Rachel Abel

Occupational Therapist

Rachel graduated from the University of British Columbia with a Master of Occupational Therapy in 2012. Her interest in occupational therapy was sparked by a course, Adapted Physical Activity, she took for her Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology (McGill University, 2010). Rachel’s first OT job was at GF Strong Rehab Centre, working with people with a variety of neurological disorders, but specializing in spinal cord injury. She spent a year working at Vancouver General Hospital on the Burns and Plastics unit developing her skills in splinting and wound care for burn patients. More recently, she took the opportunity to work in a consultative OT capacity on the Assistive Technology Program at Sunny Hill Health Center. Rachel’s work experience has gained her extensive knowledge in the areas of wound and burns management, seating, equipment, complex discharge planning, and case management. Rachel is passionate about working with people with disabilities to enhance their function, occupational opportunities and quality of life. Rachel is a Clinical Instructor for the UBC Master of Occupational Therapy program where she co-teaches classes on Functional Electrical Stimulation and Spinal Cord Injury. She is on the BC Rehab Foundation Board. In her spare time, Rachel enjoys the outdoors with her dog, playing tennis, skiing, and spending time with friends and family.

Neeru Aggarwal

Occupational Therapist

Neeru graduated from the University of Alberta, with a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy in 2005. Following completion of her degree she worked with geriatrics in a residential care setting. After this, she worked with adults in a community setting. Neeru moved to Vancouver, British Columbia in 2009 and has worked with diverse populations, including adults with developmental disabilities and acquired brain injury with Fraser Health and in a private setting. More recently, Neeru has begun working in the medical/legal arena doing Functional Capacity Evaluations and Life Care Planning. On her down time, Neeru enjoys reading, cooking, and exploring Vancouver.

Lindsay Alford

Occupational Therapist

Lindsay graduated from UBC with a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy in 1998. After a year of casual work on various programs at Vancouver General Hospital, she became employed at GF Strong Rehabilitation Centre where she has continued to work for the past 15 years, on the Inpatient Spinal Cord Program, Seating Services Program, and currently on both the Outpatient Spinal Cord Program and the SCI Wound Care Program. Lindsay worked part-time in a medical-legal and community capacity for 8 years, completing Cost of Future Care assessments and reports, and was qualified as an expert witness in OT in the Supreme Court of BC. In 2007, Lindsay was invited to Switzerland to meet with 34 other international, interdisciplinary delegates to participate in the Consensus Conference on the ICF Core Sets for Spinal Cord Injury (a W.H.O. project). The purpose was to agree on functional criteria relevant for spinal cord injury rehabilitation for inclusion in the ICF (International Classification of Function, Disability and Health). In 2011, Lindsay joined the Access team, working on the Wound Care Program and assessing and treating clients in the Lower Mainland and throughout BC to treat and prevent the pressure ulcers. Lindsay is a guest lecturer for the OT students at UBC, as well as teaching seating clinics and practical training to other OTs/PTs at GF Strong.

Montana Bahen

Occupational Therapist

Montana is an Occupational Therapist (OT) who has worked primarily in mental health care providing comprehensive treatment to persons living with PTSD, mood, anxiety, depression, and substance-use disorders. She has additional work experience working with persons experiencing chronic pain, orthopedic injuries, and acute rehabilitation. Montana received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with distinction from the University of Victoria and received her Masters of Occupational Therapy from the University of British Columbia. She has completed ongoing education in Trauma Informed Practices, Foundations of Mindfulness, Prolonged Exposure and Relaxation Techniques. Furthermore, she is a certified Yoga for Trauma and Resilience instructor. Montana is also a member of the CAOT-BC Mental Health and Substance Use Network. In previous years, Montana was one of the founding members of the West Coast Resiliency Centre, worked on a mental health team at the Vancouver Pain Clinic, and worked as an OT on the Richmond Adult and Older Adult Mental Health and Substance Use teams. Montana has also presented on Occupational Therapy in trauma treatment and is published as a co-author in Occupational Therapy in Mental Health. In her free time, Montana enjoys spending time in the mountains either skiing, hiking, or mountain biking with her husband Aleksander. She has recently relocated to Fernie, BC and will be providing services in the East Kootneys.

Thea Borserio

Occupational Therapist

Thea graduated from the UBC Master of Occupational Therapy program in 2012. Since becoming an OT, Thea has worked mainly in the field of Paediatrics. She began her career at the Williams Lake Child Development Center, and from there moved to Haida Gwaii where she worked for three years in the school district providing services to children with a wide variety of diagnosis from the ages of 5 to 18. During her time on Haida Gwaii, Thea advocated and created an Occupational Therapy position at the Hospital, where she worked in acute and long-term care. Thea also advocated to create an early intervention OT program for the hospitals on Haida Gwaii. Thea was successful and was able to provide services to children 0-5 in the communities. Over the years Thea has provided therapy to children and families with a wide variety of diagnosis including : Autism Spectrum Disorder, Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, Sensory Processing Disorder and a variety of mental health diagnosis. Thea is on the Registry of Autism Service Providers, and continues to seek opportunities to advance her skills in this area. Thea is passionate about working with families to provide collaborative family-centered OT support.

Krista Carwana

Occupational Therapist, Founder

Krista graduated from UBC, the Dean of Medicine Prize recipient, with a combined degree in occupational and physical therapy in 1981. She started her career in physiotherapy and occupational therapy working in pediatrics at Sunny Hill Health Centre and developed an immediate interest in the area of cerebral palsy and developmental disabilities. She moved on to the Muscular Dystrophy Association, BC Branch, as coordinator of client services and provided support to children and adults with neuromuscular disorders throughout the province. In 1990 she co-founded Access Community Therapists Ltd. with Jo-Anne Chisholm. During the formative years of the company, Krista developed a special interest in the area of dysphagia (eating and swallowing problems) particularly for people with developmental disabilities. Krista is an educator in the area of dysphagia management; presenting at conferences; developing and presenting continuing education courses; and is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Masters of OT program at UBC. She was a co-recipient of the "Outstanding Occupational Therapist of the Year" presented by the B.C. Society of Occupational Therapists. In addition to her clinical practice, Krista holds a strong management role in Access Community Therapists Ltd. Outside of the office; Krista enjoys family time, fresh air pursuits and reading as much as possible!

Jo-Anne Chisholm

Occupational Therapist, Founder

Jo-Anne graduated from UBC with a combined degree in occupational and physical therapy in 1981, following up with a Masters in Science in rehabilitation in 1996. After a brief stint in the Yukon working as a physiotherapist, she embarked on her career in occupational therapy at the GF Strong Rehab Centre in Vancouver, working primarily with persons with spinal cord injury and igniting a lifelong passion for wheelchair seating and mobility. In 1990 she co-founded Access Community Therapists Ltd., and it was from this community therapy platform that she strengthened and consolidated her clinical and educational skills working with persons with a variety of physical disabilities always with a focus on technology to enhance independence and health. In addition to her clinical role, Jo-Anne is an educator; presenting at conferences; developing continuing education courses in wheelchair seating and pressure management; and is a Clinical Instructor in the Masters of OT program at UBC. Named British Columbia OT of the year in 2002, Jo-Anne is an enthusiastic proponent of occupational therapy and performs regulatory work for the College (COTBC). She is qualified as expert witness to the Queens Bench of Saskatchewan, and has advised in legal cases involving persons with physical disabilities. When not wearing her OT hat, Jo-Anne can be found trekking in out of the way places, following the adventures of her adult sons and paragliding husband or cycling trails with Tybalt the wonder dog.

Natasha Chow

Occupational Therapist

Natasha graduated from UBC with a Bachelor Degree majoring in Kinesiology and minoring in Psychology. During her undergraduate degree she volunteered with ICORD’s adaptive Physical Activity Research Centre and Canucks Autism Network. Her volunteer work and passion for helping others lead her to discover the field of Occupational Therapy. Natasha graduated from the University of Alberta in 2017 with her Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy. Natasha spent the first 3 years of her career working in the public health sector in acute care and out-patient stroke recovery. During her time in out-patients, she enabled clients to reach their goals and she transitioned to private practice in 2020 to pursue ongoing one-to-one rehabilitation work. As an engaged lifelong learner, Natasha has pursued continuing education in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Prolonged Exposure, Cognitive Rehabilitation, Mild-Moderate Concussions, Chronic Pain, Post-Covid, along with Upper Extremity NDT rehabilitation. Natasha is experienced in working with diverse populations and strives to seek creative methods to support her client’s optimize their function. Outside of work, Natasha has a variety of hobbies like traveling, hiking, camping, baking, and photography.

Jenna Cooke

Occupational Therapist

Jenna graduated from Queen’s University, with a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy in 2014. Prior to this she completed a Bachelor of Kinesiology degree at UFV in 2011. Since becoming an OT, Jenna has gained experience in a variety of settings including acute care, residential care, and community rehabilitation. She spent 3 years working at Vancouver General and UBC hospitals on a variety of units including Neurology, Spinal Cord, and Surgical Short Stay. Following work in the hospital, Jenna transitioned to the community setting working in the private sector with adults recovering from motor vehicle and workplace injuries. Jenna has experience working with clients with physical, cognitive and mental health challenges. She is passionate about helping her clients achieve their desired goals. When not working, Jenna enjoys traveling, exploring the outdoors, and spending time with her young family.

Chelsea Del Begio

Occupational Therapist

Chelsea graduated from the UBC Master of Occupational Therapy program in 2015. Prior to this, she completed a Bachelor of Kinesiology degree in 2012 at UBC. Since becoming an OT, Chelsea has gained experience in a variety of health care settings, including acute care, residential care, and rehabilitation. She spent 3 years working at GF Strong Rehabilitation Centre primarily on the Spinal Cord Injury unit, but also on the Arthritis/Neuromuscular Skeletal Unit. Through her work at GF Strong, she developed a strong interest in wheelchair seating and wound care, as well as complex discharge planning and case management. Chelsea is excited to utilize these skills in the community in her work at Access Community Therapists.

Janice Duivestein

Occupational and Physical Therapist

Janice graduated in 1980 with a combine degree in Rehabilitation Medicine (occupational and physiotherapy) and obtained her Master's degree ( MRSc) from UBC in 2010. She started her career in long term care and then went on to work in acute care as well geriatric rehabilitation. She moved over to pediatrics in 1986 at Sunny Hill Health Centre where her long-term interest in eating, drinking and swallowing problems started. Janice was one of the founding members of the Feeding Team at Sunny Hill and Team Leader for 24 years and she continues to have a passion for this area. She joined Access in 1996 providing both rehabilitation and specialized consultation in eating, drinking and swallowing to the adult population. Janice is an assistant clinical professor at UBC and has presented at local, national and international workshops and conferences on eating, drinking and swallowing challenges in both adult and pediatric populations. She also rides her bike everywhere, teaches belly dancing, and is the acknowledged skit master of Access.

Debbie Field

Occupational Therapist

Debbie is an occupational therapist who has extensive experience in seating, mobility and other assistive technologies (i.e. for communication, learning, self-care, leisure, productivity and/or environmental control). She has worked with children, youth and adults with a variety of diagnoses, in a variety of settings in British Columbia, Ontario, Australia and the USA. Debbie graduated with a BScOT from the University of Toronto in 1984, a MHScOT from the University of Indianapolis in 2000, and is currently working towards her PhD in the Graduate Programs in Rehabilitation Sciences at the University of British Columbia. Debbie enjoys assisting those she works with to realize their goals for living, often integrating low tech and high tech equipment, modifying their living environment(s), training specific skills and providing education and support.

Jen Sawrekno

Occupational Therapist

Jen completed her Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy in 2000 at UBC and also holds a Masters of Applied Arts in Design from Emily Carr University in 2009. Jen began her OT career working in acute care, moving onto school aged therapy, and then to Sunny Hill Health Centre in the areas of complex pediatric seating and mobility, eating, drinking and swallowing skills and acute rehabilitation. Jen has also provided direct therapy treatment with children and youth with a variety of diagnoses. Her work with Access Therapists includes complex wheelchair seating and mobility consultation with adult clients with a variety of needs and conditions including developmental disabilities and other neurological conditions. Jen has a passion for universal design, medical assistive design, technology and children's play spaces. She was privileged to design a sensory wall for inclusive playground for the 2010 Olympics in Whistler and has designed a small outdoor play area as a public art project in North Vancouver. Jen also likes to ride her bike everywhere and spend time in the outdoors with her young family.

Diane Gerrard

Occupational Therapist

Diane completed her Bachelor of Science in Rehabilitation Medicine (OT/PT) in 1983 at U.B.C. After graduation she worked as a PT at the Queen Alexandra Hospital for Children in Victoria and then returned to Vancouver to work as an OT/PT at SunnyHill Hospital providing direct treatment to children and youth with diverse developmental and neurological needs. Following a couple of years as the Director of Client Care for the Muscular Dystrophy Association in B.C., Diane returned to her passion of supporting clients with direct therapy treatment and started in OT private practice with Access. Her primary work is maximizing the occupational performance of children, youth and adults with sensory-motor, regulatory, cognitive, and social-emotional challenges to reach their goals at home and in their school/work and community pursuits. In doing this, Diane sees clients with learning disabilities, regulatory and attention disorders, autism spectrum disorder, acquired brain injuries and developmental disabilities. Diane and her husband have raised four young adults and enjoy spending time with them hiking and camping in the great outdoors.

Gloria Hanssmann

Occupational Therapist

Gloria graduated from UBC's School of Rehabilitation Medicine in 1982 with a combined degree in Occupational and Physiotherapy. She took her very first job at the Fort St. John Child Development Center where she worked as a sole charge OT and was often able to assess children in their own homes. This role sparked a life-long interest in working within the community setting, supporting individuals across a wide age and disability spectrum. Upon returning to Vancouver, Gloria worked at Sunnyhill Hospital for Children and over the last decade has also kept a small but busy paediatric practice. Working with the Access team since 1993, a central role has involved supporting individuals with developmental disabilities to reach their full potential within the community setting. Gloria's role has included a range of services such as equipment prescription, wheelchair seating, movement and exercise programs, and caregiver training. Gloria has pursued a special interest in supporting people who have eating and swallowing problems. She provides outreach dysphagia services to outlying areas of British Columbia and is part of the Access Dysphagia Team. More recently her community based practice has also branched out to support adults with workplace and vehicular injuries. An accomplished sailor and skier, Gloria has sailed the BC coast and across the Pacific Ocean with her family.

Carolyn Janzen

Occupational Therapist

Carolyn has been an enthusiastic practitioner of occupational therapy since graduating from the University of Toronto with a Bachelors of Medicine in OT in 2001, preceded by a BA in sociology. She has worked with adults and seniors in a variety of settings from acute to residential and for the past 14 years in community home health. Carolyn is especially passionate about supporting adults with Developmental Disabilities to live healthy, productive lives in community and is skilled in caregiver education, accessibility consultation and assistive technology provision. Her breadth of experience is an asset in helping to safely return injured individuals back to their valued occupations. Carolyn enjoys spending as much time as possible outdoors, on trails or at the beach, with her husband, three boys and their dog, Rosie.

Evan MacKenzie

Occupational Therapist

Evan completed his master's degree in Occupational Therapy in 2009 at the University of Manitoba. Following graduation Evan worked at the Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg Manitoba later moving to New Westminster in 2010 where he worked in acute care, general rehab, and wheelchair seating. Due to his interest in wheelchair seating, Evan joined the Access team in 2014. Since joining Access Community Therapists, Evan has worked with adult clients with developmental disabilities, spinal cord injuries, and workplace injuries. Evan also completed his Bachelor's degree in Kinesiology majoring in Adapted Physical Activity and Fitness and Lifestyle in 2007. Following the completion of this degree he became a Certified Exercise Physiologist and worked as an Exercise Therapist.

Francine Miller

Occupational Therapist

Francine received her BScOT degree in 1987 from UBC. She initially worked at Lions Gate Hospital. In 1990 she moved to Northern Ontario with her OT husband and two young daughters in an attempt to pay off their large student loans in an underserviced frigid environment. There she was exposed to the area of seating and mobility while she worked in community home health. In 1993 with student loans successfully paid off the family moved to London Ontario so her husband could continue his education in pursuit of his PhD. Francine was fortunate to work in the Seating Clinic at St. Joseph's Heath Centre in London where she cemented her passion for seating and participated in several research projects. She also participated in the Skin Health Group at St. Joseph's. In 2000 with one more daughter and a successfully graduated husband there was a move back to BC in search of family, friends, mild winters and work in the area of seating and mobility. She joined Access Community Therapists Ltd. working with adult clients with a variety of needs and conditions including, developmental disabilities, spinal cord injury, severe brain injury and other neurological conditions. Her work involves complex wheelchair seating and mobility consultation, skin health consultation as well as home and vehicle modifications. Francine works in the lower mainland, but also travels on outreach to Kelowna, Kamloops and the Kootenays. Francine has presented at CMSC, ISS and other conferences in the area of seating and positioning. In her spare time Francine loves to run in the park with her dog, garden and travel.

Kendall Miller

Occupational Therapist

Kendall graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from the University of British Columbia. With a focus in mental health, she has completed continuing education in Motivational Interviewing, Mindfulness Integrated Therapy and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. Prior to joining the Access Community Therapists team, Kendall worked for Vancouver Coastal Health providing Occupational Therapy services for adults with complex mental health, physical health and substance use conditions. Kendall weaves curiosity and compassion through her work of supporting clients towards meaningful participation and well-being. Ever an OT, Kendall is a natural hobbyist who enjoys a variety of activities when she is not getting lost in the forest with her faithful dog, Sparrow.

Najade Minns

Occupational Therapist

Growing up in Gibraltar, Najade is fluent in English and Spanish. She completed her post graduate diploma of Occupational Therapy at the University of Essex, England in 1996. Prior to this she had completed a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Business Management at the University of Leeds. Najade's first OT experience was as part of a strong interdisciplinary team based in a child development centre in a high needs community in London where she gained valuable skills in assessment, treatment and consultation for children with complex physical, cognitive and social challenges. She continued working as a pediatric OT in Gibraltar where she oversaw the pediatric therapy program for this small nation. Since coming to Canada and joining Access Community Therapists Najade has not only continued her work in paediatrics but expanded her clinical role to include work with adults with developmental disabilities, brain injury, and other complex conditions. Her work involves community based rehabilitation including prescription of equipment to maximize independence with the aim of enabling the person to be as full a participant in his or her life as possible. Najade and her family have embraced the outdoor lifestyle of the West Coast, enjoying boating and skiing.

Ashley Nickel

Occupational Therapist

Ashley graduated from the UBC Master of Occupational Therapy program in 2015 after first completing a BBA. Since becoming an OT, she has worked in BC and Ontario in acute care, clinic-based rehabilitation programs and in the community. Passionate about working with people who have sustained a traumatic brain injury, she also has experience with musculoskeletal injuries, chronic pain and mental health conditions, providing services under WorkSafe BC, legal teams, auto insurance agencies and long-term disability providers. Ashley’s clinical practice has included the monitoring, implementation and supervision of Graduated Return to Work plans. She is trained in the use of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and incorporates CBT principles into her OT practice. In her personal life, Ashley enjoys playing volleyball, exercising, exploring the outdoors, and spending time with her young family.

Jay Pang

Occupational Therapist

Jay is a first-generation Canadian born of Chinese immigrant parents. She began her journey as an Occupational Therapist in 2015 after graduating from Queen's University on a community-based, interdisciplinary mental health team working with folks who live with the impacts of trauma, homelessness, poverty, and substance use in Kingston, Ontario. In 2018, Jay moved to Vancouver to pursue work in a similar mental health team, and is honoured to join the Access Community Therapist team as of 2023.

Jay's approach is informed by the belief that though we may struggle, none of us are broken. She seeks to build therapeutic partnerships with clients guided by collaboration and fostering hope for positive change. Jay has continued work in mental health and has expanded her practice to include physical health. Jay finds joy in practicing yoga, creating with her hands, and petting all the dogs she encounters.

Danielle Rae

Occupational Therapist

Danielle graduated from the UBC Master of Occupational Therapy program and also holds a Bachelor of Education from SFU. Since becoming an OT in 2012, Danielle has worked across the spectrum of health care settings including acute care, residential care, rehabilitation and outpatient therapy. She has special interests in the areas of dysphagia management, wheelchair seating and wound care. Danielle is also a clinical faculty member with UBC. Prior to becoming an OT, Danielle's diverse background included working with people with developmental disabilities as a residential caregiver, day program manager, and special education teacher, and these experiences have enriched her OT practice. Danielle is creative and loves the problem solving aspects of her work, including creating client-centered solutions to meet individuals' needs. Danielle is thrilled to be working with Access Therapists doing the work she was meant to do. Danielle also enjoys yoga, pottery, sewing, knitting, gardening, canning and preserving the bounty of the season, and most of all, spending time with her two young daughters.

Shannon Rockall

Occupational Therapist

Shannon graduated from McMaster University with a Bachelor in Health Sciences in Occupational Therapy in 2000. Her interest in occupational therapy was sparked in 1988 when volunteering in wheelchair sports in Ottawa, ON. She participated in wheelchair sports for many years, continuing throughout her undergraduate degree at Brock University (Psychology 1996). She worked in pediatrics for the first few years after graduating as an OT. Since then, she has worked almost exclusively in spinal cord injury rehabilitation. Shannon worked at GF Strong Rehab Centre, with people with a variety of neurological disorders, but specialized in spinal cord injury. She had four children in four years which promptly resulted in a family move to the Okanagan. Since this time, she has been working in the regional and rural areas of BC, providing OT services for those living with spinal cord injuries. Shannon also works for Praxis Spinal Cord Institute as the Regional Clinical Liaison for the BC Interior. In this role, she provides spinal cord injury education to clinicians working within these geographical locations. Shannon’s work experience has gained her extensive knowledge in the areas of pressure injury management, complex seating, equipment and case management. Shannon is passionate about working with people with spinal cord injuries to enhance their function, occupational opportunities and quality of life. She continues to be very involved with the spinal cord injured community throughout BC, both personally and professionally. In her spare time, Shannon can be found enjoying the Okanagan trails with her four children, or at the hot yoga studio!

Esther Rottenstreich

Occupational Therapist

Esther graduated from McGill University with a Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy in 2012, following a Bachelor’s of Arts with a major in Psychology. She began her career as Pediatric Occupational Therapist in Montreal and gained experience working in a variety of settings, including schools, daycares and private clinics. Esther enjoyed a range of OT roles: providing workshops for educators, running classroom groups, and working individually with children in the areas of motor-skill development, emotional regulation and sensory processing. Esther moved to BC in the summer of 2022 and is honoured to have joined the team at Access. She has expanded her clinical practice to include the areas of community-based adult physical rehabilitation and mental health, and is excited to build on her experience applying the core OT values of collaborative teamwork, meaningful participation, and creative problem solving. When not working or trying to keep track of her four children, Esther enjoys reading, baking, and soaking up the beauty of the West Coast.

Renée van Doorninck

Occupational Therapist

Renée graduated from the UBC Master of Occupational Therapy program in 2012. After a brief introduction to some foundational physical health skills in a hospital, Renée transitioned to her work in mental health where she has spent the majority of her career. Renée has worked in a variety of mental health settings and enjoys working with people of all ages and experiences. She worked at a community-based adapted highschool mental health program supporting teenagers with their goals related to school and everyday life. Following this, Renée spent a number of years working in the Downtown East Side providing Case Management and Occupational Therapy services to adults with complex mental and physical health issues. After starting a family, she worked in a paediatric acute care setting supporting children and teenagers to find healthy adaptive coping strategies. Renée looks forward to bringing her passion for supporting people with mental health issues to achieve their goals to Access Community Therapists. When not at work, Renée is busy enjoying the outdoors with her partner and two young children.

Mira Robin

Occupational Therapist

Mira graduated from UBC with a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy in 2004. She began her OT career working at Lions Gate Hospital in various casual and temporary roles, before taking a position in Home Health where she worked for over 6 years. She then transitioned into mental health and addictions practice and worked in a variety of inpatient and community outreach based programs. Most recently, Mira spent the past 2 years in Dublin, Ireland working in the area of assistive technology and specialized seating, while experiencing many travel adventures around Europe. She enjoys working with a diverse client population.
Mira is currently studying Art Therapy part time to compliment her existing Occupational Therapy practice, merging her passion for creative arts and therapy services. In her spare time Mira enjoys traveling, cooking, and keeping active outdoors.

Vanessa Sturdy

Occupational Therapist

Vanessa graduated from the UBC Master of Occupational Therapy Program in 2012, after completing her B.Sc. in Kinesiology at SFU. She has spent most of her OT career working with clients with neurological conditions, including stroke and other brain injuries, in both rehab and acute care settings. Since joining the Access team, she is excited to be supporting clients to optimize their functioning within the communities they live and work in. When not working as an OT, Vanessa can be found spending time with her family or volunteering as a Technical Official at local and national figure skating events.

Beverley Wasmund

Occupational Therapist

Bev earned a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from McMaster University in 2012. She also received an Honours Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Waterloo in 1988 and a Master of Science degree from McMaster University in 1992. Prior to becoming an occupational therapist, her career path included research, teaching and administrative positions in both industrial and post-secondary academic settings. Inspired by her volunteer work with children and adult developmental services and her personal experience with occupational therapy services, Bev returned to McMaster University to study occupational therapy. Upon her graduation in 2012 she received the CanChild Research Convocation Award. Bev and her family moved to British Columbia in 2012. She is currently working with pediatric clients as well as adults with brain injuries. In her spare time she enjoys cooking, skiing at Grouse Mountain on sunny days, and reading, especially medical and rehabilitation journals.

Joanne Yip

Occupational Therapist

Joanne graduated from the University of British Columbia in 1981 with a Bachelor of Science in Rehabilitation degree - a combined degree in occupational therapy and physical therapy. Joanne is an OT who works primarily with adults with a variety of needs and conditions including spinal cord injury, developmental disability, brain injury and other neurologic conditions. She is currently employed part time at GF Strong Rehab Centre on the Outpatient Spine Program as well as working part time with Access. She has a special interest in wheelchair seating and positioning and has worked for many years as a consultant in this area of practice. Along with her colleague, Jo-Anne Chisholm, she has developed a number of workshops on wheelchair seating and positioning and on pressure management; she presents regularly at conferences and teaches OT students yearly at UBC on the topic. Primarily based in the lower mainland she also travels on outreach to the Caribou region of British Columbia.

Mikki Zuiches

Occupational Therapist

Mikki graduated from the UBC Master of Occupational Therapy Program in 2008, with a background in Kinesiology. Early on, after a student practicum at GF Strong Rehabilitation Center, she knew she had found her area of interest and specialty. She spent the next 5 years working on the Spine Unit expanding her skill set and education, becoming certified in complex seating (Ride Design). She acted a clinical resource for this team and was involved in teaching the Spinal Cord Injury Workshop at UBC. Following, she worked in Haiti for a year, assisting in developing the National Spinal Cord Program and achieving her Certification in Community-Based Rehabilitation through Queens University.

In 2014, Mikki relocated to Northern California where she worked in a small mountain town. Here she was able to fuel her passion not only for work, but skiing, biking and raising her son. She worked in all areas from acute to long-term care, community to outpatient therapy. Her ongoing passion for complex seating stirred her to develop the local community wheelchair clinic.

Back in BC now, she is able to combine her love for living in the mountains and passion for work. She is excited to align with Access Community Therapists to provide specialized care in advanced seating, wound care and complex injuries.