Helen Whaitt

Founder and Franchiser, Activ OT

Helen Whait is a business speaker, franchising expert, and award-winning leader in allied health. She completed a Bachelor of Applied Science in Occupational Therapy (OT) from the University of South Australia at the end of 1992 and has had a successful 30-year career in occupational therapy. Helen is passionate about occupational therapy and is a strong advocate for the profession. Helen founded ActivOT in 2007 to balance her family life and her career as an occupational therapist. In 2012, Helen franchised, making ActivOT the first Occupational Therapy franchise in the world. Being involved at the grassroots level of occupational therapy service provision, Helen is able to provide insight into government programs and how they work for clients (or fail, as the case may be). She’s written and contributed to numerous submissions and discussion papers as well as policy statements, particularly in relation to veteran care. In supporting OT Australia, Helen and the ActivOT team are able to achieve much better outcomes for both occupational therapists and their clients. Helen has been widely recognised for her forward-thinking leadership, across the franchising, allied health and business sectors. Her most recent accolades include: • Finalist, Franchise Industry Awards, Female Franchise Industry Leader of the Year 2025 • Finalist, SA Women of Impact Awards, Impact in Industry Category 2025 • Finalist, Allied Health Awards, Occupational Therapist of the Year Category 2024 • Finalist, Allied Health Awards, Leadership & Management Excellence Category 2024 Helen is an outspoken and respected advocate for the occupational therapy profession and is an active member of Occupational Therapy Australia (OTA). She is also holds the following positions: • South Australian representative Occupational Therapy Australia, Department of Veteran Affairs National Reference Group • Member: Adelaide University's OT Advisory Group • Committee Member: Occupational Therapy Australia's Capability Framework for OTs Working with Adults • Member: Allied Health Chronic Disease Management Working Group for the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care Through these roles, Helen aims to have a positive influence on government policy development.

Beth Dermer

Owner/Manager DOTS Allied Health

Beth Dermer (Occupational Therapist) maintains a clinical caseload and is active in the OT world. She volunteers for the OT Australia Veteran Affairs National Reference Group and the OT Australia National Professional Practice and Standards Committee. She is also the national clinical representative on behalf of OT Australia for Veteran Affairs providers via the National Health Providers Partnership Forum. Graduating from La Trobe University (Melbourne) in 1997, Beth later completed post-graduate education in Clinical Education (Charles Sturt University) and Neurological Rehabilitation (La Trobe University). Beth has held senior clinical positions in teaching hospitals in NSW and QLD. She has held status roles as Lecturer with Griffith University, Honorary Affiliate with Charles Sturt University and Associate Lecturer with the University of Queensland in recognition of services to Clinical Education. Her background is in working with adults with neurological damage and in physical rehabilitation and has taught within these specialties at Charles Sturt University, La Trobe University and within Queensland Health. ​Since starting DOTS in 2006, her clinical focus has shifted to community-based OT (rehabilitation, chronic disease, healthy aging and disability).  With a strong interest in clinical supervision, teaching and building a recognised and resilient profession, Beth provides a limited amount of external supervision for new and recent OT graduates.

Michelle Oliver

Chief Occupational Therapist

Michelle is a passionate and focused occupational therapist with extensive experience within clinical and professional leadership roles. Serving as the Chief Occupational Therapist at OTA, Michelle is responsible for driving excellence in the occupational therapy profession. In this capacity, Michelle provides strategic direction and clinical leadership to enhance OTA's strategic positioning and influence within the health, disability and aged care sectors.