Celebrating 15 Years of Sensory SMART OT – Thank You for Being Part of our Journey! 🎉
On 7 September 2025, Sensory SMART OT officially turns 15 years old – and what an incredible journey it’s been! 🥳
Fifteen years ago, I opened the SSOT doors as a sole practitioner with a clear vision: to offer accessible, thoughtful, child-centred, neuroaffirming occupational therapy support to empower families, uplift children, and promote meaningful, lasting change. Today, I am proud to say we’ve grown not only in size and experience over the years, but also in heart, purpose, and community.
From Humble Beginnings to a Trusted Brand Name
What started as a small private practice grew into a passionate, multi-modal service that walked alongside hundreds of families, supported many, many children, and mentored some of the next generation of paediatric OTs. We’ve adapted through NDIS reforms, developed Telehealth and mobile services, and created innovative resources that have extended our reach far beyond the clinic walls.
We’ve come a long way — and every step has been worth it.
Our Journey: A Snapshot of What We’ve Achieved
Over the past 15 years, we’ve proudly had a staff complement of:
3 Admin/ Office Managers
5 OT’s
6 OT Students
4 Volunteers
9 Allied Health Workers
An Art Therapist
And shared rooms with several local psychologists and counselling support practices
We have supported and been supported by several local businesses, from accounting services, IT services, window cleaning, to internet supply, from cleaners to shredding services - all to offer our clients the very best we could.
We’ve hosted 2 Autism Days (2013 and 2014) in Port Macquarie and contributed to the establishment of All Abilities playgrounds in Wauchope.
AND to top it all, we actually survived the COVID-19 lockdowns in 2020-2022.
Through it all, as a team we have:
✅ Delivered thousands of therapy sessions tailored to the unique needs of each child
✅ Completed thousands of Progress and Functional Capacity Assessments to support families through the NDIS process
✅ Guest lectured for OT Students attending CSU, Port Macquarie
✅ Created a range of small groups for clients and families to feel confident and equipped
✅ Hosted student placements and mentored new graduate OTs, nurturing them into compassionate, capable clinicians
✅ Developed digital resources, sensory regulation tools, and school-readiness guides
✅ Supported parents, teachers, and allied health professionals across Australia with educational resources that make a difference
✅ Transitioned from clinic-based services to a flexible Mobile OT and Telehealth model (in 2025) and maintained a smaller client load
✅ NOW - as I continue to offer OT services through mobile therapy, Telehealth and online resources, my passion has never been greater, nor my love for the job more than it is now. As we face an onslaught of change over the next 2 years, it is my hope that we will continue to be able to offer services to our clients with the same vigor we always have.
Most importantly, we’ve learned so much from the very people we’re here to help.
Learning From Our Clients: Our Greatest Teachers
To every child who has walked through our clinic doors, attended a Telehealth session, or giggled through a messy sensory play activity, you have taught us how to be better therapists, listeners, advocates, and humans.
To every parent who has trusted us, cried with us, and celebrated the smallest (and biggest) wins, you have reminded us why our work matters so very much.
You’ve helped us to see the world through your child’s eyes. You’ve helped us understand the real-world struggles families face. You’ve helped us grow in empathy, creativity, and purpose.
We are so grateful for the learning, the laughs, and the passion shared over the years.
💛 Thank You, From All of Us
We wouldn’t be here without you — our amazing community of families, supporters, educators, and colleagues.
Thank you for 15 years of trust, loyalty, and belief in what we do. You are the heart of Sensory SMART OT.
As part of my sincere appreciation to you - I am offering you a Free downloadable: Parent Reflections Journal . You can get it right now by signing up to our Newsletter below - You’re Welcome!
To my incredible team members over the years — THANK YOU ALWAYS — your dedication, flexibility, and deep care have made this OT practice a place through which hope grows and children thrive. I am beyond proud of what our team has achieved together over the years. Although only Caroline and I remain now, we continue to serve our clients to the best of our ability.
🎈 Here’s to What’s Next…
As we step into the next chapter, we remain committed to:
🔹 Empowering families with knowledge and confidence
🔹 Championing neurodiversity and inclusion
🔹 Developing digital resources to reach more families than ever
🔹 Mentoring OTs to bring strength-based, neuroaffirming, and trauma-informed care to every child
🔹 And above all — continuing to learn, adapt, and serve with heart.
Happy 15th birthday to Sensory SMART OT –
Thank YOU for being part of our story.
Here’s to the next 15 years! 🎂🎉;)
With heartfelt gratitude,
Beryl Smith
Founder and Director, Sensory SMART OT