our services
Our services
The Wandering Acorn believes that every child deserves a voice and can succeed.
Each child is on a journey; starting as an acorn and on a path to become an oak tree.
The Wandering Acorn has a range of services to assist you, your child and their school to ensure that your child is empowered, valued and heard.
The Wandering Acorn provides therapy and consultation for NDIS self-managed, plan-managed, NDIA and private clients.
The Wandering Acorn is an NDIS Registered Specialised Behaviour Support provider.
Please see below for further information regarding each service.
Areas we provide support - Central Coast, Newcastle / Hunter, Northern Sydney
Macquarie University Cool Kids and Chilled Anxiety Program - Accredited Provider
The Macquarie University Cool Kids Anxiety Program is based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT); with a focus on teaching practical skills. The program has undergone continual scientific evaluation and development to include the latest understanding of anxiety and its treatment. Current results indicate that 60-75% of young people who complete our programs are free of their anxiety diagnosis.
Suitable for children aged 5 to 18.
This service can be provided for children 1:1 or in groups of 6-8 children in a school based setting.
Cool Kids is a structured 10 session program run over a minimum of 10 weeks that teaches children and their parents how to better manage a child’s anxiety. The program is based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), involves the participation of children and parents, and focuses on teaching practical skills. Topics covered in the program include:
Learning about anxiety, Learning to think realistically, Parenting an anxious child, Facing fears using stepladders and Learning coping skills such as assertiveness or problem solving
The Cool Kids program was developed by Macquarie University and has been running since 1993. The program has undergone continual scientific evaluation and development to include the latest understanding of anxiety and its treatment. It has been translated into a number of languages and today, is used in clinics, schools and hospitals around the world.
Samantha Dow is accredited by Macquarie University’s Centre for Emotional Health to use the Cool Kids program. The intellectual property rights, including copyright, in the Program are owned by Macquarie University. Macquarie University does not endorse any particular provider of the program and their other services.
NDIS Specialised Behaviour Support
NDIS Specialised Behaviour Support Provider
Specialist behavioural support, which is an intensive support for a participant, intending to address significantly harmful or persistent behaviours of concern.
Behaviour support requires a behaviour support plan to be developed that aims to limit the likelihood of behaviours of concern developing or increasing once identified.
This plan outlines the specifically designed positive behavioural support strategies for a participant, their family and support persons that will achieve the intended outcome of eliminating or reducing behaviours of concern.
Support can also be given to NDIS and private clients in the home and school, and bring all stakeholders together to support the child at school, home and in the community.
Behaviour Intervention Support for children and teenagers.
NDIS Provider Category Specialised Behaviour Intervention Support.
School Consultation
Please contact The Wandering Acorn regarding
school consultation in a range of areas including,
- Complex and challenging student social, emotional and learning needs,
- Learning Support and Behavioural programs and systems,
- Professional Development in challenging behaviours, behaviour management and classroom organisation,
- Small Cool Kids groups
Parent and Carer Support Groups
Support and Coaching for parents and carers in a group setting and 1:1.
Are you finding challenging behaviours at home overwhelming, or struggling to understand your child's diagnosis?
We can provide parent support sessions which are designed for you and your family.
Parenting is complex and challenging, and it honestly does take a community to raise a child.
Early Childhood Early Intervention
Has your child been diagnosed with a disability and transitioning from Preschool to Big School?
Is your child showing behaviours that are concerning you and you are not quite sure what to do or where to go?
Has your child started school and showing little interest in learning, or struggling to engage successfully in the school environment?
Early childhood is the most important stage of a child's development. We provide intensive support and strategies that can be implemented immediately to support your child's emotional, academic and social development.
NDIS and Private clients.
(in the process of seeking NDIS registration for this group, however, we can support Plan and Self managed clients in the interim)
Social Skill Support and Advocacy
Social Skill Development
Is your child showing a lack of understanding and self-awareness in their various environments, for example, un aware of how to engage in conversation, or make friends, or understand concepts that other children appear to understand?
We provide 1:1 and group Social Skills programs that specifically target and address your child's areas of concern.
We also support the family, parents and carers as each new skill is learnt.
Is your child struggling to successfully engage in school?
The Wandering Acorn can provide support to the child or family to engage in a school environment.
Is your child being asked to leave their current school? The Wandering Acorn can provide the family and support through this difficult process and seek to determine a successful outcome at the current school or seek an alternate option.
About us
Samantha Dow
Director and Lead Consultant
Professional Experience
Sam has over 20 years of experience as an educator; Head of a Special Education School for children with ASD and Mental Health Disorders, and teacher in Special Education and Mainstream K-12 schools. Sam has also been a Literacy Consultant and has taught in Indigenous communities, remote NSW and WA and city locations. She is now an NDIS registered Behavioural Practitioner and looking forward to serving the needs of our young people.
Qualifications
Sam has a Bachelor of Education (Primary) and
Master of Education (Special Education).
Sam is also an accredited provider of the Macquarie University Cognitive Behaviour Therapy program, Cool Kids and Chilled Kids, providing Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for children aged 5-18 with Anxiety.
Her vision
Sam has taught in both New South Wales and remote Western Australia. Sam's comprehensive experience consists of Indigenous schools, Public and Independent education K-12.
Sam has successfully developed and lead a Special Education school, showing an in-depth understanding of procedures and policies.
Sam's mission is to empower young people and provide them the support to promote success.
Having supported students with complex and challenging needs for almost 20 years, Sam has a comprehensive understanding of the DSM5, how disorders present in the home and school environment, and a toolbox of strategies and supports that can be implemented immediately.
With a huge heart and high levels of organisation and communication, you will be heard, supported and valued.