Nicole Pates is a paediatric physiotherapist, speaker, and mum of two beautiful, spirited children, on a mission to help parents connect with their babies and young children through play. Widely regarded as one of Australia’s leading voices in paediatric physiotherapy, Nicole is the founder of Western Kids Health, a Perth-based allied health practice known for its family-centred, play-based approach to therapy. Through her work, Nicole empowers parents with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to support their child’s development, turning everyday moments into powerful opportunities for connection, growth, and joy.
Nicole is a Titled APA Paediatric Physiotherapist with a Masters in Paediatric Physiotherapy and currently serves as Chair of the Australian Physiotherapy Association’s National Paediatric Group. A passionate advocate for children’s health and wellbeing, she contributes her expertise to both national and international advisory panels, including the Healthy Digital Child Expert Advisory Panel, the Autism Health Roadmap, and the Ehlers-Danlos Society’s Paediatrics International Consortium. Nicole is also a sought-after speaker at physiotherapy and paediatric health conferences. Throughout her career, Nicole has held roles across elite sport, tertiary and community paediatrics, and teaching, giving her a unique lens on child development from every angle.
Nicole’s warm, research-informed and realistic approach gained national recognition during the COVID-19 pandemic, when she began sharing practical, stage-based play ideas on Instagram (@nicole_kidsphysio). What started as simple, engaging videos to support overwhelmed parents quickly grew into a movement and eventually, the launch of Baby Play Academy, her online platform and app helping thousands of families make play fun, developmentally meaningful, and totally achievable.
Fast forward to now, and Nicole’s upcoming book, Purposeful Play, is the culmination of her passion, research and feedback from parents. Across more than 200 pages Nicole shares over 100 purposeful play for every age and stage of babyhood. Created for parents, grandparents, carers, educators and fun uncles alike, it’s an invitation to slow down, tune in, and enjoy the small moments that matter most.
Nicole lives in Perth with her husband, their two kids, and their golden retriever, Roger.
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