Our Team
Occupational Therapist & Owner
Katie completed her education at the University of Alberta, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology in 2014 and a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (OT) in 2021. Between degrees, she worked as a Kinesiologist for three years and an Educational Assistant for one. During this time, she gained experience working with people who were injured at work and in motor vehicle accidents, as well as those living with mental illness and conditions like COPD, diabetes, arthritis, migraines, and chronic pain.
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During her schooling, Katie completed fieldwork placements in home care, acute psychiatry, community pediatrics, and community adult rehabilitation. She is educated in the areas of chronic pain and stress management, as well as mental health and wellness. When working with her clients, Katie draws upon her own experiences of pain, stress and burnout, and mental illness to help them finds ways to cope with their symptoms and get back to doing the things they want and need to do in life!
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As a therapist, Katie is passionate about reconnecting people to nature as she is a firm believer in the positive effects it has on our health and well-being as individuals as well as society as a whole. These beliefs are backed by a wife range of studies that show how spending time outdoors increases our energy levels, reduces our stress, improves our mood, decreases pain, improves heart health, cognition, and so much more! (Nature has even been linked to improved attention in children and adults with ADHD, and slowed progression of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Disease!)
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References
https://www.parkprescriptions.ca/en/whynature
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2799727
Administrative Assistant
Shanna is an administrative professional who graduated with an Administrative Information Management Diploma from SAIT in Calgary, AB in 2013. She has worked in a variety of supportive roles including administration, staffing, safety, and community support services. Shanna’s favorite job positions are ones that are fulfilling and include supporting others to progress. She is a Mental Health Advocate who enjoys educating others and sharing her own story so that people know they are not alone. In her spare time, Shanna finds happiness in walking her dog, hiking, camping, and spending time with loved ones.
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A bit more about Katie's Therapeutic Approach
As a strengths-based therapist, Katie works collaboratively with her clients to help them identify their strengths and interests, clarify their values, and set personally meaningful goals. In treatment sessions, she strives to consider all aspects of her clients' health and well-being (physical, mental, cognitive, and spiritual) and evaluate how they relate to their chosen occupations and and environments. To influence positive change, Katie supports her clients in gaining insight into their current reality and barriers they are facing so they can tackle them together as a team. She believes that all people are meant to live meaningful, purposeful, and fulfilling lives, and she enables her clients to take the steps they need to be the C.E.O. of their own lives and get closer to the life they want to live!
Qualifications
Katie holds additional certifications in:
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Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PET )
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Progressive Goal Attainment Program (PGAP)
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Motivational Interviewing (MI)
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Trauma-Sensitive Practice for Occupational Therapists
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Ergonomic Assessment
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Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE)
Extracurriculars
During her studies, Katie helped create the Corbett 'Calm Room'- a non-academic space at the University of Alberta where staff and students alike can go to de-stress, refocus, and just 'be'. As an Occupational Therapist, Katie draws upon this experience when working with clients as she supports them in creating spaces in their homes and workplaces that incorporate natural and calming elements to promote relaxation, mindfulness, and wellness.
Corbett Calm Room Photos
Natural Entryway
Reading & 'Conversation Circles' area
Craft & LEGO table
Sand Garden