Ushna holds a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from McMaster University, where she gained broad clinical experience across acute care, surgery, dementia care, and community mental health, with a particular focus on pediatric interventions and neurodevelopmental conditions.

Before entering graduate training, Ushna worked extensively with children and youth at the Learning Disabilities Association of Niagara Region and in autism research, where she supported the development of learning strategies and individualized programming. Her work included designing and implementing interventions for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and various behavioral impairments. She specialized in creating structured environments and evidence-based strategies to support self-regulation, social skills development, and adaptive behaviors in educational and community settings.

These experiences inspired her passion for supporting children and families in building skills for daily life, school success, and meaningful participation in their desired occupations. Ushna has developed particular passion in sensory processing interventions, behaviuoral modification techniques, and family-centered care approaches. She understands the unique challenges faced by children with neurodevelopmental differences and works collaboratively with families, educators, and multidisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive treatment plans that address each child’s individual needs and strengths.

Through her clinical experiences, she developed strong skills in assessment, treatment planning, and collaborative care, with specialized training in pediatric assessment tools and intervention strategies for children with ASD, ADHD, and behavioral challenges. Her approach emphasizes building executive functioning skills, improving attention and focus, and developing coping strategies that can be generalized across home, school, and community environments.

In her spare time, Ushna enjoys reading, spending time with family & friends, cooking, and travelling.

Ushna holds a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from McMaster University, where she gaine... Read More

Katie is passionate about empowering clients in their healing and recovery journeys and find joy after life-changing events.

Katie is a Registered Occupational Therapist and is in good standing with the College of Occupational Therapy of Ontario. Katie is an occupational therapy graduate of McMaster University and a member of both the Ontario Society of Occupational Therapists and the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists.

Katie has experience in community-based rehabilitation with clients who have sustained traumatic and acquired brain injuries, chronic pain, and orthopedic injuries as well as mental health challenges.

During their spare time, Katie enjoys spending time with family, friends and her dog Tucker, being outdoors, travelling, baking, and crocheting.

Katie is passionate about empowering clients in their healing and recovery journeys and find joy ... Read More

Maddie recently completed her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy at McMaster University, where she gained diverse clinical experience across acute stroke care, medical and surgical rehabilitation, school-based pediatrics, early years pediatrics in a physical/medical infancy program, and community mental health. Through placements at Niagara Health, Niagara Children’s Centre, and Niagara Region Public Health, Maddie developed strong skills in assessment, intervention planning, family centered care, and interprofessional collaboration. Her work included supporting children in both school-based and early years programs, as well as assisting adults in recovery from neurological and medical conditions. Prior to completing her masters, Maddie earned a Bachelor of Arts in Child and Youth Studies with a minor in Psychology from Brock University, where she built a strong foundation in child development and family-centered care. Maddie is passionate about working with children and families to promote participation, independence, and confidence in meaningful daily activities. She also values building supportive relationships with clients of all ages as they work toward their rehabilitation goals. In her spare time, Maddie enjoys spending time outside with her dog, reading, and being with family and friends. SPECIALIZED CERTIFICATION First Aid and CPR Training MoCA Certified (2025) MY EXPERTISE ● Pediatric assessment and treatment ● School-based and community support ● Visual motor and fine motor skill development ● Cognitive and sensory assessment strategies ● Play-based intervention ● Emotional regulation strategies ● Parent and caregiver collaboration and support ● Child development promotion ● Neurological rehabilitation (stroke, ABI)

Maddie recently completed her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy at McMaster University, w... Read More

With over five years of experience as an Occupational Therapy Assistant, Tessa is passionate about delivering client-centered care that empowers individuals across the lifespan to achieve their fullest potential. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with a focus in Child and Family Studies from the University of Guelph and completed her OTA/PTA certificate at Niagara College. Working under the direction of occupational therapists, Tessa has developed particular expertise in supporting pediatric clients facing developmental and literacy challenges. She collaborates closely with children and their families to address fine motor skills, visual-motor integration, sensory processing, and pre-writing/writing abilities—creating engaging, play-based interventions that build confidence and foster essential foundational skills for academic success and daily functioning. Committed to advancing her clinical expertise, Tessa has pursued specialized training through the Ontario Brain Injury Association, enhancing her skills in brain injury rehabilitation across both pediatric and adult populations. Her evidence-based approach emphasizes collaboration with interdisciplinary teams and families, helping clients reach meaningful goals that promote independence and enhance overall quality of life. Beyond her clinical work, Tessa serves as Director of Junior Tennis at the NOTL Tennis Club, plays hockey, and embraces an active outdoor lifestyle—bringing the same energy, patience, and dedication to her personal pursuits as she does to her therapeutic practice.

With over five years of experience as an Occupational Therapy Assistant, Tessa is passionate abou... Read More

Marissa is a dedicated Occupational Therapist with extensive experience working with diverse populations across the lifespan. She specializes in both pediatric and adolescent interventions, as well as motor vehicle accident rehabilitation, providing comprehensive care to clients facing a wide range of challenges.

In her pediatric practice, Marissa focuses on helping young clients overcome physical, emotional, and behavioral challenges including emotional regulation difficulties, fine and gross motor delays, sensory processing issues, and life skills development needs. For motor vehicle accident clients, she conducts thorough functional assessments and develops individualized treatment plans in accordance with the Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule. Her expertise extends to completing Disability Certificates (OCF-3) and Treatment Plans (OCF-18), as well as conducting In-Home Functional Assessments, Functional Cognitive Assessments, and Worksite Assessments to support rehabilitation following accidents.

Marissa excels in hospital discharge planning and community-based rehabilitation, where she develops individualized care plans addressing home and vehicle accessibility, equipment needs, community reintegration, activities of daily living training, and cognitive remediation.

Her assessment toolkit includes standardized measures such as the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), McMaster Handwriting Assessment, Movement ABC, Beery-Buktenica Developmental Test of Visual-Motor Integration, Sensory Profile, and various additional assessments, allowing her to provide evidence-based interventions tailored to each client’s unique needs. Marissa additional runs our Hand Writing Programs out of the Grimsby and St. Catharines clinic locations.

With a client-centered approach and commitment to ongoing evaluation and adaptation of treatment strategies, Marissa empowers individuals to overcome obstacles and achieve their maximum potential in daily living, education, and community participation.

During her spare time, Marissa enjoys travelling, spending time with family and friends, and trying out local coffee shops, restaurants and wineries.

Marissa is a dedicated Occupational Therapist with extensive experience working with diverse popu... Read More

Mackenzie is a member in good standing with the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario and a member of the Ontario Society of Occupational Therapists (OSOT). She graduated with a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from the University of Toronto. Prior to this, she completed a Bachelor of Child Health with a minor in Psychology from Brock University and a diploma in Concurrent Disorders (mental health and addictions) from Mohawk College. Mackenzie has experience supporting individuals across the lifespan including children, adults, and older adults. Her experience spans mental health conditions, acquired brain injuries, neurological disorders, musculoskeletal impairments, and amputations, and she has worked in various settings such as the community, hospital, and private practice. She is extremely passionate about assisting and providing clients with tools and strategies to maximize their safety and independence in everyday activities. Mackenzie holds specialized certifications in the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST), and Mental Health First Aid (MHFA). She has extensive experience in conducting home safety assessments and recommending and prescribing mobility and communication equipment through the Assistive Devices Program (ADP). Throughout her OT program, Mackenzie has also completed research in concussions and is eager to bring her knowledge into practice. Mackenzie brings a professional and compassionate approach to her practice. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, exploring the outdoors through long walks and hikes, playing hockey, and going to concerts.

Mackenzie is a member in good standing with the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario and... Read More

Cailey has been practicing as an Occupational Therapist since 2020, with a particular passion for working with individuals with acquired brain injuries. She has developed extensive expertise in the comprehensive assessment and treatment of clients with traumatic brain injuries, and other acquired neurological conditions, understanding the profound impact these injuries have on every aspect of daily life.

Drawing from her deep understanding of neuroplasticity and evidence-based rehabilitation approaches, Cailey specializes in developing individualized treatment plans that address cognitive, physical, and psychosocial challenges. She is particularly skilled at helping clients and their families navigate the complex journey of brain injury recovery, from acute care settings through community reintegration. Her approach emphasizes functional independence, adaptive strategies, and quality of life restoration.

Beyond brain injury, Cailey has extensive experience treating musculoskeletal conditions and mental health challenges resulting from motor vehicle accidents, workplace or sports injuries, and falls. In her previous role, she also served as the Team Lead for the Occupational Therapy department, where she mentored colleagues in acquired brain injury best practices.

Cailey completed a Bachelor of Science at the University of Waterloo before earning her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy at Western University in 2020. She is a registered Occupational Therapist in good standing with the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario and is committed to ongoing professional development in neurological rehabilitation.

In her spare time, Cailey enjoys travelling, hiking, camping, reading, and spending time with her family, fiancé, and cat.

Cailey has been practicing as an Occupational Therapist since 2020, with a particular passion for... Read More

Aleah is a distinguished Occupational Therapist registered with the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario (COTO) and an active member of the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT). As the Clinical Director overseeing the Niagara region clinics, she brings exceptional leadership, clinical expertise, and a passion for rehabilitation excellence to her role. Her robust academic background includes an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree in Health Studies & Gerontology from McMaster University, complemented by a certificate in Applied Behaviour Analysis from Mohawk College. This foundation in behavioral science enhances her understanding of human functioning and intervention approaches. Aleah further advanced her expertise by completing her Master of Science (MSc) degree in Occupational Therapy at McMaster University, establishing herself as a well-rounded healthcare professional.

Diverse Clinical Experience Aleah has cultivated extensive experience across multiple sectors, allowing her to develop a comprehensive approach to rehabilitation. Her diverse background includes: Motor vehicle accident rehabilitation Long-term disability support and assessment Veterans Affairs Canada services Pediatric therapy for children with developmental needs

This breadth of experience enables her to adapt her therapeutic approach to clients with varying needs, ages, and conditions while effectively managing the clinical operations across the Niagara region.

Advanced Training and Certifications Committed to evidence-based practice and continuing professional development, Aleah has pursued advanced training and certifications in multiple specialized areas: In-home and attendant care assessments Ergonomic assessments Exposure therapy techniques Concussion management protocols Chronic pain management strategies Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) Specialized handwriting intervention approaches

Leadership Excellence As the clinical leader for the Niagara clinics, Aleah combines her therapeutic expertise with outstanding management skills to ensure exceptional client care. Her leadership approach emphasizes clinical excellence, interdisciplinary collaboration, and client-centered practice throughout all aspects of service delivery.

Her commitment to maintaining the highest standards of care while fostering a supportive environment for both clients and clinical team members has established the Niagara clinics as centers of rehabilitation excellence within the community.

Aleah is a distinguished Occupational Therapist registered with the College of Occupational Thera... Read More

Sheila Don is a distinguished Occupational Therapist whose passion for transforming healthcare has established her as a pioneering force in rehabilitation services across Canada. Practicing since 2006 after earning her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from D’Youville College, Sheila holds dual board certification in Canada and the United States, maintaining exemplary standing with the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario (COTO), the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapy (CAOT), the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT), and the Ontario Society of Occupational Therapists (OSOT).

Her exceptional contributions to the field were recently recognized with the prestigious 2024 Ontario Society of Occupational Therapist (OSOT) Award of Merit, honoring her exemplary leadership and outstanding accomplishments in occupational therapy practice throughout Ontario.

Sheila’s dedication to improving lives began during her undergraduate years at Brock University, where she devoted countless hours volunteering with various organizations while completing her Honours Bachelor’s of Arts in Kinesiology. Her early work with individuals with acquired brain injuries ignited a lifelong commitment that ultimately led to the founding of Innovative Occupational Therapy Services (IOTS) in 2015.

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Under her visionary leadership, IOTS has evolved into a renowned Canada-wide organization delivering client-centered, timely, and cost-effective assessment and treatment services with exceptional outcomes in health improvement, independence promotion, and risk reduction. The company’s excellence was formally recognized when it received the Rehabilitation Company of the Year award from the Ontario Brain Injury Association (OBIA) in 2022. Driven by her unwavering commitment to comprehensive care, Sheila co-founded Critical Trauma Therapy (criticaltrauma.com), specializing in psychotherapy and social work services for individuals seeking to enhance their quality of life and develop effective strategies for managing health challenges, including brain injuries.

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Most recently, recognizing the critical need for specialized pediatric services, Sheila co-founded Innovative Kids & Teens in 2024. This multidisciplinary medical center provides essential support for children and families navigating complex conditions including acquired brain injury and cognitive dysfunction, autism and other developmental disabilities.

Expanding Access to Specialized Care Sheila’s vision for accessible, high-quality care continues to expand with recent significant developments extending services into St. Catharines General Hospital, Oakville Trafalgar Hospital, and Benton Medical Clinic. These strategic expansions reflect her ongoing commitment to bringing exceptional rehabilitation services directly to communities where they’re needed most.

With over 18 years of diverse clinical experience, Sheila has developed extensive expertise through continued education and hands-on practice. Her specialized experience includes treating individuals with catastrophic neurological conditions (including ABI), orthopedic impairments (including amputations and spinal cord injuries), and psychological/behavioral challenges. Her comprehensive understanding of functional assessment across various environments has led to her qualification as an expert medical witness in Occupational Therapy by both the Ontario Superior Court of Justice and Financial Services Commission Ontario.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Sheila is known for her genuine, kind, and creative nature. She brings an empathic and personalized approach to clinical care while supporting her teams across multiple companies to serve a growing number of clients in need.

Sheila extends her heartfelt gratitude to all past and present clients for their continued trust in her care and leadership. She remains steadfastly committed to providing exceptional service while raising awareness for rehabilitation services and transforming healthcare delivery across Canada.

Sheila Don is a distinguished Occupational Therapist whose passion for transforming healthcare ha... Read More