Contact us today for a free consultation around your child’s unique needs
What we do
We are a Private Pediatric Occupational Therapy Clinic.
We work with children of all ages and abilities to improve their participation in daily activities such as play, social interactions, communication and learning.
In-person services for Kelowna and Kamloops
We also offer virtual services for all other BC communities
Our Values & PHILOSOPHY
UNIQUE
We believe that Kids Creative Therapy is unlike other pediatric therapy clinics. Here are a some of the reasons why:
Motivation
We believe motivation and engagement drives change. Research has proven that children learn better when they are having fun and are engaged in play-based therapy.
STRENGTH BASED
We nurture self-esteem and autonomy by focusing on children’s strengths and successes.
Family-centered
We believe family-centered care and relationships are vital for success. We coach parents and involve them in therapy to support their children and increase transfer of skills to other environments.
INCLUSIVE
We offer support for all kids and families without regard to race, color, religion, disability, gender or gender identity.
HOLISTIC
We consider all aspects of a child’s life including family systems, daily activities, culture, and environments.
DEVELOPMENTAL
We believe every child can learn and meet early developmental milestones, regardless of ability. We support emotional and sensory regulation, sensory processing, engagement, and connection alongside academic skills to ensure children have a strong developmental and relationship-based foundation to support higher level abilities.
INTERDISCIPLINARY
We value collaboration with team members from inside and outside of Kids Creative Therapy to ensure your child has the best wrap around care.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
We are committed to ongoing learning through mentorship and training in current and relevant practices.
CUSTOMIZE
We individualize our programs to suit every child and family.
Our Services
At Kids Creative Therapy we partner with you, the parent, to develop solutions to help your child be a successful learner, friend, player, sibling, explorer, participant and team member.
We believe building positive self-esteem, autonomy and meaningful relationships are important goals in contributing to you and your child’s well-being and daily function.
We will help you understand your child’s differences and individual needs, and how to best support them. Knowledge and understanding are powerful tools in helping you feel empowered and hopeful that your child will succeed and be happy
Occupational Therapy Solutions
Occupational Therapy offers solutions for your child’s challenges related to meltdowns, behaviour, sleeping, learning, anxiety, social skills, gross and fine motor skills, self-care skills, attention, and self-regulation.
We offer effective treatment for children and families impacted by:
- Fine and Gross Motor Skills
- Attention (Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder)
- Planning and Organizing
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
- Sensory Processing Abilities
- Anxiety (Big worries / big emotions)
- Confidence / Self-esteem
- Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD)
- Dyspraxia
- Neurological Disorders
- Down Syndrome
- Global Developmental Delay (GDD)
Speech-Language Pathology Solutions
Speech and language therapy offers solutions for your child’s challenges related to play and interaction skills, speech production, expressive language, understanding language, social communication, feeding, stuttering, voice quality and literacy.
We offer effective treatment for children and families impacted by:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
- Developmental Delays
- Cerebral Palsy
- Down Syndrome
- Learning Disabilities
- Other Developmental and Genetic Disorders
- Speech Sound Disorders (Articulation, Phonology, Apraxia, and Dysarthria)
- Language Disorders (Developmental or Acquired)
- Feeding and Swallowing Disorders
- Stuttering
- Voice Disorders
OUR PROCESS
STEP 1: Call our office at 1‑236‑422‑4781 or email us directly at info@kidscreativetherapy.ca
Our friendly staff will gather more information about the services you are looking for and begin the intake process.
STEP 2: Verify your family’s insurance and/or funding sources for Occupational services.
We are a privately funded clinic and on the Register of Autism Providers (RASP) list. We directly bill the Autism Funding Unit (AFU), At Home Program, and homeschool organizations. We also accept employment benefits, credit card and e-transfer.
STEP 3: Scheduling a Parent Consultation Appointment
Please call us to schedule an initial appointment and we will do our best to accommodate your family’s schedule. Your first appointment will include a parent only 60 minute in-person or video-conference consultation with a Kids Creative Therapy clinician. We will review our intake forms, history and identify family priorities / goals.
STEP 4: Complete and Return Intake Paperwork
The following forms will need to be completed and returned before the initial appointment can be offered. These will be emailed upon the scheduling of the first intake session.
- Intake Client Form
- Client Agreement Form
- Goal Setting
STEP 5: Scheduling Treatment
Following your evaluation, treatment options will be discussed and decided on. Depending on this trajectory, there may be a small waiting period before treatment starts. With scheduling, we try to accommodate your family’s availability as best we can. Please note afternoon appointments are in higher demand.
Our Team
Melanie DuMoulin
BSc Kin, MSc OT | RASP registered
Melanie obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in Kinesiology at Dalhousie University prior to obtaining her Masters Degree in Occupational Therapy at the University of Toronto. She has gained experience working with children and adults with a variety of diagnoses. Melanie has also worked with many community partners to develop inclusive dance programs for individuals of all ages. Melanie strives to see the world through her client’s eyes and advocate for their needs. She enjoys helping others and providing her clients with the necessary tools to return to the activities that are important to them.
Professional Development:
- 2023 When Children Won’t Eat: Picky Eaters Vs. Problem Feeders. SOS Approach to Feeding
- 2020 Currently training as Play Project Consultant
- 2020 Proficiency Certification Level 1 – Advanced Professional in Sensory Processing Disorder, STAR Institute for Sensory Processing Disorder and Temple University
- 2020 Sensory Processing and Sensory-Based Interventions for Children with Moira Pena
- 2020 Integrative Listening Systems – Online Focus System Training
- 2019 New Cutting Edge Strategies to Improve Executive Function Skills, Sarah Ward
- 2019 Sense + SenseABILITY 22nd International Symposium
- 2019 The Play Project Intensive Workshop
- 2019 Advanced Mentored Clinician in Sensory Processing Disorder – Level 1
- 2019 Concussion Management – Level 2
- 2018 Integrating Cognitive Behavioural Therapy into your Occupational Therapy Practice-Level 1
- 2017 Professional Goal Attainment Program (PGAP)
- 2017 Motivational Interviewing
- 2017 Best Practice for Pain Management for Occupational Therapists
- 2017 Concussion Management
- 2016 National Symposium for Dance and Well-Being
- 2016 Handwriting Without Tears: Get Set for School, Numbers and Literacy, K-Grade 5
- 2016 The Parental Occupational Executive Training
- 2015 CAOT Conference
- 2014 Canadian Seating and Mobility Conference
Chelsea Wilkinson
BSc ENVS, MSc OT | RASP Registered
Chelsea received her master’s degree in occupational therapy from Queen’s University and has been working in pediatrics since 2018. She is passionate about helping families expand their “toolbox” of strategies to thrive in daily life. Chelsea’s practice philosophy is grounded in the belief that true empowerment comes from fostering self-discovery and building on individual strengths. She finds joy in the creativity required to support each unique family and child, believing that the magic happens when everyone collaborates to explore new ways of approaching challenges. Chelsea is committed to a strength-based, neurodiversity-affirming approach, which she believes can profoundly enhance a person’s potential and engagement in everyday activities. When she’s not collaborating with clients and their families, Chelsea enjoys being with her family and biking in the beautiful landscapes of Kelowna.
Professional Development:
- 2024 Trauma-sensitive practice webinar presented by Kim Barthel, CAOT, Completed 2024
- 2024 Sensory Processing Aware with GriffinOT – Level 1. Presented by GriffinOT.
- 2023 Building Blocks for Sensory Integration, Vital Links
- 2021 Vestibular and Vision Matter, Kim Barthell
- 2021 An Integrated Approach to Working With Children: Combining Sensory Processing, Emotional Development, Social Thinking & Behavior – Part 1
- 2021 Learn Play Thrive: A Strengths -based approach to autism and behavior
- 2021 Two Days of Social Thinking: A Focus on Emotions
- 2021 Certificate of completion Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA)
- 2020 Innovative pacing and planning techniques following concussion/mild traumatic brain injury, CAOT
- 2020 Bringing together life and ongoing rehabilitation after traumatic brain injury, CAOT
- 2020 Behavioural Activation: Quick and effective ways to engage clients with Depression, CAOT
- 2020 Exposure Therapy Pathway for Anxiety Management, CAOT
- 2020 Behavioural Activation: Quick and effective ways to engage clients with Depression, CAOT
- 2020 The Art of Balance: Function and Posture in Wheelchair Seating Webinar
- 2020 OT Pioneers: Introduction to Pelvic Floor Therapy for Occupational Therapist
- 2019 CAOT, Sensory processing and sensory-based interventions for children
- 2019 Social Thinking: Planning, Predicting & Managing Work Across Time
- 2017 Brief Action Planning Workshop
- 2017 Choices and Changes: Motivating Healthy Behaviors
Kristi Moyls
MOT, BSc (Kin)
Kristi obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology from the University of Victoria and her Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of British Columbia. Since obtaining her Master’s degree in 2016, Kristi has worked with a wide spectrum of clients across the age spectrum living with and recovering from various conditions. Kristi is particularly interested in a play and relationship-based approach to child development. Kristi is a RASP certified service provider.
Professional Development:
- 2023 When Children Won’t Eat: Picky Eaters Vs. Problem Feeders. SOS Approach to Feeding
- 2022 BEST Strategies for Self-Care, Productivity, and Leisure Using a Strengths-Based and NeuroDiversity-Friendly Lens
- 2021 A Strengths Based Approach to Autism and Behaviour
- 2021 Resolving Picky Eating from the Inside Out
- 2020 Sensory Processing and Sensory Based Interventions for Children
Lianna Walker
BHSc, MA, MOT
Lianna earned her Master of Occupational Therapy degree from the University of British Columbia. With a background in Health Sciences and Disability Management from the University of Northern British Columbia, she strongly understands the connections between physical health, behaviour, and occupational performance. Lianna’s professional focus is on pediatric therapy, where she passionately supports children’s developmental and therapeutic needs. Her approach to occupational therapy is driven by her commitment to ensuring every child has the opportunity to reach their fullest potential. Residing in Kelowna, she is excited to work with families in the local community. She enjoys running, cycling, playing sports, and exploring the vibrant eateries and wineries in the area during her free time.
Professional Development:
- 2024 UBC Master of Occupational Therapy
- 2023 Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) Certification
- 2023 Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training
- 2022 UNBC Master of Arts in Disability Management Degree
- 2022 Standard First Aid/CPR-C/AED
- 2021 Advanced Industrial Ergonomics Workshop
- 2021 San’yas Indigenous Cultural Safety Training Program Certificate (Core ICS Health)
- 2019 UNBC Bachelor of Health Science Degree
Carly Jordan
MOT, BHK
Carly has a background in Kinesiology and received her Master’s of Occupational Therapy degree from the University of British Columbia. She has experience working in hand therapy, arthritis, mental health, community, and pediatric settings. Carly’s favourite part about being an OT is connecting and collaborating with others. With a client-centered philosophy and holistic approach, Carly’s focus is on empowering individuals across all stages of life, helping support them in achieving their goals. In her spare time, you will find Carly exploring the local mountains on skis or foot, with her pup, Otis!
Professional Development:
- 2024 Approved under the Registry of Autism Service Providers in BC
- 2024 ICDL DIR 101: An Introduction to DIR and DIRFloortime
- 2024 Basic Life Support (BLS)/CPR HCP and AED
- 2023 Concussion Rehab Works Inc. Concussion Management Level 1 & 2
- 2023 Pain Foundations for Health Providers
- 2022 ASSIST – Suicide First Aid
- 2022 Motivational Interviewing
- 2021 Splint Fabrication
- 2020 Standard First Aid
Breanna Thom
MOT, BA Psych
Breanna obtained her Master in Occupational Therapy from UBC in 2020 after completing her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in 2015. Since graduating, Breanna has gained extensive experience supporting children with a variety of needs and their families using relationship-based therapy that “feels good” for the child, parent, and therapist. Breanna believes that therapeutic progress begins with a joyful, safe, and trusting connection and uses play as her treatment medium – after all, PLAY is a child’s most important job! By developing foundational skills, including sensory processing, regulation, gross/fine/visual motor, social-emotional and executive functioning, clients can build their participation and independence in the daily activities that are meaningful to them and their families. Breanna loves singing karaoke, pretending to be a ‘food critic’ at restaurants and exploring the beautiful Okanagan Valley when not in the sensory gym.
Professional Development:
- 2023 When Children Won’t Eat: Picky Eaters Vs. Problem Feeders. SOS Approach to Feeding
- 2022 Floortime® Certificate of Proficiency. ICDL
- 2022 Holistic Clinical Reasoning with Kim Barthel and Shelley Mannell.
- Integrative Education
- 2022 Sensory Health in Autism Virtual Summit. STAR Institute for Sensory Processing
- 2021 DIRFloortime® Basic Certificate. ICDL
- 2021 Embracing and Understanding Individual Differences with Rosemary White. Little Buddies Pediatric Therapy Inc.
- 2020 DIR 101: An Introduction to DIR® and DIRFloortime®. IDCL
Christine McBeth
Service Coordinator & Administrative Assistant
Christine is the office administrator and front line staff member for Kids Creative Therapy. She brings many years of administrative experience to KCT and enjoys helping clients receive the services that they require. She loves her work and makes the office a fun place to be for both the clients and the clinicians!
current openings
At Kids Creative Therapy, we value work-life balance and believe in the personal and professional development of each team member. We support ongoing education, encourage service provision innovation, and believe every team member is vital to our organization’s success.
We are hiring!
We are currently seeking a Pediatric Occupational Therapist for our Kelowna Location.
We offer community, home and clinic-based services. Our Pediatric Occupational Therapists focus on working with families and children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Sensory Processing Disorder, ADHD, anxiety, and other expansive developmental delays. Our therapists take a holistic, team approach with their clients and their families and liaise with other therapy partners to implement tailored strategies and reach positive goals for each client.
To be successful in this role, it is essential to have a positive and motivated attitude. If you want to use your clinical skills and are passionate about sharing the journeys of our pediatric clients, you should consider this role!
Your diverse role would include comprehensive assessments, individualized therapy plans, play-based therapy sessions, parent education, training and coaching and team collaboration.
What we offer and benefits:
• Signing bonus
• Relocation support, where applicable
• Opportunity to earn 25% more than public sector employment
• Strong orientation program
• Mentorship and support
• Ongoing educational and professional development opportunities
• Financial support for professional growth and development
• Flexible working hours: Autonomy of schedule, including flexible hours, vacation time, and caseload
• Leading-edge case management software program to manage billing and cases
• Extended health, dental, and vision care
• Wellness programs including paid counselling support
• Company retreats, events, and socials
Remuneration: Negotiable
Qualifications:
• Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy or equivalent
• Current, complete registration with the College of Occupational Therapists of British
Columbia (COTBC)
• Registration, or eligibility for registration, on the Registry of Autism Serves Providers
(RASP)
• Prefer at least two years’ pediatric occupational therapy experience
• At least one-year experience working in Canada
• Knowledge or experience in Sensory Integration Therapy and the DIR/Floortime model
would be to your advantage
Other Requirements:
• Cell Phone
• Criminal Records Check
• Liability/Malpractice Insurance
• Reliable roadworthy vehicle
Contact us to apply or learn more!
Funding resources for families in BC
There are a variety of funding resources available to families living in BC. These are listed below. Please feel free to discuss these options with us before therapy start and we are happy to assist in completing any documentation beforehand.
Two programs are funded through the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD) for children with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder.
- Under 6 years of age: up to $22,000 is allocated per family per year. These funds can be used to access eligible services, therapies, equipment and training.
- Ages 6-18: up to $6,000 is allocated per child per year to access eligible autism intervention services, therapies and equipment outside of school. This is in addition to services that are provided through the school board.
For more information, click here.
Funds allocated to assist families with the costs of caring for a child with a disability at home. Assistance is provided in two areas – families may benefit either for the respite or medical benefits or both.
- Respite Benefits (age 18 or younger): allows for access to appropriate respite services
- Medical Benefits (age 17 or younger): provides access to a range of medical services, equipment and intervention.
For more information, click here.
Variety offers funding to children with special needs across B.C. for medical care and services, mobility equipment and specialized therapies and education and experiences.
Variety helps children who meet the following criteria:
- Children from 0-19 years,
- B.C. or Yukon resident for a minimum of three months with a valid Health Care Card,
- Qualified special need (medical/developmental) as recognized by a designated professional,
- Financial circumstance that limits the ability to afford the item or service required,
- Total net household income of up to $65,000 per year.
For more information visit: click here.
Provides assistance to families and children with special needs in B.C in three funding fields:
- Specialized therapies and intervention
- Specialized medical equipment
- Educational bursaries.
To be considered for assistance, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Children whose needs/circumstances have been assessed and recognized by a medical/health/social/educational professional and for whom an application is supported by a brief statement indicating the problem/condition and recommendations,
- Children who don’t qualify for existing services provided by government-sponsored funding, or are on an extensive waiting list, have exhausted other sources of financial assistance, or who do not meet all of the government criteria,
- Children who are financially at risk. This definition does not exclude those children who have medical/social/educational impacts brought about by poverty. Gross household income is used to consider all requests.
For more information, visit: click here.
The family is required to fill out the disability tax credit form and have an additional form filled out by a pediatrician or occupational therapist. For more information,
click here.
Many extended health care plans in BC cover occupational therapy. Check your health care plan and if yours doesn’t you can ask your employer or extended health provider to add occupational therapy services.
Useful Links & Information
Information about Autism:
www.autism-society.org
Information about Sensory Processing Disorder:
www.spdstar.org
www.thespiralfoundation.org
Information about DIR/Floortime:
www.icdl.com
profectum.org
Information about the PlayProject:
www.playproject.org
Information about Interoception:
www.kelly-mahler.com/what-is-interoception
ACT Autism Community Training Society
Phone: 604-205-5467
Toll free: 1-866-939-5188
www.actcommunity.ca
Family Support Institute
Phone: 604-875-1119
Toll Free: 1-800-441-5403
Email: fsi@bcacl.org
Current Research
- A Retrospective Pre-Post Treatment Study of Occupational Therapy Intervention for Children with sensory Processing Challenges, A.Schoen & L. Miller, 2018: https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1367&context=ojot
- A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study of the Effectiveness of Occupational Therapy for Children With Sensory Modulation Disorder: https://ajot.aota.org/article.aspx?articleid=1866941
- Developmental social pragmatic interventions for preschoolers with autism spectrum disorder: A systematic review. Amanda Binns and Janis Cardy: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/2396941518824497
- Hanen: http://www.hanen.org/Home.aspx
Need creative therapy solutions for adults?
Rehabilitation with a difference… read more
Get in touch
Contact
Tel: 236-422-4781
Toll-free: 1-855-747-8726
info@kidscreativetherapy.ca
Location
1495 Gordon Street 2nd Floor,
Kelowna, BC V1Y 9R3
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