OT Sparks: Foundations for Practice 2026

Program overview

Many early-career occupational therapists enter practice feeling underprepared for the complexity of community and private practice work.

OT Sparks: Foundations for Practice is a 12-month professional development and supervision program designed to bridge this gap through practical skill-building, structured learning, and ongoing support. The program is grounded in real-world clinical challenges and supports therapists to build confidence, clarity, and professional capability over time.

Who is it for?

This program is well suited to:
• Early-career OTs (0–5 years)
• Community and private practice clinicians
• New graduate OTs seeking structure and confidence
• OTs working with mixed or complex caseloads
• OTs wanting additional support to complement 1:1 supervision

Who is running it?

Sarah Smith — Occupational Therapist

Sarah Smith graduated with Honours from University of Newcastle in 2005. She has since built a robust career in community-based practice within the Newcastle region, including a range of senior and management roles.

Sarah has been providing supervision to other occupational therapists for over 18 years. She has completed the following professional development to further strengthen her supervision practice:
• Occupational Therapy Australia – Professional Supervision Program (2022)
• Michelle Bihary – Professional Supervision Training (2021)

In 2024, Sarah also successfully completed Occupational Therapy Australia’s Professional Supervisor’s Endorsement Pilot.

She is committed to strengthening the capability and confidence of early-career therapists across Australia.

When & where

Sessions run once a month on a Friday, 10:00–11:30am.

Alike Specialist Medical & Healthcare Hub
Level 1, 199 Corlette Street, The Junction NSW

An online attendance option is available. A Microsoft Teams link will be sent on the day of each session.

For full details of the 2026 schedule, please refer to the website:
https://ssoccupationaltherapy.com/foundations-for-practice

Tickets

Single session: $65 + GST

3-session bundle: $175 + GST (save 10%)

Full 12-month program: $625 + GST (save 20%)
Includes a bonus 1:1 supervision session valued at $165

Questions about the program or accessibility? Let us know so we can support you. Full information packs are available. Contact sarah@ssoccupationaltherapy.com