Cynthia Fagnani
Early Childhood Interventions/Key Worker
Cynthia Fagnani has worked with children and families for more than 12 years. She holds a Diploma in Youth Work, a Bachelor of Applied Social Science (Counselling), a Postgraduate Degree in Early Childhood Teaching, and a Graduate Certificate in Autism and Neurodivergent Studies.
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Cynthia’s practice is grounded in a family-centred, therapeutic approach. She has extensive experience working within both transdisciplinary and interdisciplinary teams, collaborating closely with families, Counsellors, Psychologists, Speech Pathologists, Physiotherapists, Osteopaths, Occupational Therapists, Early Childhood Teachers, General Practitioners, Maternal and Child Health Nurses, PSFO practitioners, and DHHS services across the Merri-bek region. She also works in partnership with a broader network of Paediatricians at the Royal Children’s Hospital to ensure children receive coordinated, high-quality support.
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Throughout her career, Cynthia has played a key role in bridging the gap between home, early learning settings, school, and the wider community. Working with families is paramount to achieving good outcomes. Cynthia partners with therapists and educators to ensure consistency and continuity of care, supporting each child to build the functional capacity they need to achieve their developmental goals.
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Her holistic practice style reflects a gentle, informed, and research-aligned approach. Cynthia is known for her strong listening skills, thoughtful guidance, and ability to advocate effectively for each child’s strengths, needs, and wellbeing. She prioritises personalised planning and evidence-based strategies that meaningfully support a child’s development and the family’s everyday routines.
Cynthia takes pride in her ability to collaborate seamlessly with internal and external professionals to design interest-based, practical, and achievable strategies for families. She is committed to ensuring that children and families receive a strength-based model of support that honours each child’s individuality, preferences, and developmental pathway.
With extensive experience supporting families from diverse cultural and developmental backgrounds, Cynthia has assisted many children throughout their journeys by empowering them to thrive, grow, and reach their unique goals.
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She is also a strong advocate for nature-based, play-rich environments where children can explore, discover, and learn through meaningful connections with the world around them.
Simon Fagnani
Early Intervention Specialist & Key Worker
Simon has worked with children for over 8 years. He has completed his bachelor’s degree in Education (Early Years & Primary). Simon is completing his Graduate Diploma in Counselling and Psychotherapy.
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Simon has since been an avid advocate for inclusion and diversity, providing specialised consultancy to early childhood /kindergartens, and mainstream and special education settings. Simon has also worked closely to develop and implement a range of workshops to upskill early childhood educators by delivering programs, primarily focused on the inclusion of children with additional needs.
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Simon has had extensive experience working in early interventions, both with the Brotherhood of St Laurence (NDIS) and through a key worker approach as part of a transdisciplinary team of speech pathologists, occupational therapists, Behavioural Therapist, Physiotherapists, and other allied health professionals.
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Simon has a passion for working in nature and supporting children to develop resilience, independence, confidence, and awareness. Simon spent three months in India volunteering with children who were less fortunate by applying his teaching skills to those in need of support in their development.
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Simon is also a qualified Yoga teacher for adults and children. He enjoys incorporating yoga (mindfulness) in a fun and engaging way for children.
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ALEX
Alex is a caring and passionate Occupational Therapist. She has completed a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and a Master's Degree in Occupational Therapy.
Alex has experience working with a range of children and young adults. Her interests in sports, painting, and music bring color and creativity to her OT sessions. She is passionate about helping children engage and participate in occupations by building their capacities in meaningful and joyful ways. She is enthusiastic about using her skills and knowledge to support children and families in reaching their therapy goals.
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She has a special interest in working with children with fine motor and gross motor challenges, sensory processing challenges, autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disabilities, and developmental delays.