Mikaela Winter
Senior Occupational Therapist, Director & Clinical Lead
BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy, University of Ulster
AHPRA registered Occupational Therapist · OCC0002050021
Hi, I'm Mikaela! I'm the Senior Occupational Therapist and Director of Wildflower Kids Therapy, a neurodiversity-affirming paediatric occupational therapy practice based in Mudgeeraba on the Gold Coast.
With over a decade of experience as an occupational therapist, combined with the lessons I've learned as a mum of two, my work is built on the values of authenticity, trust, and creating space for children to grow into their most confident, unique selves.
Parenthood has been one of my greatest teachers. My son, Taron, with his big personality and sensitive soul, and my little girl, Chloe, challenge me daily to grow in patience, compassion, and trust.
These lessons inspire how I work with children and families, reminding me that growth happens when we feel safe, connected, and truly seen. They also remind me that being a "good enough parent" is good enough.
At Wildflower Kids Therapy, I believe in focusing on what really matters. My goal isn't to teach a perfect pencil grip, it's to help a child find joy in expressing themselves through writing. I'm not here to insist on eye contact or "good listening", I want to show children the magic of connection and friendships. It's about helping kids discover what lights them up so they're motivated from the inside out.
I'm guided by two quotes that sum up my philosophy:
- "Kids don't learn from people they don't like." – Rita Pierson
- "Children learn more from what you are than what you teach." – W.E.B. DuBois
Much of what I bring to my work also comes from my strengths. I've been told I have a knack for picking up on people's feelings, even when they don't have the words for it. I love coming up with creative ideas and seeing the potential in others. I love learning new things, and I'm all about making sure everyone feels included and valued.
Working with neurodivergent children is something I find truly magical. There's nothing more rewarding than helping children embrace who they are and watching them achieve, learn, and grow with a spark in their eyes.
As the director and clinical lead of Wildflower Kids Therapy, I work very closely with the amazing clinicians on our team. I believe in practising what you preach, and our clinicians are led with their unique strengths and perspectives in mind. Collaboration is at the heart of everything we do, bringing all our incredible minds together to support each child in a holistic, team-based way.
I believe that when we share ideas and try on different lenses, we do our best work for the children and families we work with. So don't be surprised if there's occasionally an extra clinician in the room! Also know that when your child is part of the clinic family, they are backed by our entire team.
Qualifications and Training
Qualifications
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BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy, University of Ulster, Northern Ireland
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Registered Occupational Therapist, Ahpra Registration OCC0002050021
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Current First Aid and CPR Certification
Certificated training
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Autism Assessment Fundamentals and Co-Occurring Conditions · Uni of Melb
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PDA Summit, Pathological Demand Avoidance (Casey Ehrlich & Dr Melissa Houser) & Compliance or Connection (Caroline Gaddy) · Learn Play Thrive
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DIR 101: An Introduction to DIR and DIRFloortime · ICDL
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OT Functional Capacity for Paediatrics · Verve OT
Conferences and workshops attended
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Feeding Assessment and Intervention Workshop · Brisbane Feeding Clinic
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PDA & Neurodivergence Masterclass · inTune Pathways (Kristy Forbes)
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Neurodivergence Wellbeing Conference · ANZMH Gold Coast
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Yellow Ladybugs Conference
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SenseUp Gold Coast · Two-day Workshop
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Queensland ADHD Conference
Active member of
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Hidden Disabilities Sunflower - Professional Member
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Australasian ADHD Professionals Association (AADPA) - Professional Member
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Occupational Therapy Australia (OTA) - Professional Member