Fox taught me more than a textbook ever could. He changed my perspective from being the therapist looking in, to the sister looking out.
Rochelle Mutton
Like many good stories, mine begins with what at first appeared to be sheer luck as I landed on the ‘Occupational Therapy’ page of my Year 11 careers guide. I knew very little about what an OT actually did, but the possibility of working one-on-one with children was enough to capture my attention.
Looking back now, I understand the wisdom in Steve Jobs’ words: “you can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards.”
And when I look backwards, there are plenty of dots I can now connect.
Some begin in childhood, as an only child making mud kitchens, climbing trees and teaching teddies in front of a chalkboard. I loved to play. Others appeared in high school through a passion for psychology and a deep curiosity about autism. Then came university, where my paediatric placements felt less like learning something new and more like coming home.
One of the most significant dots came during my final-year OT placement at a kindy, where I met a little boy named Fox who loved pretending to be a dog in his play. After experiencing a number of unsuccessful foster placements, Fox eventually joined my family as my brother.
Fox taught me more than any textbook ever could. He changed my perspective from being the therapist looking in, to the sister looking out.
Every workplace that followed added another dot.
I began my career in a not-for-profit organisation, where I learned the importance of multidisciplinary care. Private practice showed me the incredible difference child-led play could make to a child’s independence, confidence and ability to engage in everyday life.
That curiosity took me to California to complete my Sensory Integration Certification, where I began to understand the neuroscience behind the changes I was seeing in therapy. From there, I took what I had learned to London, working within an incredible and culturally diverse community.
Eventually, the dots led me home.
I returned to Adelaide and, in 2017, launched Motivate Kids.
What began with one OT has grown into a passionate and connected team of therapists and support staff, united by a shared belief in a world where no child gets left behind.
Today, when I look backwards, I can see how each experience shaped Motivate Kids into what it is now. The play, the people, the learning, the challenges and the relationships all became part of the story.
And there are still so many dots ahead of us.
Perhaps the most exciting part is discovering which one we’ll connect next, together.
Welcome to Motivate Kids. I can’t wait to meet you.
Rochelle
Rochelle
Meet the team behind the dots.
A short introduction to Motivate Kids – the space, the people, and the way we work with the children and families who come to us.
Recognition
Awards that reflect what we stand for.
We didn’t set out to win awards. They’ve been a meaningful by-product of the work, the people and the space we’ve poured ourselves into.
2026
Hesta Allied Health Team Excellence Finalist
Hesta
Recognises outstanding allied health teams creating meaningful impact through excellence, innovation and collaboration.
For Families
This recognition reflects something at the heart of Motivate Kids: supporting your child means looking beyond the therapy room. We work alongside families, educators and the people in your child’s world to help build skills and confidence where everyday life happens.
For Educators & Referrers
This recognition reflects our commitment to working in partnership around the child. By sharing knowledge, building educator capability and embedding support into everyday environments, we help create change that can continue long after our direct involvement.
For Therapists
This recognition belongs to the team. It celebrates therapists who think beyond individual sessions, share their expertise and work together to create a bigger impact for children, families and communities. When you join Motivate Kids, you become part of that work.
2025
40 Under 40 Social Impact Award
Presented by Business News Australia
Recognises emerging leaders under the age of 40 who are creating meaningful, lasting change in their communities.
For Families
This recognition reflects our commitment to building a practice that goes beyond the therapy room — one that shapes the lives of children, families and the communities around them. When you choose Motivate Kids, you’re choosing a practice led by a team recognised for the impact they create, not just the services they provide.
For Educators & Referrers
This award reflects the trust placed in Motivate Kids as a partner in the broader community of professionals supporting children. We show up for the children and families in your care with the same intention and heart that is the essence of this award.
For Therapists
This is the kind of practice you want to grow in — one recognised not just for clinical excellence, but for the difference it makes in the world. That starts with the people in this team, including you.
2024
Small Business Commercial Build Award
Presented by the Housing Industry Association (HIA)
Recognises excellence in commercial construction and purposeful space design — awarded for our Broadview studio.
For Families
Our Broadview studio was built from the ground up with your child in mind. Every element — the lighting, the acoustics, the layout, the sensory zoning — was intentionally designed around the neuroscience of child development. The space your child walks into was designed to help them feel safe, regulated and ready to grow.
For Educators & Referrers
When you refer a child or family to Motivate Kids, you’re sending them to an environment that has been purposefully designed to support their wellbeing. The physical space is part of the therapy.
For Therapists
You’ll work in a studio that was built for you as much as it was built for the children you support. A space designed to inspire great therapy, protect your own regulation and remind you every day why this work matters.
Be a part of our Community
We believe it takes a village and we’re honoured to be part of yours.
