Who We Are

Our Story

The practice was founded in April 2016 by Jane Baker-Smith, a certified hand therapist and passionate healthcare professional. What began as a single practice at Netcare Waterfall Hospital has grown to include a second location at Netcare Sunninghill Hospital, expanding our reach and capacity to serve the greater Johannesburg community.

Driven by Jane’s commitment to continued learning and clinical excellence, the practice has evolved into a leading provider of specialist occupational therapy services. Our team shares a unified mission: to deliver thoughtful, individualized care that helps every patient achieve their maximum potential — physically, emotionally, and functionally.

Empowering Recovery Through Specialist Occupational Therapy

At Jane Baker Occupational Therapy, we believe that healing goes beyond physical recovery — it's about helping people regain control of their lives, their confidence, and their independence. Since our founding in 2016, we’ve provided compassionate, evidence-based therapy to patients of all ages facing challenges related to hand function, upper limb injuries, neurological conditions, and more.

We specialise in hand and upper limb therapy, lymphoedema management, neurological rehabilitation, paediatric therapy, and functional capacity evaluations. With a focus on patient education, personalized treatment plans, and close interdisciplinary collaboration, we are proud to be a trusted partner in our patients' recovery journeys.

Meet Our Team

Jane Baker-Smith
Founder & Lead Occupational Therapist

BSc (OT) – University of the Witwatersrand, 2009
PGDip Hand Therapy – University of Pretoria, 2015

Jane is a highly experienced Occupational Therapist with a special interest in hand therapy, lymphoedema management, neurology, and paediatrics. She began her career at Edenvale Hospital treating a broad range of adult and paediatric conditions before discovering her passion for hand rehabilitation. Jane is a certified lymphoedema therapist and has completed training in Neurodevelopmental Therapy (NDT) and Sensory Integration (in progress). She is committed to lifelong learning and delivering therapy that is collaborative, empowering, and evidence-based.

Key Certifications Include:

  • Functional Capacity Evaluations (FCE)
  • Neurodevelopmental Therapy (NDT)
  • Sensory Integration (SASIC1)
  • Lymphoedema Management
  • Cerebral Palsy and Neurological Conditions
  • Medical Mediation & Labour Law

Melissa Westig
Occupational Therapist

Melissa graduated from Wits University in 2020 and has experience in both public and private healthcare sectors, including clinics, schools, hospitals, and hand therapy practices. She joined Jane Baker Occupational Therapy in 2023 to focus on her growing interest in hand therapy and hospital-based OT.

She also works with Midrand Nanny’n Me, combining child development and group therapy in a fun, supportive environment. Melissa enjoys blending creativity, compassion, and clinical skills to help clients achieve meaningful progress.

Natasha Ruiter
Occupational Therapist

Natasha earned her Occupational Therapy degree from the University of the Free State in 2023 and completed her community service at Dr Yusuf Dadoo Hospital. A self-proclaimed lover of adventure and witty puns, Natasha brings warmth, energy, and humour to her therapy sessions. She values the holistic and personalised approach that OT provides, and is excited to grow her clinical experience at Jane Baker OT.

Eunice Mashopani
Practice Manager

Eunice graduated with a BA in Media Studies & Sociology from Wits University. She is an experienced practice manager having worked at two medical practices before joining Jane Baker Occupational Therapy. When not keeping the practice running smoothly, you will likely find her exploring food markets and enjoying a park run.

Professional Affiliations

Health Professions Council
of South Africa
Occupational Therapy Association
of South Africa
South African Institute
of Sensory Integration
South African Society
of Hand Therapists

Ready to Begin Your Recovery?

Our comprehensive occupational therapy services are designed to help you regain independence and improve quality of life. From hand therapy to neurological rehabilitation, we provide expert care tailored to your specific needs.

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