Our Founders & Leadership 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. She is also the proud mom of a neurodiverse daughter. 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 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!
Emily Lee, Clinical Practice Lead, OT
Emily Lee is a registered Occupational Therapist, and Board Certified Behaviour Analyst. She is certified in both JASPER and the Early Start Denver Model. 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 and joined the Nurture team. 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.
Patty (Wu) Zimmerman, Founder
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. Patty retired from her role as Director of OT in 2023, but continues to work with Nurture on the Board of Directors.
Clinicians
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.
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.
Felicia Tong, SLP
Felicia Tong is a registered Speech-Language Pathologist and a certified JASPER therapist. She is also a certified provider of the Hanen It Takes Two to Talk® program. 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. She has supported children with complex speech, language, and communication needs in a variety of roles over the years. 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.
Sanna Lui, SLP
Sanna (Wing Shan) Lui is a Registered Speech-Language Pathologist. Sanna obtained her Masters of Speech Therapy from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University and her Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics, Language and Communication from The University of Hong Kong. With four years of experience in Hong Kong, she has worked extensively with children with diverse needs in special schools, non-profit organizations, and private clinics. Sanna is a PROMPT Trained Therapist, a certified practitioner of It Takes Two to Talk® – The Hanen Program and a DIR Floortime® Provider. She also holds certifications in TalkTools® by Sara Rosenfeld-Johnson at Level 1 and Beckman Oral Motor Assessment and Intervention. She is fluent in Cantonese and Mandarin in addition to English. Sanna is passionate about making a difference in children's lives through speech and language therapy.
Outside of her work, Sanna enjoys cooking, learning new languages, and spending quality time with friends and family.
Nikita Dadlani, SLP
Nikita Dadlani is a registered Speech Language Pathologist. She completed her Masters in Speech Language Pathology & Audiology from Manipal University, India. Nikita is PROMPT trained, and Hanen certified for the It Takes Two to Talk® and More Than Words® programs. She is also certified in assistive technology applications. Through her previous roles, Nikita has worked on research focussed on early identification and intervention for autism, and supported children with complex social and communication needs in schools, hospitals and clinical settings. She strongly believes in the power of play as a medium for intervention and the magic of family centered individualized intervention programs. In addition to English, Nikita also speaks Hindi, Sindhi, Kannada, and Tamil. When she’s not playing at Nurture, Nikita can be found reading a book, exploring some restaurants & cafes with friends and family or traveling.
Tiara Ojeda, OT
Tiara Gertrude Ojeda is a registered Occupational Therapist. She obtained her undergraduate degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of Santo Tomas in Manila, Philippines. She practiced in the Philippines for 5 years before becoming registered to practice in British Columbia. She employs a holistic approach, combining evidence-based practices with personalized therapy plans tailored to each child’s unique needs. Her compassionate nature and patience allow her to build strong, trusting relationships with her young clients and their families, fostering an environment where children can thrive. Tiara continually seeks to expand her knowledge and skills, staying updated with the latest advancements in pediatric occupational therapy. In her free time, she can often be found exploring new restaurants, camping, and traveling, all while spending time with her family and friends.
Katie O'Connell, SLP
Katie O’Connell is a Speech Language Pathologist 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.
Mikayla Toal, SLP
Mikayla Toal is a registered Speech-Language Pathologist. Prior to becoming an SLP, Mikayla completed her undergraduate degree in psychology and linguistics. Through this education, Mikayla found a love for language learning and went on to pursue her M.Sc. in Speech-Language Pathology at the University of Alberta. Mikayla has experience supporting individuals with a variety of complex communication support needs, including language, speech sounds, social communication and alternative and augmentative communication (AAC) goals. She is committed to ongoing learning, and prioritizes a holistic approach to best support each individual's needs. She is also passionate about creating a positive and playful environment for children to express themselves and learn new skills. Outside of work, Mikayla loves playing with her pets, seeing live music and exploring new restaurants.
Wan-Yi Chiu, BCBA
Wan-Yi Chiu is a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst and an internationally educated Occupational Therapist (awaiting registration in British Columbia). Wan-Yi completed a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy from Taiwan in 2012. Shortly after she became interested in autism, and began working as a behaviour interventionist, providing in-home and centre-based services in Taiwan. In 2016, Wan-Yi pursued her Master’s degree in Applied Behaviour Analysis at Teachers College, Columbia University, and worked in a preschool and elementary school setting during her practicum. She moved to Greater Vancouver in 2018 and has been supporting the autistic community ever since. Wan-Yi sees the family as a whole unit and provide supports through a neurodiversity affirming, developmental and trauma-informed lens. She joined the Nurture team to pursue her passion of providing comprehensive, well-rounded supports for families. In her free time, she enjoys mountain biking with her partner and their dog, exploring the natural beauty of British Columbia.
Randall Haime, OT
Randall is a father of 3, lifelong learner and graduate of the UBC, Master of Occupational Therapy Program. He has worked with kids as an OT, teacher, physical education teacher, program coordinator and coach for more than 30 years. He is on the Registry for Autism Service Providers (RASP) list and recent professional development courses include Jasper Level 1 Part A and B, SOS Feeding, courses from ICDL Floortime (DIR 101 - Introduction, 430 - Motor Planning), Cognitive Orientation to daily Occupational Performance (CO-OP), Reconciliation Education, Anxiety for Kids, and Learning Without Tears to name a few. Randall also has a Bachelor of Kinesiology, Bachelor of Education, Master of Science in Multidisciplinary Learning and a Post Graduate Certificate in Sensory Integration. Randall was an educator and lived and worked in South Korea, Colombia, Bahamas, China, Thailand, UK and Angola. He works and plays with kiddos across the age span and especially enjoys working with kiddos with neurodevelopmental challenges and collaborating on ways to increase participation and meaningful occupation, to validate and extend a love for play and build a growth mindset. When not wearing his OT hat, Randall enjoys spending time with his family doing anything active and being involved with music.
David Shaw, OT
David Shaw is a provisional Occupational Therapist and completed his Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy at the University of Alberta. He has a background in Kinesiology and assessing the ways we move our bodies throughout the day. David's playful nature helps him forge a strong connection with kids and teens alike. David has experience working with children of all ages with a wide variety of support needs and loves to be with kids in all the places they want and need to go (e.g. summer camp, school, biking, and swimming). Utilizing a strengths-based approach during play, David strives to meet children where they are at, to foster connection and build confidence in their abilities. Outside of his time playing at Nurture, David also spends his time playing ultimate frisbee, exploring the west coast, and trying new food.
Therapy Assistants
Alicia Pereira
Sarah Bianchini
Sarah Bianchini
Alicia Pereira is a Therapy Assistant 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 therapy assistant w
Alicia Pereira is a Therapy Assistant 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 therapy assistant 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 Bianchini
Sarah Bianchini
Sarah Bianchini
Sarah Bianchini is a Therapy Assistant who started with Nurture in 2016. Sarah completed her undergraduate degree in psychology from Simon Fraser University, and recently completed her Masters degree in Behaviour Analysis through Florida Institute of Technology. She is a warm and engaging therapy assistant who is committed to relationship
Sarah Bianchini is a Therapy Assistant who started with Nurture in 2016. Sarah completed her undergraduate degree in psychology from Simon Fraser University, and recently completed her Masters degree in Behaviour Analysis through Florida Institute of Technology. She is a warm and engaging therapy assistant 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
Sarah Bianchini
Simone Hubner da Silva Kieling
Orla Murphy is a Therapy Assistant. 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,
Orla Murphy is a Therapy Assistant. 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 many years working as a therapy assistant 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.
Simone Hubner da Silva Kieling
Simone Hubner da Silva Kieling
Simone Hubner da Silva Kieling
Simone Hubner da Silva Kieling is a Therapy Assistant 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 therapy assistant a wonderful way to learn and explore new skills while ha
Simone Hubner da Silva Kieling is a Therapy Assistant 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 therapy assistant 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
Simone Hubner da Silva Kieling
Kali Edmeston
Kali Edmeston is a Therapy Assistant 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
Kali Edmeston is a Therapy Assistant 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
Simone Hubner da Silva Kieling
Kali Edmeston
Sarah Crowley is a Therapy Assistant 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 chi
Sarah Crowley is a Therapy Assistant 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
Aishwarya Shete
Isabella Perry
Isabella Perry is a Therapy Assistant 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 spen
Isabella Perry is a Therapy Assistant 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. Bella spends her spare time exploring the city, at the gym, and relaxing at home with her cat.
Paula Campos
Aishwarya Shete
Isabella Perry
Paula Campos is a therapist assistant who graduated with a Bachelor's degree of Occupational Therapy in Colombia. She practiced as an Occupational Therapist in Colombia for several years, demonstrating her passion and the vocation for supporting neurodiverse children. She considers herself creative, patient and with great human warmth. In
Paula Campos is a therapist assistant who graduated with a Bachelor's degree of Occupational Therapy in Colombia. She practiced as an Occupational Therapist in Colombia for several years, demonstrating her passion and the vocation for supporting neurodiverse children. She considers herself creative, patient and with great human warmth. In addition to English, Paula speaks Spanish, she loves to work out, play soccer and dedicate time for her spiritual growth. She enjoys spending time at home and traveling around the world exploring new cultures and gastronomy in the company of her family. Paula is ready to learn and provide excellent support to families and children.
Aishwarya Shete
Aishwarya Shete
Aishwarya Shete
Aishwarya Shete is a Therapy Assistant at Nurture, who graduated from Simon Fraser University with a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology in 2018. She has worked extensively in the mental health care field as a mental health support worker for several years. Prior to joining Nurture, Aishwarya worked as a Behaviour Interventionist for two year
Aishwarya Shete is a Therapy Assistant at Nurture, who graduated from Simon Fraser University with a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology in 2018. She has worked extensively in the mental health care field as a mental health support worker for several years. Prior to joining Nurture, Aishwarya worked as a Behaviour Interventionist for two years in a variety of settings. She has a background in ESDM based group therapy, one-on-one, and social dyad groups. Aishwarya is passionate about play-based therapy and a holistic, client-centered approach. She is warm, fun, and dedicated to providing a supportive environment for each child's growth and independence. In her free time, she loves to volunteer, explore the outdoors, visit new food spots, and try different cuisines in Vancouver.
Julia Wagner
Julia Wagner
Aishwarya Shete
Julia Wagner is a Therapy Assistant who recently completed her Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Therapy in Switzerland. Alongside her mandatory internships in Switzerland, including a long-term placement in a pediatric hospital, Julia gained valuable experience during an internship in the summer of 2023 in the UK, working with children a
Julia Wagner is a Therapy Assistant who recently completed her Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Therapy in Switzerland. Alongside her mandatory internships in Switzerland, including a long-term placement in a pediatric hospital, Julia gained valuable experience during an internship in the summer of 2023 in the UK, working with children at a specialized facility focused on sensory integration. Julia is passionate about helping children reach their full potential and supporting their independence in daily life. She loves creating a playful, motivating, and growth-oriented environment for her clients. Julia’s optimism, flexibility & empathy shine through her interactions with her families, and help her connect deeply with the children she works with. Outside of work, Julia is very active and enjoys a variety of sports, including horseback riding and ball games. She also loves spending time in nature, and exploring new places with friends.
Melissa Hung
Julia Wagner
Melissa Hung
Melissa is a Therapy Assistant at Nurture. She graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Bimodal Bilingual Studies from The Chinese University of Hong Kong. Before joining Nurture, Melissa had experience supporting children with developmental differences when working as a behaviour interventionist in Hong Kong and volunteering in various educ
Melissa is a Therapy Assistant at Nurture. She graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Bimodal Bilingual Studies from The Chinese University of Hong Kong. Before joining Nurture, Melissa had experience supporting children with developmental differences when working as a behaviour interventionist in Hong Kong and volunteering in various educational settings. She is passionate and dedicated to providing a supportive and fun environment for children to learn and grow. She hopes she can connect with children with her engaging and patient personality. Apart from English, Melissa is also fluent in Cantonese and Mandarin. In her free time on the weekends, Melissa likes to crochet, try new recipes, and explore the outdoors.
Support Staff
Shelby Wright, Clinic Manager
Giuliana Pellizzari, Administrative Assistant
Giuliana Pellizzari, Administrative Assistant
Shelby is the Clinic Manager at Nurture, and works with our clinical and administrative teams to keep everything running smoothly.
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.
Giuliana Pellizzari, Administrative Assistant
Giuliana Pellizzari, Administrative Assistant
Giuliana Pellizzari, Administrative Assistant
Giuliana is the Administrative Assistant at Nurture. She works with Salina and our leadership team to help all the behind the scenes administrative work run smoothly
Scarlett Fontecha, Clinic Assistant
Scarlett Fontecha, Clinic Assistant
Scarlett Fontecha, Clinic Assistant
Scarlett is the Clinic Assistant at Nurture - she helps our therapy team stay organized, find all the right toys for each child's session, and keep things sparkling for your visit.
Salina Sian, Billing Assistant
Scarlett Fontecha, Clinic Assistant
Scarlett Fontecha, Clinic Assistant
Salina is the Billing assistant at Nurture, and helps us keep each family's account running smoothly.