About
Our Space
Our clinic officially opened in September 2023. We are conveniently located in the heart of Downtown Courtenay - just steps away from the theatre, library, local shops, restaurants, and the Courtenay River. Our space has been carefully designed to create an inviting, comfortable, and functional space for your child to learn and play.
Meet the Team
Cynthia Lau (she/her/hers)
Owner + Occupational Therapist
Hi! Meet Cynthia, owner and occupational therapist of Community Kids OT. Cynthia has been working with children in different settings for over a decade. She came across pediatric occupational therapy while studying social inclusion at Quest University Canada (Squamish, BC) and instantly knew it was the right career for her. This led her to pursue her Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy at McMaster University (Hamilton, ON).
Over the years, Cynthia has gained valuable experience working in both early intervention and school-aged therapy. She has had the opportunity to work all over the province, including the Fraser Valley, Sea-to-Sky Corridor, Greater Vancouver Area, and remote First Nation communities.
Cynthia's therapy style is focused on function i.e., getting kids to do the things that they need to do or want to do! Cynthia utilizes a strengths-based approach and always aim to make therapy fun and engaging. She is passionate about getting children of all abilities involved in the community.
Cynthia is a big believer in play, even as an adult! She currently lives in Cumberland, BC where you'll find her mountain biking, rock climbing, and paddling in her spare time. On really rainy days, you'll find her crafting at home.
Cynthia is registered as an occupational therapist with the College of Health and Care Professionals of British Columbia (CHCPBC) and listed on the Registry of Autism Service Providers (RASP).
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AEIOU - An Integrated Approach to Pediatric Feeding - Food Smart Kids
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Astronaut Training: A Sound Activated Vestibular-Visual Protocol - Vital Links
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Becoming a Behavioural Detective: Understanding and Supporting Complex Behaviours - Kim Barthel
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Building Blocks for Sensory Integration - Vital Links
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Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
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Collaborative & Proactive Solutions - Ross Greene
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Embracing and Understanding Individual Differences - Rosemary White
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Executive Functioning Across the Lifespan - Sarah Ward
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Exploring and Applying Psycho-Sensory Interventions and Trauma Informed-Practice - Kim Barthel
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Handwriting Without Tears
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Inclusive Trauma Informed Practice Through a Lens of Cultural Safety
- The BC Association for Child Development and Intervention
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Kids Bowel & Bladder - Treatment of Bowel and Bladder Disorders Level 1 & 2
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Learn Play Thrive Approach To Autism
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Motivational Interviewing
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Multicontext Approach - Joan Toglia
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Safe and Sound Protocol
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Social Thinking
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SOS Approach to Feeding Conference and Tools in Your Pantry: Effectively Using the New Oral-Motor Steps to Eating
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The ALERT (How Does My Engine Run) Program
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The Cognitive Orientation of Daily Occupational Performance (CO-OP) Approach
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The Zones of Regulation
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Visual Perception and Its Impact on Learning - Sensational Brain
Cynthia has taken a number of continuing education courses, including:
Farai Simbabure (she/her/hers)
Occupational Therapist
Hello! Meet Farai, an occupational therapist at Community Kids OT. Over the past five years, Farai has been working with youths, adults, and seniors in various settings.
With a passion for helping individuals gain the skills they need to reach their goals, occupational therapy has been a great fit for Farai. Farai completed her Bachelor of Occupational Therapy in South Africa, which provided her with a unique context to learn about occupational therapy.
Farai's approach to therapy is focused on highlighting individual strengths in order to support participation in activities that are important. Farai believes therapy should be fun, meaningful, and collaborative.
As someone who grew up loving being in the water, Farai is excited to offer aquatic occupational therapy through Community Kids OT. The therapeutic benefits of water are immense in supporting kids' gross motor development, confidence, social skills, and integration of sensory systems.
In her spare time, you can find her on the ocean paddleboarding, freediving, or swimming. Farai has a passion for travel and her last trip took her on an adventure throughout Egypt.
Farai is registered with the College of Health and Care Professionals of British Columbia as an occupational therapist. She is listed on the Registry of Autism Service Providers (RASP).
Jillian Allan (she/her/hers)
Occupational Therapist
Hi! Meet Jill, an occupational therapist at Community Kids OT. Jill is a graduate of Dalhousie University’s Master of Occupational Therapy program in Halifax, Nova Scotia. She completed her undergraduate degree in Sport, Health, and Physical Education at Vancouver Island University in Nanaimo.
During her studies Jill completed a fieldwork placement in the pediatrics department at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, where she was able to learn alongside experienced therapists and support children and their families. Since graduating, she has worked as a pediatric occupational therapist at the Laichwiltach Family Life Society, the Comox Valley Child Development Association, and the Port Alberni Outreach Therapy Program.
Jill brings a wealth of experience from various roles working with children and youth with diverse abilities. She has completed training with the Get Permission Institute, the Chicago Feeding Group, the STAR Institute, and the International Interprofessional Mentorship Program. Jill believes in play-based learning, neuro-affirming practice, and working towards collaborative functional goals.
Outside of work, Jill enjoys playing soccer, mountain biking, paddling, music, snow sports, and spending time outdoors with her young daughter and family. She is excited to be working in the vibrant Comox Valley community and contribute to the health and well-being of local children and families!
Jill is registered as an occupational therapist with the College of Health and Care Professionals of British Columbia (CHCPBC) and listed on the Registry of Autism Service Providers (RASP).
Sandra Quek (she/her/hers)
Occupational Therapy Assistant
Hi! Meet Sandra, our wonderful occupational therapy assistant (OTA). She works under the supervision of our occupational therapists and helps implement therapy plans.
As a mother of four, Sandra knows the joys and challenges of parenting. Her personal experience shapes how she approaches therapy: with empathy, patience, creativity, and a whole lot of heart!
Sandra is excited to be working as an occupational therapy assistant at Community Kids OT. She is passionate about helping little humans grow into their best, most amazing selves. Fun fact: she is also bilingual in French and English!
When she's not in the clinic, you can find her running the trails, baking something delicious, reading a good book, or chasing after her own kids!