About Us

Linda Hawcroft

Paediatric Occupational Therapist and Practice Manager

Masters of Occupational Therapy (University of Queensland 2004)

Bachelor of Science Degree (University of Queensland 2001)

Linda is a senior Paediatric Occupational Therapist with nearly two decades of experience dedicated to supporting children and families since 2005. Throughout her career, she has worked in various settings, including government and private practices, honing her skills and expertise. At Home On A Hill, Linda serves in a dual role that encompasses Practice Management and Occupational Therapy, where she provides clinical supervision and actively supports a multidisciplinary team.

As an early childhood development specialist, Linda is passionate about assisting neurodiverse children and their families. She has extensive training in several therapeutic approaches, including:

DIR®/Floortime
Sensory Attachment Intervention
Sunshine Circles®
Mindful ASD (complexities of ASD and positive behavioral support)
Hey Warrior and Developing Brain
PACE - Berry Street training

Linda is currently pursuing certification in Ayres Sensory Integration®, which addresses the relationship between the nervous system and sensory inputs, targeting sensory processing challenges that can affect behaviour, learning, and daily functioning. This approach enables the development of tailored, individualised intervention strategies that promote sensory-rich experiences to meet each child's unique needs.

Beyond her professional endeavours, Linda is a dedicated mother of five and is deeply committed to making a positive impact in the Sunraysia District.

Gavin Hawcroft

Family & Child Practitioner

(Accredited Mental Health Social Worker under Medicare)

Bachelor of Social Work Degree (University of Queensland 2006)

Bachelor of Arts Degree (University of Queensland 2003)

Gavin has worked with families and their children and young people using an attachment-based, trauma-informed child and family therapy approach to supporting child development and child mental health within government and private services.

Private practice as Family & Child Practitioner at Home On Hill - Child & Family Therapy (2019 - currently)
Senior Clinician role at Take Two, Berry Street (2023 - currently)
Private practitioner as Family & Child Practitioner at In Leaps & Bounds child development clinic, Mildura (2017 - 2019)
Early Intervention Parenting Clinician within Child & Family Health Services and Child Development Services in Queensland Health (2009 - 2016)

Working towards accreditation in Neurosequential Model of the Brain (NMT by Dr. Bruce Perry) and as Theraplay® practitioner
Accredited Mental Health Social Worker under Medicare since 2018
Child and Family counsellor within urban, regional and rural remote communities gaining clinical experience serving families in Brisbane, Ipswich, and Far South West, Queensland, prior to supporting children and families in the Mallee, Victoria
Completed the yearlong certificate in Borderline Personality Disorder as part of Masterson's Psychotherapy Approach to Disorders of the Self (2019)

Mason Peter

Child & Family Social Worker

Bachelor of Laws (Honours)/Arts (Monash University).

Masters Social Work (University of Melbourne 2023).

Masters of Family and Systemic Therapy (Currently Studying) (Australian Catholic University).

Mason was born and raised in the Mallee region and has a passion for improving the outcomes of children and families across our region. Mason is a proud descendant of the Wiradjuri Nation. Mason aims to provide a culturally safe space for Aboriginal children and families within a private practice context. Mason has a passion for working with families to heal from and overcome intergenerational trauma. Mason is passionate about supporting Aboriginal children to achieve positive outcomes. Mason also utilises his lived experience as a neurodivergent individual to create a neuro-affirming space of safety for neurodivergent children and their families.

Over the past three years Mason has worked in various roles across the human services industry in the Mallee region ranging from family violence, family and out of home care services.

Mason is a certified facilitator for the Triple P Parenting Program Level 4 (and is working towards higher levels); and the Circle of Security Parenting Program (COS-P) (an attachment-based parenting program).

Mason is working towards becoming a certified practitioner in Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP) and Theraplay (an attachment-based play therapy). Mason currently holds Level 1 DDP training and is working towards Level 2. Mason also holds Level 1 Theraplay training and is working towards Level 2.

Mason currently utilises Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and narrative therapy to support children and their families. Mason is committed to evidence-based and evidence-informed practice to ensure the best outcomes for the children, young people, and the families he works with.

Mason is working towards Mental Health Accreditation with the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW).

Rebecca Vines

Paediatric Occupational Therapist

Bachelor of Applied Science - Occupational Therapy

(University of South Australia 2005)

Bec is passionate about working with children and their families to promote child well-being and independence with their activities of daily living in the home and educational setting.

Bec is dedicated to evidence-based practice, having diligently completed a range of professional development courses to enhance her expertise in Paediatrics. Some of these include:

Best practice for working in Australian Schools webinar
Resilience in a World of Burnout
OT Functional Capacity Assessment for Paediatrics
Sensory Processing and Modulation in children – Foundations & Strategies for Participation
Standardised assessment tools – Administer, Interpret, Report
Emotional Regulation 101
OT Support for Children’s Learning
Children’s Self-regulation
AT & Home Mods - Interventions in People’s Homes
The Art of Paediatric therapy
OT support for Fine Motor Development in Children
An introduction to Supporting Students for SLSO's

She has a strong awareness and understanding of diversity in supporting child development including within disability and supporting people from culturally diverse backgrounds having worked as a Plan Support Coordinator within the NDIA.

Natalie Vega

Paediatric Occupational Therapist

Masters - Occupational Therapy

(La Trobe University 2023)

With over seven years of experience as a Senior Disability Support Worker, Natalie has dedicated her career to empowering individuals with complex, dual, and intellectual disabilities to lead fulfilling lives. Holding a Certificate IV in Disability, a Bachelor's degree in Health Science, and a Master's degree in Occupational Therapy, she brings a comprehensive understanding of disability support coupled with clinical knowledge.

Natalie's professional journey has been driven by a passion for promoting independence and enhancing the quality of life for those she serves. Through tailored interventions and compassionate care, she strives to foster autonomy and self-confidence in each individual she works with.

Beyond her professional pursuits, she finds solace and inspiration in various hobbies. From meditation to dancing, music, and karate, she believes in the power of holistic wellness to nurture both body and mind.

Natalie is committed to continuous learning and growth, and she is excited to collaborate with your child and your family's journey towards empowerment and a brighter and more inclusive future.

Dale Vaughan

Generalist Counsellor and Intake Officer

Advanced Diploma in Counselling (2022)

Studying Bachelor of Counselling (2023-2024)

Dale is a qualified Counsellor who currently provides counselling services at Home On A Hill with a special interest in supporting women, mothers and families who have children with disabilities.

Dale also works as our Intake Officer, where she introduces caregivers/parents to our services, completes the initial interview and works in partnership with families to ensure access to neccessary supports. Dale is our gentle and caring mama bear who is also a mother of five and Granny to another five adorable munchkins. As a Counsellor she works from a Systemic lens with a particular focus on women, with faith and spirituality as key sources of strength, inspiration and direction. She draws upon her own cumulative life experiences that have had a significant impact on her desire to help others on their own journey.

Kylie Fangaloka

Therapy Assistant (Occupational Therapy)

Allied Health Assistance- Certificate IV (currently studying)

Certified music therapist for The Listening Program

Certified music therapist for The Intime Program

Certified Private Music Tutor and Kindermusik Educator

Kylie has had previous experience woking as a private music tutor for neurotypical developing children and neurodivergent children. She previously worked at Family Time and In Leaps & Bounds as a Music therapist. She is a passionate, fun and bright person who loves learning about a child's individualities that make them unique.

Anita Dichiera

Therapy Assistant (Occupational Therapy) and Support Worker

Anita has had extensive experience in working with children in their early years of development. She has worked in day care, kindergarten and school settings and recently worked at St Margaret's Kindergarten for 10 years as an educator assistant. She is a calm, playful and caring person who enjoys taking time to connect with children and their families.

Louise Gurney

Administration Assistant

Last but definitely not least! Louise is our amazing Administration Assistant who goes above and beyond in her role to support our clinicians and families at Home On A Hill. She has two beautiful children of her own and we love what Louise brings to our team. Louise also has extensive experience working in reception and administration. But it's her down to earth nature and bright smile we love best.