Our Professionals
Learn more about our dedicated and passionate allied health professionals.
Katrina Wilkop
Director/Physiotherapist
Certified CPS Provider
GradCert Developmental Trauma 2021
BASc Physiotherapy 1994
With over 30-years' experience as a qualified physiotherapist, Katrina has worked across most settings including hospital, community health, aged care settings and in private practice.
After moving to the Mid North in 2006 from Adelaide, she dedicated 12 years to Country Health SA where from 2010 she worked as part of the early intervention paediatric team.
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When NDIS was introduced in South Australia Katrina identified a gap in local services and alongside an occupational therapist colleague founded Play Partners. Whilst her friend has since moved on, Katrina has continued to build Play Partners into a multidisciplinary service that reflects her creativity and passion for fostering developmental growth in children.
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Known for her approachable, encouraging and supportive demeanor, Katrina brings warmth and inspiration to her team.
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In 2021, Katrina completed a Graduate Certificate in Developmental Trauma with the Australian Childhood Foundation.​
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In 2024 Katrina completed 6 months of study under Ross Green (Lives in the Balance) to become a certified CPS Provider, one of only two in South Australia.
Ashley joined Play Partners in January 2020 after graduating from a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy at the University of South Australia, where her passion for helping others has continually shined.
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Ashley is in the final stages of completing a Graduate Diploma of Rural Generalist Practice with James Cook University.
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Ashley brings a positive, caring, and friendly approach to her role, making a significant impact on the lives of those she works with.
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With her expertise, kindness, and gentle nature Ashley is a valued member of the Play Partners team, dedicated to fostering children's growth and well-being.
Ashley Doubtfire
Occupational Therapist
Bachelor of Occupational Therapy 2019
Grad Diploma Rural Generalist Practice
Jo Pilgrim
Speech Pathologist
BASc Speech Pathology 1995
Jo joined Play Partners in 2017 and brings with her the expertise of a career spanning nearly three decades with SA Health.
Since joining Country Health SA in 1996, Jo has been dedicated to providing comprehensive speech pathology services to both adults and children with communication and swallowing difficulties in the Clare Valley and surrounds.
Supporting a diverse range of patients, Jo is known for her adventurous spirit, empathy, and honesty.
Bringing a unique blend of professionalism and warmth to her practice, we're privileged to have Jo as a member of the Play Partner's team.
Sharni has worked in the mental health field for several years after completing her bachelors of psychological science (honours). Before joining Play Partners, she had previously worked in behaviour therapy, play therapy, and youth support work.
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After moving to the Clare Valley in early 2025, Sharni now enjoys her work as an allied health assistant. She has a special interest in speech pathology clients and is passionate about supporting young people overcome challenges and achieve their goals.
Sharni Smith
Allied Health Assistant
BSc Psychological Science (Honours)
Karen McNeil
Allied Health Assistant
Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance
Diploma of Children's Services
Karen has a rich background in supporting children’s development and well-being having excelled in assisting children with challenging behaviors, complex learning difficulties, and disabilities.
Karen combines her over 12 years experience as a childhood educator with her expertise as an allied health assistant specialising in speech therapy to offer comprehensive support for children with diverse needs.​
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Karen has a special interest in Auslan and is currently learning
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Karen is known for her professional, enthusiastic, and adaptable approach to her work and is dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of the children she supports.
Sharon has worked for over 35 years in the disability sector. This has extended to work supporting children in education as well as support work in community and home environments.
Sharon has completed two years of British Sign Language in the UK and has furthered her learning of Auslan in Australia.
Sharon brings her sensibility, can-do attitude and positive humour to her work which is much valued and appreciated by the entire Play Partners team.
Sharon’s love for her work shines through with the new ideas and enthusiasm she brings to the clients she supports.
Sharon Burford
Allied Health Assistant
Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance
Kayla Maidment
Allied Health Assistant
BSc Speech Pathology (Student)
Kayla has a background in education where she has worked for 14 years. She is currently completing her Bachelor of Speech Pathology (Honours), and is conducting research into the experiences of autistic, ADHDer, and AuDHDer adults.
Based in Wallaroo, Kayla enjoys working within the Clare Valley community, providing allied health assisstance with a strong commitment to supporting individuals in reaching their full potential. She has a particular interest in speech sound disorders, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), and autism.
Kathy is a highly skilled business professional with a career spanning over four decades in finance and administration.
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Serving as finance officer for Play Partners since 2017, Kathy has worked with the Commonwealth Bank of Australia for 11 years, has been the Admin Officer at the Clare Golf Club since 2013, and played a critical role in the financial management of the Clare Valley Children’s Centre.
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Kathy's blend of efficient, resourceful, and reliable professionalism makes her a highly respected member of the Play Partners team.
Kathy Smith
Finance Officer
Masters in Business Administration
Diploma of Business
Vivi
Therapy Assistant
Clinical Course - Therapy Dogs Australia
Vivi joined the Play Partners team at 4 months of age! She is an apricot standard poodle who in her short life has completed and passed her obedience testing to be a clinical therapy dog. She is still to be temperament tested to gain her full qualification.
Vivi is now 18 months old, loves to run and fetch a ball and be around her favourite humans. Vivi licks to tell you she wants a pat or to play. Vivi enjoys coming to Play Partners and will go to the storeroom to find herself a ball.
She loves people and other dogs. She is sometimes a little hesitant when she first meets someone but this doesn’t last long.