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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• 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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• 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.
