CONNECTIONS OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY

THE "CONNECTIONS" Team

OTA

Therapy Aide

Therapy Aides are trained to provide targeted interventions to meet the unique needs of each child on their caseload. Our staff are passionate about building a connection with clients to provide a space of trust and safety to work on goals. Training includes: sensory regulation, feeding interventions, primitive reflexes, play- based therapy and relationship building (DIR Floortime) for meeting child's developmental capacity goals.

Carly Stewart

Occupational Therapist and Owner

Carly graduated from the Occupational Therapy Masters program at Dalhousie University in 2008. She has worked with families and school districts within the peace region for over 12 years. Her passion is the pediatric population, working on goals with a play based approach and a neurodevelopmental lens. Her therapeutic interaction has an emphasis on regulation and connection through relationship building. With training in sensory processing, visual-motor integration, feeding therapy, fine motor skills development, ADLs and more, she strives to connect with families to meet goals that enrich the lives of their children.

Cornelia Ochitwa

Administrative Assistant

Cornelia is our wonderful admin assistant. She is the glue that keeps things together! She assists with all client questions regarding booking, policies, scheduling, invoicing, waiting lists queries and more. She is an asset to our team and we couldn't do this without her!

Services

CONSULTATION

Play skills Self Help Skills Sensory processing/ Regulation Emotional awareness

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ASSESSMENT

Sensory Processing Visual-Motor Assessments Autism Assessment Team (with 'Peace Autism Collective' Team)

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INTERVENTIONS

Private therapy sessions Therapy Aide packages FSCD services

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MY BACKGROUND AND APPROACH

During treatment sessions, interventions are utilized to best meet the needs of the child. Carly has training in the following interventions and strives to be at the forefront of best practice approaches to create both an evidence- based and neuro-affirmative perspective. Trainings include (but are not limited to):
  • DIR Floortime
    • Evidence based, play- based approach focusing on developmental stage, individual difference and relationship.
  • Stephen Porges: Polyvagal and Regulation in Autism
  • Supporting Function Through Play: Kim Barthel
    • Neurobiology of Play
  • ADOS Training: Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule
    • Standard measure of behavior consistent with the autism spectrum
  • Picky Eaters vs. Problem Feeders: The SOS Approach to Feeding 
    • Identify oral, sensory, motor, cognitive and emotional developmental milestones key to feeding
    • Create and implement an SOS feeding program for toddles and young children, in group or individual treatment formats
Professional Regulations
  • Society of Alberta Occupational Therapists (SAOT)
  • Alberta College of Occupational Therapists (ACOT) 
MY BACKGROUND AND APPROACH image

Testimonials

 

Carly was my daughter's OT for 4+ years. When Carly takes your child under her OT wing you can be rest assured that she not only has your child’s best interest at heart, but she goes the extra mile to make sure that you as the parent feel well supported and are given the tools you need to help your child succeed for when she’s not around. I can honestly say that I have learned just as much as my daughter has over the years that Carly has been our OT. I will never be able to fully express the gratitude I feel towards Carly and all that she has done for us not only as a family, but as an amazing support for our daughter. She is incredibly dedicated to making sure she finds ways to incorporate therapy time into your schedule, your family dynamics and even when she is not with you, you can be assured she is constantly thinking of new ways to help your child succeed. The change that we have seen in our girl is phenomenal and I will always be grateful that Carly has been there to help us along this journey. Unfortunately, our contract has come to an end, however, Carly has filled my tool box so that I can feel confident going forward with helping my daughter thrive even if we will be without her support.

Jordanna
FSCD Parent
 

Carly is supportive, engaged, and has great communication. Her recommendations and guidance have made a positive impact in our son's life, which flows over to the whole family. Having someone so knowledgeable in our corner has made a world of difference with regulation, dentist visits, and the list goes on. We would highly recommend adding her to your support team if you are in need of an OT.

Kathy
Parent (Private Services)
 

I couldn't be happier with the service. We're seeing a huge difference with regulation and tolerance at home. [My child] is easily redirected now and we find that we approach him differently now that it's confirmed that he gets over/under stimulated.

Melissa
Private therapy sessions with therapy aide
 

Occupational Therapy services have impacted our life in several ways. However; it is not only the services as a generalization, but specifically YOUR services within your therapy business. You and Marnie [therapy aide] have changed the course of our son's life by providing a safe place for him to discover himself and to build a connection with safe adults who understand him. It is so important to us to have our children feel that sense of belonging, and he is building that weekly at each appointment. Thank you very much on behalf of our whole little family.

Madison
Therapy Block Sessions
 
 

Contact us

  • 8715 109 St #101, Grande Prairie, AB T8V 8H7
  • OT sessions will be at Function First Pediatrics

Please contact us with any booking inquiries.