Rachel Borchard
Occupational Therapist
BIOGRAPHY
Rachel is an Occupational Therapist who grew up in South Africa before moving to Australia, where she completed her high school education and Bachelor of Occupational Therapy with Honours at Curtin University in Western Australia. Rachel has been working with Calm and Connected since 2022, initially starting as a Therapy Assistant before transitioning into her role as an Occupational Therapist. She now works with families north of the river (Joondalup area), as well as at HQ. Rachel is passionate about supporting children and young people in their everyday environments. She has a particular interest in intensive therapy programs and camp-based experiences, where children are able to engage in immersive, relationship-based settings that support connection, regulation, and participation. Outside of work, Rachel enjoys spending time outdoors, travelling, reading, and connecting with friends and family.
APPROACH
Rachel takes a relationship-based, approach to therapy, where connection, safety, and regulation are central to engagement and meaningful change. She values finding the just-right challenge for each child, where they feel supported enough to engage while also being appropriately challenged to build confidence, and new skills.
A key focus of Rachel’s work is supporting co-regulation and emotional regulation within sessions, using a responsive, child-led approach that follows the child’s interests, energy, and readiness. She is passionate about creating environments where children feel safe to explore, take risks, and experience success in ways that feel achievable and meaningful for them.
Rachel works closely with families to support them to feel empowered in understanding and responding to their child, and values collaboration with caregivers as key partners in supporting consistent progress.
Rachel strongly values intervention within natural environments, recognising that meaningful change occurs when strategies are embedded into everyday contexts. She believes that when the adults around a child feel supported and equipped, therapy extends far beyond sessions.
CERTIFIED IN
- Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) – Curtin University
- Honours Project: Canine Assisted Therapy