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.
​We celebrate that every child is one-of-a-kind, designing play-based, sensory-informed programs to support motor, sensory, social, and self-care skills. Activities are fun, meaningful, and tailored to each child’s strengths, interests, and goals, helping them build confidence, independence, and joy in everyday life.
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We partner with families to share strategies and support learning at home, school and in the community, making therapy empowering, engaging and effective.​
Play Based Learning
Individualized Programming
Family Centred Approach
Our Approach
The PlayWorks Therapy Team
Lillie Ryan, M.Sc. OT
Occupational Therapist
Registered with CHCPBC | RASP Provider
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 12 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. OTA
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.