This OT Week, we are celebrating the exceptional work of Aspect’s occupational therapists (OTs) who make a difference every day by helping individuals and families live more meaningful lives. Whether they are running playgroups, delivering school-based therapy, or engaging in community programs, their work spans diverse environments with one goal in mind—empowerment.
A day in the life of an Aspect OT
Occupational therapy at Aspect meets people where they are—whether at home, in school, or in the community. For OT Emma Towns, the variety keeps her motivated. One day she is running a playgroup for young children, the next she is supporting students at Aspect Hunter School. Every environment is an opportunity to help someone thrive.
Rashid El Dhaibi from the South Western Sydney team shares that no two days are the same. Flexibility and creativity are what make this profession exciting, he says. Whether it is helping a child build social skills, guiding families through daily routines, or leading LEGO therapy groups, his focus is always on creating meaningful outcomes.
Janet Cheong, an experienced OT with over 33 years of experience, works across Melbourne and North West Tasmania. Janet shares, "As an OT, I feel valued and welcomed when visiting people’s homes, schools, and childcare centres. It’s incredibly fulfilling when someone says, ‘Can we book you in every week for the rest of our lives?’ It shows the trust we build and the positive impact we have."
Janet’s passion for healthcare sparked her journey into occupational therapy, and today she balances a range of roles managing her caseload, delivering workshops, and supervising other professionals. Janet’s story is a reflection of the impact OTs bring to individuals, families, and communities.
Empowering families to build capacity
For our OTs, progress is not just measured in individual achievements but in the ability to empower families and caregivers to continue growth beyond therapy. Andrew Trenfield emphasises that the real impact happens when families and teachers feel equipped to implement support plans independently.
Rashid adds that parents know their child best. Therapy is about creating a routine that fits their lifestyle and builds trust. Success is not just about the hour-long session but the development that continues every day.
Janet echoes this collaborative approach, explaining that asking questions and listening are key to success. Participants and families are the experts in their own lives. You can always say, I’m not sure about that, but I can ask my colleagues.
Celebrating small wins, creating big change
OTs often find joy in the small victories—those meaningful moments that signal progress. It is the little things, like a child learning to tie their shoes or a student making a friend, that bring the greatest joy, Rashid shares.
Emma echoes this sentiment. Seeing the pride in someone’s eyes when they conquer a new skill is a powerful reminder of how impactful small achievements can be. These victories often extend beyond the sessions, with families sharing how new skills positively affect day-to-day life.
Janet also treasures these moments of connection. She recalls helping a young boy transition to virtual education by carefully listening and using child-directed play to shift his family’s mindset, leading to a happier learning experience.
Passion for making a difference
At the heart of every OT’s journey is a passion for helping others reach their potential. What makes this work so fulfilling is knowing you are a part of someone’s growth, Rashid reflects. Even small efforts can lead to life-changing outcomes.
Janet thrives in the variety of her role, from individual therapy to community engagement. I love challenging people’s thinking, leaning into problems, and celebrating successes. It’s a privilege to witness positive changes in people’s lives.
She reflects on one of her most meaningful experiences: "I once helped a young boy transition from traditional schooling to virtual education. By listening closely and using child-directed play, we shifted the family’s mindset, creating a happier and more successful learning experience for him."
Andrew highlights the power of collaboration. When teachers, families, and therapists align on the same goal, that’s where the magic happens. It is a team effort that creates sustainable change.
Learning, growing, and staying inspired
The dynamic nature of occupational therapy ensures there is always more to learn. Emma shares that Aspect offers great opportunities to grow, from attending our National Meeting to learning from experienced colleagues.
Rashid underscores the importance of adaptability. The sector changes fast, and we need to keep up to provide the best support. He encourages new therapists to embrace learning and seek supervision. Collaborative projects open doors to fresh ideas and innovative solutions.
Janet enjoys the diversity of her role, including delivering workshops to support families and other professionals. Workshops provide a chance to reach broader communities and make a positive impact across entire staff groups, universities, and support workers, she explains. Her experience working in Australia and London has shown her how building long-term relationships in natural settings like homes and schools creates the most lasting change.
Advice for new OTs
For OTs just starting out, Andrew offers reassuring advice. You do not need to be an expert on day one. It is okay to say, I do not know, but I will find out. The most important thing is to stay open to learning.
Emma adds, Don’t put too much pressure on yourself. Building confidence takes time. Be kind to yourself, just like you would be with your clients.
Janet agrees and encourages new OTs to stay curious and collaborative. Use your supervisor and peers as resources. Networking within your community can create unexpected opportunities for you and your clients.
Celebrating success, one goal at a time
Despite the challenges, the joy of seeing progress—no matter how small—makes every effort worthwhile. Some days are tough, but a child’s smile when they achieve something new makes it all worth it, Emma reflects.
Janet also finds joy in the relationships she builds. When someone says, Can we book you in every week for the rest of our lives? it is a reminder of the trust we create and the positive impact we have.
This OT Week, we honour the passion, creativity, and empathy that our OTs bring to their work every day. Their efforts go beyond therapy sessions to create lasting change in the lives of individuals, families, and communities.
Thank you to Emma, Andrew, Rashid, Janet, and all our amazing OTs at Aspect. Your work transforms lives and creates opportunities for people to thrive. 🥰
Stay tuned throughout the week for more stories celebrating the impact of occupational therapy.
