Our Story Begins Here

❊ About Ali

Hi... I’m Ali

I am an Early Childhood Intervention practitioner and play therapist, devoted to supporting children through growth, regulation, and discovery... always at their pace, and always with care.

This work is about meeting each child exactly where they are.

Understanding their world.

Honouring their individuality.

And creating the conditions where they can feel safe enough to explore, learn, and thrive.

Through personalised one-to-one play therapy and thoughtfully guided small group sessions, I support children to build confidence, communication, and social understanding in ways that feel natural and playful. Every session is shaped around the unique needs of the child: not a program, not a checklist, but a relationship.

Here, development is nurtured holistically.

Skills grow alongside self-trust.

Regulation grows alongside joy.

This is a calm, supportive space where children are not rushed, labelled, or pushed, but gently guided toward greater understanding of themselves and the world around them.

Because when children feel understood, their potential unfolds.

And that’s where thriving begins.

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My journey

Since 1995, my journey with children and families has evolved from neighbourhood babysitting to nannying overseas and later, working in childcare centers. During this time I pursued my Diploma of Children's Services and eventually transitioned from a Childcare assistant to Team Leader to Assistant Director. A scholarship propelled me to study my Bachelor of Teaching, specialising in Early Childhood. I then secured a full-time teaching role in preschools.

During this period, I realised my teaching style, honed over two decades, was best suited for settings celebrating diversity and personalised learning approaches. This realisation led to the creation of Nature Play DECD Family Day Care in 2017, where my dream of providing high-quality, individualised education and care services materialised.

Overseeing 4-7 children daily, I observed developmental areas needing enhancement, fostering strong relationships with families and guiding them toward intervention services where necessary.

Having consulted to a registered NDIS business for over 12 months, I took a leap and established Thrive with Ali Fleming. Not unlike my family I am always eager to learn new and innovative ways to support children to thrive and have closed my FDC business to focus on supporting children and families in new ways in the Early Intervention and Play Therapy space..

Three people standing indoors in front of stained glass windows and flags. The man on the left is wearing a black suit, white shirt, and multicolored tie. The woman in the middle is wearing a colorful, patterned dress and holding an award. The woman on the right is wearing a black jacket and floral skirt.

Recognising the Importance of Play

In late 2025, I was honoured to receive the Children’s Week Play Award in recognition of my significant contribution to the development of children’s play.

It was a privilege to be presented with the award at Government House by Her Excellency the Honourable Frances Adamson AC. For me, the award was a meaningful recognition of the importance of play in supporting children’s development, wellbeing and connection.

Values

  • Garden fountain with stacked rocks, mosaic pebble designs, surrounded by green plants and flowers.

    Peace

    I create a calm and peaceful environment for children to learn and grow. Peace is the key to my approach, ensuring a positive atmosphere for their development.

  • Close-up of a smiling young girl with blonde hair and blue eyes, wearing a pink shirt, outdoors with green foliage in the background.

    Respect

    I treat every child with kindness and consideration, respecting their choices and perspectives.

  • A cozy room with a teal wall, featuring a wooden dining table with four chairs, a blue armchair with a ukulele on it, and a white bookshelf. Large windows with plants on the sill allow natural light, and there are storage shelves with books and toys.

    Connection

    I focus on building strong bonds between children, families, and educators. My goal is to create a place where everyone feels a strong sense of belonging.

  • Close-up of white wildflowers with brown centers, surrounded by green foliage and blurred pink flowers in the background, in a sunny outdoor setting.

    Growth

    Growth is a constant journey at Thrive with Ali Fleming. I provide an engaging space for learning and development, encouraging children to explore and enhance their skills. My aim is for everyone to thrive together in their unique ways.

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Ali’s approach to play therapy is grounded in the belief that when children feel safe, seen, and understood, their natural capacity to grow and thrive unfolds through play, connection, and calm.

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Kind words from our little humans

  • - M, 7 years old

    Things I love about Ali:

    • Playing with you

    • Having time with you

    • When you push me on the swing

    • You make me feel brave and welcome

    • Reading books with you

  • - M, 3 years old

    Thank you for having me at your house, letting me go on your swings and taking me to the park and on excursions.

    Being at Ali’s house makes me feel happy!

  • - P, 3 years old

    Ali loves me!

  • S, 5 years old

    Thanks for teaching me how to calm myself down and helping me learn what I can do when I feel mad.

A simple childlike drawing on purple paper of a person with green hair, smiling, with four smaller figures hanging from hands with hearts, indicating a happy family or group.

Drawing from N 🤍

A logo with two trees and a sun.

Let's Work Together

Please complete the form below. Once submitted, you’ll be directed to a link where you can book a complimentary 20-minute phone consultation.