A second career, a new direction: Martin’s seven years

Meet Martin Waller — Dietitian and Team Leader at Maddington and proof that it’s never too late to find work that truly fits.

Martin didn’t follow a conventional path into health. For 15 years, he worked in hospitality, a career he was good at, but one that eventually left him wanting something more. In his 30s, he made the decision to go back to University as a mature age student and retrain as a Dietitian. 

A year in private practice followed. Then, in late 2018, he joined Therapy Focus with just 12 months of professional experience behind him. 

Seven years later, he is a Team Leader, has worked across six different teams, and calls it the best job he has ever had.

Starting over and finding the right environment 

Arriving at Therapy Focus as a relatively new dietitian, Martin knew he needed more than just a job. He needed a place that would invest in his growth. 

“The learning journey here is real,” he says. “You’re supported to grow, not just in your clinical role, but as a leader and as a person. Having that support around you makes all the difference.” 

That support showed up early. The environment at Therapy Focus, he says, is one where asking questions is welcomed rather than discouraged. For someone stepping into a new career or role, that matters enormously. 

“Whether you’re a year in, a week in, or 10 years in, there is always something new to learn and someone there to guide you through that.”

 “My favourite thing about Therapy Focus is the people. We’re such a core group of people who have a common goal. The supports there everyday, for each other. We recognise that we all have got things on our plate and we recognise that we are all people and we are there for each other. And I think that is really important.”

A career that kept growing 

Three and a half years into his role as a team leader, Martin has led five different teams. It’s an experience he didn’t plan for, but one he wouldn’t trade. 

“The opportunity that Therapy Focus provides is genuinely unique,” he says. “I’ve worked across different teams, different challenges. That kind of variety keeps you learning. And the learning and development opportunities are there for as long as you want them.” 

“I have taken every opportunity that has come to me. It hasn’t always worked straight away, but that’s ok because there has been the support there to say that’s alright, here’s how to do it next time.” 

“That allowed me to progress over 7 years into the role I am in now and I know there is still space for me to grow into the future. And I keep looking forward to those opportunities to take what’s next.”

Supporting the next wave 

One of the most rewarding parts of Martin’s role now is guiding the therapists coming through behind him including graduate Speech Pathologist Caitlin Hetebry, who he has had the pleasure of working with closely. 

“Caitlin had enthusiasm in spades from the start. There were challenges along the way, there always are, but she has always been keen to back herself and to do right by her customers. Very open to guidance, very willing to grow.”

That combination of enthusiasm and openness is exactly what Martin looks for. And watching therapists like Caitlin find their footing, build their confidence, and start to guide others in turn, is one of the most satisfying things about being a team leader. 

“I came here to grow,” Martin reflects. “Now part of my role is helping others do the same. That feels like a good place to be.” 

The multi-disciplinary difference 

One of the things Martin valued most when he joined and continues to value is the multi-disciplinary model at Therapy Focus. Dietitians, speech pathologists, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, working alongside each other, learning from each other. 

“The collaboration here is real,” he says. “It makes you a better therapist. And it makes you a better leader.” 

For people with disability, that connected approach translates into more holistic, better-coordinated support. For therapists, it means a richer, more varied career.