Our Team
Allied Health Services and Supports
At Strive Kids Hub, we provide holistic play-based, client centered Occupational Therapy services to our local regional communities. Our approach is strengths-based, inclusive. We are passional about child-led services that foster curiosity, confidence, social-emotional growth, and engagement. We prioritise secure relationships, responsiveness, and intentional practices to ensure every child feels valued and supported.
Individualised and Group-Based Supports
Our services are customised to each child we suppourt. We aim to work collaboratively within our community with all sites supporting the child. We do this through both individual and group-based supports. Our aim is too meet children where they are at and to support children build social, motor, and self-regulation skills through guided play, collaboration, and problem-solving activities in a way that is developmentally appropriate. Our interventions focus on the child’s immediate experiences and wellbeing, while also promoting development, skill-building, and lifelong participation.
Collaborative and Inclusive Practice
We work closely with educators, SSO/LSOs, families, and key stakeholders, ensuring our supports are holistic, culturally aware, and inclusive. Through coaching, training, and collaborative partnerships, adults in children’s lives are empowered to extend learning, nurture engagement, and promote agency and independence beyond the therapy room.
Grounded in Occupational Therapy Expertise
Our Occupational Therapy services are guided by evidence-informed frameworks and the Person–Environment–Occupation (PEO) model, ensuring interventions consider the dynamic interaction between the child, their environment, and meaningful activities. In line with Early Years Best Practice Framework recommendations, we use a cycle of assessment, intentional planning, ongoing observation, and responsive modification. This allows us to tailor supports to each child’s evolving needs, optimise engagement, and maximise developmental outcomes. Our approach is strengths-based, inclusive, and play-centered, ensuring interventions are practical, culturally responsive, and embedded in the child’s everyday experiences, while building capacity for families and educators to extend learning across settings.
Regional Perspective, Connected Support
Being embedded in regional communities gives Strive Kids Hub a unique perspective. We understand local strengths, challenges, and opportunities, allowing us to deliver services that are relevant, connected, and responsive. Our holistic approach ensures children thrive socially, emotionally, and developmentally, while families and educators feel supported, skilled, and confident.
Meet the Team
Amber Pacheco (Harding)
Director and Principal Occupational Therapist | Strive Occupational Therapy
With over 9 years experience supporting children and families as a paediatric occupational therapist.
Originally from Canada, Amber began her career in mental health as a support worker before moving to Adelaide to complete her Masters of Occupational Therapy at the University of South Australia. Since then, she has worked across both private practices and not-for-profit organisations, building a deep and diverse foundation in paediatric care.
Amber is passionate about delivering therapy that is meaningful, strengths-based, and grounded in the everyday environments where children live, play, and learn. Her approach is based in function. She applies a holistic and relationship-focused approach to therapy, ensuring that families feel supported and empowered throughout the therapy journey.
As an individual with ADHD, Amber brings a unique understanding to her sessions - her lived experience and insight into neurodiverse perspectives that enrich client centred care.
As part of her commitment to community-focused care, Amber founded Strive Kids Hub—a dedicated space designed to bring families, therapists, and the broader community together. Strive Kids Hub reflects her passion for creating inclusive, supportive environments where children can thrive beyond the traditional clinic setting.
Amber’s leadership at Strive Kids Hub is shaped by her belief that every child deserves to be seen for their strengths, supported in their challenges, and celebrated for who they are.
For more information about Amber's occupational therapy services click the logo below.
Independent Clinician
Occupational Therapist
ABN 54 386 359 688
Lisa Jarvis
Play Group Facilitator
Lisa is a mum of 2 beautiful children Lucas and Sierra. She also has 2 fur babies and a wonderful partner. In her spare time Lisa can be found camping, fishing and just enjoying the outdoors with her family. Lisa is a friendly, positive and outgoing person who has a real passion for entertaining children to support development in a fun and motivating way. Previously Lisa worked as a face painter for 4 years. Lisa is an experienced playgroup facilitator who has a special interest in art. (Lisa previously had her own pop up shop with hand painted pieces).
Lisa brings a warm and welcoming energy to our space! Her creativity shows up in every play group session. As a dedicated Play Group Facilitator, she creates engaging, age-appropriate activities that support young children's growth through play, exploration, and social interaction.
Marli Kelsh
Occupational Therapist
Marli graduated in 2023 from the University of South Australia. She comes to Strive Kids Hub after working in the Community Health Service and brings with her experience working in mental health. Born and raised on the Eyre Peninsula, Marli has a deep passion for working in regional communities and values building genuine, trusting relationships with the children and families she works with.
Outside of work, Marli loves spending time in the ocean surfing, enjoys music, and values quality time with her family. Family is especially important to her, and she treasures time spent with her niece and nephew.
Marli’s warm, caring nature and commitment to wellbeing help create a safe, positive, and supportive environment for everyone at Strive Kids Hub.
Toni Merrington
Allied Health Assistant
Toni's journey in allied health is driven by a genuine passion for working with and helping others. She originally started her career as a swimming teacher before moving into Out of School Hours Care (OSHC) services. It was here that she discovered how much she enjoyed supporting children in diverse learning environments. These experiences inspired her to further her education and become an Allied Health Assistant (AHA).
Originally from Cape Town, South Africa, Toni recently settled in South Australia, having previously been based in Sydney. She is thrilled to be part of the supportive community here on the Fleurieu Peninsula.
At Strive Kids Hub, Toni’s approach is heavily influenced by her personal philosophy: she believes in the importance of slowing down and prioritising what is right for the mind and body. As a creative person who finds expression through art, music, and nature, Toni brings an active, holistic, and considered perspective to supporting the children and families she works with every day.
Family Support Therapist
Social Worker/ Counsellor / Family support worker
At Strive Kids Hub, we believe in empowering families—not just treating challenges. We know that families across the Fleurieu Peninsula are facing increasing pressures when navigating their child’s development, emotional wellbeing, and access to services. In response, we are looking for a Social Worker to focus on capacity building, early intervention, and long-term family support.
This is more than a clinical role—it's an opportunity to walk alongside families, strengthen their confidence, and connect them with the tools and community networks they need to thrive.
If this sounds like a good fit or you want to know more reach out!
Peadiatric Therapist
Allied Health Professional
Reconnect with your why. Make real impact. Work where life feels a little lighter.
We’re Strive Kids Hub are building a small, passionate team based on the beautiful Fleurieu Peninsula. As our community grows, so do the needs of the children and families we serve. That’s why we’re inviting a like-minded Occupational Therapist to grow with us.
This isn’t your typical clinic job. You won’t be stuck behind a desk or confined to four walls. Instead, you’ll be part of a relationship-driven, community-focused practice where therapy happens where it counts: in clinc, homes, schools, playgrounds, and wherever a child’s world unfolds.
If this sounds like an opportunity that interests you or you want to know more reach out!
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