Hi! Welcome to Sunny Starts.

Sunny Starts is a privately owned and managed family centred Paediatric Allied Health service in Northern Tasmania offering family centered care.

At Sunny Starts our mission is to empower children to reach their full potential. Through our ongoing consistent support, we aim to enhance your child’s development, setting a solid foundation for a bright and successful future.

We believe in working closely with families and their professional support services to create an integrated approach to care ensuring every child receives the comprehensive support they deserve.

We recognise the vital role that families play in a child’s development. We priortise active involvement and provide resources to empower parents and caregivers on their journey alongside their children. We are dedicated to making a positive impact in the Northern Tasmanian community.

Thank you for considering Sunny Starts for your child’s Allied Health needs. We look forward to the opportunity to support your family on this transformative journey.

Amelia Young Occupational Therapist Tasmania

Amelia Young

Co-Founder / Director

Occupational Therapist

BHSc MOccThyS AHPRA 

Hi, I’m Amelia an Occupational Therapist based in Launceston, Tasmania. I graduated from the University of Queensland in 2018 with a Masters in Occupational Therapy Studies and returned to home Tassie soil in 2020.  

When I’m not at work, I am a mummy to two tiny humans and two fur babies and love spending weekends outdoors with my family.  

I have a passion for family centred practice, and I find empowering families to support their children one of the most fulfilling parts of my job.  

Some of the experiences that have shaped my career to date include: 

  • Engagement in rural health groups and learning about Indigenous communities and their access to health care and education.  

  • Supporting rural health care in remote areas of Queensland and Tasmania. 

  • Practicing cultural responsiveness when working with Indigenous communities.  

  • Volunteering in Vietnam to support children with a range of physical and behavioural disabilities.  

  • Working with an Early Childhood Partner to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).   

I enjoy furthering my learning through professional development and have attended courses in the areas of play skill development, emotional and regulation support, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), toileting, sleep and sensory integration. 

Hollie Stearnes Speech and Language Pathologist Tasmania

Hollie Stearnes

Co-Founder / Director

Speech and Language Pathologist

BSpPath SPA

Hello! I’m Hollie, a Speech and Language Pathologist with over a decade of experience in empowering individuals to overcome communication challenges.

I am based in Launceston, Tasmania and graduated from Flinders University in Adelaide with a Bachelor of Speech Pathology.

I’ve had the privilege of working in various locations, including Launceston, Northwest and East Coast of Tasmania, as well as contributing to the community in Adelaide. I have worked across early intervention and school settings, including mainstream education and disability. Each location and setting provided me with invaluable insights into the diverse needs of individuals across different regions.

My approach is family focused and I priortise individualised care. I understand each child’s journey is unique, and I’m dedicated to tailoring interventions to address their specific needs.

I’m a new mum of a little boy and enjoy spending time at the beach with my new family of three alongside our gorgeous cavoodle, Rodger.

Becoming a mum has deepened my understanding of the crucial role families play in a child’s development. I’m an advocate for early intervention and proud to contribute to increased access to services in Northern Tasmania. I’m honoured to be a part of the transformative process that helps children find their voice and thrive in their communication journey.

I’m a Certified Practicing member of Speech Pathology Australia and have completed the following professional development:

  • DIR/Floortime

  • Hanen programs (It takes Two to Talk and More Than Words)

  • SOS approach to feeding

  • Lidcombe program training

Areas of interest/practice:

  • Autism Spectrum Disorder

  • Early Childhood Intervention

  • Early Language and Communication

  • Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)

  • Educational Inclusion

  • Social and Emotional Development

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