp in the United States that serves children with learning disabilities and/or sensory processing dysfunction). Collectively they bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to The Sensory Gym raising the bar to the highest level in terms of quality of service provided, in-depth training for staff, and commitment to staying cutting-edge.

The Sensory Gym provides the most effective, current, and meaningful occupational therapy services possible to children from birth to 18 years of age and their families. The staff at The Sensory Gym specialise in sensory integration, DIR®/Floortime™, sound therapy programs, and trauma-informed approaches. The models of intervention utilised at The Sensory Gym are often helpful with challenges associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Attention Deficit Disorder, Disorders in Sensory Processing, Disorders of Behaviour and Conduct, Mood Disorders, Learning Difficulties, Developmental Dyspraxia, genetic disorders, and general developmental challenges.
 
Services provided include occupational therapy assessment, ongoing treatment, and unique “intensive” therapy programs. The Sensory Gym is committed to excellence in service delivery, respect for every individual, and the power of possibility.

Acknowledgment of Country

In the spirit of reconciliation The Sensory Gym ​acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.