May Lee is the founder and director of Hope Kids OT, and the principal occupational therapist behind one of Melbourne's most trusted paediatric therapy practices. With over 17 years of clinical experience and a degree from La Trobe University, May brings a depth of expertise, cultural sensitivity, and genuine warmth to every child and family she works with.

Before making Melbourne home, May built her clinical foundations in Singapore, working across acquired brain injury rehabilitation, adult rehabilitation settings, and paediatric practice. This breadth of experience gave her a strong, well-rounded clinical base before she dedicated her career fully to children and adolescents.

Since settling in Melbourne, May has worked extensively in paediatric private practice and developed specialised clinical expertise in Sensory Processing Disorders, Dyspraxia (Developmental Coordination Disorder), social-emotional development and regulation, and support for children and adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder and ADHD.

May is also a passionate mentor and clinical supervisor, playing an active role in shaping the next generation of paediatric occupational therapists. Her commitment to education and professional development has influenced countless emerging clinicians, ensuring the highest standards of care are carried forward across the profession.

One of May's greatest strengths is her ability to connect with families from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds. She is fluent in English, Mandarin, Cantonese, and Malay, meaning families can engage with her in the language they feel most comfortable in.

As a parent herself to a 9-year-old boy and a 4-year-old girl, May understands firsthand the joys, challenges, and questions that come with raising children. This personal experience deepens her empathy and sharpens her insight into what families truly need from a therapy team.

With May at the helm, Hope Kids OT has supported over 2,500 families across Melbourne's eastern suburbs, always guided by the belief that every child deserves to grow with confidence, calm, and connection.

Please note: May is not currently available to take on new clients. To enquire about our other experienced clinicians, please contact us at hello@hopekidsot.com.au or call 03 9126 3083

Credentials

Title: Founder & Principal Occupational Therapist

Qualification: Bachelor of Occupational Therapy, La Trobe University. Better Access to Mental Health accredited OT

Experience: 17+ years of clinical practice

Specialisations: Sensory Processing Disorders, Dyspraxia, Social-Emotional Development, ASD, ADHD

Previous: Acquired brain injury rehabilitation and paediatric practice in Singapore

Languages: English, Mandarin, Cantonese, Malay

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/may-lee-28a440205

Availability Notice

May is not currently available to see new clients. To book with one of our other experienced therapists, we would love to hear from you.

Phone: 03 9126 3083

Email: hello@hopekidsot.com.au

Innovation & Partnerships

• Co founder and co-host of L’onde: The Art of Rising, an Allied Health Professional Development & Networking event, with charity partner Oz Harvest

• Pioneer - Australia's first Cantonese-language ENVISAGE parent program ( government-funded)

• consultant - indi App (AI-powered paediatric allied health technology platform)

• One of Australia's first clinics accredited - My Comms App (AAC and visual communication)

• Product design consultation - b.box global children's brand (mainstream developmental impact)

• Host - Sense Up Sensory in Action workshop, ~60 Victorian paediatric OTs (2025 & 2026)

• Professional Development training -WonderWords Speech Pathology & Sprout Psychology Melbourne (neurodiversity-affirming care)

• Professional Development training - Kingswood College, primary educators (Dysgraphia)

• Professional Development training - Don Bosco Primary School, 30 educators and teacher aides (neurodiversity affirming practice, sensory processing and regulation strategies)

• Multi-council parent webinar on picky eating & SOS approach at home (Monash, Manningham, Maroondah, Boroondara) - 270+ registered participants

• Parent webinar on More than milestones and OT’s role in supporting developmental delays in collaboration with Qiara Probiotics

• Monash City Council - sensory and mealtime training for 30 early learning educators and cooks

• Monash City Council - community playgroup parent support partnership in Chadstone

• Knox Council - sensory space design and consultation for Knox Leisureworks open house event

• Multicultural Clinic to Couch podcast - co-hosted with Little Birds Allied Health (Speech Pathology) and Sprout Psychology

• Expert contributor - Connected Travel neurodivergent family travel guide

Awards

2026	Australian Allied Health Awards (Team) - Paediatric Team Excellence, and Partnership & Collaboration	Finalist
2026	Australian Allied Health Awards (Individual)- Occupational Therapist of the Year, Leadership & Management, Impact & Innovation	Finalist
2026	Australian Women's Small Business Champion Awards - Health Improvement Services, Small Business Entrepreneur,	Finalist
2026	Monash Business Awards	Nominee
2026	Knox Business Awards	Finalist
2026	Top 50 Small Business Leaders	Finalist
2026	Australian Enterprise Awards - Best Paediatric Occupational Therapy Clinic , Excellence Award for Group Therapy Program	Recipient

2026	Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards - Innovation & Impact in Consumer Services	SILVER
2026	Australian Small Business Champion Awards - Children Services, Small Business Entrepreneur, Business Growth	FINALIST
2025	Australian Women's Small Business Champion Awards - Professional Medical Services	NATIONAL WINNER
2025	Australian Women's Small Business Champion Awards - Small Business Entrepreneur	FINALIST
2025	Telstra Best of Business - Victorian State Finalist, Championing Health	STATE FINALIST
2025	Telstra Best of Business - Victorian State Finalist, Outstanding Growth	STATE FINALIST
2025	Melbourne Business Network - Female Entrepreneur Award	WINNER
2025	Women Changing the World Awards - Migrant Leadership (Australia & Pacific)	BRONZE
2025	Business News Australia - Melbourne Young Entrepreneur Awards (Healthcare)	FINALIST
2025	Australian Business Elite Awards - Top 40 Honouree	HONOUREE