The Team
Dr. Kate Ballem Chase, Founder, Director, SLP
Dr. Kate Ballem Chase is a registered Speech-Language Pathologist and a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst. She is a certified therapist in both JASPER and the Early Start Denver Model. After pursuing undergraduate studies at the University of Victoria, Kate studied at the University of Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar, where she completed her doctorate in Experimental Psychology in 2004, with a focus on early language and cognitive development. After returning from Oxford, Kate completed her clinical training as a speech-language pathologist at the University of British Columbia in 2006. Kate worked briefly at the BC Centre for Ability before joining Loyst and Associates Autism Services, where she led the early intensive intervention team in the Richmond area from 2007-2013. Kate is also a Clinical Assistant Professor in the School of Audiology and Speech Science at the University of British Columbia. When she isn’t playing with clients and their parents, Kate can be found playing outside with her husband, two children, and their dog!
Patty (Wu) Zimmerman, Founder, Director, OT
Patty (Wu) Zimmerman has been a practicing occupational therapist since 1988. She is a certified therapist in both JASPER and the Early Start Denver Model. She was trained at the University of Puget Sound, where she specialized in paediatrics with additional internships in the United States. She returned to Canada and after working at BC Centre for Ability for 15 years, she launched a private practice, Benchmark OTS , which has provided outstanding occupational therapy service in the Richmond area since 2002. Patty has extensive training in sensory integration, feeding therapy, executive functioning, and many other areas of specialized occupational therapy.When not playing with kids and their parents, Patty can be found enjoying the outdoors with her husband, two boys and their dog.
Andrea Schneider, OT
Andrea Schneider is a registered Occupational Therapist and a cerified Early Start Denver Model therapist with a background in Neuropsychology. She completed a Masters of Science in Experimental Neuropsychology at the University of Victoria (UVic) in 2012, and a Masters of Occupational Therapy at the University of British Columbia in 2014. Her research at UVic focused on the assessment of executive function, and she directed a research lab focused on improving intervention for school-aged children with Learning Disabilities and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Andrea is an avid outdoors enthusiast, and when she is not playing at Nurture she can be found volunteering as an adaptive ski instructor, rock climbing, or hiking.
David Herb, SLP
David Herb is a registered speech language pathologist and a certified Early Start Denver Model therapist. David has a background working with a variety of communication disorders in both children and adults. He completed an undergraduate degree in linguistics and psychology at Simon Fraser University prior to completing his Masters of Science in Speech Language Pathology at the University of British Columbia. He is passionate about using evidence-based practice to bring each client an effective, individualized therapy program. Outside of work, David enjoys playing guitar, attending concerts, and getting outdoors.
Emily Lee, OT
Emily Lee is a registered Occupational Therapist and a certified Early Start Denver Model therapist. She completed her undergraduate degree in Occupational Therapy at the University of Toronto in 2002. Upon graduation Emily dove into working with children, the source of her inspiration for becoming an OT. After moving to the west coast she worked at St. Paul's Hospital for half a year and then joined the Early Intervention Therapy program at the BC Centre for Ability. Emily worked with children with a broad range of strengths and needs, including many children with autism. During her final year at the BC Centre for Ability she directed the occupational therapy department, supervising the provision of OT services across 5 programs. Switching gears in 2016, Emily completed her Masters of Rehabilitation Sciences through the University of British Columbia in 2017. Through her studies she has extensively explored research literature regarding early identification of and intervention for Developmental Coordination Disorder. During her family time, Emily can be found playing in the woods or at the pool with her husband and two kids.
Shelby Sutker, SLP
Shelby Sutker is a registered Speech-Language Pathologist, certified in both JASPER the Early Start Denver Model. She is passionate about helping families by providing them with the tools to grow and learn. Growing up with a brother with autism she experienced first hand what it is to want the best outcome for her family and was inspired to pursue a career in intervention. Shelby has extensive experience working with children and adolescents with autism. Prior to becoming an SLP, she worked as a support worker and behaviour interventionist. She obtained her undergraduate degree in linguistics and psychology at Simon Fraser University before completing her master's in Speech-Language Pathology at the University of British Columbia. When she’s not playing at Nurture, Shelby enjoys learning the cello, riding her bike and solving mysteries in real life escape games.
Lauren Steele, OT
Lauren Steele is an Occupational Therapist at Nurture and a certified JASPER therapist. She completed her undergraduate degree in Biology at Queen’s University before completing her Masters of Occupational Therapy Practice at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia. She brings experience working with children and their families through opportunities volunteering at Sunnyhill in recreation therapy, on clinical placements, including her time at Nurture, and working as a support worker. Lauren is passionate about working with a collaborative and strengths-based approach. She is excited by Nurture’s play-based services and enjoys bringing her warm and engaging attitude to sessions. When not at Nurture, you will find her exploring the outdoors with her dog.
Emma Hutchinson, SLP
Emma Hutchinson is a registered Speech-Language Pathologist and a certified JASPER therapist. She graduated with a BA in psychology and a certificate in speech sciences at Simon Fraser University before completing her M.Sc. in Speech-Language Pathology at the University of British Columbia. Prior to becoming an SLP, Emma volunteered in children’s speech and language groups and worked as a research assistant in a first language acquisition and infant development lab. During her clinical externships, she gained valuable experience implementing evidence-based practice when providing therapy to preschool and school-age children with complex communication differences. Emma is passionate about continuous learning and strives to implement a collaborative play-based therapy approach to best support clients and their families. When she’s not playing at Nurture, Emma enjoys being active and exploring the outdoors.
Robyn Lepa, OT
Robyn is a registered Occupational Therapist. She completed her Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy at McMaster University and an Honours Bachelors of Science in Psychology and Biology at Queen’s University. Robyn approaches therapy by building on children’s strengths and she believes positive and collaborative relationships are foundational to practice. Before becoming an OT, Robyn worked in early childhood education and in school-aged care. Robyn’s love of play has been shaped by her years working as a camp counsellor and a ski instructor. When Robyn is not at Nurture, she can be found mountain biking, skiing and windsurfing!
Felicia Tong, SLP
Felicia Tong is a registered Speech-Language Pathologist. She completed her undergraduate degree in Speech Science and Psychology at the University of British Columbia prior to completing her Masters in Speech Language Pathology at the University of Alberta. Felicia enjoys working with children and is inspired by their bright minds and creativity. Through clinical practicums, behavioural intervention and volunteer work, she has supported children with complex speech, language and social communication needs. Felicia believes in a positive, collaborative and play based approach to therapy. She is also fluent in English and Cantonese. When she’s not playing at Nurture, Felicia enjoys rock climbing and trying new foods.
Gavina Sian, SLP
Gavina Sian is a registered Speech-Language Pathologist. She attended the University of British Columbia, where she completed both her BA in Speech Sciences with a minor in Psychology and her M.Sc. in Speech-Language Pathology. Gavina has had the opportunity to volunteer with both children and adults in many capacities. However, her work with children with developmental differences solidified her passion for pediatric Speech-Language Pathology. Her clinical externships with preschool and school-aged children allowed her to gain valuable knowledge regarding the implementation of high quality, evidence-based therapy. Gavina is passionate about supporting children and their families through individualized therapy and strives to continuously develop her skills by being a lifelong learner. When Gavina is not at Nurture, she can be found playing with her puppy, going to hockey games, or reading a book.
BI
Alicia Pereira, BI
Alicia Pereira, BI
Alicia Pereira, BI
Alicia Pereira is a Senior Behaviour Interventionist who has been with Nurture since 2017. She graduated from the University of British Columbia with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. Alicia first joined Nurture as a volunteer in 2016 and has also been a Canucks Autism Network volunteer since 2013. She is an enthusiastic and engaging BI w
Alicia Pereira is a Senior Behaviour Interventionist who has been with Nurture since 2017. She graduated from the University of British Columbia with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. Alicia first joined Nurture as a volunteer in 2016 and has also been a Canucks Autism Network volunteer since 2013. She is an enthusiastic and engaging BI who is dedicated to building relationships with children and families that focus on play-based learning and fun. In addition to playing with her kids at Nurture, Alicia is a provincial field hockey coach who spends her evenings and weekends at the field coaching, playing and umpiring. In her spare time, Alicia loves to bake, go camping and explore new places and delicious food.
Sarah Philley, BI
Alicia Pereira, BI
Alicia Pereira, BI
Sarah Philley is a Senior Behaviour Interventionist who started with Nurture in 2016. Sarah completed her undergraduate degree in psychology from Simon Fraser University. She is a warm and engaging BI who is committed to relationship building and play-based learning in a positive and fun environment. Sarah is passionate about providing th
Sarah Philley is a Senior Behaviour Interventionist who started with Nurture in 2016. Sarah completed her undergraduate degree in psychology from Simon Fraser University. She is a warm and engaging BI who is committed to relationship building and play-based learning in a positive and fun environment. Sarah is passionate about providing the best services to her clients and values expanding her knowledge and skillset in order to do so. When she’s not playing with kids at Nurture, Sarah enjoys baking, painting, and getting outdoors.
Orla Murphy, BI
Alicia Pereira, BI
Suzanna Campbell, BI
Orla Murphy is a Senior Behaviour Interventionist. She graduated with a B.A. in Social Care and has since worked in a variety of healthcare, community, and home settings supporting young children and their families. She also spent time working in community development and health promotion for teenagers and families at risk. In 2015, she m
Orla Murphy is a Senior Behaviour Interventionist. She graduated with a B.A. in Social Care and has since worked in a variety of healthcare, community, and home settings supporting young children and their families. She also spent time working in community development and health promotion for teenagers and families at risk. In 2015, she moved to Canada, from Ireland, seeking some adventure and has called Vancouver her home ever since. After almost five years working as a Behaviour Interventionist at Nurture, she feels lucky to have such a fun, diverse, and playful job. At weekends you will find her spending time with her dog, at the climbing wall, or exploring beautiful BC.
Suzanna Campbell, BI
Simone Hubner da Silva Kieling, BI
Suzanna Campbell, BI
Suzanna Campbell is a Behaviour Interventionist with a degree in Psychology and Health Sciences from Western University. She has completed additional training in Behaviour Intervention through Douglas College and is a Registered Behaviour Technician under the Behaviour Analyst Certification Board. Suzanna joined Nurture in January 2020, b
Suzanna Campbell is a Behaviour Interventionist with a degree in Psychology and Health Sciences from Western University. She has completed additional training in Behaviour Intervention through Douglas College and is a Registered Behaviour Technician under the Behaviour Analyst Certification Board. Suzanna joined Nurture in January 2020, bringing several years of experience working with young children with ASD. She is passionate in her work supporting children and families and brings a confident and relaxed style to her therapy sessions.
Simone Hubner da Silva Kieling, BI
Simone Hubner da Silva Kieling, BI
Simone Hubner da Silva Kieling, BI
Simone Hubner da Silva Kieling is a Senior Behavior Interventionist at Nurture. She graduated with a bachelor's degree in Physiotherapy from Brazil and a recent diploma in Kinesiology from Langara College. Always passionate about working with children, she found in her role as a BI a wonderful way to learn and explore new skills while hav
Simone Hubner da Silva Kieling is a Senior Behavior Interventionist at Nurture. She graduated with a bachelor's degree in Physiotherapy from Brazil and a recent diploma in Kinesiology from Langara College. Always passionate about working with children, she found in her role as a BI a wonderful way to learn and explore new skills while having lots of fun. Before joining the Nurture team, Simone worked as BI for other institutions, bringing in years of experience working with children. She is passionate about promoting a fun, engaged, and playful environment for kids to learn and explore all aspects of their development. Outside Nurture, Simone loves hiking, practicing yoga, and trying new and healthy recipes.
Kali Edmeston, BI
Simone Hubner da Silva Kieling, BI
Simone Hubner da Silva Kieling, BI
Kali Edmeston is a Behaviour Interventionist at Nurture. She has a BSc. in Biology and psychology with a focus on neurodevelopment and language acquisition from the University of Victoria. Before joining the Nurture team Kali worked with a variety of childcare programs as well as as a swim coach for the Canucks Autism Network. She brings
Kali Edmeston is a Behaviour Interventionist at Nurture. She has a BSc. in Biology and psychology with a focus on neurodevelopment and language acquisition from the University of Victoria. Before joining the Nurture team Kali worked with a variety of childcare programs as well as as a swim coach for the Canucks Autism Network. She brings with her many years of experience working with children of all ages in a variety of settings. Kali is excited about the play based approach and the opportunity to be part of such a wonderful team! She is passionate about learning and hopes to provide a supported, happy and engaging environment where learning can happen for everyone. In her spare time she can be found reading, climbing and baking!
Sarah Crowley, BI
Katie O'Connell, BI
Isabella Perry, BI
Sarah Crowley is a Senior Behaviour Interventionist at Nurture. She graduated with a Bachelor of Social Science Degree from Ireland and a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from Queen Margaret University, Scotland in 2018. She practiced as an Occupational Therapist for just under 4 years in Ireland within a child development centre
Sarah Crowley is a Senior Behaviour Interventionist at Nurture. She graduated with a Bachelor of Social Science Degree from Ireland and a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from Queen Margaret University, Scotland in 2018. She practiced as an Occupational Therapist for just under 4 years in Ireland within a child development centre supporting children with a variety of needs. Sarah has an extensive amount of experience working in various healthcare and support roles working with children with Autism. She is passionate about creating a playful, fun and engaging environment aiming to maximise each child’s independence. In her spare time, Sarah enjoys being outdoors, exploring new places, and trying new foods.
Isabella Perry, BI
Katie O'Connell, BI
Isabella Perry, BI
Isabella Perry is a Behaviour Interventionist at Nurture. She graduated with a BA in Criminal Justice and Public Policy and a minor in Family and Child Studies from the University of Guelph. Prior to joining Nurture, she worked and volunteered in a variety of education settings where she supported children with developmental differences.
Isabella Perry is a Behaviour Interventionist at Nurture. She graduated with a BA in Criminal Justice and Public Policy and a minor in Family and Child Studies from the University of Guelph. Prior to joining Nurture, she worked and volunteered in a variety of education settings where she supported children with developmental differences. She spent 2 years working as a BI in Ontario and Saskatchewan. She is excited to continue her work at Nurture, and is passionate about play-based, child-lead interventions that foster independence and fun in learning. Isabella was raised on Haida Gwaii in northern BC where she spent most of her life hiking in the forest and riding horses on the beach. Having recently moved to Vancouver, she spends her spare time exploring the city, at the gym, and relaxing at home with her cat.
Katie O'Connell, BI
Katie O'Connell, BI
Katie O'Connell, BI
Katie O’Connell is a Behaviour Interventionist who graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Speech and Language Therapy in from the National University of Ireland, Galway. She has previous experience working with children with speech, language and social communication difficulties in a primary care centre in Dublin, Ireland. Katie is passion
Katie O’Connell is a Behaviour Interventionist who graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Speech and Language Therapy in from the National University of Ireland, Galway. She has previous experience working with children with speech, language and social communication difficulties in a primary care centre in Dublin, Ireland. Katie is passionate about early years intervention. She promotes collaboration between clinician, family members and other important adults in the child’s life in order to holistically support each child’s communication development. Prior to joining the Nurture team, Katie travelled around South America, and has previously lived in Australia and New Zealand. She loves to hike and spends her free time exploring Vancouver’s great outdoors.
Support Staff
Nathan Cooper, Office Manager
Shelby Wright, Clinic Assistant and Organizer
Shelby Wright, Clinic Assistant and Organizer
Nathan is the Office Manager at Nurture, joining the team after having graduated with his BSc in Biology at the University of British Columbia. He came to beautiful British Columbia from his home in The Bahamas in 2017, and still loves finding new things to love about the province. In his spare time, he can be found playing Dungeons & Dragons, trying random restaurants, or enjoying a nice book at the beach.
Shelby Wright, Clinic Assistant and Organizer
Shelby Wright, Clinic Assistant and Organizer
Shelby Wright, Clinic Assistant and Organizer
Shelby has come to Nurture for a fresh start! After graduating from culinary school and working nearly a decade in the catering industry, Shelby brings their organizational skills to keep track of every Duplo block and puzzle piece in the office. Shelby is always happy to help with whatever the team needs, and ensures that Nurture remains a safe, clean space for all to play!
When they're not supporting their friends at Nurture, Shelby can be found exploring new restaurants, wandering through bookshops, or playing in the kitchen at home.