Three things get me up in the morning - my small furry kitties, my husband, and my job! I love what I do and do what I love. I have been an Occupational Therapist for 12 years, 11 of those have been working in the area of pediatrics. The one year I did not work in paediatrics I spent working in Home Care in Nelson, New Zealand. I love to travel, spend time with my family and friends, and put time and energy into my health and well-being. 

 

I graduated from the University of Alberta with a Bachelor of Physical Education with a specialization in Adapted Physical Education and went onto to complete a Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy. 

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The majority of my career has been working with children with a variety of behavioural, neurological, developmental, and physical needs and challenges in a school setting, both in Early Learning Programs as well as Grades 1-12. I have also worked in homes and in the community with families of children with diverse needs and disabilities through Alberta Education (PUF) and Human Services (FSCD) funding. 

 

I feel my purpose on this earth has always been and continues to be sharing my joy with others, as well as my passion and love for learning. I love working along side children and families to discover their abilities and strengths and teach new skills. We all have unique abilities! When working with kids - I believe therapy shouldn't feel like therapy; it should feel like we are playing! When activities are fun, joyful and meaningful - we often are more likely to do them again!  
 

Professional Licensure

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• Full Practitioner Licensure with Alberta College of Occupational Therapists # 3906

 

Memberships/Groups

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• Society of Alberta Occupational Therapist

• Alberta OT Pediatric Interest Group

• Global Mentorship Alliance with Kim Barthel and Relationship Matters

• Previously apart of the Developmental Coordination Disorder Community of Practice 

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Additional Courses & Training

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​Feeding & Mealtimes: 

• AEIOU: An Integrated Approach To Pediatric Feeding

• Beckman Oral Motor Assessment and Intervention

• The Get Permission Approach to Sensory Mealtime Challenges  

• CAN-EAT Approach; Using medical, motor, & therapy strategies in pediatric feeding

• Picky Eaters Versus Problem Feeders - The Sequential Oral Sensory (SOS) Approach to Feeding

• Mealtime Miseries: Management of Complex Feeding Issues; Trans-disciplinary Effective Assessment and Treatment (TR-eat) model  

• Appetite: How to Foster Hunger & Wean Kids from Tube Feedings

• Feeding Therapy: It’s Not Just about Swallowing

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Sensory Processing, Regulation & Behaviour: 

• Safe and Sound Protocol; Foundational Certification

• Decoding Autism; From Understanding Neurobiology to Choosing Intervention Strategie

• Introduction & Advanced SCERTS Training 

• The Alert Program; How Does Your Engine Run?

• Becoming a Behavioural Detective: Understanding and Supporting Complex Behaviour 

• The Art of Therapy and Connection: Masterclass 

• Exploring and Applying Psycho-Sensory Interventions and Trauma-Informed Practice

• Interoception: The 8th Sense 

 

Motor Development: 

• Handwriting Without Tears  

• CO-OP II – The Basics 

There are a great many things that fill my bucket, but my heart is at its fullest when I get to share my time and energy with others. I love spending time with my wife, my friends, and my little furballs. I’ve spent the last decade working in several different healthcare environments within Alberta Health Services, most recently within a specialized program for individuals with physical and cognitive disabilities as well as mental health challenges.

 

I graduated from the University of Alberta with a Bachelor of Arts with a focus in socio-cultural Anthropology. My formal education emphasized the importance of a holistic approach to understanding what makes people tick. I continually strive to incorporate this way of thinking into my own practice when approaching behaviour. I have training in behaviour modification, positive behavioural support, non-violent crisis intervention, and trauma informed care. I also have experience working with a wide range of neurodiverse individuals of all ages.

 

I firmly believe in the foundational R’s when it comes to behaviour: Relationship, Routine, and Regulation. It goes without saying that building and maintaining trusting relationships is crucial for supporting any changes to a child’s behaviour. Routines are more than making the bed first thing in the morning! Routines create predictability and structure, which actually creates a sense of safety! Last, but certainly not least, regulation! The best learning happens when our brains are calm, available, and regulated, especially when we are learning how to deal with being dysregulated!