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

BSc | BKin | MPT | Owner & Physiotherapist
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)

MSc in Physiotherapy (MScPT) | BSc in Kinesiology (BScKin)
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 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

  • RASP Therapist
  • Pelvic Floor

Master in Physiotherapy (MPT) | Bachelor in Human Kinetics (BHK)
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.

Certifications & Training:

  • DMI (Dynamic Movement Intervention)
  • TMR TOT’s Level 2
  • NeuroKinetic Therapy
  • NDT Treatment
  • Vestibular Therapy
  • RASP Therapist 

Physiotherapy

Master of Physical Therapy (MPT) | BSc
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:

DMI (Dynamic Movement Intervention)

MSc in Physiotherapy (MScPT) | Bachelor of Science (BSc)
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.

MSc in Physiotherapy (MScPT) | Bachelor of Science (BSc) Bio:
Charmene Chaudhry

Charmene earned her MSc in Physiotherapy at Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh and holds a Bachelor of Science from Simon Fraser University. She is a physiotherapist with a strong background treating clients in neurological rehabilitation and a passion for working with clients and their families to achieve their goals.

Charmene brings considerable experience working with individuals with neurological conditions across inpatient, outpatient, and community-based settings in public health, collaborating closely with multidisciplinary teams to provide thoughtful, client-centred care. Her clinical interests include functional movement, hands-on treatment, education, and empowering patients and families to participate actively in rehabilitation.

With prior training in pediatric and musculoskeletal physiotherapy, Charmene is excited to bring her neuro-informed perspective into a pediatric clinic setting. She strives to create a welcoming, supportive, and engaging environment where children can build confidence, independence, and functional skills through movement and play.Outside of the clinic, Charmene enjoys pottery, hiking, live music, and traveling. She values creativity, connection, and exploration and is excited to bring that into her work with children and their families.

MSc in Physiotherapy (MScPT) | BSc in Kinesiology (BScKin)
Kristin McElroy

Kristin earned her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology with a concentration in Active Health and Rehabilitation from Simon Fraser University. She went on to complete her Master of Physical Therapy at Brunel University in London, England.

During her physiotherapy training, Kristin completed clinical placements at the Royal Brompton Hospital’s Paediatric Respiratory Unit and PICU, as well as at Playworks. There, she developed her skills in assessing and treating infants through adolescents with a wide range of congenital, neurological, musculoskeletal, and cardiorespiratory conditions. She is passionate about delivering play-based, engaging interventions tailored to each child’s unique needs.

Prior to becoming a physiotherapist, Kristin gained diverse experience as a rehabilitation assistant at Playworks. She has a strong background working with children, having led skating, biking, and art programs through the City of Port Coquitlam. She also brings an exercise-focused background, having previously worked as a certified personal trainer and F45 coach.

Outside of the clinic, Kristin enjoys staying active through ice hockey, volleyball, snowboarding, hiking, triathlon training and olympic weight lifting.

Rehab Assistants

Bachelor in Kinesiology (BKin)
Parsa Basirian

Parsa recently graduated from the University of British Columbia with a Bachelor of Kinesiology, specializing in Neuromechanical and Physiological Sciences. He brings a strong background in working with children, having served as a Recreation and Program Leader with the City of Coquitlam, where he led sports programs and arts-and-crafts activities for kids and youth. Parsa also works as an Aquatic Leader and swim instructor at public pools across Coquitlam, where he teaches swimming skills to children of all ages while fostering a safe, supportive, and fun environment.

Passionate about pediatric care, Parsa is excited to grow his experience in rehabilitation and physical therapy. He plans to pursue a Master’s in Physical Therapy with the goal of continuing his work with children and families. Outside of work, Parsa enjoys weightlifting, staying active, and has previously competed as a natural bodybuilder.

MSc in Physiotherapy (MScPT) | Bachelor in Kinesiology (BKin)
Joanne Park

Joanne earned her Bachelor of Kinesiology and Masters of Physical Therapy both from the University of Toronto. Joanne has had a lifelong love for working with kids—fueled by years of summer camp experience and a passion for playful, movement-based care. Originally from Toronto, Joanne hopes to bring a warm, energetic presence to every session, helping little ones feel confident, capable, and cared for. 

Outside the clinic, Joanne will likely be treasure-hunting at local thrift shops or binging their favorite shows at home. New to Vancouver, Joanne's excited to explore the city’s natural beauty through scenic hikes—and of course, check out all the amazing local restaurants along the way! 

Rehab Assistant for SLP
Vanessa Andrade

Vanessa Andrade is a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant with extensive experience supporting speech-language pathologists in clinical and educational settings. She is a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist and Audiologist in Brazil, bringing a strong background in communication development, audiology, and family-centred care. With nearly 20 years of experience in healthcare and education, Vanessa has worked in hospital and outpatient environments, providing support in assessment procedures, therapy implementation, and collaboration with interdisciplinary teams.

Her background includes experience in pediatric services, early intervention, and hearing-related programs, including cochlear implant services. Vanessa is committed to evidence-based practice, collaborative teamwork, and individualized support for children and families.

She brings a compassionate, organized, and detail-oriented approach to her role, ensuring high-quality care and effective support within the speech-language pathology team.

Speech Therapy

M.Sc. | RSLP, S-LP (C) | 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

Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) | Bachelor of Kinesiology (BKin)
Serena Jacob

Serena grew up in the tri-cities and is a dedicated and passionate Occupational Therapist. She is RASP certified and uses a neuro-affirming approach. She graduated with a Bachelor of Kinesiology degree in 2022 and a Master of Occupational Therapy degree in 2024 from the University of British Columbia. 

During her occupational therapy program, Serena completed a clinical practicum in pediatrics and this experience further solidified her passion for supporting children in achieving their goals! She has experience working with children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), cerebral palsy, developmental delay, hemiplegia, and a variety of neurological and genetic conditions.  

In her leisure time, Serena enjoys playing instruments (guitar, keyboard, and ukulele), traveling, gardening, baking, and spending time with family and friends. 

Languages spoken: English, Malayalam

Certifications & Training:

  • RASP Therapist

Occupational Therapist
Naama Uriel

Naama has a passion for supporting children with a variety of developmental needs, including Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), ADHD, and learning disabilities. She believes that every child has unique strengths, and loves using playful, engaging approaches to help them grow, build confidence, and participate more fully in daily life.

In therapy sessions, Naama focuses on skills like sensory processing, self-regulation, executive functioning, motor coordination, and fine motor development—all through fun, meaningful activities that meet children where they are.

Outside of work, Naama enjoys staying active through sports, reading, baking, solving puzzles, and playing video games.

Chiropractic

DC | B.Sc | 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.

Massage Therapy

Massage Student
Madison Desjarlais

Madison is a professional bodyworker with over a decade of experience supporting individuals through therapeutic, nervous system-informed care. Her work is rooted in a deep understanding of the body’s innate capacity to heal when given the right conditions of safety, presence, and attuned touch.

With a background as a birth and postpartum doula, she brings an informed and compassionate approach to working with prenatal and postpartum clients, while also supporting young adults and children. She offers care for musculoskeletal tension, stress-related patterns, postural imbalances, and overall nervous system regulation.

Her approach blends therapeutic massage, myofascial release, and gentle stretching to help clients feel more at ease in their bodies. 

Known for creating a calm and grounded space, Madison is especially passionate about supporting families and children. 

When it feels aligned for the client, she may integrate song or guided movement if this aligns with the young client's needs.