Who We Are
Amplo steps is a supportive and practical workshop and guide for parents and carers of children under the age of five years. We are a team of diverse professionals using evidence and collaborative practice to promote optimal development in young children. With an emphasis on fine and gross motor skills, communication, feeding and cognitive skill development. We aim to provide easy to use strategies for parents or carers to use at home to provide their children with a head start in their development.
The Amplo Steps Team
Shaaron Powell
Occupational therapist
Shaaron is an Occupational therapist qualified with a Bsc in Occupational Therapy in South Africa at the University of Cape town. She has been working specifically with children since 2010. She has worked within the areas of Neurorehabilitation, school based therapy (within mainstream, ASD and physical disability bases and specialist schools) , and within the child development team(0-5 years old). Shaaron values the ability to support children in progressing through their milestones through play and daily life skills.
Michelle Powell
Speech and Language therapist
Michelle is a speech and language therapist qualified with a Bsc in South Africa at the University of Cape Town. In her career as a speech and language therapist she has specialized in a range of areas varying from special needs to brain injury, however she is passionate about early development. Michelle values the importance of developing communication skills through simple everyday activities. Her experience and knowledge in developing feeding and communication skills are supported through her every day work with children ranging in age from birth to 18 years.
Jo-Ann Johanson
Primary School teacher and Mum
Jo-Ann Johanson is a mum and a teacher. She moved to the UK in 2009. She has been teaching for more than 10 years in early years and foundation phase classes with more than 8 years of teaching in London. She has got two beautiful girls of her own. She bases her teaching on the child’s individual needs, creating a platform for each child to gain confidence within him or herself. She finds great delight in seeing children reach their full potential within and out of my classroom.