Bella Martini is an experienced Senior Paediatric Occupational Therapist who has specialised in supporting children in the field of disability for eight years. She graduated from the University of Western Australia with a Bachelor of Biomedical Science (majoring in anatomy and cellular biology) before pursuing a Masters of Occupational Therapy from Curtin University.

Since then, Bella has worked in private practice and not-for-profit organisations where she delivered home, school and community support through individualised one-to-one and group therapy programs. Bella has also developed Ready Rocket Resources, aimed at providing specialist occupational therapy support for families who are wanting additional help at home. She co-authored 'The Galaxy Guide to Running My Rocket', a three-part emotional regulation therapy pack for parents to help their child navigate strong emotions and sensory needs. For more information, please click Ready Rocket Resources tab or visit: www.readyrocketresources.com

Bella demonstrates strong clinical experience in the following areas:​

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• Sensory processing difficulties impacting on a child's independence in toileting, mealtimes and concentration and focus

• Handwriting difficulties including pre-writing skills, letter formations and increased written output

• Assessment of fine motor skills for greater precision and accuracy with tool use, i.e., cutlery, dressing and handwriting

• Assessment of gross motor skills for strength, coordination and endurance

• Assessment of visual perceptual skills for active engagement in sports, reading and spelling

• Emotional regulation and supporting a child to express their emotions with greater independence

• Flexibility and dealing with change

• Assessment of play skills for development of fundamental imaginative skills

• Assessment of social skills for development of positive interactions with others and navigating friendships 

• Executive function, sequencing and problem solving skills

• Interoception and supporting children to read their internal body cues

• Theory of mind and understanding of different perspectives

• Organisation and time management skills

• Supporting clients with positive behaviour support
   

Bella demonstrates high energy and a genuine want to develop a strong relationship with your child during her therapy sessions. She is happy to work alongside your family to understand your goals and utilise observation and a mix of functional and standardised assessments to develop a comprehensive therapy plan to help your child grow.

Bella's experience has extended beyond her work in Australia and she has engaged in multiple volunteer positions abroad as an Occupational Therapist. This has included supporting clients with cognitive disabilities in Bolivia, working in a special education class in Peru, providing community-based occupational therapy supports at a clinic in Guatemala, working in neurorehabilitation home support in Quebec, providing developmental screens to children in Romania and providing mobile therapy services to children with cerebral palsy in Kenya. Whilst studying her Masters, she also provided therapy outreach services to children in Vanuatu, which included the measurement and prescription of wheelchairs donated from Wheelchairs for Kids.

Bella holds a current registration with AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioner Agency), a current working with children check and a membership to Developmental Occupational Therapists of WA (DOTWA).