How It All Began
Family-Centered, Rural-Practicing, Early Intervention Therapist
I relocated from the East Coast of Canada to British Columbia in 2005, to being my career in Occupational Therapy as a pediatric OT with a non-profit organization. My areas of interest were in sensory processing, challenging behaviours, developmental trauma and mental health. I was a “rural generalist”, meaning I worked with anyone and everyone, using a variety of service delivery models including consultation, coaching, direct service, family education and community health promotion.
It was during this time that I started a side gig of working as a consultant and project manager for various contracts through our provincial government in relation to child and family development. Have I mentioned yet that I’ve always enjoying wearing several hats?!
When Everything Changed
Pregnancy, Motherhood + Postpartum Challenges
With my background in early brain development and my training as a doula, I was more prepared for this transition than most women... And I discovered firsthand that there was a huge gap in helping women train for delivery, recover from childbirth and thrive as a new mom.
Using my professional knowledge, I became my own therapist so-to-speak, researching my treatment options and coming up with my own rehab plan. There were many highs, many lows and many feelings of isolation.
When Max was still an infant, I was inspired to take the plunge and do things differently. I resigned from my early intervention job and went on a personal sabbatical of sorts, furthering my training in prenatal/postnatal health with a focus on core strengthening and brainstem regulation. I had big ideas! This work was so needed! I was inspired!
Did I mention I also had no savings, I lived in a small town, I had no venture capital and no business experience? But if there's a will, there's a way...
Strong Beginnings Family Wellness
A Crash Course in Entrepreneurship + Sleep Deprivation
In 2013, I officially opened my first business called "Strong Beginnings Family Wellness & Consulting Services", a combination of consulting services for health professionals and community-based therapy services where I integrated maternal health & wellness with pediatric OT.
This was also the year where sleep deprivation, debilitating chronic pain and mental health challenges were all prominent themes in my personal life.
There were many highs and many, many lows during my first few years of business... But through it all I held a vision in my heart and I was confident that this was the path I was meant to be on.
Starting My Online Journey
An Integrative Approach to Perinatal Health
Being a service-based business owner in the start-up phase of entrepreneurship with a toddler underfoot is by far one of the hardest things I’ve ever done!
I was offering cash-based mom + baby groups, prenatal wellness packages, couples' sessions on "Training for Delivery" and postpartum
c-section recovery consultations.
As I ventured further down the path of women’s health, I was introduced to advanced level training in restorative exercise and functional movement. I made some important changes to my activities of daily living; I ditched my shoes whenever possible, I embraced sitting on the floor and I started hanging from monkey bars. I invested in more training and mentoring and was finally feeling confident in my role as women's health therapist!
As my business grew, I continued to be creative in how I could work from home (or the road) with Max by my side. This led me down the path of digital products and in 2015, after many months of planning, I finally created my first online course for occupational therapists, "An Integrative Approach to Perinatal Health". My love for teaching and mentoring helped me to overcome my fear of the camera, which was a huge personal achievement! Little did I know that this online course was opening a door into a whole new world...
Fun Facts About Me
01.
I DON'T LIKE BEING IN THE SPOTLIGHT
I prefer being behind the scenes which is why my business has been growing "slow + steady" over the years. With each stage of growth, I need time to acclimatize and do the work needed to show up for my audience!
02.
I ABSOLUTELY HATE CELERY
I'm not a fussy eater and quite enjoy expanding my palate. I'll eat a lot of things... Except for celery. I can smell it a mile away and the taste completely overwhelms my tastebuds, raw or cooked. Blech!
03.
I HAVE A PHOBIA OF MICE
I love pretty much all animals and when I was little, thought I would be a veterinarian when I grew up. Except. For. Mice. If I suspect there's a mouse in my vicinity, I freak out and lose all ability to think rationally.
