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
Johanna earned her Bachelor of Arts in Criminology at Simon Fraser University, before going on to complete her Master of Occupational Therapy at UBC. Joining our Vernon team, Johanna’s interest in vocational health and wellness, ageing in place, accessible design, restorative care and community activation brings an exciting outlook to her addition to the team! She also enjoys spending her free time out in nature hiking or on the water, working on home projects, spending time with her dachshund Cello, and is always up for a lively game of Euchre!
Qualifications and Memberships
Masters of Occupational Therapy – University of British Columbia
Bachelor of Arts (Criminology) – Simon Fraser University
Registered with the College of Occupational Therapists of BC
Member of the Ontario Society of Occupational Therapists
Certified Canadian Life Care Planner
Certified Catastrophic Impairment Evaluator – Functional Observation
Areas of Practice
Case Management
Community Rehabilitation
Chronic Pain Rehab
Functional Capacity Evaluation and Critique
Cost of Future Care Assessments and Critique
Return to Work Coordination
Progressive Goal Attainment Program Services (PGAP)
Universal Home Design
Ashton grew up in St. John’s, Newfoundland and completed her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at Memorial University of Newfoundland before completing her Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy at McGill University. She and her partner now live in Penticton, where they love to hike, bike and swim, along with Aston’s hobby for playing guitar and mandolin! Ashton enjoys her position at Meridian because every client is unique and no two days are the same. She loves the professional development that her position offers and finds it rewarding to see her clients achieving their goals.
Qualifications and Memberships
Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from McGill University
Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Psychology from Memorial University of Newfoundland
Member of the College of Occupational Therapists of British Columbia
Member of the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists
Registered Autism Service Provider (RASP) for Children under 6
Areas of Practice
Mental health
Case Management
Community Rehabilitation
Chronic Pain Rehab
Post-Concussion Rehab
Brain Injury Rehabilitation
Return to Work Coordination
Pediatric Services
Autism Services
Born and raised in Newfoundland, Olivia completed her Bachelor of Kinesiology at Memorial University before going on to finish her Master of OT at Dalhousie University. Olivia most enjoys working in areas of mental health and brain injury. She loves that she has the chance to help her clients find meaningful activities that are enjoyable and helpful in many aspects of their lives. Olivia recently adopted a senior cat named Manny and is enjoying her new life as ‘that crazy cat lady’. Attached at the hip with fellow Kamloops OT, Elecia, you can usually find them spending time outdoors making the most of the Thompson-Okanagan.
Qualifications and Memberships
Bachelor of Kinesiology – Memorial University of Newfoundland
Master of Occupational Therapist – Dalhousie University
Member of the College of Occupational Therapists of British Columbia
Member of the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists
Areas of Practice
Community Rehabilitation
Chronic Pain Rehab
Post-Concussion Rehab
Stroke Rehabilitation
Brain Injury Rehabilitation
Long Term Care and Complex Care contract services
Originally from Medicine Hat, Alberta, Jackie joins us at Meridian after a vast array of travelling over Canada. Completing her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and Occupational Therapy at University of Alberta, she has been a practicing OT in Alberta, Northwest Territories, Nunavut and now British Columbia! With interest in OT-Vision Rehabilitation, Trauma Informed Care, Leadership, Feeding, Remote & Northern work, & Indigenous Populations, Jackie has had her fair share of experience over the year. When she’s not working hard, you can find her snapping pictures with her own photography business, cuddling with her rescue lab/chow cross Max, or even helping out the Civil Air Search & Rescue Association as a Certified Spotter.
Qualifications and Memberships
Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy from University of Alberta
Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from University of Alberta
Member of the College of Occupational Therapists of British Columbia
Member of the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists
Areas of Practice
Case Management
Community Rehabilitation
Dysphagia
Ergonomic Evaluations
Universal Home Design
Louise started with Meridian as an OT in our Kamloops office back in 2017 and has now made her way down to our new Vancouver office. Growing up in the small-town Rothesay in New Brunswick, Louise went on to complete her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology at St. Francis Xavier University, following with her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy at Queen’s University. Since then, she has continued to expand her OT skills and knowledge through her work and additional courses. Part of why Louise loves her job as an OT is that she is able to build therapeutic relationships with her clients and empower them in their recovery, and to be able to do ‘real life’ activities with her clients too. Possibly Meridian’s most organized member of staff, Louise has a hobby for bullet journaling, as well long-distance running, yoga, basketball, and exploring the beauties of BC, especially with her partner Aaron and dog Jett!
Qualifications and Memberships
Master of Science in Occupational Therapy – Queen’s University
Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology, Minor in Nutrition – St. Francis Xavier University
Member of the British Columbia College of Occupational Therapists (COTBC)
Member of the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT)
Matheson Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE) Certification Program
Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) Certification
Occupational First Aid Level 3 and CPR Certification
Nonviolent Crisis Intervention
Areas of Practice
Case Management
Community Rehabilitation
Chronic Pain Rehab
Functional Capacity Evaluation and Critique
Cost of Future Care Assessments and Critique
Post-Concussion Rehab
Seating Assessments and Prescription
Stroke Rehabilitation
Brain Injury Rehabilitation
Work Hardening and Work Conditioning Programming
Job Sit Visits and Job Demands Analysis
Return to Work Coordination
Ergonomic Evaluations
Long Term Care and Complex Care contract service
Aaryn completed her Bachelor of Science at the University of Waterloo before going on to do her Masters of Occupational Therapy at UBC. She is also a manager in the Vernon office. She loves clients discover their strengths, accomplish meaningful goals, and realize their potential. She’s also part of the medical-legal team and enjoys completing Functional Capacity Evaluations, Cost of Care Reports and Document Reviews. When not in the office, Aaryn loves getting outside in the beautiful Okanagan lakes and hiking trails with her husband and young daughter.
Qualifications and Memberships
Masters of Occupational Therapy – University of British Columbia
Bachelor of Science – University of Waterloo
Member of the British Columbia College of Occupational Therapists
Member of the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists
Matheson Functional Capacity Evaluator; Certified Work Capacity Evaluator with Matheson
Certified Driving Instructor
Courses:
Concussion Management Workshop Levels 1 and 2 Functional Capacity Evaluations and Return to Work with Mental Health Conditions
Use of Standardized Assessments in Post-TBI Treatment Planning
Prolonged Exposure Training Motivational Interviewing Training
Pain Foundations
Seating and Positioning
Roxana earned her Bachelor of Human Kinetics at UBC-O before completing her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy at University of Alberta. She has a special interest in working with neurological and mental health populations. Growing up in Terrace in Northern BC, Roxy has also spent 6 years of her life living in Panama! She enjoys spending time outside, including going sport climbing in the summer and downhill skiing in the winter and loves how rewarding an OT position at meridian can be, particularly when helping to make a meaningful and positive difference in clients lives!
Qualifications and Memberships
Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy – University of Alberta
Bachelor of Human Kinetics – University of British Columbia – Okanagan Campus
Member of the British Columbia College of Occupational Therapists
Member of the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists
Areas of Practice
Community Rehabilitation
Post-Concussion Rehab
Stroke Rehabilitation
Brain Injury Rehabilitation
Alisha is our Penticton office manager and contract lead for our Assessment Services. After finishing her BSc degree at UBC-O she completed her Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy degree at the University of Western Ontario. She moved to Penticton in 2020, and enjoys an outdoorsy lifestyle, including mountain biking adventures with her husband. Alisha‘s love of rehabilitation stems from passion of helping people realize and achieve the goals that are important to them. Specifically, she is interested in the full spectrum of brain injury rehabilitation (from concussion to severe traumatic brain injury), return to work programming, and medical-legal functional capacity evaluations where she’s been accepted to provide expert witness testimony in the Supreme Court of British Columbia.
Qualifications and Memberships
Master of Science in Occupational Therapy – University of Western Ontario
Bachelor of Science – University of British Columbia
Member of the British Columbia College of Occupational Therapists
Member of the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists
Matheson Functional Capacity Evaluation Certification Program
Matheson Advanced Functional Capacity Evaluation course
Certified Work Capacity Evaluator designation (Matheson)
Progressive Goal Attainment Program (PGAP)
Qualified as Expert Witness in the Supreme Court of British Columbia
Areas of Practice
Case Management
Functional Capacity Evaluation
Cost of Future Care Assessments
Medical-Legal Services
Post-Concussion Rehab
Brain Injury Rehabilitation
Job Site Visits and Job Demands Analysis
Return to Work Coordination
Progressive Goal Attainment Program Services (PGAP)
Hospital Discharge and Coordination
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
Emily loves the diversity of her job, and making the seemingly impossible, possible. Key passions include our ageing population, brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, wheelchair seating, assistive technology and home modifications. Emily acts as our contract lead on both the WorkSafe BC Community OT contract, and our contracts with Extended Care facilities. As an avid outdoor enthusiast and triathlete, when Emily is not working you can find her on a bike, on trails, up a mountain, or on the water with her partner and their young son.
Qualifications and Memberships
Master of Occupational Therapy – University of British Columbia
Bachelor of Science– Integrated Science Biochemistry & Physiology – University of British Columbia
Member of the British Columbia College of Occupational Therapists
Ride Custom Seating Certified Therapist
Wheelchair seating and positioning in the community: Practical applications Certificate
Dysphagia Assessment and Management Certificate
P.I.E.C.E.S Certificate (Adult mental health)
Home Modification and Universal Design CAOT Workshop Certificate
Practical Approaches to Preventing and Managing Pressure Ulcers Certificate
Concussion Management Certificate
Comprehensive Automotive Mobility Solutions Certificate (presented by NMEDA)
Published researcher on power scooter use and training (Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology. 2016; 11(4):289-94)
Certified Driving Instructor
Areas of Practice
Case Management
Community Rehabilitation
Dysphagia
Driving Evaluation and Rehabilitation
Post-Concussion Rehab
Seating Assessments and Prescription
Spinal Cord Rehabilitation
Stroke Rehabilitation
Brain Injury Rehabilitation
Work Hardening and Work Conditioning Programming
Job Site Visits and Job Demands Analysis
Return to Work Coordination
Ergonomic Evaluations
Universal Home Design
Older Adult Services (Assessment, consultation intervention/therapy and education)
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
Kim completed her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy at the University of Alberta. Her background is varied and includes working with people who have developmental disabilities, mental health, neurological rehab and vocational rehab, seniors, and children. She’s also one of our court experienced OTs, certified to complete med-legal Functional Capacity Evaluations, Cost of Future Care assessments and document reviews/response reports. She loves helping people participate in activities that add meaning to their lives.
Some of Kim’s favorite adventures include camping & hikes with her husband and their young daughter.
Qualifications and Memberships
Master of Science in Occupational Therapy – University of Alberta
Bachelor of Kinesiology – University of the Fraser Valley
Member of the British Columbia College of Occupational Therapists
Matheson Functional Capacity Evaluation Certification Program
Sensory Processing in Everyday Life: Concepts, Evidence and Practical Solutions
Cognitive Orientation to Occupational Performance
Introduction to the Assessment and Management of Eating, Drinking and Swallowing Disorders
Seating and Positioning Assessment and Interventions
Supporting Individuals through Valued Attachments
Nonviolent Crisis Intervention
Registered Autism Service Provider (RASP) for children under 6
Areas of Practice
Case Management
Community Rehabilitation
Chronic Pain Rehab
Dysphagia
Functional Capacity Evaluation
Cost of Future Care Assessments
Post-Concussion Rehab
Seating Assessments and Prescription
Spinal Cord Rehabilitation
Stroke Rehabilitation
Brain Injury Rehabilitation
Work Hardening and Work Conditioning Programming
Job Sit Visits and Job Demands Analysis
Return to Work Coordination
Ergonomic Evaluations
Universal Home Design
Residential care contract services
Pediatric Therapy:
Kim is experienced in working with children with Autism, ADHD Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, developmental disabilities, and motor milestone delays. Kim is also on the Registered Autism Service Provider (RASP) list for children under 6.
Liz holds her Masters in Occupational Therapy from Dalhousie University and is a senior manager at Meridian. Her therapy interests include brain injury, chronic pain management, sensory regulation, mental health and functional capacity evaluations. She calls herself a “Pain Champion” and uses her Pain BC and PGAP training to help clients live fulfilling lives alongside their pain. Liz is passionate about working with clients experiencing chronic pain, mental health difficulties, and brain injuries. She enjoys spending free time with her husband on their hobby farm where they keep busy with their dog, Carlos, as well as their chickens, bunny, cat, and 2 sons, Blake and Malcolm.
Qualifications and Memberships
Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy – Dalhousie University
Honours Specialization in Health Sciences – University of Western Ontario
Member of the British Columbia College of Occupational Therapists
Member of the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists
Matheson Functional Capacity Evaluator
Progressive Goal Attainment Program (PGAP)
Areas of Practice
Functional Capacity Evaluation and Critique
Cost of Future Care Assessments and Critique
Post-Concussion Rehab
Stroke Rehabilitation
Brain Injury Rehabilitation
Progressive Goal Attainment Program Services (PGAP)
Pediatric Services
Universal Home Design
Karalyn joins us as an OT who, after obtaining her Bachelor of Science at Thompson Rivers University, completed her Masters of Occupational Therapy at La Trobe University in Melbourne, Australia. Karalyn loves being an OT because it allows her to support and empower her clients to meet their own goals using a blend of critical thinking, science and creativity. When Karalyn’s not out hiking, biking, boating or swimming, you can find her frequently visiting her extended family at their properties on Adams Lake.
Qualifications and Memberships
Bachelors of Science – Thompson Rivers University
Masters of Occupational Therapy – La Trobe University (Australia)
Member of the College of Occupational Therapists of British Columbia
Member of the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists
Areas of Practice
Case Management
Community Rehabilitation
Seating Assessments and Prescription
Long Term Care and Complex Care contract services
Elecia comes to us from the town of Grand Falls-Windsor in Newfoundland and Labrador. Elecia has her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from Dalhousie University. In the Kamloops office, she works with both adults and children and she loves the diversity of OT work – no two days are ever the same! She appreciates getting to see firsthand the positive changes that occupational therapy makes in people’s lives. When Elecia isn’t in the office, you can find her playing volleyball, travelling and spending time outdoors – usually with her Kamloops co-worker and best friend, Olivia!
Qualifications and Memberships
Master of Science in Occupational Therapy – Dalhousie University
Bachelor of Kinesiology (Honours) – Memorial University of Newfoundland
Member of the College of Occupational Therapists of British Columbia
Member of the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists
Registered Autism Service Provider (RASP) for children under 6
Areas of Practice
Case Management
Mental Health
Community Rehabilitation
Chronic Pain Rehab
Post-Concussion Rehab
Orthopaedics
Stroke Rehabilitation
Brain Injury Rehabilitation
Work Hardening and Work Conditioning Programming
Job Sit Visits and Job Demands Analysis
Return to Work Coordination
Pediatrics & Autism Services
Jackie is Meridian’s Kamloops office manager and also acts as contract lead for our WSBC Community OT contract and Extended Care facilities contracts. She completed her degrees at the University of Alberta before settling in Kamloops to follow her passion for complex discharge planning, seating assessments and prescription, PTSD/anxiety treatment, and residential care. Jackie appreciates the diversity of her career as an OT, with the opportunity to assist her clients in the physical, cognitive, and emotional domains of their recovery. Outside of the office, Jackie loves spending time on the lakes and trails of sunny Kamloops with her husband and her dog, Parker.
Qualifications and Memberships
Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy – University of Alberta
Bachelor of Arts in Recreation, Sports, & Tourism – University of Alberta
Member of the British Columbia College of Occupational Therapists
Ride custom seating certification
Canadian Falls Prevention Curriculum Moving and Handling Level 1 Certification
Progressive Goal Attainment Program Provider
IHA Dysphagia trained professional
Areas of Practice
Case Management
Community Rehabilitation
Dysphagia
Post-Concussion Rehab
Seating Assessments and Prescription
Spinal Cord Rehabilitation
Stroke 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)
Orthopaedics
Lydia is the founder and CEO of Meridian Rehabilitation. Lydia grew up in White Rock, BC and graduated from UBC with a BSc in occupational therapy in 1990. Her first job was in stroke rehabilitation at Holy Family Hospital in Vancouver. She then worked at GF Strong rehabilitation hospital in Vancouver for seven years, spending time on the spinal cord injury, brain injury and ALS teams. She moved to private practice in 1997 and worked for Access Community Therapists; specializing in custom seating and assessment of dysphagia. In 1999, she and her family moved to Vernon, BC and soon after, she started her own private practice. Over the years, her practice has grown into Meridian Rehabilitation Consulting with her personal focus in: functional capacity and cost of future care evaluations, brain injury case management and providing mentorship to the OTs at Meridian Rehab. Lydia has a wonderful husband, Brent, and seven children (5 boys and 2 girls). When she had fewer children, she enjoyed a variety of sports including rowing, triathlon, volleyball, basketball and hockey. Nowadays (when she has free time), she likes to go for a run, bike, read or spend time with her family.
Qualifications and Memberships
Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy from the University of British Columbia
Member of the British Columbia College of Occupational Therapists
Matheson Functional Capacity Evaluator
Matheson Advanced Functional Capacity Evaluator
Matheson FCE Evaluation of Brain Injury
Matheson Life Care Planning Certification
Qualified as an expert witness in the Supreme Court of British Columbia
AMPS (Assessment of Motor and Process Skills)
Wheelchair Positioning and Seating
Areas of Practice
Case Management
Community Rehabilitation
Chronic Pain Rehab
Dysphagia
Functional Capacity Evaluation
Cost of Future Care Assessments
Medical-Legal Services
Seating Assessments and Prescription
Spinal Cord Rehabilitation
Stroke Rehabilitation
Brain Injury Rehabilitation
Nikki grew up in beautiful Norris Point, Newfoundland and now calls Penticton home. Nikki has her Bachelor of Science from Memorial University of Newfoundland and her Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from Dalhousie University. Nikki has a special interest in working with children and loves seeing them progress and achieve their goals.
Outside of work, Nikki enjoys playing volleyball and hockey. and like most of the Meridian Staff, she loves dogs!
Her favourite part about being an OT is the diversity of her clients and their programs – no two days are ever the same!
Qualifications and Memberships
Master of Science (Occupational Therapy) – Dalhousie University
Bachelor of Science (Biology) – Memorial University of Newfoundland
Member of the College of Occupational Therapists of British Columbia
Member of the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists
Registered Autism Service Provider (RASP) for children under 6
Areas of Practice
Case Management
Community Rehabilitation
Chronic Pain Rehab
Pediatrics Services
Autism Services
Originally from Ottawa, Shannon graduated from McMaster University with her Bachelor of Health Sciences – Occupational Therapy. She has years of experience at GF Strong Rehab Center, a passion for wheelchair seating. Shannon’s specialty is in spinal cord injury, brain injury, assistive technology and wheelchair sports. Shannon is also fluent in sign language and is happiest hiking the Okanagan trails with her husband and 4 amazing children.
Qualifications and Memberships
Bachelor of Health Sciences – Occupational Therapy – McMaster University
Bachelor (Honours) – Psychology – Brock University
American Sign Language – Level 3 – Algonquin College
Member of the British Columbia College of Occupational Therapists
Ride Designs Seating Certification
Areas of Practice
Community Rehabilitation
Dysphagia
Seating Assessments and Prescription
Spinal Cord Rehabilitation
Stroke Rehabilitation
Brain Injury Rehabilitation
Universal Home Design
Where did you grow up?: In the countryside, around 15 minutes outside Limerick City in Ireland. It is a city of about 100,000 and its know for rugby, having the longest river in Ireland flowing through it and for Richard Harris (Dumbledore). If you ever read Angels Ashes, its that place, but it is a lot nicer now than it was back then! It also has some pretty lovely pubs and a working class charm (I think that a compliment).
Something about your family (i.e. married?, kids?): Long term girlfriend Sadhbh Moyles, who is a elementary school teacher in Kits. All my family live in Ireland which is 8 hours ahead. My mum is a teacher and my dad is a truck driver. I have two older brothers and one younger sister, and a lovely dog called Oscar. My brother is getting married next July and I will be a groomsman for it.
What are your special interest areas (doesn’t have to be limited to your profession): All kinds of sport (except baseball I don’t get that at all). I have a particular interest in rugby. I love socialising with friends and chilling out at the beach. I am pretty average snowboarder, but I do enjoy it. Any kind of slightly competitive sport and I am hooked. Magnets too. I like magnets.
Interesting facts about yourself (personal, hobbies, pets, weird facts): I used to be a member of the National Irish Harp Orchestra and toured across Germany and Austria twice.
What do you like about your position?: I enjoy the people. Whether it is colleagues or clients, each day I meet people who are positive and interesting. I enjoy having the opportunity of making a difference in someone’s life. I also enjoy the diversity of the position, where I am challenged across multiple practice domains. Each client is different from the last, and I enjoy the challenge of trying to figure out how best to support them.
Coming Soon
Tori was born and raised in Salmon Arm before acquiring her Bachelor Degree at UBC-O and her Masters at University of Alberta. Tori loves being a part of Meridian’s dynamic and supportive team where she can be involved in so many different areas of OT practice across the Shuswap/Okanagan. She also completes medical-legal functional capacity evaluations and has been accepted to provide expert witness testimony in the Supreme Court of British Columbia. She and her fiancé enjoy living in the Okanagan where they love to spend their time outdoors and escape to their cabin on Shuswap Lake in the summer.
Qualifications and Memberships
Bachelor of Human Kinetics – University of British Columbia (Okanagan)
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
Matheson Functional Capacity Evaluation Certification – accepted as expert witness in Supreme Court of British Columbia
Areas of Practice
Functional Capacity Evaluations
Cost of Future Care Assessments
Case Management
Community Rehabilitation
Geriatrics
Functional Capacity Evaluation
Cost of Future Care Assessments
Job Site Visits and Job Demands Analysis
Ergonomic Evaluations
Long Term Care and Complex Care contract services
Danielle brings experience in chronic pain, mental health, developmental disabilities and cognitive impairments to our Kamloops team. By way of Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, she completed her Bachelor of Science – Biology at Acadia University and went on to complete her Masters in Occupational Therapy at Queen’s University. A recent transplant to the Kamloops area and an avid runner and skier, she’s looking forward to exploring all that BC has to offer. She also states that she’s a major Harry Potter fan!
Qualifications and Memberships
Masters in Occupational Therapy – Queen’s University
Bachelor of Science (Biology) – Acadia University
Member of the British Columbia College of Occupational Therapists
Member of the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists
Prevention and Management of Elder Abuse – Certificate
Brief Action Planning Certificate
Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Training
Registered Autism Service Provider (RASP) for children under 6
Areas of Practice
Case Management
Community Rehabilitation
Chronic Pain Rehab
Mental Health
Pediatric Services
Autism Services
Developmental Disabilities
Post-Concussion Rehab
Seating Assessments and Prescription
Spinal Cord Rehabilitation
Stroke Rehabilitation
Brain Injury Rehabilitation
Work Hardening and Work Conditioning Programming
Job Sit Visits and Job Demands Analysis
Return to Work Coordination
Ergonomic Evaluations
Universal Home Design
Lars is Meridian Rehab’s functional driving evaluation master. He recently left his own private practice to head our driving rehabilitation program at Meridian Rehabilitation. He finds fulfillment in seeing clients he has guided in the use of adaptive driving equipment and on-road rehabilitation successfully regain control of this very important “freedom” in their lives. Lars, himself, has been driving professionally with hand controls for 25 years and was the first adaptive driver in BC to qualify for a driving instructor’s license in 2006. He is enjoying working with the Meridian team after years of working solo. Outside of the office, Lars enjoys spending time with his beautiful wife, Arlana and their dog.
Qualifications & Memberships
Occupational Therapy – University of British Columbia
ICBC Licensed Driving Instructor
Mechanical Design and Manufacturing Diplomas – BCIT
Trades Certificate in Mechanical Drafting Technologies – BCIT
Areas of Practice
Driving Evaluation and Rehabilitation
Geriatric Rehabilitation
General practice
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
Kamila comes to us from Calgary where she got her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at University of Calgary and then completed her Master of Occupational Therapy at UBC. Kamila loves the variety of people that she gets to meet and work with as an OT. Kamila is married to her wonderful husband and has 2 children. Fun fact about Kamila- she was born in Poland and speaks fluent Polish! She also speaks French, Spanish, Portuguese. Kamila loves to travel and explore the world and enjoys doing outdoor activities.
Qualifications and Memberships
Master of Occupational Therapy – University of British Columbia
Bachelor of Arts in psychology – University of Calgary
Member of the British Columbia College of Occupational Therapists
Member of the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists
Member of the World Federation of Occupational Therapists
Certified yoga instructor (200hr)
Areas of Practice
Case Management
Community Rehabilitation
Chronic Pain Rehab
Functional Capacity Evaluation and Critique
Cost of Future Care Assessments and Critique
Post-Concussion Rehab
Work Hardening and Work Conditioning Programming
Job Sit Visits and Job Demands Analysis
Return to Work Coordination
Ergonomic Evaluations