About Us
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Babies & Beyond Therapy Hub exists to help families in early intervention from 0-24 months and beyond to assist in harnessing this period of natural brain development and help children maximise their progress and potential.
Evidence suggests that infants’ brains develop rapidly between birth and two years of age. Most new connections and pathways are formed within the brain during this time.
When we consider the milestones from 0 to 24 months, crawling, walking, interactions with others, eating, drinking, playing, independent sleep, problem-solving and talking, we can recognise that all of these skills are the building blocks for the growth and development a child will undergo in the following stages of childhood that will allow them to participate confidently throughout their lives.
Our Team
Lauren Dorney
Director & Occupational Therapist
Lauren is a Paediatric Occupational Therapist whose particular area of interest is early infant and toddler development.
She is passionate about early intervention and meeting a child and their family wherever they may be in their journey. This passion has been the core driver in providing neuro-affirming support that meets each family’s individualised goals through a collaborative approach.
Lauren understands the importance of a therapeutic relationship and building rapport with clients to provide the best support and encourages collaboration with other health professionals who are part of a child’s journey to ensure the collective goals are achievable.
Since qualifying in 2010 in Cape Town, South Africa, Lauren has worked in Australia, Dubai (United Arab Emirates), and South Africa helping families across the globe assess and support their children.
Lauren is Australian Health Professional Regulation Agency (AHPRA) accredited and a member of Occupational Therapy Australia (OTA).
She has received additional training in Neurodevelopmental Treatment (NDT), normal movement patterns, SOSI-M, Ayres Sensory Integration (ASI), Bayley’s Toddler Infant Development, Using Gravity to Facilitate Sensory Motor Development in Infants and Children and a sensory-motor approach to feeding (talk tools).
Lauren is a wife, a mum of two toddlers, and an avid swimmer who loves travelling.
Particular Areas of Interest include:
- Early intervention for developmental delays
- Supporting baby and parent relations
- Sensory processing disorder and emotional regulation
- Learning difficulties
- Problem feeders and picky eaters
- Sleep challenges
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Rare genetic disorders
- Complex medical conditions
- Neurological disorders
Layla Wakfer
Occupational Therapist
Layla Wakfer is a dedicated and compassionate paediatric occupational therapist from South Africa, where she completed her Occupational Therapy degree at the University of Cape Town.
Layla has been living in Brisbane for 3 years. With a warm and empathetic approach, Layla establishes strong connections with her young clients and their families, creating a comfortable, fun and trusting environment for effective therapy.
Layla has a multitude of experience working as an occupational therapist in mental health and paediatric settings, in both South Africa and Australia. Layla’s expertise encompasses a wide range of paediatric conditions, including but not limited to autism spectrum disorders, sensory processing disorders, developmental delays, anxiety, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, learning difficulties and physical disabilities.
Layla has completed her training in Ayres Sensory Integration. Wether working with children facing development delays, sensory processing difficulties or other challenges, Layla is dedicated to unlocking each child’s full potential.
Franzi Lane
Occupational Therapist
Franzi Lane is a Paediatric Occupational Therapist. Originally from Germany, she completed her Masters in Occupational Therapy in Canberra.
She is very passionate about early intervention and has a holisitc therapy approach, focusing on nurturing each child’s unique strength and abilities. She values working in a multidisciplinary team to support clients and their families.
Franzi completed her training in Ayres Sensory Integration and has worked in a variety of school and private practice settings. Her main areas of interest are sensory processing disorders, parent education, autism spectrum disorder, developmental delays, picky eaters, learning difficulties and a variety of physical disabilities.
Franzi has a family with a little one year old son, she loves to cook and go with her family on adventures.
Particular Areas of Interest include:
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Sensory Processing Disorder
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Emotional Regulation
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Parent/family involvement during therapy sessions
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Autism Spectrum Disorder
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Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
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Feeding/mealtime difficulties
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Developmental Delay
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Intellectual Disability
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Early Intervention
