We build relationships and use play, strengths and interests to help kids build the skills they need for success. The outcomes of occupational therapy can be dramatic.
Occupational therapy can help boost children's confidence and self-esteem and decrease their sensory sensitivities. Many children show significant improvements in motor planning and motor skills, frustration tolerance, transitions, regulation, attention, executive functioning, play skills and school readiness.
Children are learning and improving during their sessions but to them it’s fun and feels like play and the sessions are done at the “just right” level so that they are learning and improving without the frustration that comes when something is “too hard”. Through engaging the child in something that is fun and developing any lagging or undeveloped skills that are impacting the child, we are building the foundations for higher learning and functional development.
Many children perform better functionally, socially and academically following occupation therapy sessions. But most importantly, parents (and children depending on their age) learn to appreciate their child's needs and are provided with the tools to help them for a lifetime.
“Over
the years, Vancouver OT has become like a second home to our family, especially
for our son. He always looks forward to his sessions, and the support he has
always received from Amy and Katie both therapeutically and emotionally has
been invaluable in his development and well-being while navigating his life
with ASD.
Vancouver
OT's team is not only a great group of professionals, but most importantly they
are a team of wonderful, good human beings who truly care.” - JL
“Van
OT for Kids has been an invaluable addition to our family’s life. Our
daughter at age 3 was diagnosed on the spectrum and we had to find an
occupational therapist in a pinch to get her the early intervention she
needed. Cue Katie and Riba the dream team who have just gone above and
beyond with providing our family exceptional support and the utmost level of
care for our daughter.
Katie is
always there to help with suggestions, visual aids and coping strategies
whenever a challenge occurs. Riba is efficient in making sure we always
have an appointment time for our daughter and that we don’t miss any handouts
or worksheets from Katie.
Fast
forward to present day where our daughter is a high functioning, confident and
happy child. She is always so excited to go to each session and always
comes out with a new skill in tow.
Van
OT for Kids have been an indispensable addition for our daughter and we cannot
imagine our life without Van OT for Kids. Thank you Katie and Riba!”
- CT
"My 8 year son’s pediatrician recommended Occupational
Therapy. We were very fortunate to get an appointment with Vancouver OT for
Kids. We worked with Allen who is such a wonderful OT. He built an instant
connection with my son and provided effective strategies for focus and
self-regulation. My son always looks forward to the appointment with
excitement. Riba, the office manager made us feel welcomed and supported from
the day one. I can't say enough about our great experience with them.
Their facility is thoughtfully designed for kids and the
full team strives to provide the best experience for the kids and
parents. Thank you!" -KN
“We have
been attending Vancouver OT for Kids for over two years and I can definitely
attest that I am impressed by to the staffs' skills, knowledge and dedication
to my child.
When I
reached out inquiring about their services, Riba was able to go over their
practice with patience, knowledge and compassion. During my early visits, I was
overwhelmed and in a daze. Amy, our OT, was able to patiently guide my family
on how to navigate my child's specific need to self regulate.
Amy is
constantly reviewing the newest Occupational therapy findings. In my case, she
is able to consistently notice and adapt with my child whenever there's any
changes presented by my child. Armed with this knowledge, my child's other
support staff were able to gain great strides by adhering to Amy's
recommendations.
I am so
grateful to Vancouver OT for Kids for their continued support of my child.” –
PK
“My son is 5yrs old, non verbal and on the spectrum. I came to
Vancouver Occupational Therapy for Kids for guidance to help understand my
son’s sensory seeking needs. We see Katie, who is very knowledgeable in her
field and takes the time to get to know my son. She has helped our family
through all our questions and concerns. I’m very pleased with the progress we
have made so far and I love seeing the results after each session as my son is
more content and regulated.
Everyone is so kind and helpful and we are really grateful to have
Vancouver OT on our team! Thank you for everything so far and we are excited to
continue to learn and grow with your support on this journey.” - TF
“Our child has
attended Vancouver OT for Kids for several years now and we really appreciate
that the treatment plan has been expertly adjusted to suit his needs as he has
grown. Speaking in terms of both gross and fine motor skills, they've managed
to meet him where he was at, every time, while making the process both engaging
and fun.
Finding OT services in Vancouver can be a daunting task, but
they make the process approachable and the therapists at Vancouver OT for Kids
have so much expertise. Thank you Allen!” - EM
Amy has had the pleasure of being an Occupational Therapist since 2010 and she has vast experience working with kids of all ages. Amy was interested in health sciences from a young age and Occupational Therapy and pediatrics have been the perfect match for her.
Amy loves working with kids in a fun and engaging manner and helping every child reach their full potential.
Amy’s passion is to help each child meet their goals and she utilizes a strength-based and child and family centered approach.
Katie grew up in
Ontario and moved to Halifax to complete her Bachelor in Neuroscience and her Master
of Science in Occupational Therapy at Dalhousie University. Katie was a
competitive swimmer for much of her life and in addition she took great joy in
teaching kids to swim.
Katie moved to
Vancouver where her passion for working with kids led her to pursue pediatrics.
Katie puts the child
and the family at the center of everything.
Her love for
pediatrics shines bright, as she works to collaborate with kids and their
families in an effort to achieve any goal, no matter how big or small.
Allen attended the
University of BC where he completed his Bachelor of Kinesiology and then moved
to Ontario to attend the University of Toronto for his Master of Science in
Occupational Therapy.
Allen loves working
with kids of all ages and enjoys using fun, playful, and engaging activities
with a functional approach whilst addressing the family’s concerns and helping
them find solutions.
Allen uses a strength-based
approach, and his purpose is to help kids reach their goals and their full
potential.
