Deb has a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology from the University of Victoria, and a Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from Queen’s University. She is a Registered Autism Service Provider (RASP).

Working with children has always been the focus of her professional and educational career. Deb’s practice emphasizes family involvement in each child's therapeutic process, with education being the foundation for improving function and self-advocacy.

Deb opened the doors to Kids First Pediatric Therapy in June 2015, creating a space where families feel heard, and a team that gets results.

Her current practice continues to focus on evidence-based practice, education, and direct client care. Current areas of interest include: the effect of primitive reflex integration and delayed milestones on overall growth and development (in both infants and children); how trauma affects the brain and social-emotional development; sensory processing and organization of the nervous system; the power of relationships to foster both emotional and physical growth; and understanding behaviour as both function and communication.

Deb works with all ages (0-18) and diagnoses, including Autism Spectrum Disorder, Sensory Processing Disorder, Developmental Coordination Disorder, Learning Disabilities, Anxiety disorders, ADHD, Global Developmental Delay, as well as kids with aggressive behaviours and infants with delayed milestones.

She has completed a number of continuing education courses, including the following:

• Masgutova Dynamic and Postural Reflex Method

• Handwriting Without Tears®

• DIR/Floortime ® 101

• Rhythmic Movement Training Levels 1 & 2

• Early Start Denver Model - Introductory Workshop

• The Alert Program ®

• Therapeutic Listening®

• Dynamic Core for Kids

• Brain Gym ® 101

• Reframing Challenging Behaviour – Kim Barthel

• Seeing, Moving, Learning: Visual-Vestibular Integration – Kim Barthel

• Executive Functioning Skills for Preschool and School-Aged Children – Sarah Ward

• Cognitive Orientation to daily Occupational Performance Treatment Approach (CO-OP)

• Decoding the Autistic Brain – Kim Barthel

• RDI Connect: Redefining Autism (2-day Webinar)

• Astronaut Training: A Sound Activated Visual-Vestibular Protocol – VitalLinks

• Posture and Movement – VitalLinks

• Exploring Auditory Defensiveness: Assessment & Treatment – VitalLinks

• Fundamentals of Anxiety Interventions: Relaxation Skills Training & Exposure Therapy – Randy Paterson – Changeways Clinic

• Making Sense of Frustration – Gordon Neufeld

• Making Sense of Attention Problems – Gordon Neufeld

• Embodied Sensation: Harnessing the Power of Interoception – VitalLinks

• Pediatric Feeding & Swallowing: Managing Complex Issues

• Resolving Picky Eating from the Inside Out – Michelle Riddle

• Fostering Well-Being in Autistic Girls and Women - Dori Zener

• Treatment of Picky and Problem Eaters Using Food Chaining Therapy

• Implementing a Neuro-Affirming Model - Kelly Mahler + Judy Endow

• Best Practices for Implementing Interoception-based Supports - Kelly Mahler

• A Holistic and Integrative Approach to Pediatric Pelvic Health - Aloha Integrative Therapy