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Meet the SPARK Durham Team:
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AMBER

Occupational Therapist

Amber is a registered Occupational Therapist who completed her Master’s of Science in Occupational Therapy at Western University in London, Ontario. Amber has also obtained a Bachelor of Arts with a Major in Health Studies and a Minor in Psychology from Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario. 

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Amber has experience working with children of various ages in home, school, clinic, and children’s treatment centre environments. She enjoys working collaboratively with children and their families to address various occupational goals. Amber has experience leading pre-printing and printing groups. Amber is committed to professional development and continues to seek opportunities to expand her knowledge and skills. 

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In her spare time, Amber enjoys spending time with friends and family, being by the water and eating ice cream! 

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SARAH

Occupational Therapist

Sarah is a registered Occupational Therapist who completed her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy at Western University in London, Ontario. She also has an Honors Bachelor of Arts, with a major in psychology from Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario.

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Sarah has experience working with pre-school and school-aged children with diverse needs in a variety of settings including schools, in-home, and in a clinic setting to address a variety of occupation-focused goals. She is committed to understanding the strengths, needs, and interests of the client in order to provide child-led and family-centred care. Sarah is passionate about building on the strengths of the child and their family to support them in reaching their optimal potential. She is dedicated to being a life-long learner and continues to seek professional development opportunities and abide by evidence-based practices. 

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In her spare time, Sarah enjoys reading lots of books, discovering new podcasts to listen to, and spending time with family and friends. 

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KELLY

Occupational Therapist

Kelly is a registered Occupational Therapist who completed her Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario in 2005. Prior to this, Kelly completed a Bachelor of Health Science degree at the University of Western Ontario in London.

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Throughout her career, Kelly has worked as an Occupational Therapist with individuals with varied abilities across the lifespan (3-101 years of age), in a variety of clinical environments. As a member of an interprofessional team at a local not-for-profit organization, Kelly worked as a sole Occupational Therapist providing individualized and creative intervention programs for children with autism, ADHD, sensory processing challenges, learning disabilities and neuromuscular conditions. Kelly believes that all behaviour is a means of communication and that all children have inherent strengths. As a therapist, and member of a child’s circle of support, her job is to help uncover a child’s true potential. 

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Kelly has a passion for working with children and their families, within their own community environments. It is here that strategies and skills can be practiced and refined in a more natural way. 

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HARSHA

Occupational Therapist

Harsha is a registered Occupational Therapist who completed her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy at University of Toronto. She also has an Honours Bachelor of Science in Exceptionality in Human Learning (Psychology).


Harsha has experience with handwriting interventions and with the Floortime approach. She is committed to lifelong learning and engaging in various professional development opportunities. She is passionate about bringing her training in mindfulness to her client interactions to ensure that she is truly present to her clients. She enjoys collaborating with her clients and their families on enabling engagement in meaningful activities.


In her spare time, Harsha enjoys reading, going for walks in nature, painting and spending time with family and friends.

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DEANNA

Occupational Therapist 

Deanna is a registered occupational therapist who completed her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy at University of Toronto. She has also obtained a Bachelor of Health Science degree with a minor in Forensic Psychology from Ontario Tech University. 

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Deanna has experience working with pre-school and school-aged children with diverse needs in clinic, in-home and children's learning centre settings to address various occupational goals. She also has experience leading printing groups. Deanna is passionate about using a strengths-based, child-led approach when working with children and their families in order to enable meaningful engagement. She is committed to being a life-long learner and continues to seek professional development opportunities to expand her knowledge and skills. 

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In her spare time, she enjoys hiking, going to concerts, and spending time with friends and family!

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VERENA

Occupational Therapist 

Verena is a registered Occupational Therapist who completed her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy at the University of Toronto. She also has an Honours Bachelor of Life Sciences with a specialization in Mental Health from the University of Toronto. 

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Verena has experience working with toddlers, children, and adults with diverse needs within a variety of clinical settings. She is passionate about using a play-based, individualized therapy approach to enable children to engage in meaningful activities as each child has their own unique strengths and interests. She enjoys collaborating with children and their families to address occupation-focused goals in the areas of handwriting, fine motor skills, gross motor skills, social-emotional development, sensory processing, and self-regulation. Verena is devoted to being a life-long learner and continues to seek professional development opportunities to expand her knowledge and clinical skills. 

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In her spare time, Verena enjoys going on walks with her dogs in nature, playing guitar, and spending time with family and friends!

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VANESSA

Occupational Therapist 

Vanessa is a registered Occupational Therapist who holds a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from Queen’s University. With a passion for nutrition, and in the pursuit of becoming a well-rounded therapist before completing her masters, Vanessa obtained a Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Nutrition and Food from Ryerson University. 

 

Vanessa’s clinical experience involves working with infants, children and adolescents with various occupational goals. Vanessa has practiced in a variety of settings including a high school, outpatient children’s treatment centre, inpatient mental health, and a local charity therapy farm. Vanessa has worked and volunteered with children and youth in various capacities, including developing social skills, fine motor proficiencies, life skills, printing, handwriting, anxiety management, mental health, overcoming food aversions, picky eating and sensory processing challenges. Like most therapists, Vanessa continues to seek opportunities to enhance her skills and knowledge through continuing education specifically in the area of feeding, printing, sensory processing and animal assisted therapy.  

 

In her leisure time Vanessa enjoys staying fit and strong at the gym or outdoors with her dog. She can also be found relaxing on the water with friends and family. 

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EMILY

Occupational Therapist 

Emily is a registered Occupational Therapist who completed her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario. She holds a degree in Early Childhood Studies from Ryerson University, laying the foundation for her dedication to supporting children's development.

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Emily has clinical experience working with diverse populations across various settings. She has engaged with preschool-aged children, school-aged children, and adults, utilizing innovative forest-based and animal therapy approaches to facilitate growth and healing. Emily has particularly focused on school-based rehabilitation, collaborating closely with children, families, and educators to develop tailored interventions that support success within the academic environment. Whether in clinical settings or the comfort of clients' homes, Emily delivers client-centered care with empathy and efficacy. She is dedicated to empowering individuals of all ages to reach their full potential, embodying a commitment to lifelong learning and professional development.

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Outside of work, Emily enjoys nature through camping and outdoor adventures, cherishing quality time with loved ones and finding solace in reading a good book!

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JAMIE

Occupational Therapist Assistant

Jamie is an OTA who graduated from the Occupational Therapy Assistant and Physiotherapy Assistant program at Durham College and is currently working towards completing her Bachelor in Allied Health Sciences (BAHSc) at Ontario Tech University.   

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Jamie has experience working with pediatric and adolescent clients, including clients on the autism spectrum, delivering both occupational therapy and ABA therapy in learning centre and in-home environments. She has knowledge and experience addressing fine motor and gross motor skills and strives to make therapy a fun, enjoyable experience. She is passionate with working with children and providing therapy to help them meet their unique goals in a fun and interesting way. 

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In her spare time, Jamie enjoys baking, lifting weights, practicing yoga, or going on hikes with her dog Daisy!

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MELLISSA

Occupational Therapist Assistant

Mellissa is an OTA who graduated from the Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapist Assistant program at Fleming College in Peterborough and is working towards completing her Bachelor in Allied Health Sciences (BAHSc) at Ontario Tech University.   


Mellissa has 8 years of prior work experience with pediatric and adolescent clients, including clients on the autism spectrum. She has knowledge and experience addressing fine motor and gross motor skills and strives to make sessions enjoyable for all. 


In her spare time, Mellissa enjoys swimming, hiking on crown lands, as well as painting.

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CALLY

Occupational Therapist Assistant

Cally is an OTA who graduated from the Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy Assistant program at Durham College.


She has experience working with pediatric clients in a classroom setting focusing on goals such as building fine motor skills, gross motor skills, and play skills. She is passionate about therapy through play and making the experience positive and enjoyable. 


In her spare time she enjoys spending time on her parents' dairy farm, going for walks on the farm with her dogs (Sandy and Marley), being around family and friends, as well as figure skating. 

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KAELEIGH

Occupational Therapist Assistant

Kaeleigh is an OTA who graduated from Sir Sandford Fleming college in 2014. She has a background working with children as a RECE, Instructor Therapist, as well as a DSW.

 

Kaeleigh has worked in various settings with the pediatric population, including daycare centers, children's treatment centres, hospitals and in the community. She has a passion for working with children with all abilities, in collaboration with their families. Kaeleigh also enjoys incorporating sensory play into all aspects of her work.

 

Her hobbies include swimming and reading, in addition to spending family time with her two young children and husband. 

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MEG

Occupational Therapist Assistant

Meg is currently completing a degree in recreation and leisure studies (majoring in therapeutic recreation) through Brock University. 


Meg has work and volunteer experience with children of a variety of ages. She volunteered and worked at the Boys and Girls Club of Kawartha Lakes for many years. Meg designed, implemented, and ran inclusive and engaging programming for children. She has also worked at a summer camp in Tweed Ontario, where she was responsible for supervising campers and implementing recreational programming and therapeutic interventions. 


Meg enjoys spending time with her girlfriend, being outdoors, looking after her house plants, trying new foods, and doing puzzles. She loves animals, especially her orange tabby cat, Obi. Meh also love sports - Go Leafs Go!

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MICHAELA

Occupational Therapist Assistant

Bio coming soon!

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EDEN

Occupational Therapist Assistant

Eden is an Occupational Therapist Assistant with an Honors Bachelor of Kinesiology from the University of Toronto.

 

Eden has experience working with individuals of various ages and abilities in different settings. She also has a research background within the fields of cognitive and neuromotor behavior. Eden is passionate about helping children thrive in their occupations and environments. She values a holistic approach and is committed to finding personalized solutions to meet each child's unique needs and goals. She strives to make therapy a fun and enjoyable experience for all.

 

In her spare time, Eden enjoys being with nature, practicing yoga, and spending quality time with her loved ones. She is an animal, music, and food lover! 

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MEGAN

Early Childhood Educator

Megan has been working with children on and off for the past 10+ years in various settings, primarily in licensed child care centres. She received her ECE diploma from George Brown College and worked with the college in their lab schools in Toronto (where she got to met families and children from all backgrounds and abilities). During college, Megan completed an international placement in Jamaica, working in a Kindergarten classroom in a small, underprivileged community. Megan is passionate about community, seeing children thrive, and creating a healthy and happy atmosphere for the children in her care to grow.

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DAVIDE

Speech-Language Pathologist

Davide is a speech and language pathologist who obtained a Master’s degree in Speech and Language Sciences at University College London. He is registered with the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists in the United Kingdom and the College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Ontario. Davide also completed a Master’s degree in Applied Linguistics at Birkbeck College.

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Davide has experience administering assessments and delivering therapy to children in clinic, schools, and in the community. Davide has worked with children with Autism, ADHD, social communication disorder, language delay, articulation and phonological disorders, and general developmental delay. Davide has enjoyed working with linguistically and culturally diverse populations and is particularly interested in bilingual language development. Davide has formal post-qualification training in the assessment and treatment of stammering in primary school children and early childhood. 

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In his free time, Davide enjoys art, architecture, spending time with his friends and his cat Mapes, and learning foreign languages. 

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MARGARET

Speech-Language Pathologist

Bio coming soon!

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DANIELLE

Communicative Disorders Assistant

Danielle is a Communicative Disorders Assistant (CDA) with an Honours Bachelor of Arts with Distinction from the University of Toronto. Danielle also completed a Specialist in Psycholinguistics with a Minor in Psychology and holds a Communicative Disorders Assistant Graduate Certificate from Durham College.

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Danielle has always been passionate about working with children and has experience providing services to both children and adults that have exceptional needs. She has experience delivering therapy in the areas of expressive and receptive language, social communication, articulation, and alternative and augmentative communication.

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In her spare time, Danielle enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, and hiking!

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LARISSA

Communicative Disorders Assistant

Larissa is a Communicative Disorders Assistant (CDA) with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Speech and Hearing Sciences from the University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka. She also has a Communicative Disorders Assistant Graduate Certificate from Durham College.


Her comprehensive understanding of communication challenges encompasses screening, treatment, and activity development, reflecting her dedication to making a positive impact in the lives of individuals dealing with speech, language, and hearing difficulties. Larissa's experience spans diverse age groups and clinical settings, and she is equally adept in both speech and hearing clinics. 


Outside of her professional endeavors, Larissa finds joy in family time, swimming, singing, and indulging her creative side through doodling.

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ALIAH

Speech-Language Assistant

Aliah is a Speech and Language Pathologist Assistant, holding a Bachelor of Arts in Speech and Language Sciences from Brock University and a Master's in Speech and Language Pathology at Pennsylvania Western University.


Aliah has a passion for working with children and a special interest in enhancing early language development and improving children’s articulation skills. Aliah has experience providing therapy to a culturally and linguistically diverse population of children following her humanitarian trip to Belize where she provided speech therapy to children with a range of diagnoses. Aliah has provided therapy to children that have Autism, Cerebral Palsy, articulation and phonological disorders, and users of AAC. 


In her spare time, Aliah bakes and sells cakes, spends time with friends and family and watches the Toronto Raptors and reality tv shows!

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ROXANA

Behaviour Analyst

Bio coming soon!

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EBYAN

Supervised Senior Therapist

Ebyan has worked for several years in the field of ABA. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Toronto in 2016, and has done additional coursework in Autism and Behaviour Science at Algonquin College. She is currently pursuing a Master of Education in Developmental Psychology and Education at the University of Toronto, and working towards obtaining her Behaviour Analyst registration.

 

Ebyan has many years’ experience providing ABA services to children and adolescents in both 1:1 and small group capacities, and in a variety of settings including schools, ABA clinics, homes, and childcare centres. Ebyan has also provided training and consultative services for parents, school staff, and childcare staff on the implementation of various ABA strategies, behaviour intervention protocols, and assessments. Ebyan is passionate about supporting and being an advocate for children and families with special needs.

 

In her spare time, Ebyan enjoys reading, spending time with loved ones, and trying new food.

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EMMA

Social Worker

Emma is a registered Social Worker who completed her Masters of Social Work at the University of Toronto with a specialization in Children and Their Families. Emma completed her Bachelor of Social Work at the Toronto Metropolitan University. 

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Emma has worked with children, adolescents, and their families for nearly a decade in after-school programs, recreation programs, summer day camp programs, and hospital settings. Emma is passionate about building on inherent strengths and family relationships, while providing children with new knowledge and skills to aide in the facilitation of healthy growth and development. Emma prioritizes collaboration and a holistic approach to care.

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In her spare time, Emma enjoys spending time with friends and family, going to concerts, and reading. 

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JANINE

Social Worker

Janine is a dedicated registered Social Worker with a Master's in Social Work from Windsor University and an Honors Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Trent University.

 

With extensive experience working with individuals of diverse abilities across the lifespan, Janine specializes in supporting preschool and school-aged children and their families in various settings. She enjoys collaborating as part of an interprofessional team to deliver individual and family therapy utilizing evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Janine is committed to a strength-based, child-led approach, fostering resilience and empowering clients to achieve their therapeutic goals.

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KATIE

Clinic Manager

Katie is a registered Early Childhood Educator. She graduated from Centennial College in 2013 with honours in Early Childhood Education.

 

Katie began her career working in office administration before discovering her passion for child development. During college, Katie worked as a peer tutor with students who were on the autism spectrum. Throughout her time as an Early Childhood Educator, Katie worked as a Site Supervisor for a large community and child care centre in Toronto. In this role, Katie was responsible for many administrative duties and worked alongside staff, resource consultants and various agencies to create an inclusive environment for the children in her care. Over the years, Katie has worked with many children ranging from toddlers to school-agers who have varying abilities, she enjoys working together with families and coworkers to help all children reach their potential in a fun and meaningful way.

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In her spare time, Katie stays likes to spend time with her two children. She enjoys running, going for walks, and reading.

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SARA 

Director of Operations

Sara, a registered Occupational Therapist in Ontario, graduated with a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from the University of Western Ontario in 2012.

 

Since then, Sara has worked extensively with children of various ages, with a wide array of abilities, in several different settings (including home, community, school, hospital, and daycare). She has delivered occupational therapy services at children's treatment centres in the preschool, sensory integration, and school health/early learning programs. Sara also has experience working as a Care Coordinator at a world-renowned pediatric hospital. She has completed several workshops and continuing education courses over the course of her career. Sara enjoys working collaboratively with clients and their families, while supporting them in achieving their goals. 

 

On a personal level, Sara is the proud parent of three daughters, including a set of energetic twins! 

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CAITLIN

Director of Programs

Caitlin is a Registered Social Worker with a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Social Work through McMaster University.  She also has completed additional coursework in Autism and Behavioural Science at Seneca College and graduate-level courses through the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work at the University of Toronto.

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Caitlin has extensive experience working with children and their families in various community contexts, including autism programming, special needs resourcing, education, and child welfare. She continually seeks growth through professional development opportunities, and strives to practice from an anti-oppressive perspective and a strengths-based approach.

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In her spare time, Caitlin enjoys spending time with her son and daughters, swimming, and playing piano and guitar.

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