About Us

Meet Rochelle -

Meet Rochelle -


Hi, I’m Rochelle, founder and director of Play and Beyond,

With nearly 20 years of experience in early childhood education and intervention, my journey into this field began with my daughter’s expressive play, sparking a passion for supporting young minds and their unique developmental paths. Over the years, I’ve worked in childcare centres and kindergartens, championing personalised, child-centred approaches to learning and growth.

As a mother to neurodivergent children—including my young son, who has autism, ADHD, and 1Q21.1 Duplication Syndrome—I have firsthand insight into the challenges families face when navigating developmental and emotional needs. Being neurodivergent myself has further shaped my understanding, allowing me to connect with children and families in a deeply authentic and meaningful way.

With a Bachelor of Education in Early Childhood and clinical training in Play Therapy, I’m dedicated to helping children overcome behavioural, emotional, and cognitive challenges. At Play and Beyond, I firmly believe, “There is no wrong or right way to learn; there is only their way!”

My mission is to empower children through the healing and transformative power of play, equipping them with the tools to heal, grow, and thrive—on their own terms.

Qualifications and training

  • Certificate lll in Children's Services 

  • Diploma in Children's Services 

  • Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood)

  • Post Graduate Clinical Training in Child Centred Play Therapy 

  • Training in Sandtray Therapy 

  • The Creative Use of Puppets in Play Therapy 

  • Counselling  - currently studying

  • Trauma Informed Certificate for Coaches

  • Certified Facilitator LEGO® Based Therapy 

  • Therapeutic Parenting (Child-Parent Relationship Therapy) Facilitator Course

Meet Sigrid -

Meet Sigrid -

Specialisation: Creative Arts

Hi, I’m Sigrid!

* I have three children, 2 in primary and one in secondary school.

* I love exploring nature and finding interesting creatures and plants.

* I love bike-riding, craft, playing music and making up stories and songs.

* I love performing on stage - singing, dancing and acting!

I have been teaching drama and the Arts to children of all ages for over 20 years. Throughout this time, I have come to see the value of play and creative expression in enhancing wellbeing, developing and expressing a sense of identity, as well as in the processing of experiences and events within people’s lives and the world around them. 

I have facilitated ‘Wellbeing through the Arts’ sessions with kindy children, utilising play, creativity and imaginative expression to develop emotional vocabulary and processing. 

I have completed a Masters in Guidance and Counselling, and clinical training in play therapy.

Qualifications and training

  • Bachelor of Performing Arts

  • Graduate Diploma in Education 

  • Master of Education (Specialisation Guidance and Counselling)

  • Registered and experienced primary and secondary Arts teacher (drama, music, visual art)

  • Post Graduate Clinical Training in Child Centred Play Therapy

  •  Therapeutic Parenting (Child-Parent Relationship Therapy) Facilitator Course

  • Current registration with Australian Counselling Association (ACA)

Meet Jillian -

Meet Jillian -

Hi, I‘m Jillian!

I am passionate about early childhood development and have worked in the field for over 14 years in both Canada and Australia. I hold a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and a Master's degree in Child Study and Education. 

As a qualified teacher, I have extensive experience working with children with additional needs and behavioural challenges. My approach to education is child-centered and strengths-focused.

I live in Hervey Bay with my husband, our three young girls, and our golden retriever. In my free time, I enjoy yoga, beach walks, bike riding, and a strong cappuccino.

 I look forward to working in partnership with you and your child.

Qualifications and training

  • Master of Arts in Child Study and Education

  • Bachelor of Science in Honours Psychology

  • Child Abuse Prevention Award (in recognition of outstanding research or practice in child abuse prevention)

  • Post Graduate Clinical Training in Child Centred Play Therapy

Meet Elysia -

Meet Elysia -

Hi, I'm Elysia!

I started my journey in Melbourne with a Certificate II in Children's Services, leading to a Certificate III and Diploma before completing my Early Childhood Teaching degree. 

I have been working with young children and their families for over 20 years. After many years of teaching I discovered the Masters in Child Play Therapy at Deakin and fell in love, I completed my Masters in 2021 while travelling around WA with my family. 

I moved to Maryborough at the beginning of 2022 with my husband and 2 teenage daughters.  

Over the years I have worked with many children with Autism, ADHD, anxiety, developmental delays, and from trauma backgrounds. Working as a play therapist allows me to give individualised attention to those that need it most, something that can be challenging in the classroom environment.  

I am trained in Learn to Play Therapy, Child-Centred Play Therapy and Filial Therapy and love to work with children and their families in whatever method suits their individual needs.

Qualifications and training

  • Cert II, Cert III, Diploma and Advanced Diploma of Early Childhood

  • Bachelor of Early Childhood Education

  • Grad Certificate of Disability and Inclusion

  • Master of Child Play Therapy

  • Qualified in Learn to Play Therapy, Child-Centred Play Therapy and Filial Therapy

  • Certificate IV in Training and Assessment

Meet Kerry -

Meet Kerry -

Early Childhood Intervention Specialist/Key Worker

Hi, I’m Kerry! 

I graduated from QUT with a Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) in 1994. I then spend the next 13 years working and travelling overseas. I have over 25 years experience working with children, teaching, childcare, vacation care, nannying and even as a swimming instructor. Most recently I worked as a Kindergarten teacher at a local Kindergarten in Hervey Bay.

 I believe in child-centred play-based learning and making connections with children is fundamental in any authentic work with children. I am currently studying a Master of Child Play Therapy at Deakin University. 

I really love being in nature and spend time with my family camping whenever we can. I am passionate about recycling and being gentle on the planet. My dream is to live a sustainable life. In the meantime I am a busy Mum of 3 girls. I grew up in Hervey Bay and returned here with my English husband to raise our family. I love being close to my extended family and when I have time I enjoy being in the garden, hanging out with my chooks.

Qualifications and training

  • Bachelor of Early Childhood Education

  • Master of Play Therapy (currently studying)

  • Previous swimming instructor