Hi there, I’m Kristy!

Neurodivergent occupational therapist, researcher, and enthusiastic crafter.

I run Healthy Connections Training and Consultancy Services and want to welcome you to my little corner of the internet. 

I’ve been practicing as an Occupational Therapist since graduating in 2007 (to quote a 13-year-old I work with – yeah, you’re old, but you should still get TikTok). 

In addition to clinical experience; I’m also on a research journey, participating in a PhD with the University of Sunshine Coast.

I’m passionate about supporting neurodivergent individuals and their families.  I’m neurodivergent (Autistic/ADHD) myself and appreciate all the strengths and vulnerabilities neurodivergency can bring to your life. 

  • Sensory stuff?

    I get it – I’ve woken up at 2am, overwhelmed because my hair didn’t ‘feel right’ and needed to wash and blow dry it immediately so I could go back to sleep.

    On the flip side, I’m so sensitive to visual, body/face cues I can often pick up emotional changes in people faster than they can.

  • Changes in the plan ruining your day?

    I get it – if the plan changes my day can be a write-off; anxious is the wrong word, let’s stick with overwhelmed.

    You know what though, my attention to detail means I can provide you with the most comprehensive plan of your life.

  • Special interests?

    I get it – I hyperfocus on things that interest me and learn all I can. My PhD supervisor described me as a ‘wombat’ – I’m thorough, methodical and go as deep into the information as I can.

    If you want to share 450 facts about T-Rexes with me, that’s great, I appreciate the passion!

  • Losing track of time and signing up to 110 cool projects?

    I get it – I love exciting ideas and innovative projects but have no concept of time. 50 things due in November?

    No worries, let’s add another 10 to the mix because they look interesting. I’ll figure out the overwhelmed feeling later.

  • Pattern recognition?

    I get it – I’m terrible at Maths, but love looking for patterns in behaviour and stress responses.

    My brain wants to know what’s contributing to stress in a family? What are the moving pieces that are influencing stress? What can be added or taken away to support the entire family?

    Let’s collaborate, talk and figure it out.

Early on in my career, I recognised I had a passion for supporting families as a unit, in whatever shape they came in.  Child rearing is a tough gig and it takes a village to raise a child.

This made my brain tick – how do we best support the village?

My answer:

Let’s educate the village and build their confidence and capacity. 

Let’s share evidence-based, neurodiverse affirming approaches that honour an individual’s strengths, as well as supporting any vulnerabilities. 

Let’s work with the systems that surround an individual; building up the skills of professionals, educators and workplaces so the supportive village grows.

I love providing training and education and am confident in front of a crowd. Given the opportunity, I’d love to share my knowledge with you. 

If you’re keen to know more, let’s talk.

Join me in creating a future that supports us all.

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