Empowering Kids for a Bright Future
Get accessible and personalized therapy for your child in-person or from the comfort of your home.
Curious if your child is facing developmental challenges?
We understand that every child's journey is filled with unique challenges, and as you guide them through these formative years, you may encounter specific hurdles. Occupational Therapy (OT) is here to provide empathetic support, addressing the real-life challenges you and your child may be facing. If your child is facing any of these challenges, we can definitely help.
Daily routines disrupted by meltdowns or difficulty adapting to change can be overwhelming.
Your child might find everyday sensory experiences overwhelming, making activities like hair brushing or tooth brushing a source of distress.
If your child struggles with holding a pencil or using utensils, it can impact their confidence in school and daily activities.
For children having difficulties with coordination, activities like catching a ball or riding a bike might be frustrating.
Challenges with attention and focus can affect your child's ability to complete homework or follow instructions.
Daily activities like getting dressed or managing personal hygiene may pose challenges for your child.
If your child experiences difficulties in feeding, such as aversions to certain textures or struggles with self-feeding, it can impact mealtime routines.
If your child faces difficulties making friends or understanding social cues, it can be concerning.
What is Occupational Therapy (OT)?
Occupational Therapy (OT) is a holistic healthcare profession that aims to enhance individuals' overall well-being and independence in their daily lives. For both adults and kids, OT focuses on promoting participation in meaningful activities, or "occupations," such as self-care, productivity (working or volunteering), and leisure (e.g.: play). Therapists work collaboratively with individuals to address challenges they may face due to physical, cognitive, or emotional conditions. Through personalized interventions, OT helps individuals develop or regain essential skills, adapt their environments, and foster independence. Whether assisting children in achieving developmental milestones or supporting adults in regaining functional abilities after an injury, Occupational Therapy empowers individuals to lead fulfilling lives by promoting engagement in the activities that matter most to them.
To learn more about Occupational Therapy and who can benefit from its services, read this article.
Irene Michaiel
B.SC. (KIN.), M.SC. (OT), O.T. Reg. (Ont.)
Irene Michaiel, our lead therapist and co-founder at Thrive N Shine Therapy, brings over two decades of experience as an occupational therapist. Irene holds a bachelor's degree in Science from the University of Waterloo and a master's degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of Toronto. Her extensive expertise has been cultivated through diverse roles in the private sector, hospitals, daycares, and as a college teacher. As a mother of three, Irene not only understands children firsthand but also has valuable insights into the challenges of parenthood. With her compassionate nature and wealth of knowledge, Irene has assisted numerous individuals, both adults and children. While her expertise spans various realms, her true passion lies in guiding children to reach their fullest potential.
Meet Our Team
Our Services
We belief that every child deserves to live optimally, enjoying the benefits of playing with peers, forging meaningful relationships, and approaching life with a clear mind ready to learn. We envision a world where each child's unique potential is unlocked, allowing them to thrive in every aspect of their lives. We understand that challenges may arise, impacting a child's ability to experience these joys. That's why we are here, offering therapeutic services tailored to address these challenges and pave the way for a brighter, more fulfilling future. Through our commitment to holistic and personalized care, we strive to empower every child for a life filled with growth, confidence, and joy.
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• Communication Issues
• Social Difficulties
• Sensory Sensitivities
• Motor Skills Delays
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• Underreacting to sensory stimuli
• Hypersensitivity
• Attention Issues
• Social Participation
• Environments and Transitions
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• Social Hesitancy
• Non-Verbal Cues
• Maintaining Friendships
• Conflict Resolution
• Cooperation and Teamwork
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• Handwriting
• Drawing
• School-Related Tasks
• Eye-Hand Coordination
• Keyboarding
• Scissor Skills
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• Running
• Jumping
• Balance Activities
• Upper Body Strength
• Riding a Bike
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• Hygiene Skills
• Dressing
• Brushing Teeth
• Bathing
• Grooming
• Toileting
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• Attention Span
• Memory Problems
• Processing Information
• Problem-Solving
• Organizational Skills
• Academic Tasks
• Completing Tasks
• Adapting to New Routines
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• Self-Feeding
• Balanced and Nutritious Diet
• New-Food Anxiety
• Attuned to Food Tactile Qualities
• Difficulty Chewing
• Table Manners
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Caregivers in daycare or school settings face the challenge of addressing diverse needs, including sensory, motor, and cognitive challenges, alongside managing behavioral issues. Our Occupational Therapy workshops offer customized sessions on sensory integration, behavior management, and inclusivity, providing practical skills through hands-on activities and simulations. Interactive learning, role-playing, and collaborative problem-solving empower caregivers to apply theoretical knowledge to real-life situations. The training enhances caregiver competence, promotes inclusive classrooms, benefits children's development, and fosters collaboration with parents for a holistic approach to child well-being in daycare or school environments.
Who We Help
At Thrive N Shine Therapy, we support children and families in Mississauga, Brampton, Milton, Oakville, Etobicoke, and Scarborough through personalized pediatric occupational therapy. Our services are designed for children who may experience challenges in daily activities, learning, or self-regulation.
Children Who May Benefit from Occupational Therapy
Children with Sensory Processing Differences
Children who are overly sensitive or under-responsive to sounds, textures, movement, or visual input, and who may struggle with regulation, transitions, or daily routines.
Children with ADHD
Children who experience challenges with attention, impulse control, emotional regulation, organization, or completing everyday tasks at home or school.
Children on the Autism Spectrum (ASD)
Children who benefit from support with sensory integration, motor skills, self-regulation, social participation, and functional daily living skills.
Children with Fine Motor & Handwriting Difficulties
Children who struggle with pencil grasp, handwriting, cutting, buttoning, zippers, or other hand skills required for school and self-care.
Children with Gross Motor & Coordination Challenges
Children who have difficulty with balance, coordination, motor planning, posture, or participating in physical play and sports.
Children with Emotional Regulation & Self-Regulation Challenges
Children who experience big emotions, meltdowns, difficulty calming themselves, or challenges adapting to changes and transitions.
Children with Feeding or Mealtime Challenges
Children who are picky eaters, avoid certain textures, or experience stress during meals.
Children Struggling with Daily Living Skills
Children who need support with dressing, grooming, toileting routines, sleep routines, or independence in everyday tasks.
Families Seeking Support, Guidance and Education
We also support:
Parents looking for practical strategies to help their child at home
Families navigating school challenges or transitions
Caregivers seeking a strength-based, neuro-affirming approach
Our therapists work collaboratively with families, schools, and other professionals to help each child thrive in meaningful environments.
If you’re unsure whether occupational therapy is right for your child, our team at Thrive N Shine Therapy is happy to guide you through the next steps and answer your questions.
Questions Parents Often Ask About Occupational Therapy
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Thrive N Shine Therapy helps children with sensory processing differences, motor difficulties, attention challenges, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ADHD, self-care skills, feeding issues, behavioural regulation, and school-related challenges. Our services support kids in Mississauga, Brampton, Milton, Etobicoke, and Scarborough.
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Occupational therapy focuses on day-to-day skills — from tying shoes and handwriting to attention and self-regulation — and helps children engage confidently in daily life.
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If your child struggles with everyday tasks such as handwriting, attention, emotional regulation, coordination, self-care (dressing, feeding, hygiene), or sensory sensitivities, occupational therapy may help. At Thrive N Shine Therapy, we work closely with families to understand each child’s unique needs and determine the right support.
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Thrive N Shine Therapy provides pediatric occupational therapy for children from early childhood through adolescence. Our therapy plans are always tailored to your child’s developmental stage and individual goals.
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Yes. Occupational therapy can support children with ADHD by improving attention, emotional regulation, executive functioning, motor planning, and daily routines. Our therapists use evidence-based strategies to help children succeed at home and at school.
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Absolutely. Thrive N Shine Therapy supports children on the autism spectrum and those with sensory processing differences by focusing on self-regulation, sensory integration, communication through play, and functional life skills.
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Pediatric OT supports fine and gross motor skills, sensory processing, emotional regulation, executive functioning, handwriting, self-care, feeding, and participation in school and social activities.
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An assessment includes observing your child’s skills, understanding their challenges, gathering parent input, and identifying strengths. From there, we create a personalized therapy plan designed to support meaningful progress.
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Occupational therapy focuses on functional daily skills — how a child moves, regulates emotions, processes sensory input, and participates in everyday activities. OT often works alongside speech therapy, ABA, or other supports as part of a collaborative care team.
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Yes. Thrive N Shine Therapy offers services in clinic, at home, and in community or school environments when appropriate, helping children practice skills where they matter most.
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Every child is different. Some children show changes within a few sessions, while others benefit from longer-term support. Our focus is always on realistic, meaningful progress that fits your child’s needs and family goals.
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In most cases, a referral is not required. Families can contact Thrive N Shine Therapy directly to book an assessment or consultation.
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Parents are a key part of therapy. We collaborate closely with families by providing strategies, education, and guidance to support skill development at home and in daily routines.
Locations We Serve
At Thrive N Shine Therapy, we proudly support children and families across the Greater Toronto Area through pediatric occupational therapy services.
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We support children in Mississauga through pediatric occupational therapy focused on sensory processing, ADHD, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), motor development, emotional regulation, and daily living skills.
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Thrive N Shine Therapy works with families in Brampton to help children build skills for attention, self-regulation, independence, and participation at home, school, and in the community.
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Our pediatric occupational therapy services in Milton support children who experience challenges with motor skills, sensory processing, learning readiness, and everyday routines.
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We provide occupational therapy support to children and families in Oakville, focusing on functional skills that promote confidence, independence, and success in daily activities.
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Families in Etobicoke can access pediatric occupational therapy services designed to support children with sensory needs, coordination challenges, emotional regulation, and school participation.
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Thrive N Shine Therapy supports children in Scarborough through individualized occupational therapy that helps improve self-care skills, attention, motor development, and emotional regulation.
If you’re unsure whether your area is covered, the team at Thrive N Shine Therapy would be happy to help you explore your options and guide you through the next steps.
Questions before getting started? Get in touch.
905-812-1024