This Mossman service is helping kids thrive through play-based therapy
CHILD SUPPORT
BUSINESS FEATURE
Every child is unique, and some need extra support to express themselves and navigate the world. In the Douglas Shire, Nurturing Life Connections helps children grow, learn, and thrive through play-based therapy, play-based learning, and nature therapy.
Founder and Paediatric Allied Health Therapist Jazmyn Vaughan started Nurturing Life Connections with a simple philosophy: children learn and heal best when they feel connected; to themselves, their families, and the world around them.
Her practice operates as a mobile service across Mossman and surrounding areas, providing personalised support for children aged 0 to 12 with developmental delays, trauma, and social or emotional challenges, including those with NDIS plans.
“Many families come to us for support with emotional regulation or behaviour,” Jazmyn explained.
“Children with additional needs often experience the world differently, they might have sensory sensitivities that affect how they respond to situations.”
Jazmyn believes children make the most progress when supported in environments where they feel at ease.
“Playing and learning in familiar settings - like home, school, or daycare - can make all the difference,” she explained. “It helps reduce stress and anxiety while building confidence, resilience, and self-esteem.”
Bridging care gaps
Jazmyn’s background includes a Bachelor of Social Work and a Diploma of Early Childhood Education, alongside more than seven years supporting families.
She founded Nurturing Life Connections after noticing a lack of accessible therapy locally.
“Families were travelling all the way to Cairns for therapy, taking their kids out of school for the entire day. About three years ago, I decided to create a mobile service to support families closer to home,” she said.
“By providing therapy in natural environments, we can see children in their everyday settings and offer support not just to the child, but also to families, educators, and teachers.”
She is supported by a passionate team, including paediatric specialist teacher Cate, with over 35 years’ experience, and social worker Tracey, who integrates a strength-based approach to enhance outcomes through play-based therapy.
Tailored family support
Each program at Nurturing Life Connections is tailored to the child and their family, helping them build coping skills, strengthen relationships, and work toward meaningful goals through play.
Parents play a key role in the process.
“They know their child best,” Jazmyn said. “When parents use the same strategies at home, progress happens faster. We also teach co-regulation, helping parents stay calm and guide their child through emotional moments.”
One of the most rewarding parts of the job, Jazmyn said, is seeing children’s progress over time.
“When we first met one little boy, he struggled to express himself,” she recalled. “Through play, art, and puppet work, he’s learned to communicate his feelings using words and visual aids.
“His parents and teachers have noticed how much calmer and more confident he’s become, that really fills our cups.”
Looking ahead, Jazmyn hopes to expand the team to include occupational therapists and speech pathologists, creating a more holistic, wraparound service for local families.
“By combining different specialisations, we can meet all the needs of a child; social, emotional, and developmental,” she said.
For more information about Nurturing Life Connections and the therapy they offer, visit: nurturinglifeconnections.com.au
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