Meet Shelley...
For me, occupational therapy is more than a job; it’s a passion and way of life.
Shelley has always had a passion for helping people. Before becoming an occupational therapist in 2011, she worked as a manager in the not-for-profit sector, where she communicated daily with occupational therapists. She was inspired by their philosophy of using an activity and strength-based model as a rehabilitation process for individuals facing daily occupational challenges. With experience working with children and being the mother of two neurodivergent children, Shelley pursued postgraduate training that included Sensory and Sensory Integration training. She trained in Australia to become a Sensory Integration therapist and to administer the EASI (Ayres Sensory Integration) assessment. Her passion for understanding the impact of Sensory Processing Disorder motivated her to offer private sensory assessments and interventions in the Waikato region. Recently, she established a sensory gym in Hamilton and provides sensory products for clinicians and families to purchase. Shelley conducts assessments across the Waikato, Bay of Plenty, and Auckland areas. One-on-one interventions are offered in her sensory room and at schools when appropriate. She also plans to provide online services for sensory and sensory modulation support for individuals and whānau.
Shelley's key drive and focus is to provide her clients with choices, helping them to recognise there are alternative avenues of care and advice. She also works with her clients and their whanau to help them understand how occupational therapy principals and processes can support them to engage in everyday life.
Working With Children
Shelley began her training when her two children were young, hoping to become an occupational therapist who could provide tools to support people to manage their lives better. Her interest in paediatrics was further inspired when she watched her own children struggle in the school system; she has a deep understanding of how daunting it can be for parents to watch this process. Watching other children go through similar struggles resonated strongly with Shelley, which lead her training in occupational therapy to provide support and a pathway for families on their individual journeys.
Working with Wheelchair and Elderly Clients
While working as an occupational therapist, Shelley soon recognised a need for more private support for wheelchair and elderly clients who struggled with mobility and required advice around safety and functioning in the home (equipment and home modification advice). Shelley went on to further train as a wheelchair and home assessor so she could give her clients the best support and tools to go about their daily lives as easily as possible.
Experience
Shelley is a qualified Occupational Therapist in the Waikato. She has worked as a contractor for the Ministry of Education, ACC completing school-based support assessments, concussion and sensitive claims assessment and intervention. Shelley has worked for the Ministry of Health in the Mental Health sector. Shelley also completed a Postgraduate Certificate in Occupational Therapy to gain more knowledge on how she can better support her clients.
Shelley has also worked for over eight years as a private contractor, completing ACC Community Rehabilitation Contracts, Vocational Rehabilitation Contracts, Concussion, Sensitive Claims and Paediatrics. She is registered with the New Zealand Board of Occupational Therapists and partakes in regular professional development and supervision.
Accreditations
Bachelor of Occupational Therapy
Postgraduate Certificate in Occupational Therapy
Level 1 & 2 (and 24 hour positioning) of Seating To Go Wheelchair Training
ACC Accredited Wheelchair and Seating assessor
ACC Accredited Paediatric Education Based Assessor
ACC Accredited Housing Assessor
Ayres Sensory Integration Certificate
Completed Housing Assessor training at 3AM
