Dr Michelle Newby is a paediatric occupational therapist, clinical researcher and educator with more than 25 years of experience working with children and young people with complex neurodevelopmental conditions. Her research focuses on occupational therapy assessment and intervention for neurodevelopmental conditions, including autism, ADHD and Paediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS). Her work has a particular emphasis on sensory processing, emotion regulation and occupational participation, with the goal of translating emerging evidence into practical, occupation-centred clinical care.

Dr Newby completed her PhD at the University of Newcastle, where her research examined the occupational and sensory impacts of PANS. Her work has contributed to the emerging occupational therapy literature on PANS through a series of peer-reviewed publications exploring sensory processing, occupational performance and participation in affected children.

As Director of Stepping Stones Therapy for Children, Dr Newby combines clinical practice with research, professional education and mentoring. She is a Clinical Lecturer at the University of Newcastle, Assistant Co-Chair of the HMRI Brain Health Scientific Committee, and Co-Convenor of the NSW/ACT Occupational Therapy Australia Paediatric Special Interest Group.