CURRENTLY HIRING NEW PEDIATRIC OTs!
Minimum of 3 years of experience and competitive salary. Please email [email protected]
About
We are a private practice in West Vancouver serving children 3-18 years old and their families. The Skilled Kids team has been providing private occupational therapy services to Vancouver, Northshore, Squamish, and Whistler since 2008. We use standardized assessments and clinical observation to assess challenge areas that our clients may be experiencing. We then provide consultative support and provide play-based intervention to foster fine motor, gross motor, and self-regulation skill development. We value evidence-based practice and focus on a collaborative family-centered approach. Our OTs and OTAs can travel to your home on the North Shore or in Vancouver to provide treatment.
We gratefully acknowledge that we are privileged to provide services on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of the Coast Salish Peoples, including the Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh), and xwməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam) Nations.
We gratefully acknowledge that we are privileged to provide services on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of the Coast Salish Peoples, including the Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh), and xwməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam) Nations.
Our Team
 Mahshid Hosseini, MSc, BSc(OT), Reg. OT (BC), Occupational Therapist |
Mahshid Hosseini, MSc, BSc(OT), Reg. OT (BC), Occupational Therapist, director, has over 20 years experience as an occupational therapist, a Masters in Rehabilitation Science from Queen's University, and a Bachelors of Occupational Therapy from the University of Western Ontario. She is a registered occupational therapist, an autism service provider and on the RASP list. She has attended numerous post graduate workshops and courses over the years. She has also held a number of workshops and has presented for parent groups, professionals and organizations on various topics including sensory integration, therapeutic listening, sensory motor challenges and other areas of paediatric occupational therapy.
Often children come to Mahshid with a sense of helplessness. Mahshid believes in instilling confidence and happiness in children, and coaches parents to help their child build self confidence. She works with children in a non-threatening, natural, playful environment, gradually building their skills while empowering them. Improved self confidence leads to building skills, and carries out through life. Mahshid speaks Persian and English fluently. She is a mother of 2 adult children. In her free time, she reads, spends time with her children, family, and friends; she enjoys sports and engages in yoga, hiking, skiing, and ice skating. Mahshid is registered with the College of Health and Care Professionals of BC and a Registered Autism Service Provider (RASP). |
Matthew So, (MOT), Reg. (BC)
Occupational Therapist
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Matthew So, (MOT), Reg. (BC) completed his master’s degree in occupational therapy at the University of British Columbia in 2021 and is on the RASP list. He developed a passion for working with pediatric populations through his extensive volunteer work with the Special Olympics as an occupational therapy assistant at Skilled Kids. Matthew also worked as a certified kinesiologist and was able to experience first-hand, the importance of physical literacy in fostering confidence, skill development, and facilitating play. Utilizing a relationship-focused, strengths-based, and neurodiversity affirming approach, Matthew hopes to empower his clients and their families in working collaboratively towards their goals. Matthew strives to cultivate a safe environment where clients can be their authentic selves and learn to appreciate their own unique identity and strengths. Most importantly, Matthew strongly believes that therapy should always be fun because play is one of the most powerful tools for learning and overall wellness. He is experienced in areas of self-regulation, self-care, fine and gross motor skills, play skills, and sensory processing.
Growing up in Vancouver, Matthew has always had a fond appreciation for the outdoors and is constantly searching for the next big hike or camping trip. In his free time, he participates in a wide range of sports including running, ultimate frisbee, badminton, and Muay Thai kick boxing. He is also a hockey enthusiast and never misses a Canucks game despite their lack of playoff success. Matthew is fluent in both English and Chinese (Cantonese). Matthew is registered with the College of Health and Care Professionals of BC and a Registered Autism Service Provider (RASP). |
Paula Zonneveld (MScOT), Reg. (BC)
Occupational Therapist
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Paula Zonneveld, (MScOT), Reg. (BC) loves helping children discover their strengths, build confidence, and develop the skills they need to participate in the activities that are most meaningful to them. She earned her Master of Occupational Therapy from the University of Toronto in 2021 and has experience working with children and youth of all ages with autism, ADHD, developmental coordination disorder, and other physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges.
Paula believes therapy should be fun, engaging, and tailored to each child's unique interests and goals. She enjoys working closely with families to create meaningful, individualized therapy experiences and is passionate about helping children thrive both at home and in their communities. She also has experience in adaptive climbing and nature-based occupational therapy. Outside of the clinic, you'll likely find Paula hanging out with her goldendoodle Daisy or exploring the outdoors. She loves rock climbing, hiking, and camping, and enjoys bringing that sense of adventure into her work whenever she can. Paula is registered with the College of Health and Care Professionals of BC. |
Jahnavi Bali, OTA
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Jahnavi Bali, OTA, has been working at the clinic for over a year now and is currently pursuing their Master in Occupational Therapy expecting to complete in 2028. Jahnavi graduated from UBC with BA Cognitive Systems (Brain and Cognition) in 2026. Jahnavi brings extensive experience working with younger populations in personal and professional roles such as respite caregiver, camp counsellor and research, fostering growth, resilience, and confidence. Jahnavi combines their cognitive neuroscience and psychology background to understand fine and gross motor skills, self-regulation, and sensory processing challenges and pursue occupational therapy in the future.
Fluent in English and Hindi, with basic proficiency in French and Punjabi, Jahnavi’s diverse linguistic and cultural background enhances their ability to connect with families from various communities. Jahnavi is also a certified yoga instructor, focusing on Hatha Yoga, integrating mindfulness and body awareness into their therapeutic approach. Outside work, Jahnavi enjoys swimming , exploring the outdoors, and volunteering to support mental health initiatives and community education. Jahnavi brings enthusiasm and curiosity to the OTA role, ensuring a collaborative, client-centred experience under the guidance of registered OTs at the clinic. |
Mounika Mamidi, Office Manager
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Mounika Mamidi, Office Manager, completed her Bachelor’s degree in computer science and pursued a career in Payroll and Administration. She has over 5 years of experience in the administrative sector and a two year of experience in payroll sector at medium and large corporations.
Mounika has several years of volunteer experience in various non-profit organizations in USA. She moved to Vancouver from USA in 2019 with her family and joined Skilled Kids team as the Office Manager in 2020. Mounika oversees accounts, client records, is responsible for the efficient functioning of the office operations through a range of administrative, financial, and managerial tasks. Mounika is a self starter with excellent communication and organizational skills which help us support our clients. Mounika is mother of a toddler and enjoys spending time with her family. In her spare time she enjoys biking. |
Najifa Lamiya, Admin
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Najifa Lamiya, Admin, is currently a second year student at University of British Columbia, pursuing, Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with an expected graduation in 2029. Najifa is passionate about helping children and families and is dedicated to creating a welcoming, supportive environment for all the clients.
As an administrator at Skilled Kids Occupational Therapy, Najifa will be assisting families with scheduling appointments, answering inquiries and coordinating clinic operations. She hopes to explore future opportunities in social work and healthcare. She has been actively involved in volunteering with vulnerable children, teaching sports, mentoring youth, and organizing fundraisers for children with special needs. These experiences reinforce her commitment to supporting those in need. In her free time, Najifa enjoys expressing her creativity through painting, experimenting with new recipes, baking treats for family and friends, and exploring new hobbies. Najifa is available for phone calls from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm, Monday to Friday. You can also reach her through email at [email protected]. |
**Support staff has access to client files**
