who we are
I set up Freshwater Therapy Services in our hometown Margaret River in 2022, wanting to create a warm and welcoming space for young people and their families to access support in the areas of their life that are important to them.
kirsty whitehouse
kirsty whitehouse
senior occupational therapist & proprietor
I have spent most of my career working in paediatrics and feel incredibly privileged to support such a diverse and wonderful range of children, young people, and families.
My approach centres on meeting each child where they are. I focus on aligning learning and development opportunities with their readiness, curiosity, and natural drive to explore. By creating meaningful, positive interactions, I aim to nurture engagement, joy, and a sense of safety in taking on new challenges.
Through this process, children build competence, develop mastery, and grow in confidence and self‑esteem — all while experiencing the satisfaction of learning in ways that feel authentic and empowering.
courtney belstead
senior occupational therapist
Since becoming an OT I have found my passion in working with children and young adults to help them to learn, grow, and achieve amazing things!
I love finding new and exciting ways to engage young people in therapy and helping families feel calm, connected, and empowered. I have a particular interest in sensory regulation, emotional development, and achieving success in daily activities.
I am so lucky to be able to call the Southwest my home and have the joy of working with the wonderful families who live in this beautiful region!
blue
office dog
Blue is Kirsty’s sweet companion, and you will often find her hanging out in the office, waiting for a pat (or a biscuit).
Blue is a Border Collie and has a calm and gentle nature. She can often help people to feel more comfortable when they come into the clinic. When she’s not in the office you’ll find her running around the paddock, exploring in the forest, swimming at the beach or having a nap!
kate hughes
admin officer
With extensive experience in administration and the allied health sector, I value clear communication and building genuine trust with families. My goal is to ensure people feel informed, supported, and guided throughout their therapy journey.
Having lived in the Southwest for over 12 years, I’m committed to providing our community with a calm, consistent, and welcoming point of contact. I aim to make each step of the process feel easier and more manageable for families.
When I’m not in the office, you’ll usually find me running through our beautiful region or relaxing at the beach with my family and our dogs, Max and Roxy.
lexi hemson
occupational therapist
I’m an occupational therapist who recently relocated to the beautiful Southwest. I love working in paediatrics because it allows me to build meaningful connections with families and support children and teens as they develop new skills and grow in confidence. The work is fun, dynamic, and full of variety — no two days look the same.
My approach is playful, collaborative, and strengths‑focused, with an emphasis on fostering independence, self‑esteem, and joy in everyday life.