Giving the Heroes of Tomorrow Confidence Today.
“Childhood is hopeful, joyful and ever new.” Jane Case-Smith
Occupational Therapy
Paediatric Occupational Therapists use therapeutic play to help children gain the functional skills that they need to cope with the demands of everyday life, helping them reach their full potential at home and at school.
Hippotherapy
Hippotherapy is a therapeutic intervention strategy in which the movement of a horse is used as part of an intervention plan and is carried out by Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists and Speech Therapists.
(Based in Walkerville, Gauteng)
Our Story
Hi, I’m Kiara.
My passion for children and horses led me on a journey into the Occupational Therapy world. I completed my BSc in Occupational Therapy at the University of the Witwatersrand in 2018. During my years of study, I worked as a part time horse riding instructor and occasionally assisted with Hippotherapy sessions. I went on to do my community service year at Stretford Clinic in Orange Farm where I gained valuable experience in paediatric developmental delay, learning difficulties, genetic syndromes, neurological conditions, hand injuries and rehabilitation, adult physical rehabilitation, mental health as well as prevention and promotion services.
In 2020, I began working at a paediatric private practice. During this time I gained experience doing school-based therapy along with the ins and outs of running a private practice. At the end of 2020 my dream of opening my own practice became a reality. I am currently completing my Sensory Integration (SAISI) training.
There Is More
“All children have within them the potential to be great kids. It is our job to create a great world where this potential can flourish.” – Dr. Stanley Greenspan
Who is Kiara Occupational Therapy?
Kiara Occupational Therapy is a paediatric Occupational Therapy Practice based in Johannesburg South. We work with children of various ages from newborns up to the age of 12. Kiara Occupational Therapy strives to create a fun and safe environment for children, allowing them to grow and reach their full potential. We cannot wait to meet your kiddie and are sure we will have lots of fun!
Meet Zerilda.
Hey there! I am Zerilda de Kock, an enthusiastic, caring and creative qualified occupational therapist I attained my undergraduate degree from the University of Witwatersrand in 2020 and completed my community service at Matikwana Hospital, a rural hospital in Mpumalanga in 2021.
During my community service year, I enjoyed working with children with a variety of diagnosis at the clinics and hospitals as well as running a cerebral palsy group and working with the department of education.
I have such a love for paediatric OT. I find it a huge privilege to collaborate with children and their families to identify their strengths, needs and goals, striving to support children in reaching their full potential.
I also enjoy expanding my knowledge and improving my skills as an OT. I am currently completing my training in Ayres Sensory Integration with SAISI.
I am so excited to start my journey at Kiara OT!
Our Process
Understand
As society demands more from our kids, we understand that each child is unique and benefit from the right kinds of attention.
Equip
Understanding is only useful if we know how to respond to these kids. So we aim to equip not only the child but parents as well.
Have Fun
We all learn better when we enjoy what we are doing. That is why all our sessions are steeped in fun and joy.
Celebrate
Every challenge overcome and every milestone reached is a reason to celebrate as we see the future grow before our eyes.
What we specialise in:
- Visual Perceptual Difficulties
- Gross Motor and Motor Planning Difficulties
- Fine Motor and Handwriting Difficulties
- Sensory Processing Difficulties
- Attention Disorders (ADD & ADHD)
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Premature Babies
- Genetic Syndromes
- Developmental Delays
- Learning Difficulties
Does my child qualify for hippotherapy?
Research has shown that hippotherapy is suitable for and is not limited to:
- Autism spectrum disorders
- Cerebral palsy
- Developmental delays
- Genetic syndromes
- Learning disabilities
- Sensory integration disorders
Hippotherapy should also be considered if your child:
- Struggles with sensory or emotional regulation
- Seeks a lot of movement or struggles to sit still
- Regularly bumps into things or people, uses excessive force when playing, or leans against surfaces
- Struggles to communicate or follow directions
How do we work?
If you feel that your child would benefit from Occupational Therapy or if you have been referred, you can give us a call (0827502009) or email (info@kiaraot.co.za) us to book an appointment or discuss any questions you may have.
Once an appointment has been made, all relevant documents will be sent to you for the assessment. The assessment also includes an interview with the parent/caregiver to gain more in-depth information. The assessment duration depends on the type of assessment done as well as on your child’s age and difficulties. If necessary, the assessment can be conducted over more than 1 session.
Once the assessment is complete, a therapy report will be sent to you within 7 working days. A feedback session will be organised along with the therapy session.
Therapy sessions usually occur weekly, on the same day and time.
What Our Families are Saying
