To celebrate Occupational Therapy Week, we’re reintroducing Andrea Zappala, our Senior Occupational Therapist at Prosper Health Collective in Booragoon.
With more than 20 years of experience working with children, families and individuals across all stages of life, Andrea brings a wealth of knowledge, creativity and care to her work. With a special interest in play and sensory integration, she is passionate about helping children discover their strengths, build confidence and thrive in everyday life.
Occupational Therapy Week is an opportunity to recognise the important role occupational therapists play in helping people participate in the activities that matter to them. For children, this can mean developing independence, navigating sensory experiences, building emotional regulation skills and gaining confidence in everyday routines.
Getting to Know Andrea
Andrea believes meaningful change begins with a strong and trusting relationship. Her approach is playful, creative and strengths-based, focusing on each child’s individual abilities, interests and goals.
Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach, Andrea works to understand what makes each child unique and creates opportunities for them to learn, explore and grow in ways that feel meaningful.
She is passionate about helping children feel capable and connected, supporting them to develop skills that make a difference both in and beyond the therapy room.
Why Play Matters in Occupational Therapy
Play is an important part of childhood development. It gives children opportunities to explore their environment, practise new skills, solve problems and build relationships.
For Andrea, play is also a valuable way to support children’s occupational therapy goals. By incorporating activities that interest and engage each child, therapy can feel enjoyable while creating opportunities to develop confidence, coordination, independence and emotional regulation.
When children feel safe, supported and engaged, they can explore their strengths and work towards new skills at their own pace.
Understanding Sensory Integration
Children experience the world in different ways. Sounds, textures, movement and busy environments can affect how they feel and participate in everyday activities.
Some children may find certain sensory experiences overwhelming, while others may seek additional movement or sensory input to feel comfortable and regulated.
With her special interest in sensory integration, Andrea works with children and families to better understand individual sensory needs and explore strategies that support participation at home, school and in the community.
The focus is on understanding each child’s needs and helping them feel supported, rather than expecting every child to respond to the world in the same way.
Supporting Children and Families Together
Andrea recognises that families are essential partners in a child’s occupational therapy journey. By working closely with parents and caregivers, she helps identify practical ways to support children’s development in their everyday environments.
This may involve building independence in daily routines, finding ways to make activities more manageable or exploring strategies that help children participate more comfortably in family, school and community life.
Andrea’s collaborative approach helps families better understand their child’s strengths and needs while celebrating progress along the way.
Celebrating the Difference Occupational Therapy Makes
At Prosper Health Collective, we believe every child deserves to feel understood, valued and supported to reach their own goals.
Andrea’s experience and passion reflect the importance of occupational therapy in helping children develop skills, build confidence and participate in the everyday moments that matter to them.
Outside of work, Andrea enjoys spending time with her family, being outdoors and appreciating simple moments, from picnics in the park to walks along the beach and bike rides in the sunshine.
Looking for Paediatric Occupational Therapy in Perth?
Andrea is welcoming new occupational therapy clients at our Booragoon clinic.
If your child would benefit from support with everyday skills, sensory experiences, emotional regulation or building confidence and independence, our team is here to help.
Contact Prosper Health Collective to learn more about paediatric occupational therapy in Perth or book an appointment with Andrea.
Visit our Book Now page to get started.