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.

Janessa Tam 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 Science in Psychology and Linguistics.  She has worked in a variety of settings with children, including preschool programs, clinics and hospitals. Before becoming a speech-language pathologist, Janessa worked as an Instructor Therapist, providing treatment for children with ASD and developmental delays.

Janessa is passionate about working with children and collaborating with families. Her scope of practice includes assessment and treatment of children with speech sound/articulation, language, fluency, motor speech and social communication deficits.  She has additional experience running social skills groups, supporting non-verbal communication (PECS, TouchChat), providing auditory verbal therapy, and conducting feeding intervention. In addition, Janessa is fluent in Cantonese and Mandarin.

Kishwar Sajjad is a Registered Behaviour Technician, who 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; and is currently working towards a Masters in Professional Education (MPEd) at the University of Western Ontario.

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.

Anastasia Provias 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 with an Honours in Linguistics and Minor in Psychology from Concordia University in Montreal. Anastasia is an enthusiastic and compassionate speech-language pathologist who finds creative ways to make therapy fun and engaging. She embraces diversity and holds culturally competent care at the forefront of her practice. Anastasia believes in working collaboratively with families in order to create individualized and functional goals for her clients. Anastasia has completed a training in Project ImPACT in order to support parents and children who have been identified as having social communication difficulties and Autism Spectrum Disorder. She has also taken continuing education courses in order to support the language development in children who communicate with delayed echolalia.

Anastasia has experience in providing assessment and treatment in the areas of expressive and receptive language, articulation, phonology, literacy, fluency, and social communication. In addition, Anastasia is fluent in French and Greek.

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).

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.

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.

Vithurry is a registered Occupational Therapist who received her Master’s of Science in Occupational Therapy from the University of Toronto.   She has experience providing individual and group therapy services to children in the areas of self-regulation, sensory processing, social skills, and fine and gross motor skills. Vi has developed and facilitated group therapy services and parent workshops for both private and public agencies.  She has also provided consultation services for individual students in the classroom and for organizations including TDSB Section 23 schools and EarlyON child and family centres. She brings her unique experience in mental health, and applies a play-based and family-centered approach to support children and their families to reach their goals.  Vi is currently on staff at the SickKids Centre for Community Mental Health.

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 with a wide variety of difficulties, including those that struggle with fine and gross motor, regulation, sensory processing, handwriting, and feeding skills. Ali’s background in teaching provides her with key insight to both the in-school and at-home needs of your child, and she has experience with direct and consultative therapy related to school, play, and self-care. Ali’s specialized training includes certification in Handwriting Without Tears, 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 a strictly 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.

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.

Paula is a registered Occupational Therapist who completed her Master’s of Science in Occupational Therapy at the University of Toronto. Prior to becoming an OT, Paula worked with children for years in several different settings as a camp counsellor, running coach, and rock climbing instructor. Paula began working with children clinically during her Master’s degree at a therapeutic nature-based camp in Markdale Ontario, and continues to promote the importance of nature and playing outdoors as a tool to help children develop physically, mentally, and emotionally. Paula has experience implementing strategies to support children’s’ handwriting, fine motor skills, gross motor skills, emotional regulation, sensory needs, and more. She is passionate about taking a client-centered and strengths-based approach when working with children and their families, and strives to teach life-long functional skills to help children thrive at school, at home, and in the community. Paula is passionate about learning and continues to pursue various courses and workshops to expand her knowledge and expertise in paediatrics.

Natan is a registered occupational therapist with good standing and registration with the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario and with the College of Occupational Therapists of British Columbia. He completed his Masters of Occupational Therapy at the University of Toronto in 2017. Natan spent some time working in British Columbia, helping a variety of age ranges recover from car accidents and return to school post-injury. Most recently, Natan has worked on a community mental health team at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. Natan brings with him a passion for working with children, which began while working at an outpatient kindergarten program at ALYN Hospital in Jerusalem and has been expanded upon through positions such as teaching at a Hebrew elementary school in Halifax while completing his undergraduate degree in Kinesiology at Dalhousie University.

Cora (she/her) is a registered Occupational Therapist with a passion for working in pediatrics. She has completed her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy at the University of Toronto and a Bachelor of Life Science from Queen’s University. Cora has over 10 years of experience in diverse settings with children and youth, including preschools, a private OT clinic, supervising a before/after school program, and completing OT placements and research in pediatric hospitals. Cora places great value on being family-centred and strengths-based as she works with children and families on activities that are meaningful to them, promoting participation and overall wellbeing. She has experience working with children on various goals, including fine and gross motor skills, sensory processing, handwriting, shoe tying, bike riding, and emotional regulation. Cora is dedicated to continued learning as she continues to pursue professional development in handwriting, emotional regulation, and sensory processing.

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.

Olivia Biehn OT Reg. (Ont)

Olivia is an Occupational Therapist registered with the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario. She has her Masters of Science inOccupational Therapy from Queen’s University (2021), a certificate in
Disability Management from Dalhousie University (2018), and a Bachelor of Health Sciences from Western University (2017). Olivia has over 10 years experience working with children of all ages, in various
settings and in multiple roles. As an OT, Olivia has experience delivering assessments and interventions for children with sensory processing disorders, fine and gross motor delays, learning disabilities, and social and behavioural challenges. Olivia committed to lifelong learning from clients and evidence-based research from experts in the field. She is always eager to continue to develop her skills through professional development opportunities andcontinuing education. Olivia values delivering holistic, family-centred care, and actively listening and honouring her client’s lived experience.

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.  

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.

Jamie Kwai Lan Chik OT Reg. (Ont) is a registered Occupational Therapist who has over 20 years of pediatric occupational therapy experience serving children with complex medical needs. Jamie earned her Master of Art degree in Occupational Therapy from New York University in 1992. Jamie has worked with children aged 0-18 years and their families through in-patient rehabilitation hospital, community integrated nursery school, community day care center and in-home services. She has experience working with children with various diagnoses and special needs, including acquired brain injury, neurological disorder, cerebral palsy, orthopedic disorder, developmentally challenged, autism spectrum disorder, feeding difficulties and more. Jamie is certified in Sensory Integration, Bobath Neurodevelopmental Treatment (NDT) 8 weeks course in pediatric, and certification course for the Handwriting Without Tears (HWT). She is currently on staff at The Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital working in the in-patient team.  

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!