Our Team

Jordan Barberio is a speech-language pathologist registered with the College of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists of Ontario (CASLPO). She graduated from the University of Toronto with a Master of Health Science in Speech-Language Pathology, and also holds an Honours Bachelor of Health and Physical Education with specialization in Health Promotion. Previous to becoming a speech-language pathologist, Jordan worked as an intervener for deafblind individuals, as well as a swim instructor for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and ADHD.

Jordan is enthusiastic about partnering with families to create a positive and playful therapy environment that supports each child in achieving their individual goals. She has worked with infants, preschool and school-age children in the areas of language, literacy, articulation, motor speech, feeding, fluency, voice, alternative and augmentative communication (AAC) and social communication. She has additional experience with conducting neonatal clinics, palatofacial clinics, infant hearing programs, developmental language and social groups.

Jordan is committed to evidence-based practice and is dedicated to life-long learning. She continues to engage in professional development opportunities, most recently in the areas of childhood apraxia of speech, dyslexia, phonological interventions, sensory processing and neurodiverse-affirming therapy practices. Jordan has completed training in Hanen®: More Than Words, and Orton Gillingham: Practical Linguistics, Part 1.

Heather obtained an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree in Linguistics at Brock University before completing her Master of Health Science degree in Speech-Language Pathology at the University of Toronto.

Heather has worked with clients of all ages and can assist with a wide variety of communication difficulties including articulation and motor speech disorders, fluency disorders, voice disorders, language-based learning disorders, stroke, acquired brain injury, and swallowing disorders. I have experience working in private practice, hospital and school settings as well as in client’s homes.

Heather is passionate about continuing education; her additional training includes: Introduction to PROMPT, More Than Words, It Takes Two to Talk, Lidcombe Program for Early Intervention of Stuttering, Cognitive-Communication Disorders: Level 1 and 2. 

Heather has a genuine interest in others and their well-being. She takes time to listen and understand her client’s unique needs, strengths, and priorities. She strives to keep therapy fun, interesting, and challenging and involves family members, whenever possible, to promote carryover of skills and strategies. Heather is rewarded on a daily basis by her client’s successes – whether that is helping a child say his/her name, creating a self-advocacy video for a new teacher, or learning to ask or answer questions in conversation.

Heather is registered with the College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Ontario (CASLPO) and is a member of the Ontario Association of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists (OSLA).

Kishwar Sajjad supports children at the Toronto Children’s Therapy Centre as a Speech-Language Assistant.  Kishwar started her career as high school biology teacher after completing a MSc in Zoology from the University of the Punjab in Lahore, Pakistan.  Her passion for improving the lives of children with exceptionalities, such as ASD, ADHD, learning disabilities, and communication disorders started when she volunteered in the Child Development Centre at Michael Garron Hospital.  Since then, she has completed a graduate certificate program in Autism and Behavioral Sciences (ABS) at George Brown College; Orton Gillingham: Practical Linguistics, Part 1 at The Claremont School, a Masters in Professional Education (MPEd) at the University of Western Ontario, and is a certified BCBA.

In addition to her position at TCTC, Kishwar works full-time as an Instructor Therapist and runs a side business: Sugar Beats by Kish, making spectacular customized cakes, cupcakes and themed party decorations.  She is fluent in Urdu, and can also speak Hindi and Punjabi.

Katie Sharpe is a Speech-Language Pathologist registered with the College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Ontario (CASLPO). She graduated from the University of Toronto with a Master of Health Science in Speech-Language Pathology. She also holds an Honours Bachelor of Science in Biology. She has been a speech pathologist since 2005 and spent over a decade working in the Child Development Centre at Michael Garron Hospital. There she worked on inter-disciplinary teams in both the Neonatal Follow-Up clinic, providing ongoing assessment and monitoring of infants and toddlers at increased risk for developmental and communication delays, and the Developmental Assessment clinic. She also provided assessment and intervention for school-age children in the areas of language, social communication, articulation and motor speech, and autism. She helped lead initiatives within the hospital, including providing training and support to nurses on cue-based feeding protocols in the Special Care Nursery, and developing a collaborative relationship with school-based speech pathologists in the community, to increase access to timely intervention. Katie loves working with children; tailoring assessment and intervention to meet individual needs, watching their progress, and celebrating their successes!

Katie is committed to evidence-based practice and professional development. Her training includes: Orton Gillingham: Practical Linguistics, Part 1 from The Claremont School; PROMPT technique for motor speech assessment and intervention; The Hanen Centre’s It Takes Two to Talk; stuttering in preschoolers; and the RITA-T (Rapid Interactive screening Test for Autism in Toddlers). She continues to learn and develop her expertise.

Amy Langridge is a Speech-Language Pathologist registered with the College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Ontario (CASLPO). She graduated from the University of Toronto with a Master of Health Science in Speech-Language Pathology, and also holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Manitoba, with a Major in Linguistics and a Minor in Psychology. While working with adults at Michael Garron Hospital, Amy provided coverage in the Child Development Centre. She completed communication assessments and screenings to monitor communication milestones within the Neonatal Follow-Up Clinic. Prior to this, she worked with the Local Health Integration Network within schools, offering speech, voice, and fluency intervention to school-aged children. Amy has assessed and provided intervention to children and adults with language delays, Autism Spectrum Disorder, cognitive-communication disorders following brain injury, as well as voice, fluency and articulation disorders. She has created low-technology communication books and boards for non-speaking clients. Amy is passionate about Person-and-Family-Centred-Care. She hopes to encourage clients and their families to work as a team with their S-LP, in order to achieve their goals and find a mode of functional communication. Amy has the following certifications: Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) Level I, Individual Authorizer of Communication Devices for the Assistive Devices Program, and It Takes Two to Talk (The Hanen Centre). She looks forward to working with you! 

Olivia Gross is a Speech-Language Pathologist registered with the College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Ontario (CASLPO). She graduated from the University of Toronto with a Master of Health Science in Speech-Language Pathology. She also holds a Master of Education in Developmental Psychology and Education from the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education at the University of Toronto. Olivia has experience working with children and adults with developmental disabilities such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down Syndrome, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders, and Cerebral Palsy. She has additional experience within the areas of language, articulation, social communication, literacy,, alternative and augmentative communication (AAC), fluency, swallowing and voice. To advance her skills within these areas, Olivia has completed Hanen® certification workshops for the It Takes Two to Talk and More than Words programs that are utilized to support parents and children who have been identified as having a language delay, social communication difficulties and Autism Spectrum Disorder. Additionally, she has completed a certification workshop for Orton-Gillingham: Practical Linguistics^© (Part 1), utilized to support students with language-based Learning Disabilities and Dyslexia. She has supported children and adults within a variety of settings, including schools, hospitals, and private practice. Olivia values being a part of a multidisciplinary team and is passionate about collaborating with families, teachers, and other professionals to best support children in achieving their individualized language and communication goals. She is committed to providing evidence-based, client-centered care and has a specific interest in social communication, social cognition and AAC.

Dana Monteith is a speech-language pathologist registered with the College of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists of Ontario (CASLPO). Her scope of practice includes assessment and treatment of children with speech and language impairments, as well as social communication difficulties.

Dana is dedicated to collaborating with families to foster a supportive and engaging therapy environment that empowers each child to reach their unique goals. She has experience working with infants, preschoolers, and school-age children across various areas, including language, literacy, articulation, motor speech, feeding, fluency, alternative and augmentative communication (AAC), and social communication. Dana also has experience working with children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Down Syndrome. Prior to this role, she worked at Thames Valley Children Center’s tykeTALK Preschool Language Program, assessing preschool-aged children and collaborating with families to support their therapy needs.
 
Dana graduated from Western University with a Master of Clinical Science in Speech-Language Pathology and a Bachelor of Applied Science in Child Youth and Family with a minor in Psychology from the University of Guelph. Dana is eager to expand her knowledge further to better serve her clients and support their communication needs.

She has currently completed training in Hanen®: More Than Words, Hanen®: It Takes Two to Talk, The Speech and Stuttering Institute’s fluency training, The Speech and Stuttering Institute’s motor speech training, and CanChild’s F-Words training.

Lai Fan (Lucie) Lo is a speech-language pathologist registered with the College of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists of Ontario (CASLPO). She has supported children with a variety of needs, including articulation, language, social communication, literacy and feeding. 

Lucie is also a client-centred therapist who loves taking children’s interests into consideration and individualizing treatment approaches and materials to best fit a child’s needs. She understands each child is different and celebrates all efforts and successes. Lucie values collaboration with teachers, families and other professionals to provide multi-disciplinary support to help children achieve their speech and communication goals. 

Lucie provides services in English, Cantonese and Mandarin. She is dedicated to supporting children with language, communication and feeding needs. To advance her skills, she has completed additional training including Beckman Oral Motor Assessment and Intervention, Introduction to PROMPT, Sequential Oral Sensory (SOS) Approach to Feeding, and Inside Out Sensory Certificate Course for SLPs.

Olivia Gross is a Speech-Language Pathologist registered with the College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Ontario (CASLPO). She graduated from the University of Toronto with a Master of Health Science in Speech-Language Pathology. She also holds a Master of Education in Developmental Psychology and Education from the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education at the University of Toronto.

Olivia has experience working with children and adults with developmental disabilities such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down Syndrome, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders, and Cerebral Palsy. She has additional experience within the areas of language, articulation, social communication, literacy, alternative and augmentative communication (AAC), fluency, swallowing and voice.

To advance her skills within these areas, Olivia has completed Hanen® certification workshops for the It Takes Two to Talk and More than Words programs that are utilized to support parents and children who have been identified as having a language delay, social communication difficulties and Autism Spectrum Disorder. Additionally, she has completed a certification workshop for Orton-Gillingham: Practical Linguistics^© (Part 1), utilized to support students with language-based Learning Disabilities and Dyslexia.

She has supported children and adults within a variety of settings, including schools, hospitals, and private practice. Olivia values being a part of a multidisciplinary team and is passionate about collaborating with families, teachers, and other professionals to best support children in achieving their individualized language and communication goals. She is committed to providing evidence-based, client-centered care and has a specific interest in social communication, social cognition and AAC.

Sarah is a Communicative Disorders Assistant (CDA) who earned her undergraduate degree in Early Childhood Leadership in Toronto at George Brown College and completed her CDA certification in Sarnia, Ontario at Lambton College. She has professional experience collaborating with Speech-Language Pathologists, Resource Consultants, and Registered RECEs, providing her extensive experience working directly with families and children of many ages and needs. Sarah has taken multiple courses focusing on the importance of play in a child’s development and integrates this knowledge when planning her therapy sessions. Sarah has developed educational infographics for families and caregivers tailored to individual children’s needs. She has a strong background in creating and implementing social stories, visuals, and AAC resources for children and has extensive experience working with Autistic Children. 

 

Valentina has experience working with children with a variety of diagnoses (e.g., Autism, Down Syndrome, Developmental Delay) supporting communication, language, speech, and literacy development. She has a specific interest in alternative/augmentative communication assessment and intervention.

 

Valentina is passionate about providing a neurodiversity-affirming practice and believes strongly in a family-centred approach. She recognizes the importance of embracing children’s strengths and uniqueness by providing services that are individualized and encourage self-advocacy.

Valentina can also provide speech-language pathology services in Spanish.

Pamela Robertson OT Reg. (Ont.) is a registered Occupational Therapist (OT) in good standing with the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario and a member of the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists. Prior to becoming an OT, Pam worked in the United Kingdom as an OT Assistant in the community and hospital settings. She graduated from the University of Toronto in 2012 with a Masters in Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy and also holds a Bachelor of Health Sciences from the University of Ottawa. Since graduating, Pam has focused primarily on paediatrics and has experience assessing and treating children with autism, developmental delay, attention deficit disorders, and learning disabilities, among others. Pam obtained the Level 1 Handwriting Without Tears Certification, which includes the Pre-K through Grade 5 curriculum. Pam is enthusiastic and passionate about her work and is committed to helping children and their families achieve their goals.

Robin is a registered Occupational Therapist with experience providing therapy to children in the home and clinic environments. She has experience working with children on printing, cursive, reading, fine and gross motor skills, self-regulation, and sensory processing. Robin graduated from Queen’s University in 2013 with a Masters in Occupational Therapy and also holds a Bachelor of Psychology. She has maintained ongoing professional development in the areas of motor skills, visual perception, primitive reflexes, the Orton Gillingham approach to reading, and sensory integration. Robin is also certified in the Wilbarger Therapeutic Brushing protocol to address tactile defensiveness.

Stephanie is a registered occupational therapist with good standing and registered with the College of Occupational Therapist of Ontario. She completed her Masters of Occupational Therapy at the University of Western Ontario in 2011. To follow her passion to enable children to reach their optimal potential, she has traveled abroad to gain more experience in working with children with various sensory and motor issues. She has also completed various courses/workshops to widen the breadth of tools she can use to support children and their families, (e.g. M.O.R.E, Blomberg Rhythmic Movement Training, Brain Gym 101, Therapeutic Listening, Handwriting Without Tears, Introduction to Neuro-Developmental Treatment, The SOS Approach to Feeding, Wilbarger Therapeutic Brushing Protocol, and more). She hopes to continue to motivate children and support parents to ensure children have the optimal learning environment to develop skills needed for daily living.

Alexi Edelstein is passionate about Occupational Therapy!  She completed her Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy at Queen’s University after completing her Honours Bachelor of Science in Psychology at the University of Toronto.   Alexi currently practices at Toronto Children’s Therapy Center and at Aquilla Occupational Therapy Services with children in a variety of clinical, home, and community settings.  She has a particular interest in sensory integration and has completed several courses in this area, including the level 1 Intensive Mentorship Program with the Sensory Processing Disorder Foundation led by Dr. Lucy Jane Miller. She has also consulted in the past at MukiBaum Children’s Treatment Program (currently Aptus) in Toronto in which she worked with children and adolescents with complex developmental conditions combined with emotional or psychiatric disorders.  Alexi brings her passion and creativity to her work with children.  She can spot the hidden talents in children!

Gillian Chow is a registered Occupational Therapist who completed her Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario. Through her work with Autism Ontario Kids Camp, Giant Steps Toronto, and The Possibilities Clinic, she has gained diverse experience working with young children with ASD, ADHD, and sensory issues in the home, clinic, and group settings. Additionally, she has worked with young children in an international setting during her final clinical placement in Hong Kong. Gillian is trained in the Handwriting Without Tears program (Pre-K through Grade 5 Writing curriculum and The Print Tool), is a certified facilitator of the Mindfulness Ambassador Program through Mindfulness Without Borders, and has received training in the areas of sensory tools and social improv. Gillian has an interest in children’s mental health and her passion for working with children and families motivates her to continue to seek out learning opportunities to add to her therapeutic skill set.

Ali is a registered Occupational Therapist who began her career as a teacher, with a B.Ed. from McGill University. Her experience working in the education system ignited her passion to better support children, and led her to earn her Master’s of Science in Occupational Therapy from the University of Toronto. Ali strives to help children understand and feel more competent and confident about their abilities, and will focus on functional and occupational based goals using a neurodiversity affirming approach. Ali’s background in teaching provides her with key insight to both the in-school and at-home needs of children, and she has experience with direct and consultative therapy related to school, play, and self-care. Ali’s training includes topics related to movement and coordination (CO-OP), sensory processing, handwriting, regulation (Autism Level up, Zones of regulation, Kelly Mahler’s interoception curriculum), and feeding, as well as experience with animal-assisted therapy (AAT), which involves incorporating animals into treatment sessions to motivate and engage clients to meet their goals. She also works with the University of Toronto’s Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy program as a preceptor and facilitator, enabling her to maintain an evidence-based mode of practice.

Imelda is a registered occupational therapist who completed her Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy from the University of Toronto. She was first drawn to occupational therapy during a volunteer-study program in Honduras – there she found creative ways for children in a local orphanage to re-engage in play. She has had experience with children and youth of various abilities through coordinating summer camps and developing a social/life skills program with Community Living. Imelda has been an occupational therapist in a rehabilitation hospital since 2012, working with individuals to participate in meaningful activities and reach their personal goals.

Alison is a registered Occupational Therapist who received her Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy from the University of Toronto. Alison has experience working with children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down syndrome, and Developmental Delay. She had the opportunity to work with young children in an international setting during her clinical placement in Trinidad at a school for children with special needs.

Alison is passionate about dance and has many years of experience teaching dance to children of all ages. She is currently using her creativity and innovative approach to create a therapeutic dance program for children of all abilities.

Alison is eager to increase her knowledge and has completed a Pediatric Occupational Therapy Workshop, focusing on sensory integration, as well as an Introduction to the CO-OP Approach Workshop.

Madison is a registered Occupational Therapist who has a passion for working in pediatrics! She graduated from the University of Toronto with a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy and also holds a Bachelor of Health Sciences from the University of Ottawa. Madison has gained experience working with a variety of children in different environments including schools, hospitals, childcare, and children centers. Madison is passionate about partnering with families while using a strength-based approach to support children with various diagnoses live up to their fullest potential. Madison considers herself to be a lifelong learner and continues to engage in professional development opportunities such as seeking additional training in topics including but not limited to sensory processing, self-regulation, and feeding. She currently creatively applies evidence-based practices to foster a fun and safe environment for children across the lifespan.

Jenna is a registered Occupational Therapist who completed her Master’s of Science in Occupational Therapy at the University of Toronto. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Victoria. Prior to becoming an OT, Jenna worked with children for several years in different settings as a community support worker, synchronized swimming coach, cycling instructor, and camp counselor.  Currently, she is working in schools to provide support to students and their classes. This includes support for gross and fine motor skills, handwriting, attention and task persistence, self-regulation, sensory needs, and more. She also recognizes the importance of a child’s support team including family and teachers, and collaborates with them in order to deliver treatment that is tailored and feasible. Jenna is passionate about getting to know each child and family in order to offer the best possible ‘fit’ and make therapy fun! She also loves to support kids to get active physically and mentally – she has seen first hand how supporting key skills empowers children to continue pursuing their own goals.

Kajaani Shanmugarajah is a graduate from the Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy Program at the University of Toronto, with a sincere passion for working in paediatrics. She has completed both her Bachelors of Arts and Science (Honours) and a Masters in Rehabilitation Science from McMaster University.   Academically, Kajaani has completed a Master’s thesis on:  Parent perceptions of the functional abilities of their child with ASD.In addition she has completed a previous thesis on: Exploring Cultural Issues in Childhood Autism in First-Generation South Asian Families and as part of her occupational therapy research project Kajaani investigated Neurodiversity Affirming Care in private practice.

Over the past decade, Kajaani has gained extensive experience in various pediatric settings, including Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, CanChild, and SickKids. She has worked on diverse client goals such as gross and fine motor skills, sensory processing, handwriting, and other meaningful activities. Recognizing the uniqueness of each child, Kajaani values providing strengths-based, neurodiversity-affirming, and client- and family-centered care. Kajaani considers herself as a lifelong learner, and is committed to professional development in various topics including sensory processing and emotional regulation.

Jacquie is a registered Occupational Therapist who received her Master’s of Science in Occupational Therapy from McMaster University in 2004. Since graduating, Jacquie has worked with children aged 0- 18 years and their families through community in-home services and school support services as well as in private clinics, a Children’s Treatment Centre and a nursery school program for children with special needs. She has worked with children with a variety of health and developmental concerns that impact their overall development and daily functioning at home, school and/or in the community. Jacquie has experience working with children who have conditions such as Global Developmental Delay, Feeding delays or disruption, Developmental Coordination Disorder, Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Muscular Dystrophy, Retts Syndrome, Autism and Sensory Processing Disorders, Attention Disorders, Seizure Disorders as well as many genetic syndromes and complex medical conditions. Jacquie has a passion for the power of play for both children and families and believes strongly in the importance of family-centred services. Jacquie is associated with the University of Toronto’s Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy program as a tutorial facilitator and clinical supervisor and she regularly attends professional development courses to expand her skills and perspectives.

Eve (she/her) is a registered Occupational therapist who completed her Master’s of Science in Occupational Therapy at the University of Toronto. She additionally holds a Bachelor of Health Sciences from Western University and a Master’s of Arts in Critical Disability Studies from York University. She has worked with children in a variety of settings including several years as a camp counselor and supervisor, and as an early childhood education assistant in a daycare setting. She also has taught children how to ride bicycles since 2012! She additionally has worked with children with special needs as an integration coordinator for Extend-a-Family and at the Geneva Centre for Autism in both respite services and as a social skills facilitator, teaching social skills programming to children with autism. She loves working with children and is passionate about maintaining a strengths-based and play-based approach.  Eve also has lived-experience as the sibling of an individual with autism, and cares deeply about promoting inclusivity and connecting with families.

Fatima is an Occupational Therapist (OT) registered with the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario (COTO). She has her Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy from University of Toronto (2021), and an Honours Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a specialization in Exceptionality in Human Learning (2017). Fatima has several years of experience working with infants, children and young adults with various developmental needs and diagnoses such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), cerebral palsy (CP), global developmental delays, and Down Syndrome. Fatima is passionate about routine-based interventions and family-centred practice. She uses strength-based and child-led approaches to help children learn and engage in their routines.  

Madeleine is an occupational therapist with a Master’s of Science in Occupational Therapy from the Univeristy of Toronto. Madeleine also holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Kinesiology from Brock University. She has had the opportunity to complete a clinical placement with the Toronto District School Board supporting students with complex needs in the classroom. Madeleine has worked with One Kids Place Children’s Treatment Centre in Northern Ontario to support children in the following areas: fine and gross motor skills, sensory differences, handwriting difficulties, feeding support, and regulation support. She works with clients and their families to develop individualized treatment plans. She is committed to professional development and hopes to expand her knowledge in providing intervention for paediatric feeding challenges.

Karen is a registered Occupational Therapist who has worked at Toronto Children’s Therapy Center since 2013. Karen earned her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from Queen’s University in 2009. She has worked in a variety of settings with children, including clinics, schools and in the community.  She works with children with learning disabilities, autism, developmental delays, sensory processing disorder and physical disabilities.  She has completed the level 1 certification course for the Handwriting Without Tears Program and trained in the Pre-K to Grade 5 curriculum, Therapeutic Listening course and the Sequential Oral Sensory (SOS) feeding certification. She is currently on staff at The Scarborough Rouge Hospital working in the Neonatal Follow-up Clinic and Child Development Clinic.

Megan is a registered Occupational Therapist who has a passion for working with children and families to meet their goals. She completed her Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy at the University of Toronto. Megan has extensive experience working with children of all ages including those with autism, ADHD, learning disabilities, sensory processing challenges and developmental delays. Megan has completed additional specialized training in the Handwriting Without Tears program, Orton-Gillingham approach to reading/spelling, Therapeutic Listening and SOS Approach to Feeding. Megan is a warm and enthusiastic clinician who strives to ensure children are having fun while learning and building skills. She does this through her use of strengths-based, play-based and family-centred approaches to assessment, treatment and consultation.

Soniya completed her Bachelor of Science: Occupational Therapy at the Manipal College Of Health Professions in Manipal, India. After graduation, she worked at the Prayatna Centre for Child Development in Kerala, India. At the developmental centre she worked with families to address their children’s sensory, fine motor and goals for activity of daily living. She loves working with children. She has experience working with children with autism spectrum disorder, behavioural issues and global developmental delays. She has completed training in “How to work on Handwriting Using Occupational Therapy” and “Progression of Food Consistency and Texture In Pediatric Feeding Intervention”. Recently, Soniya has moved to Toronto for new adventures with her family and joined TCTC as a part-time OTA.  Out of the box, she is a sprinter and state champion athlete!

Evelyn is a passionate occupational therapist with a Master’s of Science in Occupational Therapy from the University of Toronto and a
Bachelor’s of Science in Kinesiology and Health from York University. Evelyn had the opportunity to have her clinical placements in a private pediatric clinic in Toronto and at an International School for Special needs in Trinidad. During her clinical placement, she gained valuable experience working with children who had sensory processing disorders, fine and gross motor delays, handwriting difficulties, feeding challenges, and social and behavioural challenges. With her creativity and technological knowledge, Evelyn strives to create unique plans for children and their families. She is determined to expand her expertise in paediatric occupational therapy feeding interventions by completing additional training in paediatric feeding and handwriting.

Niloofar Ahanchin is an Occupational Therapist who is registered and in good standing with the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario (COTO) and is a member of the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT). Niloofar obtained her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from York University. Upon completion of her undergraduate program, Niloofar continued her studies and obtained her Master of Science degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of Western Ontario.

Niloofar is a dedicated and compassionate Occupational Therapist who is driven by an unwavering passion for empowering children to achieve their fullest potential. Niloofar has a passion for working with children facing various challenges such as autism, cerebral palsy, developmental delay and difficulty with sensory and motor skills. Throughout her volunteering experience, Niloofar has provided invaluable support to youth battling cancer at Princess Margaret Hospital.

What sets Niloofar apart is her innovative approach to believing that learning and therapy could be interactive and enjoyable. This therapist believes that incorporating play and creative activities into treatments is an effective way of learning.

Foujan is an Occupational Therapist (OT) registered with the College of
Occupational Therapists of Ontario (COTO). She has her Masters of
Science in Occupational Therapy from University of Toronto (2018), and
an Honours Bachelor of Science in Psychology from York University
(2016). Foujan has several years of experience working with children of
all ages in many different settings, including inpatient and outpatient
rehabilitation and outpatient clinical setting. She has worked with
children with all types of diagnoses  including: acquired brain injury,
neurological disorder, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), developmental
coordination disorder, and other types of learning disabilities. Foujan
is passionate about interventions that promote occupation in children of
all ages, including:  play-based learning, motor learning, sensory
integration, self-regulation, handwriting, and skill acquisition. Foujan
is certified in Introduction to Neuro-Developmental Treatment (NDT) and
Cognitive Orientation to Daily Occupational Performance (CO-OP) and
incorporates these principles into her practice. In her spare time,
Foujan loves to enjoy the outdoors and go on hikes and camping trips!

Adeeba is a passionate Occupational Therapist who has completed her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from the University of Queensland in Australia. She also holds a B.Sc in Neuroscience from the University of Toronto. Adeeba has clinical experience in a variety of settings including paediatrics, geriatrics, mental health and rehabilitation, working across hospital, private practice and community. Her interest in paediatrics first sparked through an NGO internship in Bangladesh delivering OT services to marginalized communities where she worked with children with motor, sensory, and neurodevelopmental disorders such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, Intellectual Disabilities and more. Adeeba has maintained her ongoing professional development by completing Module 1 of the Ayres Sensory Integration (CLASI) Certification. Adeeba joined the TCTC team with a keen interest in sensory integration in early intervention. She is inspired to focus on the unique strengths and potential of each child and family to achieve their goals through evidence based interactive therapy.

Samara is a registered Occupational Therapist with a keen interest and passion for working with children and their families. She completed her Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy after completing a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from Queen’s University. Samara values being family-centered and strengths-based to work with children and their families to achieve their goals to their highest potential. She has experience working with children with autism, ADHD, learning disabilities, sensory processing challenges, physical disabilities, and developmental delays. She enjoys supporting children to build skills and confidence for fine and gross motor activities, sensory regulation, emotional regulation and mental health, handwriting, communication, school strategies, self-care, socialization, daily routines, and more so that they can better engage in meaningful activities at school, home, and in the community. Samara has completed additional specialized training in the Handwriting Without Tears program, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and concussion management, alongside other workshops to continue to pursue her ongoing professional development. Samara is a friendly, enthusiastic, and motivating OT who looks forward to working with new families. 

Lothika is a licensed pediatric occupational therapist with extensive experience working with children of all abilities, including children with autism, cerebral-palsy, ADHD, sensory-processing disorders, learning disabilities, and physical disabilities. She has a strong background in supporting diverse needs, having previously worked as a therapy assistant at an autism school and completed her placements in pediatric rehabilitation clinics and school rehabilitation settings.

Lothika holds a bachelors degree in Kinesiology and Health Science and has completed her Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy at Queen’s University. She utilizes evidence-based practices tailored to each child’s unique strengths and needs. She is particularly passionate about enhancing motor skills, cognitive abilities, sensory processing, self-regulation, and social interactions through engaging, neurodiversity-affirming, strength-based, and play-focused therapies. She believes in a family-centered approach, collaborating closely with parents and caregivers to create personalized therapy plans that promote growth and development for their child.

In addition to clinical work, Lothika completed a research project focused on the role of occupational therapy in feeding in schools, further deepening her understanding of the vital impact of therapy on children’s daily lives. As a lifelong learner, she is committed to ongoing professional development in pediatric occupational therapy, continually seeking new knowledge and skills to enhance her practice and better support her clients.