Alexandra Marcenaro

I'm currently in my final year of completing a Bachelor of Psychology (Honours). Throughout my studies, I have developed a strong understanding of child development, behaviour, and learning, and I am passionate about continuing to expand my knowledge and skills in psychology, with a particular interest in child psychology. 

I have been working with children aged 3-14 across a range of settings for almost 2 years. My experience includes working as a therapy assistant and providing skill-based training (SBT), during which I have supported children in developing social, emotional, behavioural, and daily living skills. 

I enjoy working collaboratively with children and families and creating meaningful and engaging experiences that support growth and independence. My clinical interests include supporting children with additional needs, emotion regulation, social skills, play-based learning, behaviour support, and helping children and families build confidence in their everyday lives.

I was initially drawn to working with children because I wanted to make a positive, lasting impact during one of the most important stages of development. Every child is unique, and I love having the opportunity to learn and understand their individual strengths and interests. 

Working with children has completely changed my perspective and deepened my passion for this field. Children are naturally curious, resilient, creative, and authentic, and I find it incredibly rewarding to support them as they learn new skills and gain confidence. Being part of their journey while also supporting families is a privilege that continues to inspire me and has reinforced my desire to pursue this work in my future studies and career. 

Rather than one specific moment, it has been a collection of small but meaningful moments that have confirmed that I am in the right place—seeing a child achieve something they once found difficult, watching their confidence grow or hearing a family member share how proud they are of their child's progress are experiences that stay with me. 

Those meaningful moments are a reminder that change happens gradually, and supporting children as they reach their goals is incredibly rewarding. It is these experiences that continue to motivate me and reinforce my passion for working with children. 

To me, inclusion means being seen, valued, involved and feeling safe to be yourself. It means creating environments where every child feels they belong and where their unique strengths, interests, and differences are celebrated. 

I believe inclusion is about adapting the environment to support the child, rather than expecting the child to change who they are. Every child deserves the opportunity to participate, connect with others and feel confident in being their authentic selves. 

My special interest as a child was Barbie. I loved creating different stories, imaginative worlds and different adventures for my dolls. Reflecting, I think that imaginative play helped foster my creativity, curiosity, and ability to see things from different perspectives, which are skills I still use today when connecting and supporting children through play-based activities.