When your child’s body, senses, and emotions feel out of sync, Melissa helps them find their way back to regulation.

​

Some children seem constantly overwhelmed by sounds, movement, textures, or everyday demands. Others struggle with self-regulation, selective eating, fine or gross motor skills, school tasks, self-care, or knowing how to manage big emotions. When these challenges start getting in the way of learning, playing, connecting, or participating in everyday life, families can feel unsure of where to turn.

​

Melissa brings a gentle, trauma-informed approach that looks beyond the behaviour to understand what a child’s body and nervous system may be communicating. Through play, movement, sensory experiences, and meaningful connection, she works alongside children and families to build regulation, confidence, and practical skills that can make everyday life feel more manageable.

​

With 16 years of experience as an Occupational Therapist, Melissa brings a unique depth of knowledge from her work in neuro-rehabilitation, supporting individuals with brain and spinal cord injuries and stroke. She also holds a Master of Science in Nutrition and Integrative Health and is a Natural Nutrition Clinical Practitioner (NNCP), allowing her to bring an additional understanding of nutrition and whole-body wellness to her work with children and families.

​

Melissa has particular interests in sensory integration, selective eating, and self-regulation, and has training in the SOS Approach to Feeding, Beckmann Oral Motor Assessment and Intervention, Learning Without Tears, and craniosacral therapy. She is also currently pursuing certification in the Ayres Sensory Integration approach.

​

Melissa works with children ages 3 and up, supporting sensory challenges, self-care and school skills, executive functioning, regulation, and motor development. Her approach is child-led and relationship-based, respecting each child’s unique strengths, needs, and developmental journey.

​

Melissa’s goal is to help children feel safe, regulated, capable, and ready to engage in the world around them—while giving families the understanding and tools to support that progress every day.

​

Outside of her clinical work, Melissa is passionate about holistic health and the many ways our bodies, minds, and environments influence how we feel and function.