The Heart of PlayWorks

Get to know the therapists who mix clinical expertise with playful energy to make therapy the highlight of your child’s week.

Lead Staff

Physiotherapist • Clinic Director • RASP Registered
Kate Heays

Residing in Coquitlam, Kate is thrilled to be offering physiotherapy services for children within her local community. Since graduating with a Masters of Science in Physiotherapy from the University of Toronto in 2010, Kate has worked with children in both private and public paediatric settings, including work at BC Children’s Hospital in the outpatient and oncology departments.

Kate is passionate about providing evidence based treatment and collaborating with other health care practitioners to provide an integrated approach for holistic treatment. She has experience working with patients with congenital, genetic and neurological disorders, Torticollis, Plagiocephaly, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Acute and post concussion syndrome as well as a acute and chronic orthopaedic conditions.

Kate regularly participates in continuing education. She has training in Bobath techniques, Cuevas Medek Exercises (level 2), soft tissue release techniques, Level 2 lower manual therapy, NeuroKinetic therapy, COOP training, oncology rehabilitation courses as well as other paediatric specific courses.

When not working, Kate is busy running after her two daughters and her dog Tui, who keep her very busy! In her spare time, Kate loves to paint, play field hockey and hike.

Certifications and Training:

DMI (Dynamic Movement Intervention) - Level C

CME (Cuevas Medek Exercises) - Level 1 & 2

BT (Bobath Techniques)

PFRP (Pelvic Floor Rehab for Pediatrics)

• Level 1: Physical Therapy Approach to Urinary Incontinence

• Level 2: Physical Therapy in Pelvic Pain

LEM (Lower Extremity Manual Therapy) - Level 1 & 2

NKT (Neurokinetic Therapy) - Level 1 & 2

STR (Soft Tissue Release)

CR (Concussion Rehabilitation Training)

COOP (Cognitive Orientation to Daily Occupational Performance) Training

VR (Vestibular Rehabilitation) - General and Pediatric Specific

• Multiple courses relevant to oncology rehabilitation, postural control, core strength in children, and autism-specific therapy training

Physiotherapist • Education Director • RASP Registered
Lindsay Eriksson

With over 17 years of experience, Lindsay has worked in both public and private settings within the community. She brings a deep passion for working with babies and children, guiding them toward achieving their goals through personalized, goal-oriented care. Her approach focuses on empowering children and their families through hands-on treatment and education.

Lindsay earned her Master of Physical Therapy from the University of British Columbia in 2007 and continues to pursue ongoing pediatric education. Her training includes Dynamic Movement Intervention (DMI) Level A, TMR TOTs Level 2, NeuroKinetic Therapy, NDT treatment, Pilates Mat 1, and vestibular and concussion management, among many other courses focused on infant development, alignment, and strength. She is also a registered provider for the Community Brain Injury Program and is listed on the RASP registry.

Lindsay has experience treating a wide range of conditions, including prematurity, torticollis, developmental delays, congenital, genetic, and neurological disorders, as well as orthopedic injuries. She believes in making hard work fun, and that finding the right challenge is key to growth and success. Building strong, trusting relationships is at the heart of her practice, allowing families to work together as a team to reach their full potential.

Physiotherapist • Founder
Maegan Mak

Maegan is a seasoned and respected pediatric physiotherapist with over 8 years of experience in rehabilitation and healthcare. She holds a Bachelor of Science (BSc) from the University of Calgary, a Bachelor of Kinesiology (BKin) from the University of British Columbia, and a Master of Physical Therapy (MPT) from UBC. Maegan’s journey in physiotherapy has been marked by her dedication to making therapy both effective and enjoyable for children.


Throughout her career, Maegan has worked in private clinics, where she has honed her skills in creating engaging and supportive environments for young clients. Her passion lies in tailoring each session to meet the unique needs of every child, ensuring that therapy is not only beneficial but also a positive and uplifting experience. Maegan believes that through play and movement, children can achieve their full physical potential while having fun.


Maegan is committed to continuous learning, having completed numerous certifications including NeuroKinetic Therapy (NKT) Levels 1 & 2, Dynamic Core for Kids (DCK), Complete Concussion Management (CCM), and more. Her comprehensive training enables her to address a wide range of pediatric needs with expertise and compassion.

Outside of her professional life, Maegan enjoys staying active and engaged in her community. She loves cycling, hiking, skiing, and traveling to new destinations. Her enthusiasm for sports and teamwork is evident both in and out of the clinic, where she inspires children to embrace an active and healthy lifestyle.

Certifications and Training:

NKT (NeuroKinetic Therapy) Level 1 & 2

DCK (Dynamic Core for Kids)

CCM (Complete Concussion Management)

RASP Certified

Intro NDT (Neuro-Developmental Treatment)

Intermediate NDT

VR (Vestibular Rehabilitation)

BASL (Basic American Sign Language)

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapist
Georgie Davin

Georgie brings over 15 years of physiotherapy experience to Playworks, having earned her MSc in Physiotherapy from the UK in 2008. Throughout her career, she has worked across both public and private healthcare sectors, gaining expertise in everything from paediatric care to amateur and professional sports rehabilitation.

Georgie is passionate about creating a supportive , inclusive and empowering environment for families. She listens carefully to parents, ensuring their concerns and goals for their child are heard, and works collaboratively to design holistic, personalized treatment plans that promote the best outcomes for each child.

With a particular fondness for helping infants develop motor skills and guiding teenagers through sports injury recovery, Georgie’s skills span a broad spectrum. She has completed extensive post-graduate training in areas like DMI therapy, concussion management, and manual therapy techniques, making her adept at addressing a variety of pediatric needs.

In her personal time, Georgie’s love for the outdoors brought her to Canada, where she enjoys hiking and skiing. As a certified ski instructor, she volunteers with Vancouver Adaptive Snow Sports combining her passion for helping others with her love for sports. She’s also represented Great Britain in Ultimate Frisbee, reflecting her commitment to both sports and teamwork.

Physiotherapist
Nick Mui

Growing up in Port Moody, Nick initially pursued a Bachelor of Criminology (BCrim) with a special interest in criminal law at Simon Fraser University. However, his career path took a transformative turn when he discovered his passion for healthcare. Nick returned to complete a Diploma in Massage Therapy (DMT) and practiced for several years in the Tri-Cities, where he was inspired by the physiotherapists he worked with to further his education.

Driven by this inspiration, Nick earned his Master of Physical Therapy (MPT) from Glasgow Caledonian University in Scotland. It was during a placement at Glasgow Royal Hospital for Children that Nick discovered his love for working with pediatric patients. He is a strong advocate for the importance of exercise and movement in physical therapy, firmly believing that therapy can always be made fun and engaging for children.

Nick’s unique blend of skills and interests extends beyond physiotherapy. He is passionate about the circus arts, primarily training in pole fitness, and has won multiple national competitions. His other hobbies include photography and video games, which contribute to his creative and energetic approach in the clinic.

Certifications and Training:

MPT (Master of Physical Therapy)

DMT (Diploma in Massage Therapy)

CPR-C/AED (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation - Child/Adult Emergency Defibrillation)

• Additional certifications in pediatric physiotherapy techniques and movement-based therapies (specific certifications can be added if available)

Physiotherapist
Sunny Ma

Sunny is a passionate physiotherapist with over a decade of clinical experience. She holds an Honours Bachelor of Science from University of Toronto (2009) and a Master of Science in Physical Therapy from Queen’s University (2012). Since then, she has worked in a diverse mix of practice settings, including private clinics treating children and adults, long-term care facilities helping seniors with mobility needs, and post-surgical/medical units across Fraser Health hospitals. Sunny’s treatment philosophy centers around working with families to help patients achieve their best functional self. For her young patients, Sunny makes treatment sessions enjoyable and effective through engaging activities that optimize movement. With older paediatric patients, she draws on extensive experience to address musculoskeletal issues and improve movement patterns. Certified as a Gunn IMS practitioner, she also holds additional post-graduate training in gait analysis, neuro-proprioceptive taping, vestibular rehabilitation, Rost Therapy, and pain science. Sunny is equally dedicated to supporting future physiotherapists, frequently engaging in teaching and mentoring. Beyond her professional pursuits, Sunny finds joy in swimming, reading, yoga, and outdoor exploration with her family. Her holistic approach to life complements her commitment to enhancing the well-being of her patients. Languages spoken: English, Mandarin

Physiotherapist • Aquatic Therapy
Melanie Touhey

Melanie earned her Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Physiology from Simon Fraser University and went on to pursue a Master of Physical Therapy from The University of British Columbia. She is a firm believer in life-long learning and has completed additional coursework in Infant Breast Feeding and Sensory Strategies to Support the Neuro Diverse Child. She is a certified Dynamic Movement Intervention (DMI) practitioner and is a member of the BCCFA Community Brain Injury Program’s service provider roster.

Melanie is passionate about making physiotherapy engaging and fun. With over 7 years of experience as a lifeguard and swim instructor for the City of Port Coquitlam and the City of Port Moody, Melanie is well-versed in working with children and youth. She has experience treating children with conditions such as torticollis, plagiocephaly, developmental delay, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and a range of neurological and orthopedic issues. Additionally, Melanie is pleased to offer individualized aquatic physiotherapy sessions at a community pool.

In her leisure time, Melanie enjoys swimming, running, and playing on a Division 1 soccer team.

Certifications and Training:

BSc BP (Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Physiology)

MPT (Master of Physical Therapy)

Standard First Aid & CPR

• Clinical Internships:

• South Peace Child Development Center

• PlayWorks Physio

Rehab Assistant
Naama Uriel

Every child needs someone who believes in their potential unconditionally. Naama is that person. As PlayWorks' Rehabilitation Assistant, she transforms therapy homework into adventures kids actually want to continue.

Supporting children with ASD, DCD, ADHD, and learning differences, Naama focuses on the fundamentals that matter: sensory processing, self-regulation, motor coordination, and confidence building. But here's her secret: she makes it all feel like play.

What families love: Naama celebrates every victory, no matter how small. She gets that progress isn't always linear and meets each child exactly where they are that day. Her genuine enthusiasm is contagious; kids leave sessions feeling capable and excited.

Balance in action: Sports enthusiast, avid reader, baker, puzzle solver, and gamer who brings all these interests into creative therapy activities.

Speech Therapy

Speech-Language Pathologist
Carlin Bannister

Carlin grew up in Coquitlam and went on to complete both her Bachelor of Science in Behavioural Neuroscience and Masters of Science in Audiology and Speech Sciences at UBC.

Carlin’s passion for working with children stems from her experience lifeguarding and teaching swimming lessons for over 6 years. She has experience working with a variety of children in many areas through her clinical placements and work as a speech language pathologist, including speech sounds, language development, motor speech, fluency, phonological awareness, literacy, augmentative and alternative communication, autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, and gestalt language processing. Carlin is particularly passionate about working with autistic children and their families and supporting them through neurodiversity affirming and child-led therapy.

Carlin is certified in the Meaningful Speech course, the Lidcombe Program, and the SCERTS model. She has also completed continuing education in the areas of executive functioning and its role in language, childhood apraxia of speech, sensory regulation to support language, and play-based therapy.

In her spare time, Carlin enjoys being outside, going to concerts, reading, spending time with friends, and watching sports.

Certifications and Training:

MS (Meaningful Speech)

LP (Lidcombe Program)

SCERTS (SCERTS Model)

NGLA (Natural/Gestalt Language Acquisition)

HMW (Hanen – More Than Words)

PODD (Pragmatic Organization Dynamic Display)

FIE (Feuerstein Instrumental Enrichment)

AAC (Alternative and Augmentative Communication)

Occupational Therapy

Occupational Therapist
Serena Jacob

Tri-Cities born and raised, Serena brings fresh energy and evidence-based strategies to hometown kids. Her recent graduation from UBC (BKin 2022, MOT 2024) means she's trained in the latest approaches, while her practicum at the Centre for Child Development solidified her passion for pediatric potential.

Why families love Serena: She makes goal-setting feel like game planning. Whether supporting children with ASD, cerebral palsy, or developmental delays, she creates sessions that kids actually request. Her musical talents (guitar, keyboard, ukulele) often sneak into therapy, turning fine motor practice into jam sessions.

Clinical experience includes: Working with hemiplegia, neurological conditions, and genetic differences. But labels don't define her approach, your child's interests do.

Beyond therapy: Garden enthusiast, baker, world traveler, and devoted family member who understands the importance of community support.

Languages: English, Malayalam

Certifications and Training:

MOT (Master of Occupational Therapy)

BKin (Bachelor of Kinesiology)

Occupational Therapist • RASP Registered
Anna Czesak

"They teach me just as much as I teach them." After years supporting adults with mental health challenges, Anna discovered her calling: helping kids navigate their sensory world with confidence. Her Montreal training (Bachelor and Master's in OT, 2016) emphasized respecting each person's unique rhythm, a philosophy she brings to every session.

Since moving to BC in 2019, Anna has become the OT parents seek for the "tricky stuff": toileting resistance, extreme picky eating, sensory meltdowns. She gets that these aren't behavioral problems, they're nervous system communications. And she translates them beautifully.

Registry status: Listed on the Registry of Autism Service Providers (RASP), making funding access easier for families.

Evidence meets empathy: Anna stays current with evolving research while celebrating baby steps and building confidence. She partners with families to create realistic strategies that actually work at home. Because progress shouldn't require perfection.

Counselling

Counsellor
Krishna Sharma

Krishna Sharma is a Registered Clinical Counsellor with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC), holding extensive academic and professional qualifications in counselling, education, and leadership. She brings over two decades of diverse experience in mental health, special education, and student support services within British Columbia’s public school system.

Krishna holds multiple post-secondary credentials, including:

A Master of Education in Counselling Psychology (clinical rotations at SFU Surrey Counselling Centre and Langley Fine Arts School) A master’s in educational leadership (K–12) A Bachelor of Education with a focus on Curriculum and Instruction A Bachelor of Child and Youth Care A Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Special Education She is also a certified teacher, with additional specializations in Montessori education, Special Education, and Restorative Justice. Her professional background includes roles as a classroom teacher, special education teacher, SEA, child and youth care worker, and Youth and Family Therapist with the RCMP.

Currently, Krishna serves as a school-based mental health clinician and counsellor, while also working with private clients, where she offers virtual counselling services to children, youth, and families. She integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Narrative Therapy, Play Therapy, and Mindfulness in her practice, and provides services in both English and Punjabi.

Krishna has specialized training in:

Trauma-informed practice Domestic and Family violence Anxiety and depression Neurodiverse clients with a focus on ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorders Behavioral intervention and support Suicide risk assessment and safety planning Social Emotional Learning Her work is grounded in empathy, inclusivity, and collaboration. As both a professional and a parent of neurodiverse children, she brings a unique perspective informed by lived experience. Raised by an immigrant single mother, Krishna is deeply attuned to the systemic challenges many families face, and she is committed to culturally responsive, student-centered, and equity-focused practice.

She values the power of multidisciplinary collaboration and has a strong track record of working alongside educators, paraprofessionals, and families to support student success across academic, emotional, and social domains.

Counsellor
Zainab Udaipurwala

From Dubai to Vancouver, Zainab brings an international lens to understanding how children navigate their worlds. Her unique path (B.Sc. Psychology in Dubai, Master's at Adler University Vancouver) shaped her belief: healing happens when we honor each child's cultural context and individual strengths.

With extensive experience as a behaviour interventionist and inclusive educator, Zainab specializes in supporting neurodivergent children through transitions. She weaves play, creativity, and connection into therapy that feels nothing like "therapy."

Her foundation: Every child has strengths waiting to shine. Through culturally responsive, play-based approaches, she helps kids build emotional regulation and resilience. Parents aren't just included, they're recognized as essential partners in their child's growth.

Special focus: Creating safe spaces where preschoolers and teens feel truly seen and heard, especially those navigating multiple cultures or identities.

Chiropractic

Chiropractor
Amber Kenmuir

Remember being told to "walk it off"? Amber doesn't. Her own teenage transformation (knee pain and headaches vanishing after chiropractic care) drives her mission: kids shouldn't live with fixable pain.

After years as a dental assistant, Amber chose chiropractic because she wanted to do more than observe, she wanted to heal. Her approach? Gentle, specific adjustments tailored to growing bodies. No scary cracks, just effective relief that helps kids get back to being kids.

Perfect for: Young athletes with recurring injuries, teens with persistent headaches, kids with posture concerns from devices. She speaks "teenager" fluently and makes appointments feel more like coaching sessions than medical visits.

Adventure enthusiast: When not in clinic, find Amber hiking, trail running, mountain biking, or kayaking. She practices what she preaches about movement being medicine.