Meet our 40 Under 40: Changing the trajectory of child development

For the next two weeks, InDaily will take a closer look at some of the 2025 40 Under 40. Today, meet the winner of the Social Impact Award.


Jul 07, 2025, updated Jul 07, 2025
Rochelle Mutton won the Social Impact Award at the 2025 40 Under 40. Photo: Jack Fenby/InDaily
Rochelle Mutton won the Social Impact Award at the 2025 40 Under 40. Photo: Jack Fenby/InDaily

In 2009, occupational therapist Rochelle Mutton and her family fostered a four-year-old boy who had experienced severe early childhood abuse and neglect, had multiple failed foster placements and was living in a shared residential care facility.

Rochelle says his diagnoses of autism, dyspraxia, dyslexia, dyscalculia and ADHD changed her perspective on neurodiversity and the “gaps in therapy services across allied health and medical sectors still to this day”.  In 2017, Rochelle founded Motivate Kids: a paediatric occupational therapy practice in SA, dedicated to changing the trajectory of children’s development.

The Motivate Kids team now consists of 30 occupational therapists, along with other staff members.

Community Corporate CEO and founder Carmen Garcia said Mutton “captures the essence of entrepreneurship”.

“She has proven that success isn’t about waiting for the perfect moment—it’s about creating it,” she said.
“She has demonstrated a clear vision, adaptability, business acumen and determination to innovate in her industry as an OT to ensure equal access to quality services for all children.
“She stood out as someone who is challenging conventional thinking, taking risks and willing to back herself – to me, she epitomises what the social impact award is all about, proving that doing good is just good business.”

Stay informed, daily

Mutton joined a cohort of 39 other inspiring young leaders aged under 40 at a gala dinner in June.

Read all about the 2025 40 Under 40 here.

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