Feel free to call me Jo! I'm a pediatric Occupational Therapist (OT) with more than 10 years of experience supporting children with diverse developmental abilities and neurodiverse profiles. My practice is grounded in a neurodiversity-affirming philosophy, and uses play-based therapy to help children grow, thrive, and participate meaningfully in their everyday lives.

 

I earned my Masters of Occupational Therapy from the University of Ottawa, following an undergraduate degree in Child and Family Development from the University of Guelph, and also hold a Diploma in Early Childhood Education (ECE). I have worked across a variety of practice areas, including Autism, ADHD, Down Syndrome, Sensory Processing Differences, Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), anxiety, learning disabilities, and developmental delays. My professional development journey has included many courses specific to sensory integration and sensory regulation. I have also completed introductory training in DIRFloortime®, a developmental, relationship-based approach that supports children’s emotional growth and social communication through play. I enjoy taking new courses every year to stay up to date on best practice.

In addition to my pediatric work, I am the founder of Pacific Peak Therapy, an occupational therapy practice dedicated to supporting adults (www.pacificpeaktherapy.ca).

I moved to B.C. from Ontario in 2014 and settled on the North Shore with my husband, two daughters, and two dogs. Outside of my therapy work, you can find me enjoying the North Shore through mountain biking, hiking, and snowboarding.