Hello!
I'm Michelle Newby PhD(c).
Occupational Therapist, Mentor, Educator, Researcher & Mama
I’m driven by a passion for helping OTs turn research into real-world strategies that create lasting change for children and families.
A Little Bit About Me.
When I graduated as a fresh-faced OT in the late 1990s, I had no idea that my career would take me across the globe - living and working in the UK, Canada, New Zealand, Azerbaijan, and China - before bringing me full circle back to my hometown of Newcastle, Australia.
Along the way, I’ve worked in some of the most diverse paediatric settings imaginable: neonatal units, early intervention services, specialist schools, and community clinics. I’ve supported children and families navigating developmental delay, autism, ADHD, developmental coordination disorder, sensory processing differences, PANS/PANDAS, neurological conditions, and developmental trauma. No matter the country or context, one thing has always been clear - families need practical, evidence-based support that works in real life, not just on paper.
I’ve always been driven to deepen my knowledge so I can deliver that kind of support. After completing my Bachelor of Health Science (Occupational Therapy) at the University of Newcastle in 1998, I went on to earn a Master of Science with Distinction in Health and Social Research from City University, London in 2007. In 2025, I wrapped up my PhD in Occupational Therapy, exploring the developmental challenges experienced by children with Paediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS), including how sensory processing impacts their everyday performance.
Today, as Clinical Director of Stepping Stones Therapy for Children, I combine over 25 years of clinical experience with a passion for mentoring other OTs. I provide supervision and training for my own team and for therapists across Australia, helping them build confidence, sharpen clinical reasoning, and apply research in ways that create meaningful change for children and families.
I’m still as passionate as I was on my first day as a new grad - only now, I have a global perspective, years of experience, and a toolkit of strategies that have been tried, tested, and refined in the real world.
I'm Passionate About Clinical Research to Expand Our Understanding of How Best to Support Children with Neurodevelopmental Differences
My research has been published in Q1 occupational therapy journals, including the Australian Occupational Therapy Journal and the American Journal of Occupational Therapy. I also contribute regularly to Connections, the Occupational Therapy Australia journal, writing on complex neurodevelopmental issues such as PANS/PANDAS and Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA).
Check Out My Publications Here
The Human Behind The Therapist
But I'm more than just an OT
I’m also the proud mama to two gorgeous kids and two fluffy fur-baby dogs. In my spare time, you’ll often find me playing Ticket to Ride or Catan with my family, walking through the beautiful nature reserve down to the beach near my home (you can see it in the photo to your left), playing pickleball (so much fun!), or enjoying a good yoga session.
Working With Me
If you’re ready to grow your skills, feel confident with complex cases, and make a bigger impact for children and families, I’d love to help.
You can join my weekly newsletter for practical, evidence-based tips straight to your inbox, explore my training and resources designed to turn research into real-world strategies, or work with me through mentoring for tailored guidance.
However you choose to connect, you’ll get practical, down-to-earth support backed by over 25 years of paediatric OT experience.
HOW WE CAN WORK TOGETHER
Personalised one-to-one or small group sessions to help you grow your skills, deepen your clinical reasoning, and feel confident working with neurodivergent children.
Practical, evidence-informed guides packed with strategies, resources, and insights to support your OT practice with neurodivergent children and their families.
Access live events and on-demand webinars for paediatric OTs. Learn evidence-based, practical strategies you can apply immediately to support children and families.
