Pediatric Occupational Therapy in Nanaimo, BC
PlayWorks Therapy provides pediatric occupational therapy services for children and youth ages 0–18 in Nanaimo, BC and surrounding communities.
Our individualized, play-based approach supports children in developing the skills they need to participate more confidently and independently at home, school, daycare, and in the community.
How Can Pediatric Occupational Therapy Help?
Our pediatric occupational therapy team supports children and youth with a variety of functional needs, including:
• Sensory processing and self-regulation
• Emotional regulation and coping strategies
• Fine motor skills and handwriting
• Gross motor skills, balance and coordination
• Motor planning and body awareness
• Executive functioning, attention and organization
• Self-care and daily living skills
• Play and social participation
• School participation and independence
Pediatric Occupational Therapy Assessments
PlayWorks Therapy offers comprehensive pediatric occupational therapy assessments in Nanaimo to better understand your child’s strengths and areas of functional concern. Assessments may explore fine and gross motor skills, visual-motor integration, sensory processing, handwriting, executive functioning, self-care, and participation in everyday activities.
Following the assessment, families receive individualized recommendations and may choose to continue with occupational therapy intervention when appropriate.
Individualized OT & OTA Intervention
Occupational therapy intervention is individualized based on each child’s strengths, goals, interests, and functional needs.
Our Nanaimo team includes Occupational Therapists and Occupational Therapy Assistants who work collaboratively to provide engaging, play-based intervention. Sessions may support sensory and emotional regulation, fine and gross motor skills, motor planning, handwriting, executive functioning, self-care, and participation in everyday routines.
Occupational Therapy Assistant services are provided under the supervision and direction of a Registered Occupational Therapist.
Meet Our Nanaimo 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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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 '27)
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.
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