About Us
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PlayWorks Therapy provides pediatric occupational therapy for children from 0 to 18 years in Nanaimo, and the surrounding areas on Vancouver Island. We believe every child has unique strengths and incredible potential.
Meet the PlayWorks Therapy Team
Lillie Ryan, M.Sc. OT
Occupational Therapist
Lillie is a passionate pediatric occupational therapist with over 25 years of experience supporting children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other developmental differences, and more than 13 years of clinical practice as an occupational therapist. She holds a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from McGill University and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of British Columbia.
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Lillie is a registered occupational therapist with the College of Health and Care Professionals of British Columbia (CHCPBC) and a registered health professional on the Registry of Autism Service Providers (RASP) in British Columbia.
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In her current practice, Lillie works with children of all ages using a play-based, sensory integration–informed approach to promote development, engagement, and functional independence. Her practice is grounded in building strong, collaborative relationships with families and creating individualized, meaningful interventions that help each child reach their fullest potential.
Julia Smith, B. Sc.
Occupational Therapy Assistant
Julia is an occupational therapy assistant with over five years of experience supporting children with diverse needs across community and school settings. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences from Simon Fraser University and a Certificate in Infant Development and Supported Childcare from the University of British Columbia.
Julia’s professional background includes working as an Early Childhood Educator with the Developmental Disabilities Association and as a Child, Youth, and Family Support Worker in the public school system. In these roles, she collaborated closely with school-based teams to provide individualized social-emotional and behavioural support to children and families.
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Grounded in play-based approaches, sensory integration principles, and relationship-focused practice, Julia provides child-centred, individualized support that fosters development, confidence, and meaningful engagement in daily activities.
Teighlor Overton
Occupational Therapy Assistant
Teighlor is an Occupational Therapy Assistant with over five years of experience supporting children with neurodiverse and developmental needs in educational and therapeutic environments. She has completed specialized training and professional development in expressive and behavioural approaches, including social-emotional learning, autism support, and inclusive practice.
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Teighlor’s professional background includes experience in the public school system in the role of Education Assistant within district-based programs, collaborating closely with multidisciplinary teams to provide individualized social-emotional and behavioural supports.
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Over the past five years, Teighlor has apprenticed under the guidance of a child therapist, developing both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience in expressive therapies such as mindful play. Grounded in play-based, relationship-focused practice, she provides child-centred support that fosters emotional regulation, confidence, and meaningful engagement in daily activities.
Olivia Chutka, B. Kin (expected 2027)
Occupational Therapy Assistant
Olivia has over five years of experience supporting children and youth with neurodiverse and developmental needs through inclusive swimming instruction, sport coaching, and community-based recreation programs. She is currently completing a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology with third-year standing and brings a strong understanding of child development, movement, physical literacy, and adaptive approaches to supporting participation.
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Her professional background includes working closely with children across a variety of settings, including swimming lessons, sport programs, and summer camps, where she has supported emotional regulation, confidence, social participation, and skill development through play-based and relationship-focused approaches.
Olivia holds an Inclusive and Adaptive Swim Instructor Certificate as well as Coaching Association of Canada certifications in Welcoming All Abilities and Supporting Positive Behaviours. Her approach is grounded in creating safe, engaging, and sensory-informed environments that support each child’s unique strengths, interests, and needs. Through individualized and strengths-based support, she aims to foster meaningful participation, connection, and positive experiences in movement and play