Farmkids Therapy Ltd.

06/12/2025

It was a forest session today, where we engaged in mindfulness exercises (which were as simple yet effective as closing one's eyes for 1 minute and noticing all the nature sounds you might not otherwise hear), enjoying fresh berries at our forest picnic spot, doing some Geocaching, and using the incredible human gift of imagination to create a fairy and animal habitat for others to enjoy on their next forest escape. As stated in the book "Nature-Based Allied Health Practice, " an ample and ever-increasing body of evidence finds that being in nature improves physical, social-0emotional, and mental health. It is also shown to improve cognitive function, regulate the sensory systems, and strengthen family ties." (Wagenfiel and Marder, 2024) We were lucky to have a mum come along to enjoy the forest experience with her daughter today. So let's get our kids (and ourselves) outside and soak in all the benefits that nature offers.

05/21/2025

Cement-making and pot-hole filling. Another meaningful "occupation" for a young and very keen explorer. How I love all the incredible projects children create, when given the opportunity to explore the outdoors, be surrounded by nature, use their imagination, and just have fun, messy play opportunities.

05/11/2025

Happy Mother's Day to the most incredible, strong, committed, loving, sleep-deprived, house-a-mess, car-a-mess, teachers, coaches, co-regulators, sensory regulators, chauffeurs, sensory chefs extrordainairre, potty coaches, school advocates, bedtime readers and regulators, play partners, punching bags, huge-hug receivers, family organizers, meal planners, activity schedulers,..... and for being available 24/7 every day your child needs MUM to show up and be present for your child.

Happy Mother's Day to all the INCREDIBLE MUMS out there.

This is a Youtube video that you may have seen. But if not, I hope it makes you laugh and appreciate that there is no bigger, more demanding role in life, as Motherhood.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lYZDgcCNl7g

Send a message to learn more

04/04/2025

What an adventure I had to East Coast of Australia and New Zealand. I learned so much, but above all the importance of family and investing in connection with my own children. I give so much of my life to working with kids, so this was a wonderful opportunity to connect with my own on an incredible adventure. We saw the amazing waterfalls, islands and inlets of New Zealand, walked vibrant botanical gardens, had wild rainbow parrots land on our balcony, and cockatoos perch on the trees above our hikes. I pet "Morris "the koala as he lives his carefree life in the Brisbane Koala Sanctuary, and saw ducks and sea birds that have a beauty that is truly different from our own. We enjoyed amazing views of the Australian Coast, while giant lizards enjoyed the same view as they basked in the sun. What an adventure and it empowers me further that nature is truly an incredible healing power. I returned to Vancouver Island only yesterday and the moment I set foot on this Island, I had a newfound perspective on all the beauty that is home.

02/21/2025

This gave me a laugh today. Oh sibling rivalry (what mum's and dad's don't always see)

https://www.facebook.com/share/1MwxcBBr5j/

12/09/2024

Farmkids pups are getting ready for the holiday spirit. Notice their facial cues, as non-verbal expression conveys so much in terms of communication with others. Maisy (dog in the left photo) is clearly more comfortable with the holiday cheer-perhaps ready to fall asleep... than Tucker (on the right), who feels more alarmed by the tactile input, new sensory stimuli, and unwanted attention directed to this sudden change.

11/17/2024

In order to build a Super Cool fort like this, a child needs to engage their "Thinking/Upstairs Brain" which is responsible for so many things (first photo). There is also a very important "Survival /Downstairs brain," that keeps us safe in a time of stress and engages us in a quick action response with either fight, flight, or freeze (or all three). But we don't need that downstairs brain in a place of safety and trust and we definitely don't need it to build a Super Cool fort! Let's Celebrate kids getting out of their Survival Brain and feeling less stress and anxiety in their lives, in order to accomplish amazing things and feel calmness, confidence and connection.

08/09/2024

Such a sad sad day on the farm today as we said goodbye to the farm herd matriarch Barbara the pig. She was a glorious pig and one who captured the hearts of so many and taught us not to "judge a book by its cover" and "beauty is in the eye of the beholder." She was graceful and kind, smart and protective. She would wag her tail at anyone who came her way, hoping a treat might be in hand, but equally as excited by just person-to-pig connection. Together, Barb and I delivered 6 piglets eight years ago...she taught me to just get in there and help when the farm needs it. She was a favourite of the children I work with, but even more, she connected with the mums of Farmkids-it was like a mutual "I get you" moment between momma pig and momma human. I can't explain it, nor will I be able to relate that connection ever again. Barbara Pig was simply amazing! She brought laughs to my co-workers as I told stories about her adventures and most recent escapes, and she was always forgiven when she wagged her tail and collapsed at a belly rub. We became known as the "Piggy Family" by neighbours, as Barbara would oftentime find her way out of her pen to socialize with the neighbourhood. Barbara was a foster pig, one I rescued from the SPCA 9 years ago when they were inundated with pot bellied pigs that needed new homes. I knew nothing about pigs but showed up with my crate, knowing that I had the farm-space and wanting to help out. Barbara chose me and walked into my crate and welcomed new adventures...which she was hopeful would be a far better adventure then being a wild pig on an abandoned property needing to fend for herself. She was smart from the get-go as she has lived a second life here with daily fresh fruits and veggies, belly rubs, daily mud baths, children abound, and knowing that we loved her! She was also a postcard star for the SPCA, encouraging people to NEVER GIVER UP AND KEEP THE BALL ROLLING. She did that till the bitter end and never gave up and always showed her strengths..... Rest in Peace Barbara and I am so grateful you walked into my crate that October day 9 years ago. You made the magic that is Farmkids happen. You will be so missed. I know you and your son Wilbur will be the new guardian pig spirits of this farm. Keep being amazing and keep protecting and being the Mamma Pig that your are. Rest in peace sweet girl and thank you for all you have taught me. I have a heavy heart today, but I know it was your time to say goodbye.

07/10/2024

This is my payment in "heart funds." It may not be monetary, It may not make any business sense in the least, but it is pure joy and my gas-light to keep this amazing program going and to continue to support and encourage the AMAZING families I work alongside! I continue to learn and grow from my Farmkids Families.

06/19/2024

As I end my Spring therapy block and plan to take a break for the summer, I am literally reminded about why I do what I do. It is all about making a positive impact on children and families. The best reward for me is to know I have helped to make a positive change, as the families I work with have definitely impacted me and helped me to be a better therapist. I continue to learn and grow, as do my Farmkids and I know RELATIONSHIP is so important! Thank you to all the families whom I work alongside and for trusting me as your child's OT. It means the world and I look forward to a relaxing summer and seeing many of you this Fall!

05/12/2024

Happy Mother's Day to all the remarkable mums out there. I shared Mother's Day with my daughter's birth twenty years ago. Who could ask for a better gift than that of her first born child? And for my Farmkids mums, you are true heroes!...you conquer the challenges, celebrate the victories, and support your kids with unwavering determination. You are ALL truly inspirational. I will borrow the quote from the Nobel prize winner, Malala Yousafzai, where she states in her acceptance speech, "Strong moms raise strong children who can change the world." Happy Mother's Day Mums and you should be so proud.

04/03/2024

Bye Bye Kauai!!! I had the most amazing time soaking up the Vitamin D, connecting with family, practicing "being mindful" and being truly grateful for all that is present and all that the future unfolds. With new energy, I look forward to the start of the Farmkids Spring Block and connecting again with my incredible Farmkids families.