Research Assistant
LLB/BHthSci
Michelle is a Research Assistant working with the PLAYCE (PLAY Spaces and Environments for Children’s Physical Activity, Health & Development) Research Group. She works on the Pets and Health Project – PLAYCE PAWS. Michelle is passionate about encouraging healthy living in children as it translates to good health and lifestyle habits in later years.
Prior to joining the Telethon Kids Institute, Michelle worked as a Project Officer at the Health and Disability Services Complaints Office and the Health Consumers Council.
Michelle is a University of Western Australia graduate with a Bachelor of Law and Health Science; she is also in her final year of her MPH from the same university.
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Publications
2021
A study protocol for a randomised controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness of a dog-facilitated physical activity minimal intervention on young children's physical activity, health and development: the PLAYCE PAWS trial
Pet ownership brings many health benefits to individuals. In children developmental benefits can extend to improved self-esteem, better social competence and decreased loneliness. The majority of households with children own a dog, however only a small proportion of children gain the benefits of dog ownership through dog walking and play. There are few intervention studies investigating the impact of dog-facilitated physical activity in children. The PLAYCE PAWS study aims to test a minimal-contact intervention through the use of mobile health ("mhealth") strategies, i.e. text (SMS) messages, to parents to encourage their children to walk and play with their dog more, and evaluate the impact on children's overall physical activity and development.
Published research Child Physical Activity, Health and DevelopmentJanuary 2020The effect of upgrades to childcare outdoor spaces on preschoolers’ physical activity: Findings from a natural experiment
This natural experiment investigated the influence of early childhood education and care outdoor physical environment upgrade on preschoolers' physical activity
Published research Child Physical Activity, Health and DevelopmentJanuary 2020Nature play and fundamental movement skills training programs improve childcare educator supportive physical activity behavior
Both the Nature play and fundamental movement skills professional development programs were effective in improving educators’ self-efficacy to engage children
Published research Health Promotion & Education Child Physical Activity, Health and Development -
Education and Qualifications
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Awards/Honours