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About

I'm Hayley. This is what we do.

Wild Springs Therapy is an independent occupational therapy practice in Mermaid Waters, on the Gold Coast. Down to earth, practical, and a little bit fun.

The team

Who you'll work with

  • A small team

    I lead every assessment and set up each plan. Sam, my therapy assistant, supports paediatric clients from those plans, so care stays steady even when intensive weekly sessions with me aren't possible.

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  • Hayley Littlejohns, occupational therapist and founder of Wild Springs Therapy

    Hayley Littlejohns

    Occupational Therapist

  • Samantha Smith, therapy assistant at Wild Springs Therapy

    Samantha Smith

    Therapy Assistant

  • Bella, the Wild Springs practice dog

    Bella

    The practice dog

The practitioner

Why I started Wild Springs

Occupational therapy is all about supporting individuals to do the things they need and want to do. But too often, traditional clinics rely on rigid, tabletop methods. As an AuDHDer, I deeply understand the friction of navigating a world that isn't always designed for you. I started Wild Springs Therapy to be the antidote to that friction. Specialising in paediatrics, psychosocial disability and mental health, I offer a space rooted in body-based, interest-led and holistic care.

Whether I'm working with toddlers or adults, my goal is the same: to support you on your own terms. If you've tried the usual routes and are looking for a therapy experience that truly fits, you're in the right place.

I graduated with a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy from Charles Sturt University in 2021, and worked with paediatric and adult populations before moving to the Gold Coast in 2023. I began Wild Springs Therapy in 2024 at the beautiful Healthy Bodies Wellness Clinic, and we expanded our team in 2025 to provide therapy assistant sessions and disability support work.

Hayley with a young client on the sensory swing

The team

Samantha

Samantha Smith, Sam to everyone, joined Wild Springs as my therapy assistant. Sam supports paediatric clients and runs a second tier of care at a lower rate, working from plans I set up and oversee. Practically, this means families who can't access intensive weekly sessions with me can still have someone from Wild Springs for consistent contact and follow-through. It keeps care steady when funding is tight, and it means a child isn't waiting on my calendar to keep their momentum going.

Sam holds a Cert III in Allied Health Assistance and a Diploma of Early Childhood Education, is a QLD Blue Card and Yellow Card holder, and is CPR and First Aid accredited.

Samantha Smith, therapy assistant at Wild Springs

Credentials

Qualifications and registration

The factual side, for the families and funders who need it. If you'd like to see anything verified, just ask.

  • Qualification

    Bachelor of Occupational Therapy

    Charles Sturt University, 2021. Working across paediatric and adult populations since graduating.

  • Registration

    AHPRA-registered

    Registered Occupational Therapist with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency. Registration details available on request.

  • Checks

    Blue Card, Yellow Card and WWCC

    QLD Blue Card holder, NSW Working With Children Check, and Yellow Card (NDIS Worker Screening Check).

  • First aid

    CPR and First Aid accredited

    Current CPR and First Aid accreditation, plus Adult and Youth Mental Health First Aid accreditation.

  • Memberships

    Professional memberships

    OT Australia, the OT Society for Invisible Disabilities, and Neurodiversity Affirming Health Professionals Australia.

  • Additional training

    Specialist training

    DIR Floortime, Paediatric Feeding Disorders, the Retained Neonatal Reflexes (RNR) Protocol, Neurodiversity Affirming Practice, and mental health.

The name

Why Wild Springs

I grew up in rural NSW, and my family property was called Black Springs. Wild Springs Therapy draws its name from my family farm and the best parts of my childhood: being outdoors, creative and wild.

The space

Where it all happens

Calm, plant-filled, and set up to feel more like a living room than a waiting room, because nobody does their best work under fluorescent lights.

Sessions run from a quiet space in Mermaid Waters, with soft light, sage walls, and room to move. If getting somewhere new feels hard, that is normal here. We can start slow. And when the space itself is the barrier, home, school and outdoor visits are always on the table.

The open, plant-filled Wild Springs practice space with timber reception
Bella the practice dog waiting in the therapy room
The outdoor courtyard, where sessions can move outside

Not sure if it's the right fit?

That's exactly what a first consult is for. We figure out together whether Wild Springs is right for you or your child before any plans are made. New clients welcome, including plan-managed and self-managed NDIS.

Book a consult