Kelowna Staff
Occupational Therapists
Born and raised in Peachland, BC, Monika now lives and works in Kelowna. Monika first joined the Meridian Team as an OT student while completing her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy at University of Alberta. Monika has also completed her Bachelor of Human Kinetics through University of BC-Okanagan. Monika enjoys how diverse her days can be – whether working with clients with chronic pain or helping her smallest clients with with printing and play, no two clients or programs are alike. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking and going camping.
Qualifications and Memberships
Bachelor of Human Kinetics – University of British Columbia (Okanagan campus)
Master of Science in Occupational Therapy – University of Alberta
Member of the British Columbia College of Occupational Therapists
Member of the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists
Registered Autism Service Provider for children under 6
Areas of Practice
Case Management
Chonic Pain Rehab
Community Rehabilitation
Job Sit Visits and Job Demands Analysis
Post-Concussion Rehab
Return to Work Coordination
BC Transit assessments
Pediatric Services
Autism Services
Lindsay comes to us with her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy, a Bachelor of Education, and a BA in history with a minor in Cultural Studies. Lindsay has a special interest in working in mental health including PTSD, depression and anxiety. She’s also experienced in return to work programming and post-concussion assessment and treatment. Lindsay believes it’s important to have a solid foundation of wellness skills in our “toolbox” before tackling big projects and responsibilities. A fun fact about Lindsay: She did musical theatre for many years and has a minor in theatrical performing arts! Outside of work, you can find Lindsay hiking, relaxing at home watching a movie, or island hopping on her latest travels! Her favourite islands so far? Sardinia, Tasmania, Le Mont Saint Michel!
Qualifications and Memberships
Master of Science in Occupational Therapy – University of Toronto
Bachelor of Education
Bachelor of Arts (History/Cultural Studies)
Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists
Ontario College of Teachers
Areas of Practice
Case Management
Community Rehabilitation
Post-Concussion Rehab
Seating Assessments and Prescription
Brain Injury Rehabilitation
Return to Work Coordination
Ergonomic Evaluations
Mental Health and Mental Wellness
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Anxiety and Depression
Dana was born and a raised in Northwestern Ontario on the rocky and lake-filled Canadian shield. She obtained a Bachelors Degree in Social Work from the University of Manitoba and spent several years working and traveling to places like South Korea, China, Central America, and Borneo. Dana returned to school in 2016 to earn a Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy at the University of Alberta. She enjoys working with a diverse population of clients, with a focus on pediatrics. Dana works from a strengths-based, neurodiversity-affirming perspective.
Bachelor of Social Work
Megan grew up un Smiths Falls (home to the Railway Museum of Eastern Ontario!). She graduated with her Masters in OT from the University of Manitoba.
Megan likes that the OT scope of practice is so broad and she loves having the freedom to be creative with each therapy session. She loves that no two days are alike and that she can even head to the ski hill or a hike at the end of the day.
Outside of work, Megan enjoys reading or listening to audiobooks, hiking, canoeing, paddleboarding, backcountry camping, gardening and being a plant mom, travelling in Canada and abroad, working out early in the morning, and going on adventures.
Qualifications
Master of Occupational Therapy School from the University of Manitoba
Master of Arts in Disability Studies from University of Manitoba
Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Health Studies (major) and Psychology (minor) from Queen’s University
Member of the British Columbia College of Occupational Therapists
Member of the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists
Areas of Practice
Functional Capacity Evaluation and Critique
Post-Concussion Rehab Stroke Rehabilitation
Brain Injury Rehabilitation
Life Skills Programming & Vocational Programming for Adults with Intellectual and/or Developmental Disabilities
Return to Work Coordination
Sabrina joined the Kamloops team in 2015 and is now the Kelowna office manager. After graduating from University of Victoria with an undergraduate degree in Psychology, she set her sights on completing the Master of Occupational Therapy program at UBC. Sabrina is experienced in medical-legal functional capacity evaluations for both Plaintiff and Defence, and she’s been accepted to provide expert witness testimony in the Supreme Court of British Columbia. Sabrina is also experienced in Return to Work services, equipment assessment and prescription, exposure therapy treatment for clients with PTSD and anxiety, as well as treating clients with chronic pain. Sabrina keeps active all year round with running, squash, curling, softball, golf and hiking with her family.
Qualifications and Memberships
Master of Occupational Therapy– University of British Columbia
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology – University of Victoria
Member of the British Columbia College of Occupational Therapists
Progressive Goal Attainment Program (PGAP)
Matheson Functional Capacity Evaluator
P.I.E.C.E.S Certificate (Adult mental health)
Concussion Management
Areas of Practice
Case Management
Community Rehabilitation
Chronic Pain Rehab
Dysphagia
Functional Capacity Evaluation & Critiques
Cost of Future Care Assessments & Critiques
Post-Concussion Rehab
Seating Assessments and Prescription
Spinal Cord Rehabilitation
Brain Injury Rehabilitation
Work Hardening and Work Conditioning Programming
Job Site Visits and Job Demands Analysis
Return to Work Coordination
Ergonomic Evaluations
Progressive Goal Attainment Program Services (PGAP)
Residential care contract services
Exposure therapy (Anxiety/PTSD)
Orthopaedic
Allyson was born and raised in Kelowna. After moving to Ontario to complete her masters, she couldn’t be happier to be back on the West Coast. Allyson loves all things outdoors – hiking, biking, skiing, running – you name it! She is excited to be joining the Meridian Rehab team and to grow in her skills as an Occupational Therapist.
Member of the British Columbia College of Occupational Therapists
Kelly grew up in rural Manitoba which she left after high school to spend time backpacking across Europe. She obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from University of Calgary then moved to Australia and enjoyed spending time travelling and living in the sun. Kelly returned to Manitoba where she completed her Master of Occupational Therapy at University of Manitoba. She recently moved to Kelowna to enjoy all the sights and activities beautiful BC has to offer.
Kelly is passionate about supporting children and their families using a strengths-based, neurodiversity affirming approach.
Outside of work, you can find Kelly hiking, travelling, spending time with friends and family or at the beach!
Qualifications
Honours Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Calgary
Master of Occupational Therapy from the University of Manitoba
Member of the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists
Areas of Practice
Pediatrics
Laura earned her Bachelor of Applied Health Sciences in Athletic Therapy at Sheridan College, before going on to complete her Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy at Western University in London, Ontario. Growing up in Kelowna, Laura was excited to move back with her husband to the Okanagan after living in the greater Toronto area. As an OT, Laura loves being in a position where she can work with a variety of different client groups and get to help empower and enable each of them to make changes in their lives, big or small. She also loves that she works with such a great, supportive team that always makes coming to work so much fun. In her spare time, Laura loves to play and watch basketball, tennis, and pickleball, spend time with her family and unwinding with a great movie.
Qualifications and Memberships
Master of Science in Occupational Therapy – Western University
Honours Bachelor of Applied Health Sciences (Athletic Therapy) – Sheridan College
Member of the British Columbia College of Occupational Therapists
Member of the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists
Nonviolent Crisis Intervention (NCI) Certificate
ANOVA: Trauma and Sexual Assault Disclosure Certificate
Areas of Practice
Case Management
Community Rehabilitation
Chronic Pain Rehab
Post-Concussion Rehab
Seating Assessments and Prescription
Brain Injury Rehabilitation
Ergonomic Evaluations
Long Term Care and Complex Care contract services
Registered Autism Service Provider (RASP) for children under 6
Jessica earned her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology at Brock University before completing her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy at Queens University. Originally from Vancouver Island, she loves to be outdoors doing activities such as hiking, cross country skiing and swimming. Jessica loves that being an OT allows her to build meaningful therapeutic relationships with her clients and help empower them to achieve their goals!
Areas of Practice:
Autism Services
Pediatric Services
Qualifications:
Master of Science in Occupational Therapy – Queens University
Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology – Brock University
Member of Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT)
Member of the British Columbia College of Occupational Therapists
Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) Certification
Motivational Interviewing Level I Certification
Coming from the most easternly point in Canada, Kelly was born and raised in the beautiful province of Newfoundland. After High School, she completed her Bachelor of Kinesiology with Honours at Memorial University. She then moved to Halifax to complete her Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy at Dalhousie University. Kelly seeked a new and exciting adventure and drove across Canada to now live in the active city of Kelowna. In her pass time she now enjoys running, skiing, exploring the Okanagan, finding new coffee shops, and facetiming with her cat, Frank!
Kelly is passionate about working as an Occupational Therapist and enjoys collaborating with her clients and their families to support them achieve their goals.
QUALIFICATIONS
Master of Science – Occupational Therapy (MScOT) at Dalhousie University
Bachelor of Kinesiology (BKIN) (Honours) at Memorial University of Newfoundland
Member of the College of Occupational Therapists of British Columbia (COTBC)
Member of the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT)
AREAS OF PRACTICE
Pediatrics
Speech-Language Pathologists
Meagan grew up in a small rural town in northern Alberta before moving to the big city to complete both her Bachelor in Recreational Therapy and her Masters in Speech-Language Pathology. Meagan has lived and studied abroad in both the UK and Japan. Her love of language has led her to study French, Spanish, Japanese, and most recently, sign language. She loves celebrating growth in her clients and building relationships with the families she treats. Outside of work, she can be found spending time with her son. She also enjoys keeping busy with martial arts, dance, yoga, and fitness.
Qualifications and Memberships
Bachelor Degree in Recreational Therapy, Concordia University, Montreal
Master Degree in Speech-Language Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax
Certification in Teaching English to Speakers of other Languages (TESOL)
Member of College of Speech and Hearing Health Professionals of BC
Member of Speech and Audiology Canada
Member of American Speech and Hearing Association
Concussion Management Workshop
Registered Autism Service Provider (RASP) for children under 6
Areas of Practice
Pediatric Services
Autism Services
Speech sound therapy (articulation, phonology, apraxia of speech)
Language therapy (expressive and receptive language skills)
Social skills training
Reading and writing therapy
Fluency / stuttering therapy
Brook comes to us from Grimsby, Ontario and has her Bachelor of Arts in Cognitive Science of Language from McMaster University and her Master of Health Science from University of Toronto in Speech Language Pathology.
In Brook’s spare time, you will find her shopping, watching the Toronto Raptors or taking ballet classes. Brook enjoys building lasting relationships with clients and families and seeing clients develop their skills in a way that allows them to do the things they want to do every day.
Qualifications & Memberships
Honours Bachelor of Arts in Cognitive Science of Language from McMaster University
Master of Health Science from University of Toronto in Speech Language Pathology
Member of the College of Speech and Hearing Health Professionals of BC
Registered Autism Service Provider (RASP) for children under 6 (supervised)
Areas of Practice
Pediatric Services
Speech sound therapy (articulation, phonology, apraxia of speech)
Language therapy (expressive and receptive language skills)
Stroke and brain injury rehabilitation
Dysphagia assessment and intervention
Cognitive communication intervention (conversational topic maintenance, attending to others, memory, solving problems, planning etc.)
Social skills training
Reading and writing therapy
Voice therapy
Fluency / stuttering therapy
Clare grew up in central Alberta and has a degree in Community Rehabilitation and Disability Studies from the University of Calgary. She completed her Masters of Science in Speech Language Pathology at the University of Alberta.
She enjoys supporting children and families in building skills and fostering growth and independence. Clare works from a strengths-based lens and is committed to neurodiversity affirming treatment.
Outside of work, Clare enjoys spending time with her family, cross-stitching, and going for walks with her dog, Clover.
Qualifications and Areas of Practice
Therapy Assistant Diploma- Speech Language Pathology from MacEwan University
Bachelor of Community Rehabilitation and Disability Studies from the University of Calgary
Masters of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of Alberta
Member of the College of Speech and Hearing Health Professionals of BC (CSHBC)
Certified Member of Speech-Language and Audiology Canada
Member of Speech and Hearing BC
Registered Autism Service Provider (RASP) for children under 6
Areas of Practice
Pediatric Services/Early Intervention Speech sound therapy (articulation, phonology, apraxia of speech)
Language therapy (expressive and receptive language skills)
Alternative and Augmentative Communication
Cognitive communication and executive functioning intervention (conversational topic maintenance, attending to others, memory, solving problems, planning etc.)
Stroke Rehabilitation
Neurodiversity-affirming social communication therapy
Reading and writing therapy
Kinesiologists and Rehab Assistants
Mandy has always had a passion for working with people, and received her Rehabilitation Aide Certificate in 1997. Over the last 20 years she has worked with people of all different ages and abilities as an Education Assistant, Community Support Worker and Long term Care Aide. She also took her passion for people to the United States and Zambia where she did volunteer work for 1 year. Mandy also works as an rehab assistant and SLP assistant on our pediractic team, helping children meet their goals and reach milestones. In her free time Mandy enjoys playing soccer, doing Zumba and spending time with her husband and children.
Qualifications and Memberships
Rehabilitation Aide Program –
Development Instructor Training Program
BCRPA Fitness Theory course
Occupational First Aid
Non-violent crisis intervention
Areas of Practice
Work Hardening and Work Conditioning Programming
Gym-Based Exercise Programs
Aquatherapy
Community Integration Programs
Post-Concussion Exercise Programs
Traumatic Brain Injury Programs
Complex TBI and orthopedic rehabilitation
Lifeskills & Return to Homemaking Programs
Walking programs
Speech Language Areas of Practice:
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
Pediatric services (autism services, early language development etc.)
Speech sound therapy (articulation, phonology, apraxia of speech)
Language therapy (expressive and receptive language skills)
Stroke and brain injury rehabilitation
Dysphagia assessment and intervention
Cognitive communication intervention (conversational topic maintenance, attending to others, memory, solving problems, planning etc.)
Social skills training
Charlene grew up in Trail, BC and has recently joined the Kelowna team as a Rehab Assistant. She enjoys being able to work with a variety of clients, each with unique needs and goals. She finds helping people overcome their specific challenges rewarding. Charlene loves to get outside and enjoy all the Okanagan has to offer. You can often find her hiking, camping, swimming, or relaxing with family and friends.
Qualifications & Memberships
Therapist Assistant Diploma – Okanagan College
Areas of Practice
Pediatric Services
Occupational Therapy Programs
Speech Therapy Programs
Angie recently joined the Kelowna team as a Rehab Assistant. She has spent the past 10 years teaching at Mountain View Preschool in White Rock, along with coaching girls youth soccer. She enjoys working with children and families to reach their goals. Angie is excited to jump in and experience all that the Okanagan has to offer.