Kettle Valley Kids OT - Occupational Therapy

12/19/2021

10/13/2021

In light of October being Occupational Therapy month in Canada, I thought I'd do a little post to share a little bit about the profession that stole my heart over a decade ago!

To this day, I still struggle to quickly answer the timeless question that almost everyone has when they hear OT….what exactly is it🤔

I struggle because a day “on the job” never looks the same for me! I struggle because OT looks like an entirely different profession for every setting and population. From schools, to child development centers, to private organizations, to hospitals; pediatrics to geriatrics, and everything in between…

The learning and growing and adapting is constant, and I’m not just referring to my changes in workplaces, though I have had my share of that too😂. I learn every single day, from every family I work with and other therapists I meet along the way. The way I practice OT evolves constantly! All of this is the say, there are a million reasons why OT is as ambiguous as the Okanagan’s Ogo Pogo.

The ultimate goal of OT is to support participation in the day-to-day life skills and experiences that are most important to the client. The therapist works closely with the client and their caregivers to explore what is getting in the way of them living their “best lives,” and experiencing true joy, confidence, and pride. Once we have some theories about what is standing in the way, we can come up with creative ways to break down the barriers. Clear as mud, right?

Here are some examples of those everyday activities we address in pediatric OT:

- Self-care (i.e. difficulties with feeding, toileting, hygiene, sleeping)

- Productivity (i.e. difficulties with morning/after school/evening routines, reading/writing/academics, chores/responsibilities)

- Leisure (i.e. difficulties with access to/participation in recreational activities, hobbies, social activities/play)

…this list is literally endless!

A few areas that are commonly a focus of OT for nearly all types of goals include: executive functioning (including regulation), fine/gross/visual motor, sensory processing, ….

My job is both challenging and awesome; no 2 days look the same, but I also get to play and be creative every single day. Sometimes I help clients work towards their goals by teaching them a new skill/developing a lagging skill or ability; but just as often, we come up with creative adaptations to the activity itself or the environment. The more clients I meet, the more solutions and ideas I learn.

My toolbox is always growing. I love my job, and I hope to keep learning for many, many years to come!

10/05/2021

We're officially up and running, and ready to play!

Before diving into an OT assessment or therapy sessions with a new client, I meet with the client/family to talk about their goals, concerns, what's been tried, etc. We make a plan together that will guide the assessment or therapy process. I make every effort to customize the entire OT process to match my clients' strengths, interests, and goals, and this meeting is the first step in making that happen!

For the next month, this initial assessment meeting will be free of charge! Other offers include a referral discount and reduced rates for families with more than one child working with us.

*If you don't have access to funding or extended health benefits, please speak with me about a rate discount*

Check out our new Services and Rates tab on the website for information on the various options we offer: https://kvkidsot.ca/services-rates/

09/01/2021

Who doesn't love an obstacle course?! There are so many ways to work on OT goals, and one of my favourites is to incorporate skill-building into a non-traditional format. There is an infinite number of creative courses that can be set up!

09/01/2021

Clinic or home-based sessions? Which option is best for you? There are benefits to each option, and you're always welcome to have a combination of both. Check out the bottom of the KVK OT website homepage for a list of benefits for home and clinic sessions: www.kvkidsot.ca

09/01/2021

Welcome to Kettle Valley Kids OT!

My name is Marissa Diaz, and I've been a pediatric occupational therapist since 2011. From the time I was in elementary school, I have loved working with children and families in a supportive role. After countless experiences as a peer, volunteer, respite caregiver, and student, I learned about the world of Occupational Therapy. OT is an amazing profession that calls for creativity, playfulness, and constant learning.

I've spent the past 10 years practicing as a pediatric OT in Early Intervention, schools, and private pediatric therapy organizations, and more importantly, starting a family. Somehow, throughout the whirlwind of parenting two young firecrackers, I decided that I needed to add a bit more excitement to my life and start an OT practice of my own! Though I am a little more busy these days (and a lot less rested), I am more motivated than ever to provide individualized OT services in my home community.

Check out my website for many more photos and information, and feel free to contact me anytime! www.kvkidsot.ca

09/01/2021

09/01/2021