Meet the Team
Behind every child we support is a team of people who genuinely care about helping them feel understood, confident and able to take part in everyday life.
Tylie
BSc (Hons), MSc | Paediatric Occupational Therapist | Director of Building Blocks Therapy
Specialising in complex neuro disabilities, neurodiversity and a qualified in autism diagnostic tools
Tylie qualified as an Occupational Therapist in 2009 with a First Class Honours degree and has since developed extensive experience working with children and young people with a wide range of neurodevelopmental differences, disabilities and complex needs.
Having initially specialised in neurological rehabilitation, particularly working with children with cerebral palsy and acquired brain injuries, Tylie’s clinical practice has evolved to include a particular focus on autism, ADHD, sensory processing differences and supporting children with complex educational and emotional needs.
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Tylie holds a Master’s degree in Neurological Rehabilitation, for which she subsequently published her dissertation, and has completed postgraduate training in Sensory Integration. She has also undertaken extensive professional development in trauma-informed practice, Sensory Attachment, interoception (including training with Kelly Mahler), the Cognitive Orientation to daily Occupational Performance (CO-OP) approach and Occupational Performance coaching.
More recently, Tylie has expanded her work into autism assessment, completing training in both the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2) and Autism Diagnostic Interview–Revised (ADI-R). She works collaboratively with Clinical Psychologist Dr Caroline Flack at Brighton Psychology as part of a multidisciplinary approach to autism assessment.
Tylie has considerable experience supporting children and young people within mainstream and specialist educational settings. She has particular expertise in identifying barriers to learning and participation, adapting environments and developing practical, individualised strategies alongside families, teachers and the wider multidisciplinary team.
She is also highly experienced in Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), undertaking comprehensive occupational therapy assessments, providing recommendations for specialist provision and contributing to SEND tribunals. Her experience includes working alongside solicitors, case managers and other professionals, and she has undertaken additional legal training with Bond Solon.
Alongside her work in neurodevelopmental conditions, Tylie retains specialist expertise in complex neurological disabilities, including upper limb rehabilitation, hemiplegia, postural management, splinting, assistive technology and powered mobility. Her additional training includes Constraint Induced Movement Therapy, the Assisting Hand Assessment and Lycra garment prescription.
As Director of Building Blocks Therapy, Tylie is passionate about delivering evidence-informed, child-centred occupational therapy that makes a meaningful difference to everyday life. She particularly values working collaboratively with children, families and educational teams to develop practical strategies that support independence, wellbeing and participation in the environments that matter most to them.
Emma
Paediatrics
Specialising in developmental coordination disorder and sensory processing
Emma qualified in 2003 with a BSc (Hons) degree in occupational therapy from the University of Brighton. She has over 18 years of experience in paediatric occupational therapy. Her clinical specialisms include developmental coordination disorder and sensory processing. She has completed post graduate training in Sensory Integration Therapy and is a certified CO-OP (cognitive orientation to occupational performance) therapist.
She has completed post graduate training in the tribunal and EHCP process and has expertise working with children and families with cerebral palsy and acquired brain injury. Emma has a strong focus on delivering effective, efficient and evidence-based therapy.
Clare
Paediatrics
Specialising in Autism and developmental coordination disorder
Clare qualified as an occupational therapist in 2012, with an MSc from Brunel University. Clare initially worked for an independent practice in South West London, working with the multi-disciplinary team across many prestigious independent schools. Clare then moved into the NHS working for a North London Borough. Here, Clare worked in mainstream settings as well as a number of special schools, including Profound to Moderate Learning Disabilities (PMLD), Autism Resource Provisions (ARP’s) and Autism (ASD) schools.
Clare was also required to write re-housing reports, provide specialist equipment and complete manual handling and risk assessments as per of her Social Services role. In her more recent role, Clare has set up and run the OT department a school for children aged 6-19 years with Autism and associated difficulties. Clare has a special interest in Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) and Autism and is a certified CO-OP therapist.
Lara
Paediatrics
Specialising in complex neuro-disability, acquired brain injuries, complex feeding difficulties and hemiplegia
Lara is experienced in providing assessment, advice and direct occupational therapy both withing the clinic and school environment and her clinical specialisms include working with children with complex neuro-disability and acquired brain injuries, and also with conditions such as ASD and Developmental Coordination Disorder.
She has post graduate qualifications in Sensory Integration, gaining an Advanced SI Practitioner qualification in 2015., and Assistive and Augmentative Communication (AAC). Lara has also completed additional training in specialisms including complex feeding difficulties (SOS) and upper limb assessment and therapy approaches for children with hemiplegia.
Alice
Paediatrics / Young People
Specialising in children with complex neuro-disabilities
Alice has developed extensive skills working with children and young people with complex neurodisabilities and continues to build on this experience.
Alice is passionate about finding practical, creative solutions that enable young people to thrive, develop new skills, and enhance their participation and overall wellbeing. Throughout her career as an Occupational Therapist, Alice has demonstrated adaptability, enthusiasm, and a strong commitment to her work. Alice values the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of the children and young people she supports, drawing on the knowledge and experience she has gained over the years.
Leighanne
Paediatrics
Specialising in supporting and promoting the understanding of children’s development and needs
Leighanne has worked across specialist educational environments, an outdoor therapy centre, and private practice, where she delivers individualised assessments, intervention plans, and evidence‑based reports. She is skilled in both standardised and non‑standardised assessment tools, and she uses a range of OT frameworks to create meaningful, child‑centred goals. Her practice is grounded in robust clinical reasoning, safeguarding awareness, and clear, compassionate communication with families and professionals.
Leighanne’s passion for paediatric occupational therapy is deeply personal, inspired by the transformative support her own son received. This lived experience fuels her commitment to empowering children and their families through tailored, strengths‑based intervention. Alongside her clinical work, she mentors OT students, supervises OT assistants, and leads parent and carer workshops to promote understanding of children’s development and needs. She has also contributed to multidisciplinary community programmes, outdoor therapeutic initiatives, and online supervision for school‑based OTs. Leighanne brings empathy, creativity, and a collaborative spirit to every setting, ensuring that each child is supported to thrive in ways that honour their individuality and potential.
