Meet Maddison - Founder of Alma OT
Hi, I'm Maddison, the occupational therapist and founder of Alma OT.
I created Alma OT because I believe occupational therapy is about so much more than achieving goals. It's about understanding who you are, recognising your strengths, building confidence, and creating a life that feels meaningful to you.
Whether we're working on everyday routines, emotional regulation, executive functioning or navigating life's transitions, my aim is always the same: to help people participate more fully in the activities and relationships that matter most to them
Why I Started Alma OT
Growing up in a small rural farming community in North East Victoria, I experienced firsthand how difficult it can be to access quality healthcare and support services.
As an occupational therapist, I saw these same barriers continue to affect children, young people and families across Australia, particularly those living in rural and regional communities.
I founded Alma OT to make high-quality occupational therapy more accessible, particularly for people who may otherwise face long waitlists, travel or limited local services.
Today, I work exclusively online, supporting clients across Australia through engaging, collaborative telehealth sessions.
Why “Alma”?
The word Alma means soul in Portuguese.
For me, it captures the heart of occupational therapy and the values that guide every session.
Therapy isn't only about learning new skills or overcoming challenges. It's about understanding who you are, recognising your strengths, discovering what matters most to you, and building a life that feels meaningful.
At Alma OT, practical strategies are always grounded in the bigger picture: helping you participate in everyday life with greater confidence, purpose and authenticity.
My Approach
I believe therapy works best when it feels collaborative, practical and genuinely enjoyable. Every person experiences the world differently, so therapy should never be one-size-fits-all.
My approach is:
Strengths-based
Neurodiversity-affirming
Trauma-informed
Person-centred
Evidence-informed
Rather than focusing on "fixing" difficulties, I work alongside each person to understand how they experience the world, identify their strengths, and develop practical strategies that support meaningful participation in everyday life.
Every therapy plan is tailored to the individual, because no two people (or their goals) are the same.
About Alma OT…
When people hear "online therapy", they often imagine it simply replaces travelling to a clinic.
For me, it's much more than that.
Online therapy allows us to work together in the environments where life actually happens—at home, at school, at work, or wherever you feel most comfortable.
It means we can develop strategies that fit naturally into your daily routines and adapt them in real time, making therapy practical, relevant and meaningful.
Over the past several years, I've worked exclusively as an online occupational therapist, creating engaging sessions that combine conversation, interactive activities, visual supports and collaborative problem-solving.
Many people are surprised by just how connected and engaging online therapy can be. With interactive activities, shared resources, games, visual supports and real-life problem-solving, sessions are practical, collaborative and tailored to each person's goals.
Why I Love Online Occupational Therapy…
A Little More About Me…
Outside of occupational therapy, I enjoy travelling and exploring Australia's coastline, and you'll often find me surfing, hiking, running or camping. No matter where I am, I always love returning home to rural Victoria.
Growing up riding horses and playing netball taught me the value of community, resilience and meaningful participation - values that continue to shape my work today.
I'm passionate about lifelong learning and love creating practical resources and visual tools that help make therapy engaging, accessible and empowering.
Clients often describe me as calm, approachable and easy to talk to. I value building genuine relationships and creating a space where people feel safe to ask questions, explore challenges and celebrate progress, no matter how big or small.
Let’s Work Together…
Whether you're taking the first step or looking for ongoing support, I'd love to hear your story and explore how we can work together. My hope is that through practical strategies, genuine connection and meaningful occupations, you'll leave therapy feeling more confident, capable and connected to what matters most to you.