ages. One of my personal delights is spending time as an Auntie caring for my young niece and nephew (2 and 4 years old), bearing witness to the unique unfolding of their development. I also enjoy reading, painting, and exploring outdoors with my sensitive Sheltie dog.  My background involves mentoring Early Childhood Educators in the nature and wisdom of attachment, as well as facilitating Professional Development on the subject. I believe wholeheartedly in the power of harnessing connection to deliver every child to their fullest potential.   I look forward to supporting local families in my community and learning from Alison’s expertise and compassionate perspective.

Being able to combine my love of nature with my passion for physical activity, health and wellness here, on the Island, is something I am forever grateful for. I recently translated my love of working with people and coaching into a Bachelors Degree in Kinesiology from Vancouver Island University which opened up the opportunity to work with Aspire OT as a Therapy Assistant.  Working with kids and seeing their growth and development has inspired me to further my education and I am currently working towards my Masters in Occupational Therapy.

Over 24 years, I've dedicated myself to healthcare, specializing in Long Term Care and  Home Support. For the past five years, I've thrived as a Behavioral Interventionist in Port Alberni, cherishing the diversity of age groups I support. My journey with Aspire! has been transformative, offering invaluable mentorship that's boosted my expertise and confidence. Every session is a learning experience, and I'm profoundly thankful for the chance to grow alongside the families I assist.

baby. I love to hike, paddle board, camp, read. Always up for road trips and fun. I have been a Community Support Worker since 2007. I have worked in all facets of Support Work; Staffed Resource Homes, Elementary schools, Day cares and as a Behaviour Interventionist. I love Children and I love families. I’m proud and grateful of the many children and families I’ve supported over the years. I am beyond lucky and happy to be working alongside Alison as we support children and their families here in the Alberni Valley.

for over the past 18 years. I have an Early Childhood background and have so much passion for the importance of play. Creating and implementing fun, play-based therapy that is geared towards each individual's interests has allowed me to build close, trusting relationships with each student and their families.  I have worked alongside Alison over the years in both school and home based settings. Alison has been an amazing mentor to me, and someone I have learned so much from. Being a part of the Aspire team has been awesome. I am looking forward to continuing to support the families I have been working with in the Alberni Valley.

tremendous mentor and helped me build on 15 years of experience in the human services field. I have a diploma in Early Childhood Education with specializations in Diverse Abilities and Infant/Toddler Care. I love connecting with children and their family's to work together on achieving their occupational therapy goals. Encouraging life skills development fills my heart with joy!

and we are grateful to have established roots here since 2020. The seeds were planted to move here when I was university student in a work exchange program back in 1999. As a student I ran my own business in BC and envisioned raising a family here as I felt inspired by the land and the people. I graduated with a degree in Psychology from Western and have acquired various certifications since then. Some of my certifications include POPARD (Provincial Outreach Program for Autism & Related Disorders), CPI (Nonviolent Crisis Intervention) and EASE (Everyday Anxiety Strategies for Educators). I have accumulated over 2 decades of work experience with neuro-divergent persons in particular children and youth. I have worked in various settings including schools, churches, recreation centers, homes and the great outdoors. ‘The  mission throughout my career is to support neurodiverse individuals to achieve peak contentment and personal success in their life’s interests and everyday functions by working together using effective strategies. I value collaborating as a team with respective caregivers and other professionals. I have found play to be an effective way for children and people to learn and gain skills. That is why you often see me climbing, running, building and exploring while I am working or passionately at play. My hope and joy are that each child acquires a degree of mastery over their lives and to enrich their communities.

Fueled by my passion for education and a love for aquatic environments, I became a dive/swim instructor and ran summer camps, guiding children in essential life skills and fostering a deep connection with nature. For me, being with children is a rewarding experience filled with discovery and growth. Uncovering their passions and sharing new experiences cultivates a bond that goes beyond teaching—it nurtures their sense of wonder and potential. As a lover of arts and crafts, I find immense joy in sharing my passion with the children I work with, nurturing their imagination and fine motor skills. My lifelong affinity for animals led me to become a registered veterinary technician, where my compassion for creatures, great and small, continues to shape my work. In my role, I blend my love for animals, passion for education, and artistic expression to foster connections with nature, ignite curiosity, and encourage creativity in children.

independence, and essential life skills. Growing up on Vancouver Island and being fortunate enough to travel throughout the world throughout my life has given me a unique perspective on adaptability, connection, and personal growth. These values inspire my approach to therapy, where I strive to create supportive environments that foster progress and resilience. ​ With nearly 10 years of experience as a lifeguard and swim instructor, I founded AquaNauts Swim Academy, combining personalized swim instruction with the spirit of adventure. Teaching water safety and self-confidence to those with diversabilities —including Special Olympics athletes—has shaped my commitment to making meaningful impacts in people’s lives. These experiences translate seamlessly into my work as an OTA, where I focus on empowering clients to overcome challenges and achieve their goals. I also do homeshare and support adults with autism in their personal lives. ​ I focus on empowering clients to address challenges with a view toward their personal goals. Whether assisting with motor skill development, fostering sensory integration, or working on practical life skills, I aim to support every client to build confidence and reach their fullest potential. ​ In both my professional and personal life, I value patience, creativity, and a touch of fun. Whether in the pool, at home, or out in the community, I believe in making every moment count toward progress and growth. ​ I’m excited to work with Alison and her team and to bring my skills and passion to the world of occupational therapy, helping clients navigate their unique paths to success while fostering a positive and uplifting experience every step of the way.