Meet the Malone Team
Janiata Malone
Director & Senior Occupational Therapist
Janiata has more than 24 years experience as an Occupational Therapist. She has worked with Disability Services Queensland on the Family and Early Childhood team; with Education Queensland in mainstream, special school and early intervention settings; with Queensland Health as a senior Paediatric therapist and in private practice.
Her paediatric experience has been with children aged between 1 and 16 years with a range of physical, intellectual, neurological, psychological and behavioural difficulties, with a special interest and focus on early intervention with children who are on the Autism Spectrum.
Janiata is also a mother of two and her eldest child has Autism, she is passionate about helping children and families to grow, develop and meet their goals.
Ashleigh Aubrey
Occupational Therapist
Ash completed her studies at the University of the Sunshine Coast graduating with a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy Honours.
Throughout her studies Ash developed a passion for working alongside children and was determined to fill a role within the Paediatric setting. She has experience working with children with a range of physical, intellectual, psychological and behavioural difficulties and disabilities including but not limited to Down Syndrome, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Asperger’s and Dyslexia.
Ash enjoys creating fun, meaningful relationships with children to help them become the best versions of themselves. Ash is a vibrant and energetic therapist who always brings a smile to the faces of those around her.
Liz Toop
Occupational Therapist
Liz completed her Bachelor of Occupational Therapy Honours at the University of the Sunshine Coast.
During her studies Liz completed her 10 week clinical placement at MaloneOT and then continued to work with Malone OT, first as a therapy assistant and then as aregistered occupational therapist.
Liz has experience working with pre-school and school aged children with Autism SpectrumDisorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Down Syndrome, globaldevelopmental delays and intellectual impairments.
Liz is passionate about building meaningful connections with her clients and their families.She creates a fun and nurturing environment where children can thrive. Liz takes pride inthinking of creative ways to spike a child’s interests to make therapy fun!
Brodin Humphreys
Therapy Assistant
Brodin comes to Malone OT with experience working with children of all ages and abilities.
With a background in Early Childhood Education and Riding for the Disabled coaching, Brodin particularly enjoys sessions with the younger ages.
Brodin is kept very busy in her spare time juggling her young family and completing her certificate IV in Allied health, and is excited to share her enthusiastic and bubbly way with children with our families.
Lucy Choveaux
Equine Therapy Assistant
Lucy provides Malone OT’s Equine Therapy sessions along with her daughter Sophia and horses Charlie, Star, Belle, Pilgrim and Carlton.
Each rider is supported by an individual program that helps them achieve their goals and increases their confidence in a fun and sincere environment, overseen by Malone occupational therapists.
Lucy has been riding for over 45 years, loves connecting with people of all ages & abilities and believes she has the best job in the world!
Lucy has been a Pony Club Secretary for a number of years and has Nationally recognised coaching qualifications.
Sophia Choveaux
Equine Therapy Assistant
Sophia supports Lucy in our group Equine Therapy sessions.
Sophia has been riding since she was 2
years old and has successfully competed with her horses at pony club in various disciplines.
She brings with her a wonderful connection to the younger riders, and enjoys watching them grow in
confidence and knowledge.
Sophia is studying PCQ Preliminary Coaching level this year.
Zoe Schafer
Occupational Therapist
Zoe completed her studies at the University of the Sunshine Coast, graduating with a degree in Occupational Therapy with Honours. She completed her final clinical placement at Malone OT under the guidance of Janiata Malone. After finishing her placement Zoe worked for Malone OT as a therapy assistant until she finished her degree before starting work as a registered occupational therapist and has been here ever since.
Zoe has always had an interest in the Paediatric setting and is passionate about helping children develop their potential and confidence in everyday activities. Zoe is a warm-hearted, insightful and cheerful therapist who enjoys connecting with her clients through imaginative pretend play.
She has experience working with children of all ages and abilities and aims to make therapy sessions fun and engaging while working towards the goals of the child and
their family.
Kayleigh Byrne
Therapy Assistant
Kenei has professional experience in the world of neurodiversity through executive functionand ADHD coaching with adults.
She did her training with the ADDCA academy and is now finalising her certificate IV in Allied Health.
She has a strong interest in neurodiversity and hasa lot of life experience in ASD, ADHD and Anxiety.Happy living locally in Gympie for the last 15 years.
Sam Stevens
Occupational Therapist
Emily completed her Bachelor of Occupational Therapy Honours at the University of the Sunshine Coast.
During her studies, Emily completed her 10 week clinical placement at Malone OT. After completing her placement Emily then continued to work as a therapy assistant and now as a registered occupational therapist.
She has experience working with children across diverse age groups and abilities, including but not limited to Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Cerebral Palsy, Global Developmental Delays, and intellectual impairments.
Emily creates a calm, friendly, and positive approach within her therapy sessions. She fosters meaningful relationships with her clients and their families to collaboratively pursue their goals in a supportive environment.
Sam Stevens
Early Years Teacher, Speech Pathology Student/ Speech Therapy Assistant
Samantha is a dedicated and passionate educator with 8 years experience in early years and primary teaching within Gympie, and is currently completing further studies in Speech Pathology.
She has a genuine passion towards working with children and delights in helping them discover their strengths, recognise their own potential and feel successful in their learning.
Samantha believes in fostering meaningful connections with her students and utilising their individual interests and needs to create enjoyable and meaningful learning opportunities.
Kenei Henwood
Therapy Assistant
Kenei has professional experience in the world of neurodiversity through executive function
and ADHD coaching with adults.
She did her training with the ADDCA academy and is now finalising her certificate IV in Allied Health. She has a strong interest in neurodiversity and has
a lot of life experience in ASD, ADHD and Anxiety.
Happy living locally in Gympie for the last 15 years.
Merry Rigby
Therapy Assistant
Merry has over 15 years of experience within the allied health industry.
She has in recent years become interested in, studied and gained a lot of life experience in assisting children with different abilities, with a special interest in the autism and ADHD world.
Merry is currently studying a certificate IV in Allied Health.
Honey Malone
Therapy dog
Honey is our therapy dog. She loves swimming, chasing a stick or ball, following the kids around in the gross motor area and cleaning up any leftovers at lunch time.
You will find Honey by Janiata's side, soaking up any pats she can get.