Occupational Therapy grounded in relationship and development

A little about me

I'm Amanda Kelly, a CORU-registered occupational therapist based in Portlaoise, Co. Laois. Over the past 16 years I've worked across the HSE, the charity sector and independent practice, supporting children and families through some of the most important developmental years.

My approach is developmental and relationship-based. I believe children grow best when they feel safe, connected and understood — and when therapy meets them through play, movement and genuine relationship rather than drills or worksheets.

How I work with children

Every child is different, so every plan is different. I take time to understand each child's sensory profile, motor skills, regulation and the things that light them up. From there, we build therapy around meaningful, playful goals — always in close partnership with parents and carers.

• Sensory integration and self-regulation
• Gross and fine motor development
• Play skills, participation and daily routines
• Practical strategies for home and school

Specialist training & qualifications

I'm continually developing my practice, with a particular focus on developmental, sensory and relationship-based models. Alongside my BSc (Hons) in Occupational Therapy, I hold a number of specialist qualifications that shape the way I work:

• Certified Expert DIR® Floortime Training Leader — the advanced level of certification in the DIR® model
• Sensory Attachment Intervention (SAI) Level 1 certified practitioner
• Certificate in Continuing Education in Sensory Integration, University of Southern California (USC)

These specialist qualifications inform my approach to assessment, consultation, parent coaching and training — particularly with children and young people who have sensory, regulation, developmental, attachment and trauma-related needs.

Influences & approach

My thinking is shaped by leaders in developmental, sensory and trauma-sensitive practice. I'm especially inspired by the work of Bruce Perry, Stephen Porges, Patricia Crittenden, Dan Siegel, Marti Smith, Kim Barthel, Éadaoin Bhreathnach and Robyn Gobbel, among others. Their ideas on the nervous system, attachment, development and relationship underpin the way I understand and support each child.

Alongside my clinical work, I deliver professional training so that more practitioners can bring these approaches to the children they support. You can learn more on the Training page.

Registrations & membership

I am registered with CORU, Ireland's regulator for health and social care professionals, and I'm a member of the Association of Occupational Therapists of Ireland (AOTI). These memberships reflect my commitment to safe, ethical and continually developing practice.