Sam Evans is a neuro-affirming Occupational Therapist who graduated from Deakin University in 2009 with a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours). She began her career at the Royal Children’s Hospital in the Early Intervention Program and has over 17 years of experience supporting children and their families.

Sam is passionate about working alongside neurodivergent children in ways that honour their individuality, strengths, and lived experiences. Her approach prioritises emotional safety, regulation, connection, and meaningful participation over compliance or “fixing” behaviours.

Sam is also a parent to two autistic daughters and brings many years of lived experience, especially supporting children/teens through emotionally based school attendance difficulties or “school can’t”. This experience deeply informs her practice and fuels her passion for trying to help schools shift their approach to supporting neurodivergent students — with a strong emphasis on adapting environments, expectations, and systems, rather than trying to change the child.

For the past seven years, Sam has owned and operated Playhouse Therapy, where she lives and works in the Macedon Ranges. Her practice is grounded in respectful partnerships with families, evidence-based support, and a deep belief that children do well when they feel understood, supported, and accepted for who they are.