Ashlee Bardell, MSc, OT Reg. (Ont.)

Occupational Therapy Clinical Manager

Specialized Occupational Therapist with Diverse Clinical Expertise

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Ashlee is a Registered Occupational Therapist in good standing with the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario, bringing a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her practice. Her strong academic foundation includes a Master of Science degree in Occupational Therapy from Western University, complemented by a Bachelor of Science in Human Kinetics from the University of Ottawa—a combination that provides her with deep insights into human movement, function, and rehabilitation.

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Comprehensive Clinical Experience

With extensive experience across multiple healthcare environments, Ashlee has developed specialized skills in both inpatient and community mental health settings. Her professional journey includes valuable experience in the insurance sector, where she has served individuals who have sustained physical, cognitive, and psychological injuries resulting from motor vehicle and workplace accidents.

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Ashlee has dedicated years to supporting individuals with acquired brain injury and those experiencing mental illness, developing nuanced approaches to complex rehabilitation challenges. Her practice is characterized by a holistic understanding of how injuries and conditions affect every aspect of daily functioning and quality of life.

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Advanced Assessment Capabilities

Ashlee's extensive qualifications enable her to conduct a comprehensive range of specialized assessments, including:

• In-home and community-based functional assessments

• Functional cognitive assessments

• Attendant care needs determinations

• Catastrophic determination assessments

• Future cost of care evaluations

• Worksite assessments

 

These advanced assessment skills allow her to develop detailed, evidence-based intervention plans that address the full spectrum of clients' needs while supporting their journey toward maximum independence and quality of life.

Her approach combines clinical expertise with genuine compassion, creating therapeutic relationships built on trust, respect, and collaborative goal-setting. Ashlee remains committed to ongoing professional development, ensuring her practice continues to reflect the latest advancements in occupational therapy and rehabilitation science.

Aleah King, MSc, OT Reg. (Ont.)

Occupational Therapy Clinical Manager

Dynamic Clinical Leader and Specialized Occupational Therapist

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Aleah is a distinguished Occupational Therapist registered with the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario (COTO) and an active member of the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT). As the Clinical Director overseeing the Niagara region clinics, she brings exceptional leadership, clinical expertise, and a passion for rehabilitation excellence to her role.

Her robust academic background includes an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree in Health Studies & Gerontology from McMaster University, complemented by a certificate in Applied Behaviour Analysis from Mohawk College. This foundation in behavioral science enhances her understanding of human functioning and intervention approaches. Aleah further advanced her expertise by completing her Master of Science (MSc) degree in Occupational Therapy at McMaster University, establishing herself as a well-rounded healthcare professional.

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Diverse Clinical Experience

Aleah has cultivated extensive experience across multiple sectors, allowing her to develop a comprehensive approach to rehabilitation. Her diverse background includes:

• Motor vehicle accident rehabilitation

• Long-term disability support and assessment

• Veterans Affairs Canada services

• Pediatric therapy for children with developmental needs

 

This breadth of experience enables her to adapt her therapeutic approach to clients with varying needs, ages, and conditions while effectively managing the clinical operations across the Niagara region.

 

Advanced Training and Certifications

Committed to evidence-based practice and continuing professional development, Aleah has pursued advanced training and certifications in multiple specialized areas:

• In-home and attendant care assessments

• Ergonomic assessments

• Exposure therapy techniques

• Concussion management protocols

• Chronic pain management strategies

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

• Specialized handwriting intervention approaches

 

Leadership Excellence

As the clinical leader for the Niagara clinics, Aleah combines her therapeutic expertise with outstanding management skills to ensure exceptional client care. Her leadership approach emphasizes clinical excellence, interdisciplinary collaboration, and client-centered practice throughout all aspects of service delivery.

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Her commitment to maintaining the highest standards of care while fostering a supportive environment for both clients and clinical team members has established the Niagara clinics as centers of rehabilitation excellence within the community.

Gwen Kakouris, MScOT, OT Reg (Ont.)

Senior Occupational Therapy Clinical Manager

Specialized Occupational Therapist with Expertise in Complex Rehabilitation

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Gwen Kakouris is a dedicated Occupational Therapist with comprehensive training and specialized expertise in complex rehabilitation and functional assessment. Her academic foundation began at the University of Toronto, where she earned a Bachelor of Science with a Specialist in Psychology. Following her undergraduate studies, she immersed herself in post-graduate research exploring the psycho-biological mechanisms of decision-making, addiction, and mental health while actively volunteering for mental health initiatives throughout Toronto.

Her passion for rehabilitation led her to Queen's University, where she completed her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MScOT). During this time, she gained valuable clinical experience working with adults with psychiatric, dual-diagnosis, orthopedic, neurological, and palliative conditions across long-term care, rehabilitation, and community settings. This diverse experience fostered her interest in community development and evidence-based approaches to community integration.

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Comprehensive Clinical Expertise

Since beginning her professional practice in southern Ontario, Gwen has developed exceptional expertise in managing a wide range of complex conditions, including:

• Acquired Brain Injury and Concussion

• Spinal Cord Injury

• Amputee Rehabilitation

• Complex Psychiatric and Orthopedic Conditions

• Chronic Pain Management

• Psychological Conditions (PTSD, Mood/Behavioral Disorders, Addictions)

• Specialized Assessment Services

 

Gwen provides thorough and detailed assessment services, including:

• Future Cost of Care Evaluations

• Medical Legal Reports and Rebuttals

• Assessments of Attendant Care Needs

• Non-Earner and Housekeeping Benefits Assessments

• Vocational Assessments (Work Site, Ergonomic, Cognitive/Physical Demands Analysis)

• Catastrophic Assessments (AMA & GOSE)

 

Advanced Intervention Approaches

Her client-centered approach encompasses a broad spectrum of interventions:

• Interprofessional Collaboration

• Hospital Discharge Planning

• Home Safety Assessment

• Cognitive Screening (MoCA Certified)

• Sleep Hygiene Programs

• Driver/Passenger Anxiety Management

• Functional Restoration and ADL Re-training

• Chronic Pain Management Programs

• Cognitive Remediation and Compensatory Training

• Functional Return to Work Programming

• Low Vision Rehabilitation

• Behavioral Modification and Reactivation

• Home/Vehicle Accessibility Assessment

• Assistive Device Prescription

• Passive Range of Motion Programming

• Spasticity/Contracture Management

• Decubitus Ulcer Management and Pressure Management

• Wheelchair/Walker Assessment and Prescription

• Equipment Recommendations and Discharge Planning

• Return to School Programming and Systems Navigation

• Communication Device Assessment

• Goal Management Training

• Mood Management Programming (PGAP, Anxiety Strategies)

• Community Re-integration

• Facilitation of Return to Recreation and Leisure

• Case Management

• Supervision of Rehabilitation Support Workers

 

Professional Development and Specialized Training

Gwen maintains her clinical excellence through ongoing professional development in:

• Cognitive Screening and Assessment

• Situational Assessments

• Practical Application of Mindfulness Strategies

• Motivational Interviewing

• Addictions Management

• Homelessness Support

• Visual Perceptual and Visual-Spatial Deficits

• Assessment of Motor Processing Skills

• Vehicle Adaptations

• Neurobehavioral Interventions

• Ergonomics

• Low Vision Rehabilitation

• Wheelchair Seating

• Prosthetics

• Chronic Pain Management

 

Professional Certifications

As a certified calibrated AMPS Rater (Assessment of Motor and Process Skills) and an authorized provider with the Assistive Devices Program (ADP), Gwen brings specialized assessment skills to her practice. She has extensive experience implementing Strengths-Based Case Management, Progressive Goal Attainment Program (PGAP), Goal Management Training (GMT), pain management protocols, return to work programming, job demands analysis, ergonomic assessment, and palliative care.

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Guided by the belief that client-centered Occupational Therapy is instrumental in helping people engage in meaningful activities across self-care, productivity, and leisure pursuits, Gwen continues to enhance her expertise through ongoing education in neurorehabilitation, cognitive assessment, and rehabilitation techniques.

Samantha Maas-Crowell, MSc, OT Reg. (Ont.)

Indigenous Professional Practice Leader

First Nations Dene Cree Occupational Therapist and Cultural Advocate

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Samantha Maas-Crowell is a proud First Nations Dene Cree Occupational Therapist registered in good standing with the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario (COTO). Her professional affiliations extend to the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT), the Ontario Society of Occupational Therapists (OSOT), and the Occupational Therapists Aboriginal Health Network, reflecting her commitment to both her profession and Indigenous health advocacy.

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Academic Excellence and Cultural Perspective

Samantha's educational journey includes a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from McMaster University, built upon a strong foundation of a Bachelor of Arts in Gerontology and Health Studies from the same institution. This comprehensive education, combined with her Indigenous heritage, gives her a unique perspective on healthcare that bridges traditional Western approaches with Indigenous healing philosophies.

 

Cross-Provincial Clinical Experience

With significant experience spanning both hospital and community settings across Ontario and British Columbia, Samantha has developed versatile clinical skills adaptable to diverse healthcare environments. Her specialized experience working within Indigenous Communities has shaped her distinctive Indigenous Strength-Based approach to therapy, honoring traditional values while incorporating evidence-based practices.

 

Comprehensive Treatment Expertise

Samantha provides thorough assessment and direct treatment for individuals and children across the lifespan with a wide spectrum of conditions, including but not limited to:

• Neurological conditions and rehabilitation

• Musculoskeletal injuries and disorders

• Psychological and behavioral health challenges

• Orthopedic conditions and recovery

 

Cultural Competence and Specialized Certifications

Deeply committed to evidence-based practice and ongoing professional development, Samantha holds certifications in numerous clinical specialties:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Level 1

• Motivational Interviewing techniques

• Cognitive Rehabilitation approaches

• Sensory Integration protocols

• Indigenous Awareness training

• Indigenous Communication and Consultation methods

 

Advocacy and Cultural Bridge-Building

Samantha takes profound pride in providing culturally competent care that respects and incorporates Indigenous healing traditions while utilizing contemporary therapeutic techniques. Her practice serves as a vital bridge between traditional Indigenous approaches to wellness and modern occupational therapy.

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As a passionate advocate for marginalized groups within Canada, she works tirelessly to ensure equitable access to healthcare services while educating colleagues and clients about Indigenous perspectives on health and healing. Her practice embodies the principle that cultural understanding is fundamental to effective therapeutic relationships and outcomes.

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Through her unique combination of professional expertise and cultural insight, Samantha creates therapeutic environments where Indigenous and non-Indigenous clients alike receive care that honors their whole person—body, mind, and spirit.

Jenna Copeland MscOT, OT Reg. (Ont.)

Development Professional Practice Leader