Michelle Cloete

Michelle is a highly experienced paediatric Occupational Therapist with a career spanning over 25 years. Originally from South Africa, Michelle relocated to Brisbane with her family in 2013 and has continued to pursue her passion for supporting children and families. 

Michelle works with children across a broad age range, from infancy through to adolescence, and has a particular interest in understanding the unique needs, strengths, and experiences of each child. She is passionate about helping children develop confidence, self-understanding, and meaningful skills to participate in everyday life. 

Families often appreciate Michelle’s calm, thoughtful, and compassionate approach, as well as her ability to look beyond behaviours and understand the underlying needs of the child. She values strong relationships with families and believes meaningful progress occurs through connection, collaboration, and understanding.

Michelle brings extensive experience as a paediatric Occupational Therapist across South Africa and Australia. Throughout her career, she has supported many children and families with a wide range of developmental, sensory, emotional, behavioural, and relational needs. 

Michelle previously owned and successfully operated her own paediatric Occupational Therapy clinic, where she developed strong clinical leadership skills and supported the growth of other therapists. She continues to expand her knowledge through ongoing professional development, bringing new approaches and tools into her clinical practice. 

As a Consultant Occupational Therapist, Michelle is valued for her depth of experience, broad clinical toolkit, and ability to support children and families through a holistic and collaborative approach. She is passionate about parent coaching, mentoring other therapists, and empowering families with practical strategies that support their child’s development and everyday participation.

Michelle has extensive experience supporting children and families across both South Africa and Australia. She has worked with children from infancy through to adolescence across clinic, school, and consultation settings, developing particular expertise in supporting children with complex developmental, sensory, emotional, and relational needs. 

Michelle has experience supporting children and families across the following areas: 

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Levels 1, 2 & 3
• Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) profiles
• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)
• Sensory Processing and Regulation
• Attachment and Relational Difficulties
• Emotional and Behavioural Regulation
• Anxiety and Mental Health Challenges
• Self-harm and Aggression
• Sleep Difficulties
• Feeding Challenges related to sensory processing differences
• Executive Function Difficulties
• Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) / Dyspraxia
• Motor Planning and Coordination Difficulties
• Learning Differences and Developmental Delays
• Play Skills and Social Participation
• School Participation and Transitions
• Parent Coaching and Family Support 

• Certified Sensory integration therapist
• Certified Circle of Security Parenting facilitator
• Mental Health Endorsement through OT Australia
• Developing Pretend Play Skills in Children – Advanced (by Karen Stagnitti)
• Cognitive Orientation Occupational Performance workshop (CO-OP)
• Wilbarger Therapressure Protocol
• Sensory Defensiveness: A Comprehensive Treatment Approach, (presented by Patricia and Julia Wilbarger),
• Masterclass: Diagnosis of ASD in Children and Adolescents
• Instructors Course in Neuman-Neurode’s Baby Postural Exercises
• Infant Sensory Integration Training
• Working With The Younger Child: Observation and Treatment of the 0-4 Year Old
• Introduction to DIR/Floortime Approach
• Cranio Sacral Therapy Level 1
• Integrated Listening Systems Provider

Michelle takes a developmental, child-led, and strengths-based approach to therapy. She believes children thrive when they feel safe, understood, and supported, and that therapy should consider the whole child within the context of their family, relationships, and everyday environments. 

Her sessions combine play, sensory-motor experiences, skill development activities, and explicit teaching to support areas such as emotional regulation, executive functioning, social skills, motor development, and participation in everyday life. 

Michelle is passionate about partnering with parents throughout the therapeutic process and believes parent coaching and support are essential components of successful intervention. Drawing on her knowledge of attachment theory and child development, she helps families better understand their child’s needs and develop practical strategies to navigate challenges with confidence and connection.

Born into a Portuguese family living in South Africa, Michelle grew up surrounded by a rich blend of cultures, traditions, and perspectives. While her family celebrated Portuguese traditions, food, language, and culture, she was also part of the broader multicultural community that shaped South Africa. 

These experiences have fostered Michelle’s appreciation for the unique values, beliefs, and experiences that each family brings. She enjoys working with families from diverse backgrounds and is committed to providing care that is respectful, inclusive, and responsive to each family’s individual needs. 

Michelle brings warmth, curiosity, and a genuine love of working with children and families to everything she does. She describes herself as someone who loves to play, problem-solve, and find creative ways to support children in developing the skills they need to navigate the world. 

Outside of Occupational Therapy, Michelle enjoys spending time in nature, walking through forests and parklands, listening to music, dancing, and connecting authentically with others. She is naturally curious and enjoys puzzles, sudoku, and finding solutions to complex challenges. 

Michelle is passionate about supporting children and families within the broader community and has been involved in children’s ministry, charity initiatives, and advocacy for children and vulnerable members of the community over many years. Above all, she feels privileged to walk alongside families and is continually inspired by the curiosity, courage, and unique strengths of the children she works with. 

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.

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.