Gymnastics-based movement
Floor, beam and equipment activities, run by Isabella Brice, an Allied Health Assistant and Gymnastics Victoria coach, to build balance, coordination, strength and motor planning.
Mind and Body Program
Mind and Body Program
A program combining gymnastics-based movement and equine assisted therapy to build gross motor skills such as balance, coordination, strength and body awareness, delivered under the supervision of our occupational therapists.
Supervised by occupational therapistsDelivered by an Allied Health Assistant and gymnastics coachGoals linked to your child’s OT planNDIS funded as a therapy assistant support
The Mind and Body Program at Wonderful Mind combines gymnastics-based movement and equine assisted therapy to target gross motor skills: balance, coordination, strength, motor planning and body awareness. It is delivered by Isabella Brice, an Allied Health Assistant and Gymnastics Victoria coach, under the supervision of our occupational therapists, so each child’s activities connect to goals set in occupational therapy.
What the program includes
Two parts, one plan
Equine assisted therapy
Time with horses, on horseback and on the ground, that supports core strength, posture and balance, as well as regulation, confidence and connection. Run by an OT assistant under occupational therapy supervision.
Who it may help
Children who may benefit
- Find running, jumping, climbing or ball skills difficult
- Have trouble with balance or coordinating both sides of the body
- Tire quickly during physical play, or avoid it
- Are working on gross motor goals in occupational therapy and benefit from regular practice
- Learn best through movement and doing
What it targets
Skills the program works on
Balance and coordination
Beam, floor and equipment activities that build steadiness and coordinated movement.
Strength and endurance
Core and whole-body strength that supports posture, play and participation at school.
Motor planning
Learning, sequencing and adapting new movements step by step, on the floor and on horseback.
Body awareness and regulation
Structured movement that helps children notice and organise their bodies, which can support regulation.
How it works
How the program works
- 01
OT assessment or review
An occupational therapist assesses your child’s gross motor skills, or reviews their existing OT goals.
- 02
Program goals
The occupational therapist sets goals and selects activities for the program.
- 03
Sessions
Sessions combine gymnastics-based activities and equine assisted therapy, adapted to your child’s pace and sensory needs.
- 04
Review
The supervising occupational therapist reviews progress with you and adjusts goals.
The team
Who delivers the program
Delivered by an Allied Health Assistant under the supervision of our occupational therapists.
Isabella Brice
Admin & Allied Health Assistant (Occupational Therapy)
Bachelor of Psychology (in progress), Gymnastics Victoria coach
Jacqui Ornellas
Senior Occupational Therapist & Supervisor
Accredited ICF Coach, Trainer
AHPRA registered
Kye Chee
Senior Occupational Therapist
BHSc (Occupational Therapy), BHSc (Exercise & Sport Science)
AHPRA registeredMind and Body Program questions
What is the Mind and Body Program?
A program at Wonderful Mind that combines gymnastics-based movement and equine assisted therapy to target gross motor skills such as balance, coordination, strength, motor planning and body awareness. Activities are linked to goals set by an occupational therapist.
Who delivers the program?
Sessions are delivered by Isabella Brice, an Allied Health Assistant and registered Gymnastics Victoria coach, under the supervision of our occupational therapists.
Is it a gymnastics class or riding lessons?
No. The program uses gymnastics and horse-based activities as therapy. Goals are set and reviewed by an occupational therapist, and sessions are adapted to each child’s pace, sensory needs and confidence.
Can the NDIS fund the program?
Yes. The program is delivered by an Allied Health Assistant under occupational therapy supervision, so it can be funded through your child’s NDIS plan as a therapy assistant support. Our intake team can talk through funding with you.
How do we start?
Contact our intake team. If your child does not already see one of our occupational therapists, we will usually begin with an OT assessment so the program targets the right skills.
For current session times, location and fees, please contact our intake team.
Related services
Occupational Therapy
Sensory, motor, self-care and regulation support, built around play.
Early Childhood Intervention
Team-based NDIS early intervention for children under 9.
Play & Filial Therapy
Child-centred play therapy and parent-led filial therapy for big feelings and hard experiences.
Not sure where to start?
Tell our intake team what you are noticing. We will match your child with the right clinician, or a small team if they need more than one kind of support.