Our Team
Tahmid Hossain
Director and Lead Occupational Therapist
Tahmid has always been a people-person, with a deep passion for helping others achieve good health and well-being. Over a decade ago, he began his tertiary studies driven by this passion, earning a Bachelor’s of Health Sciences with majors in Health Promotion, Psychology, and Family, Society, and Health. After his initial work in health promotion, he discovered the field of Occupational Therapy, leading him to complete a Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy. He is a registered OT with the AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency).
Tahmid is particularly passionate about working with children and is often described as a “natural” by those who know him. Before becoming an OT, he served as a group coordinator for a local youth scouts group and volunteered with a children’s charity, providing care and sensory integration support in palliative settings. Tahmid strongly believes in a relationship-based therapy model, rooted in connection and relational safety as the foundation for effective therapy. He emphasizes building meaningful connections with children through play and engagement to help them thrive.
Known for his bubbly, energetic personality and compassionate nature, Tahmid excels at forming meaningful relationships with people of all ages, backgrounds, and diagnoses. His commitment to person-centered care drives him to go above and beyond, aiming to support children and their families with a holistic approach. He values strong rapport and works closely with families and support networks to help children develop, grow, and succeed.
Tahmid founded The Nurturing Hand with the vision of creating a therapy hub where every child feels valued, safe, seen, and supported. Emphasizing a ‘bottom-up’ approach, the focus is on connection and safety, nurturing each child’s foundational and biological needs. By strengthening these core foundations while respecting each child’s unique developmental profile and interests, he believes a child’s capacity, development, and overall well-being will prosper over time.
Maddy Malone
Occupational Therapy Assistant
Maddy is our wonderful lead Occupational Therapy Assistant who comes with a wealth of experience. She completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Food and Nutrition Science with Honors, and is currently undertaking her Master’s of Occupational Therapy. She also holds a Post Graduate Certificate in Therapeutic Child Play. She has previous experience working in a range of transformative roles, these include working as a clinical nutritionist for NDIS participants and people with eating disorders, nutrition and food science researcher for Microsoft, and a principal researcher in gut health and mental health.
Maddy’s main interests revolve around food and eating behaviours, sensory processing differences, and integration-based therapy. She is passionate about delivering client-centred practice in her play and feeding therapy, built upon a neurodiversity affirming approach. Maddy is easy going, warm, and engaging, aspiring to support children in all functional domains, and most particularly, her area of expertise, sensory processing and food difficulties. One of Maddy’s major visions in this regard is to transform food struggles into joyful experiences.
Outside of work, Maddy enjoys cooking, swimming, reading, and exploring cafes with her friends.
Stephanie Gauci
Occupational Therapy Assistant
Stephanie is a dedicated Occupational Therapy assistant currently working towards her Bachelor of Occupational Therapy, with a strong intention to specialize in paediatric occupational therapy post-graduation. Her personal experience growing up with a brother on the spectrum has endowed her with deep insight into the needs and experiences of neurodiverse individuals and their families.
Alongside her academic journey, Stephanie has been a swim teacher for several years, instructing children of diverse ages, abilities, and cultural backgrounds, including neurodivergent kids. She consistently aims to create a positive and enjoyable learning environment. Known for her easy-going nature, hardworking attitude, and warmth, Stephanie is a strong advocate of positive affirmations, believing that children flourish when they feel supported and comfortable.
In her free time, Stephanie enjoys cooking, thrifting with friends, and collecting vinyl records.
Olivia Bezzina
Occupational Therapy Assistant
Olivia is one of our latest additions to our small team of Occupational Therapy assistants, currently pursuing her Bachelor of Occupational Therapy. Inspired by her experience growing up with a neurodiverse sister, she’s particularly interested in using play-based therapy to help children regulate and express their emotions.
Beyond her studies, Olivia runs the Bunnings Kids DIY program on weekends and works as a before and after school care educator, where she designs activities that promote creativity, independence, and confidence.
Olivia is known for her calm demeanor, kindness, and strong work ethic. She values neurodiversity and encourages self-expression, believing in a strengths-based approach to child development. In her free time, she enjoys going to the gym, sketching, and exploring new places in Melbourne with friends and family.
Gurleen Sidhu
Occupational Therapy Assistant
Gurleen is a warm and caring Occupational Therapy Assistant with a genuine passion for working with children. Currently studying her Bachelor of Occupational Therapy, she’s especially drawn to paediatrics and loves creating playful, engaging sessions that help children feel safe, supported, and confident.
She’s known for her gentle nature, creative approach, and ability to connect easily with kids and families alike. Outside of work, Gurleen enjoys yoga, baking, exploring new cafes, and spending time with her siblings and loved ones.
At The Nurturing Hand, Gurleen is excited to grow into her role as a future paediatric therapist while offering heartfelt support to the children she works with.
Mia Cerminara
Occupational Therapy Assistant
Mia is a warm, friendly, and dedicated Occupational Therapy Assistant with a passion for supporting children’s growth and development. Currently studying Nursing, she brings a strong healthcare foundation and a genuine desire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people.
With a certificate in Allied Health Assistance and a special interest in paediatric occupational therapy, Mia finds joy in helping children build confidence and everyday skills. Her calm and caring nature allows her to easily connect with both kids and families, creating a safe and nurturing space where children feel supported.
Outside of work, Mia enjoys cooking for her family, catching up with friends, and discovering new places around Melbourne. She’s always eager to learn and is excited to continue growing in a role that allows her to care deeply for others.
