Ella's story of resilience, finding what you love to do and giving back to community.
Since graduating from Pacific Lutheran College, I have completed my studies in Occupational Therapy and now work as a Senior Paediatric Occupational Therapist with Netacare, supporting children and families across the Sunshine Coast.
In my role, I work alongside young people to build independence in their daily lives, develop fine and gross motor skills, regulate emotions and engage more confidently at school and within their communities. Each day is different, but at the heart of my work is helping children feel capable, supported and empowered.
One of the most rewarding aspects of my journey has been expanding my approach to therapy in creative and meaningful ways. Recently, I completed specialised training through Therapy Dogs Australia to have my dog, SuzieQ, certified as a therapy dog. SuzieQ, little bit like Koda, the Pacific Wellbeing dog, now joins me in sessions, where she plays an important role in helping children feel at ease, increasing engagement, and creating a positive and motivating therapy environment.
I have also drawn on my background as a swimmer to incorporate hydrotherapy into my practice. Water-based environments can be incredibly powerful in supporting sensory regulation, improving movement and building confidence, particularly for children who may find traditional therapy settings more challenging.
Reflecting on my time at Pacific, I feel grateful for the strong foundation it provided. Beyond academics, the College fostered confidence, resilience and a willingness to embrace opportunities. The encouragement and support from teachers played a significant role in shaping the path I have taken and the passion I bring to my work today.
For current students, my advice is simple: be present, get involved and be open to trying new things. Exploring different opportunities is often how you discover what truly interests and inspires you. One of the most valuable lessons I have learned is that work doesn’t feel like work when you genuinely love what you do.
For families, early support can make a meaningful difference. Seeking guidance when challenges arise can help children develop the skills they need to thrive across all areas of life.
As part of my current work, I am pleased to offer free Occupational Therapy screening sessions for school-aged children, with parent consent. These screenings provide an opportunity to identify any early areas of need and offer guidance on whether further support may be beneficial.
Ella Smith, Pacific Alumni and Senior Occupational Therapist at Neta Care
