MONICA ZUNIGA MARIN
Who is Monica and how much experience does she have?
Monica is a warm occupational therapist with a passion for working with children and families. She completed her bachelor’s degree in Colombia (Universidad del Valle) in 2004. Early in her career Monica developed a love for paediatrics. She particularly loves working with children and families to overcome developmental challenges, firmly believing that every achievement in development can have an enormous impact on a child’s life and significant meaning for their families.
In 2012, Monica immigrated to Australia. In that time she has continued to work in both the disability and childcare sectors, building experience and professional skills. Monica is now very excited to join the Kids Matters team where she is delighted to be able to put her talents, experience and knowledge to work for our children and families.
Read more information about Monica's skills and training. Monica has worked with children from 0 to 16 (including premature babies) and their families in private practice in the clinic home and school settings. Monica worked extensively in a neurodevelopmental clinic, where she worked collaboratively with other allied health professionals such as Speech Pathologists, Physiotherapist and Psychologists to ensure the best outcome. Monica believes in working closely with specialised clinicians and significant people in the child’s life such as caregivers, educators and teacher aides to ensure that strategies are effective and appropriate. Monica is experienced in working with children who present with: As part of her ongoing professional development, Monica receives supervision by Senior Occupational Therapists on a regular basis. As a native-born Colombian, Monica is fluent in the Spanish language. Monica approaches therapy in a developmentally appropriate, playful and supportive way, working collaboratively with other therapists, parents, teachers and carers as needed. Utilizing a holistic philosophy of care, she works to identify the underlying factors contributing to presenting difficulties. She will then adapt her therapy to suit these issues, incorporating a variety of approaches such as neurodevelopmental therapy, sensorimotor and sensory integrative therapy, biomechanical interventions, environmental adaptations, behavioural and developmental approaches. Monica seeks to effectively involve and support parents/caregivers and educators in the therapy journey. She is passionate about supporting children and families struggling with emotional regulation and exploring the social-emotional and biological triggers for their challenges in this area. Monica loves to work with children with sensory processing issues, motor skills challenges, learning difficulties and social and emotional issues. Monica also enjoys supporting kids with Autism. What happens if you don’t like your therapist (or they don’t feel best equipped to help you)? Sometimes, despite our best efforts you or the therapist may find that you are not a good fit. If your therapist feels that he or she is not best suited to you, he/ she will discuss this with you and recommend a more appropriate therapist. We will then offer you a discounted first session with a new more appropriate therapist at Kids Matters. If you feel that your therapist is not a good fit within the first three sessions, simply discuss this with our admin team who will find a more suitable therapist. Experience with Children’s Issues
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What approach does she take?
Is Monica Right For You?
