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    • Services
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      • Private
    • About Hayley
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      • Community supports
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  • Home
  • Services
    • Children & adolescents
    • Parents & caregivers
    • Adults
    • Older adults
    • Clinical supervision
  • Fees and funding
    • NDIS plan-managed
    • NDIS self-managed
    • Private
  • About Hayley
  • FAQ
  • Resources
    • Community supports
    • Existing clients
  • Contact

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Whale Shark 
Therapy Services

occupational therapy

occupational therapyoccupational therapy

Neurodiversity affirming Occupational Therapy

I'm Hayley Smith.

I'm a Senior Occupational Therapist from Perth, Western Australia, and founder of Whale Shark Therapy Services (est. 2022).


In 2015 I completed my honours thesis in Mowanjum Aboriginal Community in the Kimberley Region of WA, which was awarded the OT Australia Undergraduate Research Award.


I finished studying OT in 2016 after interning  with the World Health Organization for the Western Pacific Region on a New Colombo Plan scholarship. 


Since then I've worked full-time as an OT (in my 10th year now) and have worked across community based child development and disability settings in Melbourne and Perth.


 I have lived experience as a late-diagnosed ADHDer and member of the LGBTQIA+ community. 


When not working I enjoy going to dancing and yoga classes, and spending time at the beach.

Professional interests

  • ADHD (hey neuro-kin!), Autism & neurodiversity affirming practice.
  • Using a counselling, coaching and collaborative approach. Particularly, supporting the caregivers of people with disabilities. Additionally,  supporting  neurodivergent women. 
  • Child development screens, assessments and therapy.

My approach

My approach to occupational therapy is:

  • Neuro-affirming - respecting neurodivergent identities
  • Person-centred - guided by individual goals, values and lived experience
  • Strengths-based-  building on what already works
  • Trauma-informed - prioritising emotional safety and trust
  • Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) aware
  • Collaborative - working with families, schools and support teams where appropriate


I aim to create a supportive space where clients feel understood, respected and empowered.

Certifications (& more)

  • Bachelor of Science (Occupational Therapy) Honours
  • AHPRA registration
  • Occupational Therapy Australia membership
  • ADHD WA professional membership
  • Working With Children Check
  • Catholic Education WA (CEWA) Child Protection Training
  • NDIS Worker Screening Check
  • WA Department of Education Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check (NCCHC)
  • First Aid Certificate
  • Professional Indemnity Insurance
  • Up to date vaccinations (COVID, flu etc).

Values

  • Inclusion
  • Equity
  • Respect


WSTS is committed to providing a service that is safe and welcoming to LGBTQIA+, neurodivergent and First Nations communities. 

​

WSTS respectfully acknowledges the custodians of this land, the Wadjuk (Perth region) people of the Nyoongar nation and their Elders past and present. 

​

WSTS believes women and stands alongside women in advocating for a future free from abuse. 

why whale shark?

Gentle approach

Whale sharks are filter-feeders (they eat plankton). They are the 'gentle giants' of the ocean. Like a whale shark, I also value a gentle and calm way of living and working.


Whale sharks tend to be by themselves however sometimes are in groups. I work for myself, however work closely with the other professionals in the team around an individual.

Everyone is unique

Every whale shark has a unique pattern on their body. In the same way, I believe that each person is unique and I take an individualised approach.

Western Australian marine emblem

Did you know that the whale shark is the Western Australian marine emblem?  Doing a whale shark dive on the beautiful Ningaloo Coast is such a breathtaking experience. 

Can be seen around the world

Whale sharks migrate vast distances across oceans, yet remain steady and reliable in their journey. In the same way, our telehealth occupational therapy services reach you wherever you are, offering consistent support whether you’re at home, on the road, or exploring new horizons. With Whale Shark Therapy, compassionate care is never out of reach, no matter where your journey takes you.

NDIS advocacy

meeting with kate chaney mp

June 2025

Many thanks to Kate Chaney MP for taking the time to meet with myself and other NDIS Allied Health Professionals in the electorate of Curtin. We raised our concerns regarding the NDIS budget cuts. I'm on the far right (wearing blue) in the photo.


Kate then gave a speech to parliament (please see below).

Video

Kate Chaney MP Federal Member for Curtin. NDIS Pricing Arrangements & Impacts Speech (Federation Chamber) - 28 July 2025

information to share with your member of parliament

Concerns regarding NDIA Budget Cuts

Please feel welcome to share with your local federal member of parliament (MP)

Download PDF

petitions & contacts

Petitions

Please help NDIS providers advocate to stay in business to support Participants. Please consider signing the petitions:

  • Stand Up for Disability Support: Stop the NDIS Cut
  • Occupational Therapy Australia - No OTs, No NDIS

Contacts list

  • Minister for Disability and the National Disability Insurance Scheme & Minister for Health and Ageing, Hon Mark Butler MP, minister.butler@health.gov.au
  • Senator the Hon Jenny McAllister, Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme, jennifer.mcallister@aph.gov.au
  • Senator the Hon Anne Ruston, Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Senate, senator.ruston@aph.gov.au
  • Minister for Small Business, The Hon Dr Anne Aly MP: Anne.Aly.MP@aph.gov.au
  • Assistant Minister for Women, The Hon Rebecca White MP: Rebecca.White.MP@aph.gov.au
  • Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, Assistant Minister for Rural and Regional Health, Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care The Hon Emma McBride MP: Emma.McBride.MP@aph.gov.au; Assistant.Minister.McBride@health.gov.au
  • Minister for Education, The Hon Jason Clare MP: Jason.Clare.MP@aph.gov.au; minister.clare@education.gov.au
  • Minister for Early Childhood Education, & Minister for Youth, Senator the Hon Dr Jess Walsh: senator.walsh@aph.gov.au
  • Minister for Social Services, The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP: Minister.Plibersek@dss.gov.au
  • Assistant Minister for Social Services & Assistant Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence, The Hon Ged Kearney MP: Ged.Kearney.MP@aph.gov.au
  • NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission: complaints@ndis.gov.au
  • Minister for Women, Hon Katy Gallagher: senator.katy.gallagher@aph.gov.au
  • Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator the Hon Malarndirri McCarthy, senator.mccarthy@aph.gov.au
  • NDIS: complaints@ndis.gov.au
  • The Australian Human Rights Commission: https://humanrights.gov.au/complaints/make-complaint
  • The Health and Disability Services Complaints Office (HaDSCO): mail@hadsco.wa.gov.au
  • provider.support@ndis.gov.au
  • Find your local MP: https://electorate.aec.gov.au/ and find their email address here: https://www.aph.gov.au/Senators_and_Members


Contact Hayley


Est. 2022. Copyright © 2026 Whale Shark Therapy Services® - All Rights Reserved. 


Whale Shark Therapy Services acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land and waterways of the Wadjuk Noongar People and pay respect to Elders past and present.


LGBTQIA+ owned business.

Clinic ~ Telehealth ~ Mobile. Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm

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