Meet Shelley...
For me, occupational therapy is more than a job; it’s a passion and way of life.
Shelley Martin is an experienced Occupational Therapist and the only Occupational Therapist in the Waikato region trained to administer the Evaluation in Ayres Sensory Integration (EASI®), the gold-standard assessment for identifying sensory integration differences. She provides comprehensive Sensory Integration assessments, EASI assessments, and evidence-based Ayres Sensory Integration® (ASI) intervention for children experiencing challenges with sensory processing, motor coordination, attention, emotional regulation, learning, and participation in everyday activities.
Since qualifying as an Occupational Therapist in 2011, Shelley has been passionate about helping individuals achieve greater independence and participation in the activities that matter most. Prior to occupational therapy, she worked in the not-for-profit sector, where collaborating closely with occupational therapists inspired her to pursue a profession grounded in strengths, meaningful occupation, and rehabilitation.
As the mother of two neurodivergent children and through years of clinical experience supporting children and families, Shelley developed a strong passion for understanding Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) and the impact sensory integration has on learning, behaviour, emotional regulation, and daily life. She completed postgraduate training in sensory processing and travelled to Australia to gain advanced certification in Ayres Sensory Integration® (ASI) and the Evaluation in Ayres Sensory Integration (EASI®).
Shelley is the founder of OT4You and has established a dedicated Sensory Integration gym in Hamilton, providing specialist occupational therapy assessments and one-to-one intervention for children across Hamilton, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, and Auckland. Therapy is delivered in her purpose-built sensory gym and, where appropriate, within schools to support functional participation in the classroom.
In addition to assessment and intervention, Shelley supplies sensory resources and equipment for clinicians, schools, and families, and is developing online education and sensory support services to improve access for individuals and whānau throughout New Zealand.
Whether your child is experiencing sensory processing difficulties, developmental coordination challenges, emotional regulation concerns, or requires a comprehensive EASI assessment, Shelley provides personalised, evidence-based occupational therapy designed to help children build confidence, develop skills, and thrive in everyday life.
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.
Shelley Martin 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
