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Occupational Therapists

Adalia-0

ADALIA

MOT, B.Sc.

Adalia completed her Master of Occupational Therapy in 2006. Her expertise in Return-to-Work rehabilitation (RTW) spans numerous settings and client populations. She has provided RTW in clinic, community and employer-based settings including provision of workplace accommodations and ergonomic interventions.

Adalia has completed hundreds of successful RTW interventions for clients with chronic pain, mental health conditions (anxiety/depression/PTSD), MTBI/concussion and a wide variety of soft tissue and orthopedic injuries. In this process, she has gained expertise in GRTW planning, active rehabilitation programming, job demands analysis, rehabilitation case management and ergonomic risk factor analysis as well as graduated exposure programs for clients with anxiety/PTSD. Adalia also completes Functional Capacity Evaluations and Home Health assessments to establish equipment needs and services. As an instructor for UBC, she provides skills-based training in Functional Capacity Evaluation and Job Demands Analysis for the MOT Vocational Rehabilitation module. Lia is fluent in French and her current practice is focused in Vancouver, Burnaby, New Westminster, Richmond and Delta.

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ALEXANDRA

MSc. OT

Alex joined Community Therapists in 2022. She completed her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from Dalhousie University in 2020. Prior to this she completed her Master of Arts in 2018 as well as her Bachelor of Design in Communications in 2013. Prior to joining CTI Alex worked in private practice where she gained experience providing occupational therapy services for clients funded by WorkSafeBC, ICBC, VAC, and private insurance.

Alex has worked with clients in the areas of mental health, concussion management, traumatic psychological injury, hand therapy, chronic pain, return to work planning, and equipment provision. Additionally, she has provided OT services for two long-term care facilities where she completed equipment prescription, seating and positioning treatments as well as fall prevention initiatives. Alexandra provides Home Health, Concussion/TBI, Mental Health and Return to Work Rehabilitation services in Vancouver, Burnaby and the North Shore.

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Brittany

MOT

Brittany completed her Master in Occupational Therapy in 2020 at The University of British Columbia. Prior to graduating from the OT program, Brittany worked as a support worker where she implemented life skills programs for clients with a variety of cognitive and physical disabilities.

She gained valuable experience during her OT clinical placements where she was exposed to a variety of settings such as an outpatient complex pain program, outpatient neuro, community and school-based therapy as well as sub-acute rehabilitation. Brittany joined Community Therapists in 2020 and provides Home and Community Rehabilitation as well as Return to Work rehabilitation in Vancouver, Burnaby, New Westminster and Surrey.

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CATHERINE S

B.Sc. OT

Catherine completed her Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy in 2014 at Auckland University of Technology in New Zealand. After graduating, Catherine went on to work in the public sector where she gained valuable experience in community practice including complex discharge planning, cognitive rehabilitation, homecare assessments, home modifications and prescription of mobility and ADL equipment.

Catherine has worked in Australia providing service to client’s funded under the Transport Accident Commission through which she provided a range of community rehabilitation services for clients including individuals recovering from mental health trauma, anxiety disorders, chronic pain and musculoskeletal injury. Prior to joining Community Therapists, she aslo worked as a Complex Case Manager for a national disability insurer where she adjudicated absence and workplace accommodation claims and also developed and implemented graduated return to work programs for clients with mental health and physical limitations. Through her work as a complex case manager she also gained experience working with WorkSafeBC, ICBC and other extended health insurers working with her clients. Catherine joined Community Therapists in 2019 and since this time has provided community rehabilitation services for clients funded by ICBC, WorkSafeBC and LTD. She provides Home Health, Mental Health and Return to Work services for clients living in Vancouver, Burnaby and the North Shore.

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CATHERINE G

MOT

Catherine joined community Therapists in 2023. She completed her Master of Occupational Therapy from the University of British Columbia in 2013. After graduating, Catherine gained experience working as a community OT in the public sector where she conducted home visits to provide functional rehabilitation and promote independent living for adults. She also worked in private practice where she gained experience providing occupational therapy service to clients funded by WorkSafeBC, ICBC and private insurance.

She has worked with clients impacted by PTSD, chronic pain, mental illness, acquired brain injury/concussion as well as orthopedic injury. Her clinical skills include Functional Capacity Evaluation, exposure therapy, complex seating/power mobility, dysphagia assessment, cognitive rehabilitation, equipment assessments and implementation of skin integrity management solutions for elderly. In addition to community and various in-patient settings Catherine also has experience working in long term care. She brings a wealth of experience to the team and will be providing Home Health, Brain Injury, Return to Work and Mental Health services for clients in the North Okanagan including Coldstream, Vernon and Salmon Arm.

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Cecile

B.Sc. OT

Cecile graduated from the University of Alberta Rehabilitation Medicine program in 1985. Her long career and strong work ethic have enabled her to amass a range of clinical experience in settings such as acute care, community, long term care facilities and the workplace.

Her experience spans a variety of health populations including acquired brain injury, concussion, spinal cord injury, acute neurological conditions, orthopedic injury, and geriatrics. In addition, she has specialized skills in visual-perceptual assessment, cognitive assessment and cognitive remediation. Cecile provides Driver Rehabilitation & Medical Legal Assessments throughout BC and has been accepted as an expert witness in the Supreme Court of British Columbia. She sees clients in the Lower Mainland (medical legal assessments), the Gulf Islands and Vancouver Island. She completes Functional Driving Evaluations and Driver Rehab programs in Victoria and Nanaimo.

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CHELSEY

MOT

Chelsea joined Community Therapists in 2022. She completed her Master of Occupational Therapy in 2017 from the University of British Columbia. Prior to this she completed a Bachelor of Community Rehabilitation and Disability Studies at the University of Calgary in 2014. Her previous work experience includes Ergonomic & Assistive Technology assessments and intervention with the Neil Squire Society and 4 years experience in an interdisciplinary pain rehabilitation program funded by insurers such as WorkSafeBC and ICBC.

Chelsea’s previous role in a WorkSafeBC sponsored Pain Management Program has enabled her to gain a range of clinical and leadership experience. She is skilled in completing functional capacity assessment, job site visits and the development and implementation of in-clinic and workplace based graduated return to work programs. Her role also involved provision of pain management strategy training for her clients and pain science education to prepare them for a return to their pre disability activities in home, community and workplace settings. She also served as a Quality Assurance lead and provided report review feedback to all members of the interdisciplinary team and provided support and coaching for junior therapists. Through her role with the Neil Squire Society, she completed complex equipment implementations to mitigate return to work barriers arising from a variety of medical conditions including physical and visual impairment. Chelsea has worked extensively with clients experiencing persistent pain including CRPS and individuals with orthopedic trauma, soft tissue injuries and related mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. Chelsea provides Home Health, Concussion Management, Mental Health and RTW treatment for clients in Abbotsford, Mission and Chilliwack.

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DANAE

B.Sc. OT

Danae received her Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy from the University of Cape Town, South Africa in 2014. After graduating, Danae moved to Canada and entered the private sector as a community based occupational therapist.

Danae has gained experience in both Home Health and RTW Rehabilitation providing assessments and treatment for a variety of clients with soft tissue and orthopaedic injuries, as well as, mental health conditions. Danae is skilled in the completion of hospital discharge planning, home assessments to determine equipment and support services, Functional Capacity Evaluations to determine fitness for work and required job modifications, ergonomic evaluations and GRTW programming. Danae joined Community Therapists in 2017 and provides Medical Legal assessments and community-based rehabilitation in Vancouver, Burnaby, the North Shore, New West and Surrey.

Denise-8

DENISE

Dip. OT

Denise graduated from the West London School of Occupational Therapy, England in 1989. She has practiced occupational therapy for over 30 years and has worked with a variety of health populations including clients with limitations arising from neurological, psychological, sensory processing and developmental conditions. Denise is also a registered Autism Service Provider (RASP).

Since joining Community Therapists in 1994, she has provided services to clients of all ages with neurological, musculoskeletal, and psychological conditions. She has developed extensive expertise in community Brain Injury including assessment and provision of community integration/living skills programs, Return-to-Work or school, Driver Rehabilitation and equipment prescription and has gained experience working with young clients with complex disabilities. Denise’s current practice is focused on community-based assessment and therapy for children and adults with brain injury, autism, developmental delay and psychiatric disorders. She services clients living in Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond and the North Shore.

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Donna

MOT

Donna obtained her Master of Occupational Therapy in 2020 from the University of Western Ontario following her Bachelors of Kinesiology degree from UBC.

During her Master’s program she completed a clinical placement in community private practice where she virtually completed home assessments, equipment recommendations and observed/participated in RTW related interventions. Her other placements including acute care and community mental health. Donna joined Community Therapists in 2020 and provides Home & Community Rehabilitation as well as Return to Work Services in Richmond, Delta, Surrey and New Westminster.

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GELAREH

MOT, B.Kin

Gelareh joined Community Therapists in 2022. She completed her Master of Occupational Therapy in 2017 from the University of British Columbia. Prior to this she completed her Bachelor of Kinesiology from the University of the Fraser Valley in 2014. Following graduation, she went on to work in the private sector providing RTW assessment & rehabilitation services in an occupational therapy practice where she worked with clients funded by WorkSafeBC, ICBC, employers and disability insurers.

Gelareh completed the Roy Matheson & Associates certification training in FCE and Cognitive FCE and combined with her clinical work experience, this has allowed her to develop expertise in Functional Capacity Evaluation, Job Demands Analysis, Ergonomic Assessments and Graduated Return to Work Implementation & Monitoring for clients with physical, cognitive and mental health limitations arising from workplace and non-occupational injuries. She also gained experience at VGH and GF strong serving in medicine, surgery, oncology, rehabilitation and intensive care units where she completed in-patient treatment & discharge planning. Gelareh is skilled in providing home visits to determine equipment and support needs and developing programming to increase activity tolerance and work readiness. She provides RTW, Ergonomic & Community Rehabilitation services in Vancouver, Burnaby, Coquitlam & Surrey and FCEs in Burnaby & Surrey.

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HARU

M.Sc. OT, B.Sc. Psych

Haru received her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from the University of Alberta in 2007. Prior to this, she completed a BA in Psychology from Simon Fraser University. Her passion for occupational therapy led her to work as both a research and teaching assistant in the Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine with the University of Alberta. Haru has extensive experience in Paediatrics and Return to Work Rehabilitation. She gained this experience working with funders including the At Home Program (MCFD), Autism Funds, (MCFD), Community Brain Injury Program for Children and Youth, WorkSafeBC, ICBC and a variety of disability insurers.

Haru's expertise also includes developing and implementing Home and Community Health programs as well as Hospital Discharge Planning and prescription of equipment and services for clients recovering from traumatic injuries. Since 2014, she has provided paediatric therapy for children with autism, brain injury and neurodevelopmental concerns. Haru’s experience includes concussion management and return to work/school programming for a wide variety of clients and funders. She provides services to adults and children in Vancouver, Burnaby and the North Vancouver.

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HELEN

B.Sc. OT

Helen graduated from the University of Witwatersrand in South Africa in 1983. She has over 30 years of experience and has worked in a community setting for over 25 years in the areas of home health and brain injury. Helen served for 7 years as COTBCs Chair of the Standards Committee as well as 2 years on the Board and Inquiry Committee.

She was also a member of the working group on the Development of Guidelines for Incapability Assessments for the Office of the Public Guardianship and Trustee. In 2007, she was recognized as an expert in occupational therapy by the Supreme Court of BC. Helen is a member of the CAOT-BC, participates in the practice leadership group and maintains membership in WFOT. She provides Home Health and Community Brain Injury services in Burnaby, Vancouver, New Westminster and the North Shore.

Jacquie-13

JACQUIE

B.Sc. OT, MRSc., MBA

Jacquie completed her Bachelor of Science in OT in 1990, her MBA in leadership and management in 1996 and received her Master's in Rehabilitation Sciences in 2017. Having practiced for over 30 years as an OT, she provides a broad range of clinical expertise and leadership to our team. Jacquie has worked extensively with a variety of health populations including adults with neurological injury (stroke, TBI), mental health conditions, cardiovascular diagnoses and general medical issues.

Through her administrative work with the Ministry of Health's Services for Community Living (HSCL), she developed rehabilitation policies, procedures and clinical practice guidelines and standards. Through her role at HSCL she also gained experience providing education to community stakeholders, organized educational events and advised the Assistant deputy Minister on relevant program issues. Jacquie served as co-chair of the Fraser Health Regional Professional Practice and Integration Committee between 2009-2011 and also served on the Standards Committee for COTBC for 2 terms. Clinically, she has completed numerous home visits to assess and prescribe equipment including wheelchairs, lifts and other home aides. Jacquie has extensive experience with anxiety treatment and exposure therapy and has assisted a wide variety of clients in returning to both community life and work using education, exposure treatment, job coaching and training in mood & other self management strategies. She is also skilled in swallowing assessments for clients with dysphagia following neurological injury. Jacquie provides community-based rehabilitation and RTW services for clients living in Delta, Surrey, Langley, Abbotsford and Aldergrove.

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JASMIN

B.Sc. OT

Jasmin completed her Bachelor's degree in Occupational Therapy in 2006 at James Cook University in Australia. After graduating, Jasmin went on to work in the private and public sectors where she gained experience in return-to-work rehabilitation and community practice. Her return-to-work experience includes functional capacity evaluation, job demands analysis, graduated return to work programs and ergonomic assessments.

Health populations served include individuals with soft tissue/orthopedic injuries, neurological disorders (MTBI/concussion) and mental health conditions. Jasmin also has extensive experience providing home and community rehabilitation including assessments to determine home medical equipment, mobility devices, home adaptations and required support services. Hospital discharge planning and linking her clients with resources and services formed an integral portion of her practice both prior to and while working with CTI. Jasmin joined Community Therapists in 2015 and provides Home Health, Return to Work, Mental Health and Brain Injury Rehabilitation for clients living in Vancouver, North Vancouver, Burnaby and New Westminster. She also conducts medical legal assessments throughout the Lower Mainland and FCEs in our Burnaby clinic.

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JESSICA T

MOT

Jessica joined Community Therapists in 2024. She completed her Master of Occupational Therapy from the University of British Columbia in 2021. Prior to this, she completed her Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry with a Minor in Psychology from the University of British Columbia in 2017. Before joining CTI, Jessica worked in the private sector providing RTW rehabilitation services such as job site visits, return to work planning and job coaching.

Jessica’s experience includes work within WorkSafeBC sponsored programs such as the PTSD Program, Early Concussion Assessment and Treatment Program (ECAT) and Pain Management & Medication Program (PMP). In addition to RTW rehabilitation, Jessica is skilled at facilitating team communication and developing and implementing active rehabilitation programming ranging from in-clinic work simulations to supported in-vivo exposures. Jessica currently provides Return to Work, Home Health, Concussion/TBI, Mental Health and Return to Work Rehabilitation services in Burnaby, Vancouver, New Westminster and Surrey. She speaks conversational Cantonese.

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JESSICA

B.Sc. OT

Jessica obtained her Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy in 2011 from Cardiff University in the UK. After graduating, she went to work in the public sector in community and hospital settings. She worked in Medical/Surgery, Stroke Rehabilitation, Cardiac Rehab and Rapid Response clinical settings.

Through her varied work experience, she gained specialized skills in complex hospital discharge planning, seating/positioning, home medical equipment assessments including ceiling lifts, home modification assessments, as well as, mental health and cognitive rehabilitation. Since joining Community Therapists in 2017, Jessica has expanded her knowledge base in community rehabilitation for clients with orthopedic, cognitive and psychosocial limitations and has developed expertise in return to work assessment and rehabilitation. She provides Home Health, Brain Injury, Return to Work and Mental Health rehabilitation in Burnaby, New Westminster, Tri-Cities, Vancouver and North/West Vancouver. She also provides medical legal assessments throughout the Lower Mainland.

Jennifer T.-9

Jennifer T.

MOT, B. Kin.

Jennifer received her Master of OT degree from UBC in 2016 following a Bachelor's degree in Kinesiology in 2014. Her clinical internships included tertiary mental health, home health, neuro rehab and geriatrics. Her clinical work experience includes community home health where she completed home assessments to determine equipment and support requirements and coordinated client access to healthcare services.

Additionally, she has experience working within a skilled nursing facility with a range of clientele and has completed numerous seating and positioning assessments as well as discharge planning. Since joining CTI, Jennifer has provided a range of programs for clients with orthopedic, mental health and cognitive limitations in home, community and workplace settings. She joined Community Therapists in 2018 and provides Return to Work, Brain Injury, Mental Health and Home Health Rehabilitation in Burnaby, New Westminster, Tri-Cities, Surrey and Delta.

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Joanne

MOT

Joanne completed her Master in Occupational Therapy in 2020 at The University of British Columbia following a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology. As a kinesiologist, Joanne worked in the private sector for a large interdisciplinary return to work clinic performing job site visits, as well as creating and implementing graduated return to work plans.

Prior to graduating from the MOT program, Joanne completed her final clinical placement at Community Therapists where she assessed, designed and monitored graded rehabilitative plans for clients recovering from physical and psychological trauma related to workplace injuries and MVAs. Her other placements occurred in acute care, mental health and pediatric settings. Joanne joined Community Therapists in 2020 and provides Return to Work as well as Home and Community Rehabilitation programs in the Tri-Cities, Burnaby, and Maple Ridge. Joanne is fluent in Cantonese and speaks conversational Mandarin.

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KATHY

B.Sc. OT

Kathy completed her Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy at UBC in 1993. She has practiced in a range of settings including long term care, hospitals, schools, community health units (VCHA, FHA), and in private practice within the community.

Her years of clinical practice have allowed her to develop expertise in neuro-rehabilitation, geriatrics, mental health, medical/surgical conditions and orthopedic rehabilitation. Kathy provides Home Health and Health Facility rehabilitation services and speaks conversational Cantonese.

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KAYLA

MOT, B.A. Psych.

Kayla obtained her Master of Occupational Therapy in 2018 from the University of British Columbia. After graduating, Kayla gained experience in a hospital setting providing neurorehabilitation. There she assessed physical, affective, cognitive and perceptual challenges for clients impacted by stroke, brain injury and concurrent orthopedic and medical concerns.

She also coordinated client transitions to community living and, in this capacity, determined equipment and support needs required for hospital discharge. During her formal training in the MOT program, Kayla completed internships in General Medicine, Palliative Care, Mental Health and Home Health. She joined Community Therapists in 2020 and provides Home Health, Mental Health and Return to Work rehabilitation in Vancouver, Burnaby, and New Westminster.

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KILEY

MOT, B.Sc. Kin

Since graduating from the Master of OT program at UBC in 2013, Kiley has worked in both clinic and community settings providing return to work rehabilitation, job site visits and graduated return to work programs.

She has provided service in WorkSafeBC sponsored RTW programs including Occupational Rehabilitation-2 and Head Injury Assessment and Treatment Services. She has also developed expertise in Driver Rehabilitation, Functional Capacity Evaluation and provision of community-based rehabilitation programs for clients with physical, cognitive and mental health limitations. Kiley provides Home Health, Return to Work, Brain Injury and Driver Rehabilitation in Surrey, Langley, Abbotsford and Chilliwack.

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KRISTEN

B.Sc. OT, B.A

Kristen completed her Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy in 1998. She has focused her work in private practice in the areas of community living skills development, home health and return to work planning and implementation.

She has extensive experience working with adults and children affected by neurological, physical and affective disorders including brain injury, orthopedic trauma and depression.

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LAILA

B.Sc. OT

Laila graduated from the University of British Columbia with a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy in 1989. She also holds a Diploma in Health Care Management, from BCIT. Laila has over 30 years of clinical experience in both public and private sector contexts. She has practiced in long term care, hospital units including ICU and Neurosciences, and community-based settings where she has provided home health, brain injury and return to work services.

Her expertise includes working with clients impacted by chronic pain, post concussion syndrome, mental health conditions and a variety of medical conditions which impact activity tolerance, daily routines and cognitive functioning. She is skilled at working with both adult and geriatric populations, provision of adaptive equipment, seating and mobility solutions, home safety assessments, cognitive assessments and cognitive remediation and has provided a variety of programs which target improved participation in home, community and workplace settings for a wide range of clientele. In addition to maintaining an active clinical caseload, Laila regularly participates in quality assurance initiatives and program development and has leveraged her considerable experience to provide medical legal assessments for clients with injury related impairments. Laila primarily practices in Vancouver, Burnaby and the North Shore.

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LAURIE

B.Sc. OT

Laurie completed her Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy in 1982 from the University of Washington. She has clinical expertise in Brain Injury, Home Health and RTW rehabilitation. Since joining Community Therapists in 1993 Laurie has provided assessment and rehabilitation programs for clients with a variety of medical conditions including musculoskeletal, orthopedic, neurological and psychological disorders.

She was recognized as an expert in occupational therapy by the Supreme Court of BC in 1998. Laurie provides Home Health, Brain Injury and Return to Work services in the Sea to Sky region as well as the North Shore.

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LINDSAY

M.Sc. OT, B.Sc.

Lindsay completed her Master of Occupational Therapy degree at UBC in 2007. Prior to her training in OT, she worked as a behavioural interventionist for children with Autism.

Since joining Community Therapists in 2008, Lindsay has provided clinic and community-based assessments and therapy for young children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, developmental delay, brain injury and other conditions which affect home, school or community functioning. Lindsay sees clients in Surrey, Delta, Langley and Richmond and is approved under the Registry of Autism Service Providers (ACT, RASP). Lindsay also maintains a general practice caseload of adults in Home Health and Return to Work for individuals recovering from physical, mental health and cognitive limitations.

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LORRAINE

B.Sc. OT

Lorraine graduated from the University of Alberta in 2005 with a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy. Since graduating, she has gained experience in return to work rehabilitation in clinic, community and employer settings. Lorraine sees clients with physical, cognitive and mental health conditions and has developed considerable expertise in assisting clients with concussion and mental health conditions (anxiety, depression) in returning to pre-injury or alternate employment.

Additionally, she works extensively with severely injured clients who require complex home medical equipment to facilitate their discharge from hospital to home safely. Lorraine is skilled in evaluating and implementing equipment solutions including lifts, ramps, seating systems to facilitate independent living as well as other strategies such as alternative transportation, meal management and homemaking. Using objective clinical assessment combined with a sound understanding of the healthcare services available to her clients, Lorraine’s assists her clients in transitioning from hospital to home and from home to active community life include work. Lorraine speaks Vietnamese fluently and her practice is focused in Vancouver, Richmond, and North and West Vancouver

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LUDMILLA

B.Sc. OT, M.Sc.

Ludmilla completed her Bachelor of Science degree in Occupational Therapy in 2001 from Faculdade de Ciencias Medicas de Minas Gerais (Brazil). In 2006, Ludmilla relocated to Toronto and worked in multiple settings including the community and hospital. She completed her Master of Science in Healthcare Quality, Safety and Risk from Queen’s University in 2016.

Ludmilla has experience with neurological rehab, home safety assessments, discharge planning, seating assessments, splinting and evaluating clients return to work potential and driving ability. She served as the patient care coordinator for an inpatient neuro rehab service, received an award for her work in a Complex Continuing Care department and has also served as a clinical instructor for the University of Toronto OT program for over 10 years. Ludmilla joined Community Therapists in 2020 and provides Brain Injury, Home Health and Return to Work Rehabilitation on the North Shore and in Vancouver and Burnaby. Ludmilla is fluent in Portuguese.

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MEGHAN

B.Sc. OT, B.A.

Meghan received her Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy from the University of Alberta in 2008. She joined Community Therapists in 2013 and maintains a diverse rural practice that includes Home Health, Hospital Discharge Planning, Return to Work and Community Integration.

She works with clients affected by a wide variety of injuries and medical conditions including soft tissue/orthopedic injury, mental health diagnoses, stroke/brain injury, geriatrics and neuro-developmental conditions (paediatrics). Meghan provides assessment and rehabilitation services as well as Medical Legal assessments in the West Kootenay region including Trail and surrounding areas.

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Mirjana

MScOT

Mirjana completed her Master of Occupational Therapy degree in 2015 from The University of Alberta. Prior to joining Community Therapists in 2020, Mirjana practiced with a large interdisciplinary rehabilitation company providing services within their Community OT and Community Brain Injury Services contracts (WorkSafeBC), Driver Rehabilitation program and Customized Rehabilitation and RTW services for clients funded by employers and insurers.

These experiences assisted her in gaining expertise with a wide variety of clients recovering from head injuries (concussion), orthopedic injury and mental health disorders. Mirjana also has previous experience in the public sector in both acute and residential care where she provided hospital discharge, seating, positioning and ADL related assessments and treatments for a wide variety of clients including geriatrics, post-surgical and general medical health populations. Prior to becoming an OT, Mirjana practiced as a Kinesiologist at Community Therapists and implemented a range of programs for clients with brain injury, mental health concerns and orthopedic injuries. She is currently completing a Graduate Certificate in Driver Rehabilitation from McGill University. Mirjana is fluent in Croatian and speaks conservational German. She provides Home, RTW and Community rehabilitation as well as Driver Rehabilitation services in Chilliwack and Abbotsford.

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MONITA

B.Sc. OT

Monita completed her B.Sc. in occupational therapy in 2003 from the University of BC. Her clinical experience spans both public and private sector contexts in Canada and abroad. Her practice areas include home health, brain injury, vocational rehabilitation, driver rehabilitation and medical legal services. In 2008, Monita earned the designation of Certified Work Capacity Evaluator, through Roy Matheson and Associates.
Monita has also been accepted as a subject matter expert in Ergonomics for the Worker's Compensation Appeal Tribunal.

Outside of Community Therapists, Monita has served as a clinical instructor with the UBC Master of OT Program Vocational Rehabilitation course since 2017 and was designated lead clinical instructor in 2020. Monita provides graduate training in RTW rehabilitation services, Job Demands Analysis and Functional Capacity Evaluation. In June 2020, in recognition of her teaching, Monita was awarded a Clinical Faculty appointment by the UBC Faculty of Medicine and subsequently in 2022, she was promoted to Clinical Assistant Professor. Monita is an active member of the CAOT-BC Private Practice Business Network and contributes to provincial initiatives to support access to and working conditions for occupational therapists in BC. Monita engages with other professional associations' leadership to address industry changes and challenges. Monita's dedication to rehabilitation quality assurance ensures clinical service delivery meets both client needs and funder standards.

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NAOMI

MOT, B.Sc. Psych.

Naomi completed her Master of Occupational Therapy degree at UBC in 2008. After graduation, Naomi worked in the public health care system, providing service to clients with orthopaedic/soft tissue and neurological injuries (GF Strong, various health units).

After joining CTI in 2011, Naomi gained experience in hospital discharge planning, home assessment, physical activation and return to work planning. She has also worked as an instructor for CAOT and as a clinical instructor for the University of British Columbia's MOT program. She works with clients impacted by physical, cognitive and mental health limitations and provides Home Health, Brain Injury, Mental Health and Return to Work services in Langley, Surrey, Abbotsford, Maple Ridge, Mission and Chilliwack and is fluent in French and German. Naomi also provides Driver Rehabilitation in Burnaby, Surrey, Abbotsford and Langley.

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NEGAH

MOT, B.A. Psych.

Negah completed her Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy in 2017 at UBC. Prior to joining Community Therapists, Negah worked in the private sector providing home and community-based OT intervention including RTW rehabilitation services such as job site visits, job demands analyses, ergonomic assessments and return to work planning.

She has also developed expertise with MVA injured clientele in hospital discharge planning and community activation. Negah has assisted clients with a range of injuries and diagnoses including orthopedic injury, concussion and mild traumatic brain injury. She has also worked in residential care settings completing comprehensive seating and MAT assessments, skin integrity assessments, dysphagia evaluation and safety assessments. Negah joined Community Therapists in 2019 and provides Home Health, Brain Injury and Return to Work Services in Vancouver, Burnaby, New Westminster and on the North Shore. Negah speaks Farsi fluently.

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REBECCA

MOT, B.Sc.

Rebecca graduated from the University of British Columbia with a Master of Occupational Therapy in 2010. Since graduating, she has gained expertise in a variety of areas including interdisciplinary chronic pain & RTW programs, community-based rehabilitation, hospital discharge planning, driver rehabilitation, and development and implementation of rehabilitation plans for clients with mental health conditions and concussion injuries.

Clinically, she has completed numerous Job Demands Analyses, Ergonomic Assessments, Functional Driving Evaluations and GRTW Programs. She has assisted clients in their transition from hospital to home and from home to the workplace. Rebecca joined Community Therapists in 2014 and provides Home Health and Return to Work services for clients in Comox, Courtenay, Cumberland, South Campbell River and surrounding areas. Rebecca also provides Driver Rehabilitation services in Courtenay.

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SALIM

MBA, B.Sc. OT

Salim completed his B.Sc. in occupational therapy in 1998 and in 2002 he earned the designation of Certified Work Capacity Evaluator through RMA. He also holds an MBA from the UBC Sauder School of Business. Salim's clinical expertise includes Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE), Return to Work Rehabilitation (RTW), Ergonomics, Home Health and Community Activation for clients with orthopedic, general medical and mental health conditions.

Salim has worked in home, community, clinic and workplace settings assisting clients funded by insurers, lawyers and employers. He is a Supreme Court recognized expert in FCE and a WCAT recognized expert in Ergonomics. His contributions to the OT profession include service as a board member for the BC Society of OTs (now CAOT-BC) and more than a decade of voluntary work for CAOT leading initiatives to advance the standing of private practice OT in BC. From 2010-2020 Salim served as the lead clinical instructor for the UBC Master of OT program Vocational Rehabilitation module. In this role he redeveloped and refocused the curriculum to align with current evidence and provided foundational instruction in FCE, RTW rehabilitation and workplace disability prevention. His teaching contributions were recognized with a Clinical Faculty Appointment by the UBC Faculty of Medicine in 2013 and he currently serves as an advisor for the program. In 2012, Salim was recognized by Business in Vancouver as one of BC’s Top 40 under 40. As the Managing Director for Community Therapists, he is responsible for working with leadership to improve service quality and outcomes, liaising with funders and developing strategic opportunities and partnerships.

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SARAH

MOT

Sarah obtained her Master of Occupational Therapy in 2018 from the University of British Columbia. After graduating, she gained experience working in the public sector in a hospital setting providing wheelchair assessments/equipment prescription, pressure management solutions and discharge planning for a diverse health population.

Her clinical internships included outpatient neurology and community mental health. Prior to occupational therapy, Sarah gained extensive experience working as a behavioural interventionist, attendant care worker and educational assistant. Sarah joined Community Therapists in 2019 and provides Home Health, Mental Health and Return to Work Rehabilitation in Vancouver, Burnaby, New Westminster, Richmond and Surrey.

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SARAH C.

MSc. OT

Sarah joined Community Therapists in 2022. She completed her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from the University of Alberta in 2021. Prior to this she completed her Bachelor of Human Kinetics from the University of British Columbia in 2018. Following graduation, she went on to work in the private sector providing rehabilitation to clients funded by third parties such as ICBC.

Sarah has experience completing initial assessments and cognitive assessments as well as treatment in the areas of cognitive rehab, managing lifestyle factors, activity tolerance, pacing and planning, as well as environmental and task modification. She provides Home Health, Brain Injury, Mental Health and Return to Work Rehabilitation services in Langley and Surrey.

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Sara D.

B.Sc. Bio, MOT

Sara joined Community Therapists in 2021. She completed her Master of Occupational Therapy training at Cleveland State University in 2009. Since graduating she has focused her practice on serving a neurodiverse population including clients with autism, brain injury and other neuro-developmental conditions including auditory processing disorders, developmental coordination disorder, dyslexia, fine motor delays and various learning disabilities. She has worked in child development centres, home and other community settings.

Sara has experience completing customized home and school programs, leading early intervention groups and working in close collaboration with team members including SLP, Behaviour Analysts and Physiotherapists. She has implemented seating and equipment solutions to improve mobility, home safety and community functioning. She is also an approved provider under the BC Registry of Autism Service Providers (RASP). Sara provides home based paediatric and adult community-based rehabilitation programs in Campbell River, Courtenay, Comox and Qualicum Beach.

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SHAUNA

MOT

Shauna completed her Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy in 2011 at Queen’s University following a Bachelor’s degree in Human Kinetics in 2009. After graduating, Shauna went on to work in the public sector where she treated adults that had sustained cognitive and orthopaedic injuries as well individuals with mental health conditions.

She has worked in a variety of settings including community mental health, residential care, group therapy for ABI, sub acute hospitals and community day programs. She also gained experience working in private practice (BC) with third party funders assisting clients with recovery following automobile and workplace accidents. Across these various settings, Shauna has developed expertise in RTW rehabilitation, mental health treatment, exposure therapy, hospital discharge planning, home safety equipment prescription, seating/positioning assessments, pressure management, dysphagia and rehabilitation management for clients with complex needs. Shauna provides Home Health, Concussion Therapy, Return to Work and Mental Health Rehabilitation Services to clients living in the Kelowna area.

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STACEY

M.Sc. OT, B.Sc.

Stacey received her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy in 2006 from McMaster University. She has worked extensively with clients who have experienced catastrophic injuries and conditions including spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, multi-orthopedic trauma and complex medical surgical conditions.

Her experience includes more than 4 years with GF Strong and work in a variety of settings and referral contexts including in-patient, discharge planning and home and community visits. She has implemented advanced equipment solutions for a wide variety of clientele in both home and hospital settings. Stacey joined Community Therapists in 2018 and provides Home Health, Mental Health and Brain Injury Rehabilitation treatment for clients living Vancouver, Burnaby, New Westminster, Tri-Cities, Port Moody and Surrey.

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SUE

B.Sc. OT

Sue obtained her Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy in 1988 from the University of Alberta. Prior to joining CTI, she worked in both in-patient and out-patient settings in neurosurgery, psychiatry and orthopaedics within the public sector. Since joining the practice in 1993, Sue has focused her clinical work in the areas of home health, brain injury and driver rehabilitation.

She was a co-developer of the Functional Driving Evaluation protocol with Linda Hirsekorn and leads the Driver Rehabilitation practice at CTI. Sue is a Supreme Court recognized expert in Functional Driving Ability and a recognized expert on driving-related human rights cases. She has been retained by ICBC to provide consultation to the ICBC Driver Training & Certification program and Regulated Driver Programs and her work with the Ministry of Transport in Ontario helped define provincial guidelines for assessing driver’s with disabilities. She has co-published 2 research articles on the use of virtual reality technology in driving evaluation and has provided presentations on Driver Rehabilitation and Brain Injury treatment for many educational conferences including the International Conference on MTBI. Sue has also served as the lead instructor for the Driver Rehabilitation module for the Occupational Therapy program at UBC from 2001 to 2011. Sue oversees Service Coordination, Kinesiology/Rehabilitation Assistant services and all Community Based OT services. In collaboration with the director team, Sue ensures CTI services meet regulatory, funder and evidence-based standards.

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TIFFANY

MOT, B.A. Psych.

Tiffany obtained her Master of Occupational Therapy in 2015 from the University of British Columbia. After graduating, Tiffany went on to work in the paediatric field providing assessments and developmentally relevant treatment for infants and toddlers.

Her clinical internships included working in private practice conducting RTW functional assessments and creating customized graduated return to work plans for clients funded by WorkSafeBC (OR2 and RTWSS) as well as general practice within an inpatient hospital setting where she gained hospital discharge planning experience. Tiffany joined Community Therapists in 2018 and provides Home Health, Mental Health and Return to Work Rehabilitation treatment for clients living in Burnaby, New Westminster, Surrey and Langley.

The Function Experts®

Our diverse group of healthcare professionals and services are united by a common purpose, to better understand and improve the function of our clients in the settings that matter to them.

Head Office

 
604-681-9293 - Office
1-888-591-9477 - Toll Free
604-681-8705 - Fax
 
 
#206 - 4300 North Fraser Way
Burnaby, BC V5J 0B3

Regions Served

Metro Vancouver
Greater Victoria
Fraser Valley
Sea-to-Sky
South & Central Island
North Island
West Kootenays
Okanagan Valley