Welcome to Sea Shell Development
When a child is struggling to participate, learn, or feel comfortable in an educational environment, the question shouldn't be "What is wrong with this child?" It should be: "What is creating the barrier, and what can we change?"
At Sea Shell Development, we support families, educators, and schools across the Central Coast and NSW to move from feeling overwhelmed by assessments, systems, and conversations to feeling confident, empowered, and supported.
Whether you are a parent trying to advocate for your child or an educator striving to build an inclusive environment, we provide neuroaffirming, evidence-informed, and practical guidance that fits into everyday life.
Overcoming everyday challenges
"We want to include every child, but we're not always sure what that looks like on a busy Tuesday morning."
We work alongside educators and early childhood teams to identify environmental barriers, build practical capabilities, and embed neuroaffirming inclusion directly into everyday routines and practice.
"I know my child needs support, but I don’t know what to ask for or how to advocate for them."
We help families understand their child's unique learning and developmental profile, prepare for meetings, draft clear communications, and advocate with confidence for meaningful, reasonable adjustments.
"We have reports, assessments, and recommendations, but we don't know what they actually mean in practice."
We translate complex allied health and diagnostic reports into actionable, real-world strategies for home, preschool, and classroom environments—focusing on communication, regulation, learning, and wellbeing.
Meet Michelle Barker
Inclusion Consultant & Early Intervention Practitioner
I’m Michelle, the founder of Sea Shell Development. Over the past 15 years, I’ve worked across primary and early years education, learning support, allied health, and early intervention in both the UK and Australia.
My approach is deeply shaped by my dual perspective as a professional and as a mum of two. Having navigated Australian education and early support systems as a parent of a neurodivergent child, I understand how different it feels to sit on the parent's side of the table—trying to digest recommendations, advocate for your child's voice, and find the right support.
Sea Shell Development was created to bridge the gaps between families, allied health teams, primary schools and early childhood settings. By bringing together expertise in psychology, education, learning support and lived experience, I help adults reframe support through a strengths-based lens, ensuring children receive access and opportunity without being expected to mask or change who they are.
Qualifications & Credentials
Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Psychology - Accredited By the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC)
Establishes a strong scientific foundation in child development, human behaviour, and evidence-informed practice to better understand each child's unique profile.
Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE), specialising in Inclusion & Special Educational Needs
Provides specialised post-graduate expertise in adapting educational frameworks and creating accessible learning environments for diverse learners.
NESA Accredited Educator
Demonstrates formal professional recognition and alignment with rigorous Australian curriculum and teaching standards.
Extensive leadership experience across primary teaching, learning support, and early childhood intervention
Highlights over a decade of hands-on expertise navigating educational systems, guiding school teams, and leading practical inclusion strategies across all early learning stages.
Resources for real-world support
COMING SOON
A collaborative, holistic approach
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Neuroaffirming Practice
Difference is embraced, not fixed or normalised.
Practical & Real-World
Strategy over theory—giving you tools you can use immediately.
Environment-Focused
Adjusting access, sensory input, and communication channels rather than expecting compliance.
Frequently asked questions
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Let’s work together
You don’t need to have everything figured out before getting in touch. Whether you're feeling stuck before an upcoming school meeting or looking to build inclusive capacity in your early learning service, we are here to support you.
