


About Us
Here at Olive Tree Development Centre (OTDC), we provide therapy and intervention services to children of diverse needs and abilities. Using a multidisciplinary approach that is evidence-based and personalised, our team of dedicated professionals aim to transform the learning and enrich the lives of our children and families with us.

Why Olive Tree?
We believe in your child.
Every child has an invisible potential that is yet to be discovered. We believe that they just need the right kind of support to develop their strengths and abilities. We are confident that our intervention programmes and services will provide the necessary environment and tools to help your child discover their potential.
We are based on solid science.
All our intervention programmes and services are grounded on evidence-based practices. We are accredited by MSF (Ministry of Social & Family Development) and Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA). We are also well-recognised in many mainstream and special education institutions.
We are dedicated.
As a team, we receive training and better ourselves on a regular basis to ensure that we provide quality service to each family, every time. Our passion to serve is not confined to the walls of our center. We always try to extend our reach to the community, where we aim to create reefs of support for both you and your children.
Meet Our Team
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Chiu Loo Kwong
Director and Founder
Chiu Loo Kwong
Director and Founder
Chiu Loo Kwong is the founder of OTDC and OTEC. Moved by unmet needs and the gaps in the healthcare and education system, he gathered people with a heart to help special needs families, focusing on evidence-based intervention approaches, new developments, and healthcare delivery models. He also established the 1st Music Therapy Center in Singapore in 2011 and helped to start a Special Dads for Life support group with the Centre for Fathering.
"Our Mission is to reach communities and the needy in Asia. We are privileged to have a great team of professionals and volunteers to support our mission - to deliver affordable services and to help families find rest, hope and joy on their journey." – Loo Kwong
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Dr Tan Siew Pin
Clinical Director & Paediatrician
Dr Tan Siew Pin
Clinical Director & Paediatrician
Siew Pin is the clinical director of Olive Tree Baby & Kids Clinic. Before starting her private practice in 1999, Siew Pin was a senior registrar with National University Hospital (NUH) Paediatrics Department for over 10 years. As Head Paediatrician at Olive Tree Baby & Kids Clinic, she provides bespoke medical care and after hours emergency response to children. She is also the co-founder of an ASD mothers support group that meets regularly to encourage and support families of special needs children.
She is also a mother of 4 beautiful children.
Psychologist
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Adeline Chin
Senior Educational Psychologist
Adeline Chin
Senior Educational Psychologist
Adeline is a senior educational psychologist at Olive Tree Group. Adeline is a registered Psychologist of Singapore Registered Psychologists (SRP) and International Affiliate Member of Australian Psychological Society (APS). She is Orton Gillingham trained by Dyslexia Association of Singapore and is a Certified Triple P (Positive Parenting Programme) facilitator by the University of Queensland of Australia.
She has over 18 years of working experience as a psychologist in the community, hospital and private settings. She specialises in assessing and supporting special needs children and adolescents in the special / mainstream schools, e.g. children with developmental and learning issues, such as children with autism, ADHD, dyslexia and those who underachieve.
She is also a supervisor of the Master students (Applied Psychology) of NIE and new psychologists of MCYS (Clinical Forensic and Psychology Branch).
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Karina Chai
Consultant Educational Psychologist
Karina Chai
Consultant Educational Psychologist
Karina Chai is a Chartered Educational Psychologist conferred by British Psychological Society for more than 20 years. She is an educational trainer, consultant, field placement tutor and supervisor to school teachers, allied educators and trainee clinical psychologists and undergraduates at the following: National Institute of Education at National Technological University (NIE - NTU), Autism Resource Centre (ARC), the James Cook University (JCU) Psychology Clinic. She is most recently appointed as an adjunct lecturer at the National University of Singapore (NUS).
Karina started her career trained and worked as a mainstream school teacher for a few years, within which she was selected to support students with special learning and behavioural needs cope in the mainstream school setting.
Upon her return from the UK after her professional training as an Educational Psychologist, Karina has been working with children from as young as 3 years old right up to young adults with special needs, specifically those with neurodevelopmental, social, learning, emotional, medical and behavioural issues. She was previously an Educational Psychologist and Director of Educational Psychology Services at a local student counselling organization for 10 years. Professionally, she has contributed her professional services at other local social service sectors such as – Children Cancer Foundation, Early Childhood Intervention Centres, Autism Resource Centre, just to name a few. She also worked as a Child Psychologist at a government-structured hospital for a number of years, working alongside doctors, therapists, social workers in the assessment and consultation of children with special needs.
Multidisciplinary Therapists
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Joy Chavez
Senior Occupational Therapist
Joy Chavez
Senior Occupational Therapist
Joy Chavez has over 21 years experience as an Occupational Therapist working with children and adolescents with special needs since 2000. She has worked in various settings in paediatric school-based therapy, special schools, and early intervention clinics. She has in-depth experience with a wide range of conditions including children with autism, William Syndrome, Down's Syndrome, attention deficit and hyperactivity, dyspraxia, sensory integration dysfunction and developmental delays.
Joy graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy from University Of Perpetual Help Medicine and Health Sciences, Philippines, a WFOT accredited University. She holds an Allied Health Professions Council (AHPC) Full Registration. She is also pursuing a Masters in Special Education. In addition, she is trained in the Montessori approach and curriculum as a Montessori Preschool Teacher. She is a certified Sensory Integration Therapist trained under the University of South California.
Joy is passionate to train and empower educators and caregivers on assistive technology, sensory integration, developmental assessment as well as classroom management.
"Every child is gifted, they just unwrap their packages at different times.” – Joy
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Jeff Valderama
Senior Occupational Therapist
Jeff Valderama
Senior Occupational Therapist
Jeff Valderrama has over 14 years of experience as a Senior Occupational Therapist working with new born babies, children, and adolescents to young adults with special needs.
He has worked in paediatric school-based therapy, intervention clinics and rehabilitation programmes. He has an extensive experience in children with autism and multiple disability.
Jeff graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy from the University of Perpetual Help Medicine and Health Sciences, Philippines, a WFOT accredited University.
He has been certified in Handwriting Without Tears, Assessment of Motor and Process Skills (AMPS), Floortime Approach and Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS).
Jeff has a special passion to support families on their journey of parenthood and helping children maximise their potential to be an active part of family and community.
“A fun session provides any child a meaningful and effective learning experience.” -Jeff
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Loretta Ho
Occupational Therapist
Loretta Ho
Occupational Therapist
Loretta is a dedicated professional with over seven years of hands-on experience, who holds certificates in Ayres Sensory Integration, DIR Floortime, Handwriting Without Tears, and Social Thinking, showcasing her commitment to staying at the forefront of therapeutic techniques.
Loretta has a proven track record of successfully supporting children of all ages and diverse challenges. Her extensive career spans various settings, including clinics, homes, special education facilities, and mainstream schools. She adopts a holistic approach and consider all aspects of the child – their strengths and challenges, their interests, their family and their environment. With a deep understanding of the unique needs of each child, Loretta is dedicated to helping children reach their full potential and overcome developmental hurdles.
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Nurul 'Ain
Speech Therapist
Nurul 'Ain
Speech Therapist
Nurul graduated from the National University of Singapore with a Master of Science in Speech and Language Pathology Studies. She has more than 8 years of experience serving clients with developmental delays, speech, language, feeding and fluency disorders. She has also coached families and teachers in her career. Her therapy approach is guided by principles of family and child-centeredness, shifting between naturalistic and routine-based intervention.
Nurul is trained in a wide range of evidence-based approaches in Speech and Language therapy (e.g. DIR Floortime 101, Social Thinking, etc.), and various oral motor assessments.
“I believe that everyone has the potential to thrive. I aspire to be one who helps them achieve that.” – Nurul
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Nur Smits
Senior Occupational Therapist
Nur Smits
Senior Occupational Therapist
Nur Smits has over 16 years experience working with children with Autism, Dyspraxia, Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) / Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Developmental Delay, Sensory Integration Disorder, Visual Processing Challenges and children with handwriting challenges.
She started work with children in 2005 as a teacher in a special needs school which led her to pursuing her degree in Occupational Therapy at the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences in the Netherlands.
She works closely with teachers in the schools, assessing the needs of the children and implementing interventions to support their learning at schools.
She assesses the child’s strengths and weaknesses to provide appropriate intervention to meet their goals and help them reach their full potential.
She actively promotes public awareness on positive teaching strategies and in building an inclusive society.
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Lau Cheng Ling
Senior Educational Therapist
Lau Cheng Ling
Senior Educational Therapist
Cheng Ling has a Master of Science in Psychology of Education (BPS) from University of Bristol and is a graduate member of British Psychological Society. She is experienced working with preschool and school-aged children in mainstream, integrated, and early intervention settings.
She graduated from Ngee Ann Polytechnic in Early Childhood Education & Leadership. She has clinical experience working with children, ranging from 18 months to 6 years old, with developmental disorders such as Autism, ADHD, GDD, and Cerebral Palsy. She has also collaborated with children and therapists to design Individual Educational Plan (IEP) and manage their development in school and home settings. She is trained by University of Utah Reading Clinic and attained a Certificate in Dyslexia and Literacy Teaching from Dyslexia Association of Singapore to teach children with dyslexia, phonological awareness and reading difficulties.
In addition, she is talented in music and has been teaching piano/adaptive music for the past 7 years.
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Jose Dax Conde
Senior Intervention Specialist
Jose Dax Conde
Senior Intervention Specialist
Dax has more than 14 years of experience working in Early Intervention Schools and Centres developing individualised educational plans for children with autism, developmental delays, and a range of disorders. His work involves behavioural management by improving communication and other coping skills as well. Previously based in the US, Dax worked for a school district as part of a multi-disciplinary team that identified children eligible for appropriate special education services in various preschool programmes. This included providing 5 years of intervention services within US elementary schools helping students with ASD integrate into the mainstream classrooms.
Dax believes that a multidisciplinary approach and collaborative efforts from families and therapists can maximise the learning potential of individuals with special needs towards learning independence, community integration, and the development of vocational skills. With this strong advocacy, he had helped develop teaching manuals for socialisation and community integration classes that expanded intervention beyond the confines of learning centres.
"Making the lives of others better, doing something of lasting value. That's the meaning of life, it's that simple." - Temple Grandin, professor and autism spokesperson
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Chong Hui Ngoh
Senior Physiotherapist
Chong Hui Ngoh
Senior Physiotherapist
Chong Hui Ngoh is a Paediatric Physiotherapist with over 20 years experience in National University Hospital (NUH), working with children both in inpatient and outpatient settings.
She has worked with children with different challenges, from minor medical conditions like suffering fractures, post-operation to lung diseases, torticollis, CTEV or chronic medical conditions like muscular dystrophy, developmental delay, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, genetic disorder, congenital heart problems, preterm babies, etc.
She is in charge of the Physiotherapy Service Community Units set up by NUH for preschool children. She also conducts antenatal class and parenting workshops.
She is certified in Neurodevelopment Treatment (NDT) and is a Triple P and Signpost Trainer.
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Katherine Zamora
Senior Intervention Specialist
Katherine Zamora
Senior Intervention Specialist
Katherine has extensive experience working with children with autism, global developmental delay, hearing impairment, and other developmental disorders. She has worked in early intervention clinics and school-based therapy settings, with both school-aged children and adolescents. She promotes working closely with the child’s family members and caregivers to strengthen the child’s communication and learning potential both at home and in the community.
“Do not define a child by his/her disability; always look beyond.” - Katherine
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Roxan Reyes
Senior Intervention Specialist
Roxan Reyes
Senior Intervention Specialist
Roxan has worked in paediatric, adolescent and adult settings in clinics, hospitals and schools as a clinical supervisor and consultant. She has in-depth experience working with children with developmental issues such as autism, attention deficit and hyperactive disorder (ADHD), Down syndrome, sensory integration (SI) dysfunction and development delays.
With a love for teaching, Roxan served as a lecturer and trainer for developmental disorders and also provides pro bono assessments and home programmes for parents in a community and conducts parent-centred seminars on behaviour modification techniques and play skills.
"I believe that all children with special needs can learn and succeed as they have their own strengths and talents that can be empowered through a collaborative effort of parents, teachers and therapists." - Roxan
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Ying Kai Ooi
Senior Intervention Specialist
Ying Kai Ooi
Senior Intervention Specialist
Ying Kai has over 10 years of experience working with children with special needs. She works with children with Autism, ADHD, global developmental delay, specific learning differences and developmental disorders
She provides intervention in group settings, collaborating with parents and school teachers to develop individualized educational intervention plans for the children.
Ying Kai is passionate about supporting the needs of children as well as parents. She believes every child has their unique way and ability to learn, develop and achieve at their own pace, with the support of professionals, parents, caregivers and the community working together.
“Given the right support and environment, I believe every child can achieve their developmental milestones and reach their highest potential.” - Ying Kai.
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Deanne Pauline Garcia
Senior Intervention Specialist
Deanne Pauline Garcia
Senior Intervention Specialist
Deanne has over 9 years of experience providing evidence-based and family-centered care to children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, developmental delays, and other disorders.
Her expertise lies in working closely with families to develop intervention plans that enable children to achieve their full potential through improving behaviour and communication.
With a gentle and patient approach, she creates a safe and supportive environment for children to grow and flourish, helping them to overcome obstacles and strengthen their unique abilities.
"Helping children find their voice and communicate effectively is the key to unlocking their limitless potential.”
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Samantha Ramos
Intervention Specialist
Samantha Ramos
Intervention Specialist
Samatha has over 6 years of experience working with working with children with Motor Development issues, Speech and Language delay, Learning Difficulties, Global Developmental Delay (GDD), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD, and Down’s Syndrome in both clinical and homes settlings.
Samatha specializes in motor (gross and fine) planning and development and sensory integration, applying strategies to help children with their self-regulation to address their sensory needs.
An advocate of play-based learning, Samatha applies a strength-based approach to challenge and motivate to build confidence. She believes that a child is able to learn effectively with within a supportive family. She sees that every child as unique and has strengths which can be cultivated through therapeutic intervention.
“It shouldn’t matter how slowly a child learns. What matters is that we encourage them to never stop trying, with positive support and acceptance.” - Samantha
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Trina Koh
Educational Therapist
Trina Koh
Educational Therapist
Trina graduated from the University of East Anglia with a Bachelor of Science in Developmental Psychology. She is passionate about working with children and adolescents with special needs and is keen in providing early intervention services for them.
She has worked with both typical and atypical children during their play schemes and therapy sessions. She has also supported children with developmental disorders such as ASD, ADHD, and GDD, ranging from 3 to 18 years old. Trina is trained in Lindamood-Bell Visualizing and Verbalizing® techniques suitable for children with specific learning difficulties.
“I believe in making a difference in the lives of special needs children and helping them thrive in their communities.” -Trina
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Eunice Huang
Educational Therapist
Eunice Huang
Educational Therapist
Eunice graduated from the National University of Singapore with a Bachelor of Arts and Social Sciences in Psychology. She is passionate about working with children with special needs and firmly believes that every child, no matter their condition, can lead more fulfilling lives with effective and targeted intervention.
Over 4 years, Eunice has worked with primary school-aged children with ASD, ADHD, Dyslexia, as well as gifted children. She has experience facilitating lessons and activities in a classroom setting, focusing on the socio-emotional, academic, and leadership development of the children. She has also worked in a multi-disciplinary team to support children in reaching their Individual Educational Plan (IEP) goals. She believes in the importance of both early intervention and parent coaching in supporting the holistic development of children with special needs. As an Educational Therapist, Eunice is willing to go beyond her duties to make a positive impact on the lives of children and their families.
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Chua Yoong Joo
Educational Therapist
Chua Yoong Joo
Educational Therapist
Yoong Joo graduated from National University of Singapore with a Bachelor of Arts and Social Science in Psychology.
Yoong Joo works intensely with children and adolescents with neurodevelopmental disorders such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Developmental Communication Disorder (DCD) Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) and Learning Difficulties like Dyslexia.
He specialized in teaching children with Executive Functions difficulties, Emotional and Social Skills deficits and behavioural issues and believes every child can reach his full potential given the right support and encouragement.
“A diagnosis is only as good as the clinician. It is only to provide a treatment plan for the child. It is the collaboration between parents and teachers and giving the child a nurturing and student-oriented environment that will allow the child to grow.” - Yoong Joo
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Mindy Chai
Educational Therapist
Mindy Chai
Educational Therapist
Mindy has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Buffalo and has a deep passion to teach children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) and Learning Difficulties.
Mindy works with young children in Early Intervention, as well as adolescents to develop their life skills and independence. She is an ardent believer that every single child is unique. As long as passion, patience and consistency are present in a child's environment, Mindy has confidence that the child will be able to flourish and reach his/her fullest potential.
"As long as passion, patience and consistency are present in a child's environment, he/she will be able to flourish and achieve his/her fullest potential." - Mindy
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Zhi Qing Teng
Educational Therapist
Zhi Qing Teng
Educational Therapist
Zhi Qing graduated from the National University of Singapore with a Bachelor of Arts and Social Sciences in Psychology. With a passion for interacting with young children with special needs, she believes that every child will be able to function effectively and independently with the right support and intervention.
Zhi Qing has worked with children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and learning difficulties. She has experience guiding and engaging these children through lessons and activities that focused on their academic, behavioural, and socio-emotional development.
"Children with special needs may be different, but they are not less. With ample understanding, patience, and consideration, we can help build a condusive environment for these children to grow and excel." - Zhi Qing
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Rui Min Lim
Educational Therapist
Rui Min Lim
Educational Therapist
Rui Min has graduated from the University of Western Australia with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and is deeply passionate about working with children with special needs.
Rui Min works with children and adolescents with different neurodevelopmental disorders like Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and learning difficulties like Dyslexia. She firmly believes that every child will be able to maximise their potential through consistency, patience, and passion.
“Every child has their own strengths and with consistent support, acceptance, and patience, they will be able to thrive and achieve their fullest potential.” - Rui Min
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Vivian Yin
Intervention Specialist
Vivian Yin
Intervention Specialist
Vivian is a paediatric therapist with experience working with children with Motor Development issues, Speech and Language delay, Learning Difficulties, Global Developmental Delay (GDD), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD and Cerebral Palsy in an Intervention and Clinical Setting.
Vivian specializes in Executive Function, Gross and Fine Motor Planning, Sensory Integration and Behavior Modification.
She is passionate in teaching and interacting with children, providing guidance and advice in collaboration with their parents. She strives to go the extra mile, applying her knowledge to support the family with home programs.
“By guiding children in doing "Just-right Challenges", I believe every child can discover their true potential and develop confidence in their everyday tasks.” - Vivian
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Vincent Soo
Cognitive Behaviour Therapist and Psychology Coach
Vincent Soo
Cognitive Behaviour Therapist and Psychology Coach
Vincent is a Strengths Activist who believes strongly in helping individuals to develop their strengths to bring out the best in them. He has Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) and a Masters in Social Science (Counselling). Vincent is trained in coaching, counselling and psychological methodologies. He is a certified Positive Psychology Coach who specialises in coaching individuals and groups to identify, develop and apply their signature strengths to achieve personal and professional success.
Vincent has more than 15 years of experience working with children, youths, parents, and couples and working adults in coaching, counselling, training and mentoring. His personal mission is to empower individuals to discover their purpose, ignite their passion and maximise their potential to live a fulfilling and flourishing life.
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Tina Tan
Parent Empowerment Coach
Tina Tan
Parent Empowerment Coach
Tina is a social worker and psychology-trained parent coach and trainer, a strong advocate for children with developmental and learning disabilities.
She shares from her personal experience raising 2 children (Autism / ADHD / Dyslexia and Anxiety). As such she is able to equip parents with a strategic mindset to adapt to different educational pathways and parenting to make learning work.
Tina is Vice President of SPARK, an ADHD parent support group that reaches out to many schools and parents and has developed an effective Parents Supporting Parents (PSP) program to build support for families in the midst of challenges. She is a Triple P accredited trainer and Rainbows facilitator.
Music Therapists
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Serena Lo
Senior Music Intervention Trainer
Serena Lo
Senior Music Intervention Trainer
Serena Lo, a mother of 3 children ages 18-23 yrs, teaches piano, speech & drama, percussion and has conducted music workshops and seminars in Singapore and regionally. She has 30 years of experience teaching music to children with special needs.
She uses music, phonics, dance, drama & movement, to help individuals discover their musicality, improve their social well being, cognitive, and build sensory, psycho-motor skills. She provides strategies for teachers and caregivers of both typically developing children and children with special needs. She conducts individual and group classes for students that range from infants to elderly with autism, ADHD, Down’s syndrome, cerebral palsy and other developmental difficulties.
Art Therapist
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Alvin George Khoo
Art Therapist
Alvin George Khoo
Art Therapist
Alvin is an art therapist at Olive Tree Group. Alvin has over 7 years of experience in the local arts field conducting children art workshops & promotion of art awareness. As an art therapist with over 3 years of experience he worked with young children and the youth with behavioural, social-emotional, psychosocial, health and learning disabilities in public and school settings.
Alvin completed multiple training internships at Child Guidance Clinic, Institute of Mental Health, KK Women’s’ and Children’s Hospital and Adolescent Medicine, National University Hospital. Alvin is a part time art therapist working with young children with special needs Therapy at Thye Hua Kwan EIPIC Centre since 2012.
Alvin is a happy father of two young daughters who help maintain his creative and play quotient in life. “To be able to create and express is to harness one’s inner resources of mind, body and spirit towards life’s authenticity and purpose” – Alvin George Khoo
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Li June
Art Therapist
Li June
Art Therapist
Li June has a MA in Art Therapy and a BA Psychology. She works with children and adolescents in individual and groups settings to foster emotional expression and communication. The soothing process of art making helps children develop emotional regulation, attention focus, and self-confidence.
Familiar with working in multidisciplinary teams, she also collaborates closely with caregivers to provide holistic and sustainable care. She enjoys conducting therapeutic art to facilitate self-care for caregivers and strengthen child-caregiver bonding.
Li June also serves as an Art Therapist at the University of Social Sciences and a parent of two children. She is very involved in bringing art to the community to nurture personal discovery and healing. Her art illustrations, creative writing, and therapy work connect her intimately with people from all walks of life. She is registered with the Australian, New Zealand, and Asian Creative Arts Therapies Association and is a peer reviewer with the academic Journal of Creative Arts Therapies.
“Through sensory activation, visual imagination, and spontaneous play, children develop the ability to tell their unique stories.” - Li June