Samantha Annetts, Occupational Therapist

About Samantha

Samantha Annetts is a warm and dedicated paediatric occupational therapist at Progress Pathways North Lakes, over five years of experience in early intervention. She has a deep background in supporting neurodivergent children, particularly those on the Autism spectrum, and is passionate about helping them navigate all areas of development. Samantha’s approach is rooted in compassion, ensuring that both the child and their family feel supported, heard, and empowered throughout the therapy process.

Clinical collaboration is at the heart of Samantha’s practice. Having worked extensively within transdisciplinary teams alongside speech pathologists and behaviour support practitioners, she understands the importance of holistic care. She thrives on learning from other clinicians to ensure her clients receive the most comprehensive support possible. Samantha is also highly skilled in navigating the practical side of therapy, including NDIS requirements and documentation, making the journey smoother for North Lakes families.

Samantha’s true joy lies in getting on a child’s level. She uses a play-based approach to foster early social skills and emotional regulation, often creating her own bespoke resources to capture a child's imagination. Whether she is working on complex fine motor tasks or supporting a child through school readiness milestones, Samantha’s goal is to make every session a positive and impactful experience.

Samantha's Strengths

At Progress Pathways, we believe in leveraging our team members' strengths. Each team member completes a CliftonStrengths analysis within their first week on our team.

Samantha’s natural approach to therapy is defined by her ability to build deep, authentic relationships. She finds great satisfaction in working closely with families, creating a sense of partnership that helps everyone stay aligned toward the child's goals. This relational focus ensures that parents feel like they have a trusted ally in their child's corner.

She possesses an instinctive ability to understand and mirror the emotions of the children she supports, allowing her to create a safe and reassuring environment. This helps her sense when a child needs more support or a change in pace, ensuring sessions are always attuned to the child's needs. Because she is naturally adaptable, Samantha excels in the dynamic clinic setting, easily "going with the flow" to turn unexpected moments into valuable learning opportunities.

Finally, Samantha has a natural talent for spotting potential and celebrating growth. She is deeply attuned to the small wins—those tiny signs of progress that lead to big milestones over time. By highlighting these improvements, she helps build confidence in both the children she treats and their caregivers, fostering a positive atmosphere of continuous development.

Samantha's Learning Pathway

We celebrate our team of lifelong learners. Samantha has taken advantage of Progress Pathways' commitment to professional development, regularly participating in training to enhance her knowledge and skills. Below are some of the key courses Samantha has undertaken:

• How to properly address handwriting – A specialised course focusing on the mechanics of writing, legibility, and strategies to support children struggling with written communication in the classroom.
• Kids that GO: Toilet training – Comprehensive training on evidence-based strategies to support children with diverse needs in achieving independence with toileting.
• Emotional Regulation: From assessment through to intervention – An in-depth look at how to identify a child's regulatory needs and implement practical strategies for home and school.

Through her commitment to ongoing learning and her Bachelor of Occupational Therapy from Australian Catholic University, Samantha ensures she remains at the forefront of paediatric practice to provide the best outcomes for her clients.

Samantha has experience supporting children with diagnoses including:

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• Global Developmental Delay (GDD)
• Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD)
• Sensory Processing Disorder
• Intellectual and Learning Disabilities
• Down Syndrome

Samantha also loves supporting children who may not have a diagnosis, but who benefit from having support in the following areas:

• School readiness issues (fine motor skills, handwriting, attention, and following classroom routines)
• Early social and play skills (learning how to interact with peers, turn-taking, and imaginative play)
• Fine motor development (difficulties with drawing, using scissors, or manipulating small objects)
• Self-care and independence (toileting, dressing, and daily hygiene routines)
• Sensory processing and emotional regulation (managing "big feelings," staying calm, and responding to sensory input)
• Transitions and engagement (moving between activities or staying focused on a task)
• Handwriting and pencil grasp (improving neatness, speed, and comfort when writing)