meet the team
What is a Pediatric Occupational Therapist?
Pediatric Occupational Therapists help children develop the skills they need to participate in their everyday lives independently and engage in activities that are most important to them. The Occupational Therapist completes a comprehensive assessment and evaluation on the child's development, motor skills, sensory processing abilities, and cognitive or behavioural challenges. They use standardized tests, observations, and interviews with parents and caregivers to gather information about the child's needs. Based on the assessment, the Occupational Therapist will create a personalized therapy plan with goals specific to their needs to help the child overcome barriers to functioning.
A pediatric occupational therapist specializes in teaching and assisting children develop the skills they need to perform daily activities in a functional and meaningful way. These activities range from basic self- care tasks like dressing or grooming to more complex tasks like interacting with peers, playing, and learning in school. (Please refer to "Our Services" Page to see a full list of the different type of skills addressed and the "Resources" Page to see the definition of each.)
What is a Pediatric Occupational Therapist Assistant?
A Pediatric Occupational Therapist Assistant plays a vital role in assisting and teaching children develop the skills they need to be independent in everyday activities and engage in activities that matter most to them. Under the direction and supervision from the Pediatric Occupational Therapist, the Pediatric Occupational Therapist Assistant plans and carries out the sessions designed to address specific developmental goals, such as improving motor skills, sensory processings, self- care, and much more. The Pediatric Occupational Therapist Assistant modifies activities based on the child's progress and needs and reports the progress to the Pediatric Occupational Therapist so that they can modify the goals if needed. The Pediatric Occupational Therapist Assistant collaborates with families by showing them how to use strategies, tools, or exercises in daily routines to support the child's goals. They also collaborate with other therapy professionals that may help implement joint interventions.
(Please refer to "Our Services" Page to see a full list of the different skills addressed and the "Resources" Page to see the definition of each.)
Owner/ Senior Occupational Therapist
Meet Maggie, a dedicated and experienced Pediatric Occupational Therapist with over 15 years of service in the pediatric community. Maggie completed her Master’s in Occupational Therapy at Wayne State University and has since worked as both a direct service provider and consultant across a variety of environments. These include children's rehabilitation centers, schools (encompassing preschool and daycare), and home/community settings.
Maggie specializes in providing occupational therapy services to children from infancy to 18 years of age, addressing a wide range of conditions such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), fine and gross motor delays and developmental delays.
As a registered member of the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT) and the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario (COTO), Maggie brings a wealth of experience, compassion, and enthusiasm to her work. She values the importance of building rapport with each child, ensuring a therapeutic environment that is both supportive and effective. Maggie's dedication to her field is evident in her patient and knowledgeable approach, making a positive impact on the lives of the children she works with.
Occupational Therapist Assistant / Art Therapy Practitioner
Meet Diana, a dedicated and experienced Occupational Therapist Assistant who has been making a difference in the lives of children for over five years. Diana completed her Occupational Therapist Assistant diploma at Georgian College and has since worked in both private and public sectors. Her diverse experience spans various settings, including home and community environments, hospitals, and clinics.
Diana specializes in providing OTA services to children from preschool age up to 18 years, addressing a wide range of conditions such as Acquired Brain Injury (ABI), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Developmental Speech Delay (DSD), and both fine and gross motor delays, as well as developmental delays.
She is a registered member of the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT), and is a member of various other continued education platforms. Diana holds various other certificates relative to the field and holds a certificate as an art therapy practitioner. Diana will be running the Art Therapy Workshops, that you can sign up for through the "Art Therapy Workshop" page on the top. She brings a wealth of experience, empathy, and enthusiasm to her work, valuing the importance of building rapport to create a therapeutic environment that is well-suited to each child's needs. Diana is committed to empowering children and fostering their development with patience and knowledge.