Helping you to help yourself
Visit our Locations
#105, 17660 65A Avenue,
Surrey BC V3S 5N4
#205, 19978 72 Avenue
Langley BC V2Y 1R7
Opening Hours
Mon - Fri: 9AM - 5PM
(weekend appointments available)
amit_kumar Amit Kumar, Founder-Director, Occupational Therapist
BOT, MA (Sociology), C/NDT, IDM

Amit has been practicing occupational therapy for over 20 years. He has extensive experience in providing community based occupational therapy to clients with brain injuries and orthopaedic conditions. Amit has had a variety of international experiences which include establishment of two occupational therapy departments. He has worked extensively with clients with brain injuries and orthopaedic conditions in various countries including Canada, Ireland, Kuwait, and India.

Amit is certified in Neuro Developmental Therapy from NDTA, USA; and trained in Dementia Care Mapping (DCM) from the University of Bradford, UK. He is also trained in seating and complex postural management from the UK. Amit holds a certificate in Integrated Disability Management from University of Fredericton. Amit has successfully completed International Yoga Teachers Training course (100 hours) from India, and is able to combine this knowledge with occupational therapy to holistically treat clients suffering pain and illness. Amit is also a certified PGAP provider.

Amit has always been a respected member of the industry, and enjoys mentoring. He has made presentations in international conferences, and is well experienced in conducting workshops for clients, caregivers, and health care professionals. Amit has served as a member of the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists - British Columbia (CAOT-BC) Advisory Committee. Amit currently serves as a member of Professional Advisory Committee of Stroke Recovery Association of British Columbia.

As the founder-director of Life skills Therapy, Amit is responsible for strategic planning and operational management.

lakshmi_guptaLakshmi Gupta, Founder-Director, Occupational therapist
BOT, MSc OT

Lakshmi has been in the field of occupational therapy for over 16 years. Lakshmi graduated as an occupational therapist from the University of Calcutta in 2001 as one of the top students. Later on, she was awarded a scholarship from the British government to study MSc in Occupational Therapy in England, which she successfully completed in 2003 from Coventry University. Lakshmi is a life-long learner, and has continued to enhance her skills and compliment her OT practice.

Lakshmi has extensive experience working in both acute hospital and community settings in various countries including India, Ireland, and Canada. She has special interest in home safety assessments, neurological rehabilitation, and falls prevention.

As the founder-director of Life skills Therapy, Lakshmi is responsible for strategic planning and operational management.

elizabeth_PoonElizabeth Poon, Clinical Practice Manager, Occupational Therapist
BSN, MOT

Elizabeth completed her OT degree at UBC in 2008. She began working with Life Skills Therapy in 2013 after working in both acute care and private practice settings. She has a keen interest in peer mentorship, geriatric care, pediatric fine motor development, and working with adolescents who have experienced head injury. Elizabeth is trained to utilize the Cognitive Orientation to Daily Occupational Performance (CO-OP) approach in therapy. She is a certified CarFit Technician, VCHA SteadyFeet Instructor and is trained to integrate both Get Set for School and Handwriting Without Tears printing programs in occupational therapy intervention.

Elizabeth is also a practising Registered Nurse who works with Vancouver Coastal Health on the Care Management Team. Her area of practice focuses on geriatric discharge from a critical care unit. She has completed a specialty nursing program in perioperative nursing and anticipates completion of an infection control specialty in winter 2018.

Elizabeth’s work experience situates her in a unique vantage point to provide occupational therapy and case management services to her clients. Elizabeth has a working knowledge of Cantonese and primarily engages with clients in Richmond and the Lower Mainland.

Outside of work, Elizabeth enjoys: spending time with her family, playing the harp, exercising and traveling.

Sheila-WangSheila Wang, Occupational Therapist
BSc, MSc OT

Sheila graduated from University of British Columbia with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology, and completed a Master in Occupational Therapy in 2014 at University of Alberta. Sheila’s clinical experience includes administering cognitive, physical, and functional assessments, and providing interventions with adults and seniors in rehab, community, and acute hospital settings. Sheila is especially interested in neurological rehabilitation and enjoys working with all age groups. She believes in the importance of utilizing client-centered approach to help clients engaged in meaningful occupations and promoting clients to become active participants in maintaining own health.

Sheila is a certified PGAP provider and BrainFx administrator. Sheila also speaks fluent Mandarin and Taiwanese Hokkien.

Tamara-SolowayTamara Soloway, Occupational Therapist
MSc OT

Tamara received a Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of Toronto in 2007, and went on to work in the area of spinal cord injury and neurological disease at a recognized teaching hospital, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute. Tamara gained invaluable experience as an interdisciplinary team member, researcher and preceptor that continues to provide a strong evidenced-based, rehabilitation foundation for her work as a community-based therapist. Tamara moved back 'home' to Vancouver in 2012 and brings with her a balance of cognitive, psycho-social and physical rehabilitation experience, including skills in advanced seating and mobility prescription, neuro-developmental approach, chronic pain self-management, holistic mental health, and complex discharge planning. Tamara's experience across diverse practice settings including acute care, inpatient rehabilitation and community-based rehab allows for the seamless management of client needs through the recovery process. Tamara has a keen interest in the incorporation of psychological health into her practice through the use of mindfulness and therapeutic yoga.

Tamara is based out of Victoria and serves clients in Victoria and surrounding municipalities.

Vijoy-ChakrabortyVijoy Chakraborty, Clinical Practice Manager, Occupational Therapist
BOT, Cert (Accessibility Auditing)

Vijoy has been practicing occupational therapy for over 16 years in various countries including Canada, Ireland, and India. He has extensive experience working with clients both in hospital and in the community, and is well positioned to understand the importance of seamless service provision that is crucial for most of our clients.

Wheelchair seating assessments, cognitive assessments for driver rehabilitation and built environment accessibility are some of the areas of expertise that Vijoy brings to the team. As a Clinical Practice Educator for occupational therapy programs with two of the universities in Ireland, Vijoy is a great mentor for newly qualified occupational therapists.

As an advocate for complete mental and physical health, Vijoy has a passion to serve others by not only guiding them in recovery but also imparting them with the knowledge to continue progressing in the skills that they have been taught.

Vijoy is a certified BrainFx administrator.Vijoy is based in Surrey and serves clients in Metro Vancouver, Langley and Abbotsford. Vijoy also speaks fluent Hindi, Bengali, and Punjabi.

Laura-KwunLaura Kwun, Occupational Therapist
BSc Psych, MSc OT

Born in Vancouver, Laura has a Bachelor of Science in Psychology at the University of British Columbia and a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from Dalhousie University in Nova Scotia. She is passionate about people, mental health, constant learning, occupational justice (everyone's right to participate in meaningful occupations), and how conversations can be the catalysts for change in people’s lives. Her clinical experience includes acute stroke rehabilitation, residential care and geriatrics, and community mental health. Laura is also trained and calibrated to complete the Assessment of Motor and Process Skills (AMPS), a standardized assessment of activities of daily living.

Laura is currently located in Richmond and provides occupational therapy services to clients all over the Lower Mainland. When she is not working, Laura can be found rocking out on the social dance floor, learning dance, or teaching dance.

Shadi-NobaharShadi Nobahar, Occupational Therapist
BOT, MSc OT

Shadi has been working as an occupational therapist for over eight years. She graduated from Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences in 2007. Following this, she completed Master of Occupational Therapy at Iran University of Medical Sciences in 2009. Shadi’s clinical experiences include stroke rehabilitation, return to work planning, and hand therapy.

Shadi is especially interested in return to work programs, and neurological rehabilitation. She is passionate about taking a client centred approach, and strongly values evidence-based practice.

Shadi holds Matheson Functional Capacity Evaluation Certification. Shadi is located in North Vancouver and serves clients in North Vancouver, West Vancouver, and Vancouver. She also speaks Farsi.

Mohsen-Sangargir Mohsen Sangargir, Occupational Therapist
BOT

Mohsen graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy from Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences in Iran in 2007.

As an occupational therapist, Mohsen has over eight years of experience in a variety of settings, including acute hospitals, rehabilitation centers, day programs, home health and schools.

Mohsen has special interest in neurological rehabilitation, and vocational rehabilitation. Mohsen is dedicated to providing a client-centered approach for all clients to enable meaningful occupation. He is located in North Vancouver and provides community occupational therapy services to clients throughout lower mainland. Mohsen also speaks fluent Farsi.

Kathleen-Forsythe Kathleen Forsythe, Occupational Therapist
MSc OT, BSc Neuroscience

Kathleen graduated from Dalhousie University, completing a Masters of Occupational Therapy, as well a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience. Kathleen’s clinical experience includes mental health rehabilitation, stroke rehabilitation, musculoskeletal rehabilitation, and return to work planning. Kathleen is passionate about taking a client centered approach to care, focusing on the whole person, to promote wellness and independence in the activities of daily life most meaningful to each individual client. Her special interests include neurological rehabilitation, mental health, and the relationship between mind and body.

Kathleen is certified in Motivation Interviewing and provides community-based services to clients in the Vancouver area. In her free time Kathleen can be found enjoying the outdoors with a good book, or attending all things musical.

Damaris-MedinaDamaris Medina, Occupational Therapist
BOT

Damaris graduated as an occupational therapist from The Rosario University in Bogota, Colombia in 2002. She has been certified and practicing occupational therapy in Canada since 2005.

Damaris has worked in multidisciplinary rehabilitation teams providing treatment and services for various rehabilitation programs including pain management, occupational rehabilitation, return to work support services, and activity-related soft tissue disorders. She has also experience working in the community and had completed several functional assessments to determine care and equipment needs as well as home modifications. Her areas of specialty include: job demand analysis, return to work programs, work capacity evaluations, ergonomic assessments, community based rehabilitation programs, case management, pain management and home health. She has also experience working in mental health and pediatrics.

Damaris is a certified PGAP provider. She also speaks Spanish. Damaris joined Life Skills Therapy in 2016 and provides Home Health and Return to Work services to clients in Surrey.

Fion Se Wei Ma, Occupational Therapist
BSc, MSc OT

Fion graduated from Queen’s University with a Bachelor Honours of Science degree in Biology and completed a Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy in 2018 at Dalhousie University. Fion is a compassionate, empathetic, highly motivated, and active person and want to dedicate her life to serve people. Fion has clinical experiences in administering cognitive, physical, wheelchair/seating assessments and providing occupational therapy interventions with adult and elderly population in rehabilitation, acute care and long-term care settings. Fion is passionate about working with adult and elderly population, client-centered care and continue learning to maintain clinical competencies. Fion speaks fluent Cantonese and Mandarin.

Rayanna Chong, Occupational Therapist
B Kin, MSc OT

Rayanna graduated from the University of British Columbia with a Bachelor in Kinesiology and completed a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from Dalhousie University in Nova Scotia. Rayanna’s clinical experience includes case management, mental health and acute care discharge planning in order to support clients in various contexts such as the community and hospital settings. She values evidence-based, client centered practice and is passionate in supporting clients with interventions that are consistent with current research. In her free time, Rayanna can be found baking or exploring the outdoors. Rayanna speaks fluent Mandarin and Cantonese.

Winnie Yip, Occupational Therapist
BSc, MSc OT

Winnie obtained a BSc (Hons) in Nutritional Sciences in 2012, and shortly after went to complete her Master of Occupational Therapy degree at the University of British Columbia.  Since 2015, she has been expanding her clinical skills by stepping into a wide variety of practice settings including acute care, community care, as well as both inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation.   Winnie is highly passionate about neurological rehabilitation.  She particularly has a keen interest for cognitive rehabilitation, functional electrical stimulation (FES), assistive technology, and environmental modifications. 

As an Occupational Therapist, Winnie highly values a client-centered approach in combination with evidence-based practices.  She currently services the Vancouver, Burnaby, Tri-Cities, and Maple Ridge area, and is also fluent in Cantonese.  When Winnie is not working, you can find her cycling around Vancouver, or making a batch of ice cream in her kitchen.

Lauren Siegel, Occupational Therapist
BSc, MSc OT

Lauren has a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from Dalhousie University where she received the Cardwell Robinson Award for highest academic achievement in courses and fieldwork related to psychiatry. Lauren also has a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of British Columbia and a graduate Diploma in Psychosocial Rehabilitation. She has training in PGAP, CBT and DBT.

Lauren’s clinical experience includes working with both the public and private healthcare sector. This includes work with clients with complex neurological and psychiatric conditions in a hospital setting, community mental health, return to work planning, acute discharge planning, and physical rehabilitation.

Lauren is especially interested in mental health and the relationship between the mind and the body. She enjoys using a client-centered approach and is passionate about helping people to realize their potential by increasing their abilities and confidence to engage in the activities that make their lives meaningful.

Based in North Vancouver, Lauren serves clients on the North Shore, Vancouver, Burnaby and Surrey.

Mrinmoy (Moy) Karmakar, Occupational Therapist
MOT, BOT, CHT

Moy has been working as an Occupational Therapist since 2005. Moy has worked in a variety of practice settings ranging from pediatrics to hand therapy. Before joining Life Skills Therapy in May 2019, Moy worked as an Occupational Therapist in Singapore. He was a recipient of Singapore Health Quality Service Award 2018 (silver). Moy is a certified hand therapist since November 2016 (Hand Therapy Certification Commission, USA). Moy has presented a variety of papers including original research work in multiple international conferences.

Moy puts a strong emphasis on client-centred approach when working with clients. His current areas of interest include wheelchair seating, neurological rehabilitation, and hand therapy. Moy is based out of Surrey and provides occupational therapy services to clients across the lower mainland. When he is not working, Moy can be found practicing his culinary skills.

Sanaz Pirfany, Occupational Therapist
BSc, MSc OT

Sanaz joined Life Skills Therapy team in 2019 with the goal of enabling individuals to regain meaningful lives in their communities. She is a positive and compassionate individual who values the importance of establishing a trusting relationship with the clients she works with.

Sanaz graduated with a Master of Science Degree in Occupational Therapy from University of Alberta. Since graduation, Sanaz has gained experience with home safety assessments, wheelchair seating and positioning prescription, residential care and geriatrics, and Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE). She is dedicated to tailoring individualized treatment programs for her clients based on their injuries and enjoys helping people return to their active lifestyle. Sanaz is a strong believer in quality care and strives to help her clients to be as independent and involved in their rehabilitation as possible.

Sanaz provides community occupational therapy services to clients across the Lower Mainland. Sanaz also speaks Farsi. Outside of work, she loves to spend time with her family; hike; and travel.

Jason Kil, Occupational Therapist
BA Sociology, BSc Hons OT

Jason was born and raised in Vancouver. He attended the University of Northampton in the United Kingdom and graduated with a BSc in Occupational Therapy (Hons) with First Class distinction. Prior to that, Jason successfully completed Bachelor of Arts at University of British Columbia.

Jason has a keen interest in neurological rehabilitation and neurodevelopmental techniques (NDT). His clinical experience is in mental health, elderly care and outpatient ABI/ Stroke; which has made him highly value client-centeredness, enabling occupation and evidence-based practice. Jason has worked in Vancouver Coastal Health at a variety of locations such as UBC hospital, Vancouver General Hospital and GF Strong.

Jason is based out of Langley and provides community occupational therapy services to clients in Langley, Surrey, Delta, Abbotsford and surrounding municipalities. Jason also speaks Korean.

Deirdre Lynch Deirdre (Dee) Lynch, Occupational Therapist
BSc Hons OT

Dee has been practicing as an occupational therapist for over 10 years. She graduated from the University of Liverpool with a Bachelor of Science, Honours Degree, in Occupational Therapy and has since worked in many countries including Ireland, New Zealand and Canada.

Dee has enjoyed gaining invaluable experience working with children and adults with physical and sensory disabilities along with acute orthopaedic trauma, amputees, musculoskeletal rehab, wheelchair seating and positioning, skin care, splinting, burns and plastics. She has played a key part in establishing the OT role within the ICU and High Acuity Units at Vancouver General Hospital in recent years. Dee has extensive experience in discharge planning and is passionate about creating a smooth and safe transition from acute to community care.

Dee has a strong passion for facilitating older people in maintaining their independence and reducing hospital readmissions through home safety assessments, falls prevention and community integration.

Dee has also provided consultation for school aged children in the areas of self-regulation, activity participation, resource allocation and education, visuoperceptual assessments, handwriting and fine motor assessments.

In her spare time, you will find Dee exploring backyard trails in Squamish on foot or on mountain bike. Quality playtime with her family is also a priority.

Dee is based in Squamish and serves clients along the Sea to Sky Corridor.

Cassandra Bell Cassandra Bell, Occupational Therapist
BA Psychology, MSc OT

Cassandra recently joined the Life Skills Therapy team after graduating from Queen’s university with a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy. Prior to this, she obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in 2015.

Cassandra’s clinical experience includes various multidisciplinary teams that support clients in both community and hospital settings providing home safety, cognitive and physical assessments, equipment prescription and discharge planning. She further has experience with community based mental health rehab.

Cassandra is passionate about a client centered, holistic approach. She believes in fostering a strong therapeutic relationship and empowering and enabling individuals to overcome barriers in order to engage in their meaningful daily activities.

Outside of her clinical work, she spends time hiking, running, travelling, and spending time with her family.

Patricia Fabros Patricia Fabros, Occupational Therapist
MSc OT
Patricia completed her OT degree at the University of Manitoba in 2017. She moved to BC in 2018 and began working with Life Skills Therapy in 2020. She has experience working in community geriatrics and acute care in pediatrics. Patricia has also worked in private practice with a focus on musculoskeletal injuries, chronic pain and mental health. She is trained in Progressive Goal Attainment Program. She has a keen interest in return to work, and hand therapy and hopes to eventually become a Certified Hand Therapist.
Patricia is based in Surrey and serves clients in Surrey, Langley, Delta and the surrounding municipalities. Outside of work, Patricia enjoys cooking, writing and travelling.

Rachel Dinoff Rachel Dinoff, Occupational Therapist
MSc OT
Rachel graduated from Queen’s University in 2016 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology, and in 2019 with a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy. She has recently joined the Life Skills Therapy team and is excited to get started!

Rachel’s clinical experience includes mental health counseling, home care services, and inpatient stroke and musculoskeletal rehab. She has worked on multidisciplinary teams in hospital and community settings. She has formal training in several advanced counseling techniques, including CBT, DBT, and motivational interviewing.

Rachel is passionate about taking a client-centered, recovery approach to treatment, with the ultimate goal of supporting and empowering people to improve their quality of life. Rachel is based in Vancouver and serves clients in the Greater Vancouver area. Outside of work, Rachel loves to travel, hike, read, and watch the food network!

Yeily Lee Yeily Lee, Occupational Therapist
MSc OT
Yeily (pronounced like yay-lee) graduated from the University of Prince Edward Island with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and completed a Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy in 2019 at Dalhousie University. Yeily has a special interest in neurological and mental health rehabilitation. Yeily’s clinical experience includes mental health, concussion management, and administering cognitive, psychological and physical assessment and providing interventions with adult population in acute care and community settings. Yeily believes in holistic and client-centred approach when working with clients.

Yeily is based in Burnaby and serves clients in the Greater Vancouver area. In her spare time, Yeily enjoys exploring new places to eat, and being around friends and family. Yeily speaks fluent Korean.

YuBin Oh YuBin Oh, Occupational Therapist
MSc OT
YuBin graduated from University of Alberta with a Master's degree in Occupational Therapy in 2018. YuBin strives to implement compassionate, empathetic, and client-centred approach to ensure clients feel heard, understood, and supported throughout the rehabilitation journey.

YuBin has clinical experiences in administering cognitive, physical, wheelchair/seating assessments, as well as providing equipment and discharge recommendations in acute care settings. YuBin recognizes the value of maintaining continuity of care between acute care and beyond, as well as the importance of mental health wellness to promote meaningful occupational engagement. YuBin is also fluent in Korean.

Outside of her clinical work, YuBin enjoys traveling, backcountry camping, and spending quality time with loved ones.

Sarah Maud Dupuis Bruemmer, Occupational Therapist
BSc (Psych), BSc OT, MSc OT
Sarah Maud is an occupational therapist from Montreal. She holds a Bachelors of Science in Psychology as well as a Bachelors of Occupational Therapy and Master of Occupational Therapy from the University of Montreal. Sarah’s clinical experience includes stroke rehabilitation, musculoskeletal rehabilitation, and mental health rehabilitation. Sarah strongly believes in taking a client-centered approach to care, helping to articulate her patients’ full needs, and considering their passions and personal goals while working towards promoting wellbeing and independence in activities of daily living.
Currently located in Squamish, BC, Sarah provides occupational therapy services to clients in and around Sea to Sky Corridor, Whistler, and Vancouver. In her spare time, Sarah enjoys taking part in various outdoors activities such as hiking, skiing, or mountain biking. Haven grown up in Montreal, Sarah is fully bilingual in French and English - spoken as well as written.

Alifiya Alifiya Sirohiwala, Registered Physiotherapist
BPT, MSc PT

Alifiya completed her Masters in Clinical Physiotherapy with Merit from Coventry University. She has a special interest in adult and paediatric Neurological Rehabilitation. She has worked extensively with SCI Rehabilitation, Stroke Rehabilitation, Paediatric Rehabilitation, Aquatic Therapy for adult and paediatric Neuro-Rehabilitation and Paediatric Oncology Rehabilitation during her post-graduation. She is also certified in Neurodevelopment Therapy for adult Hemiplegia and Parkinson wellness recovery therapist. She has 2+ years of experience in working with patients diagnosed with post-concussion syndrome. She is also a part of Early Concussion Assessment and Treatment Program offered at our clinic. Alifiya is passionate about helping and encouraging her patients achieve their goals through physical rehabilitation.

Outside of work, you can find her hiking, visiting places on her bucket list and practising yoga.

Prem Giri Prem Giri, Registered Physiotherapist
BSc Physiotherapy

Prem graduated from Rajiv Gandhi University in Bangalore, India and received his Physiotherapy Degree in 2007. Ever since graduating, he has been treating individuals with musculoskeletal conditions, including sports injuries. He has special interest in treating neck pain and headaches and has received advanced training in evidence-based practice, manual therapy, exercise prescription, vestibular and concussion rehabilitation. He is also a part of the Early Concussion Assessment and Treatment Program offered at our clinic.

Telehealth services available, please contact us to book your virtual appointment.