Occupational Therapy in Victoria BC • Little Steps Therapy Services

Rylie Jepson

Rylie has had the privilege of working with children on the autism spectrum and their families in a variety of supportive roles. During this time, she earned her Master of Counselling Psychology degree through Yorkville University.

Her passion for learning and supporting children’s emotional growth has guided me to this rewarding role. She brings experience in mindfulness, emotional regulation, and sensory integration, and strives to create a neuroaffirming and trauma-informed environment where every child feels safe, understood, and valued.

She takes an integrative approach to therapy, drawing from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and other evidence-based practices to meet each child and family’s unique needs. Her goal is to foster resilience, build coping skills, and empower children to thrive in their everyday lives.

Outside of work, she enjoys spending time at the beach, painting, and being with my friends and family. These activities help her stay grounded, creative, and connected—values she brings into her work with children and families.

Jordan Scott

Jordan was born and raised in the small town of Terrace, BC, and completed a Masters of Science in Speech-Language Pathology at the University of Alberta. She joined Little Steps Therapy Services as a Speech-Language Pathologist in the fall of 2025. Jordan is passionate about promoting functional communication by embracing a growth mindset and empowering each individual to find their voice through personalized approaches that meet their unique needs. Outside of work, she loves spending time with friends and family, trying new restaurants, and staying active.

Eliza Moat

Eliza has been with Little Steps since 2021, first as a Behaviour Interventionist now as Behaviour Consultant. She received her BCaBA certification in 2024 and is currently completing her Masters in Professional Education at Western University while continuing to work with clients at Little Steps and on the Gulf Islands.

Eliza is passionate about neurodiversity affirming and connection-based therapy. As a neurodivergent individual she brings her education, life and professional experience together and finds working with neurodivergent youth to be a gratifying and humbling journey. Eliza is particularly interested in supporting individuals with PDA profiles and loves sharing in her client’s special interests. She enjoys working within Little Steps’ multidisciplinary environment and developing professionally as part of the team.

Outside of work, Eliza loves to knit, sew and spend time with her family and two dogs.

Renee Rathwell

Renee is a newly graduated Occupational Therapist at Little Steps Therapy Services. Born and raised in Victoria, Renee is thrilled to support children and families in her hometown. She completed her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy at Western University in Ontario, where she gained valuable hands-on experience during a placement at Little Steps under the supervision of Occupational Therapist and Clinical Director, Ali Mead.

Renee is passionate about building strong, trusting relationships with children and their families to help them achieve their goals. She values working alongside a supportive team where everyone is dedicated to helping children thrive and reach their full potential. When she’s not working, Renee enjoys exploring local hiking trails with her dog. Renee looks forward to continuing her growth in pediatric occupational therapy and contributing to the great work done at Little Steps.

Hannah Furness

Hannah began working at Little Steps in 2021 after finishing her master’s degree at the University of Alberta. She has been working with children with disabilities since 2015 in various settings. She has a client-centered approach and focuses on connection and creativity during sessions.

Outside of work Hannah loves to exercise, cook, and spend time with friends and family.

Bianca Matira

Bianca Matira is an Administrative Assistant at Little Steps Therapy Services.

Taylan Dennis

Taylan Dennis is a Summer Camp Coordinator at Little Steps Therapy Services.

Taylan started with Little Steps at the beginning of 2019 as a Practicum Student, and eagerly joined the team afterwards.

Her passion for working with children and her strong organizational skills have helped her grow into her Senior Interventionist position, Summer Camp coordinator, and CPI instructor.

Taylan loves the outdoors and when she isn’t at work she can be found exploring with her dog Scooter or taking the office dog, Hank, to the beach

Hank

Hank is an Aussie Bernadoodle who absolutely LOVES coming to the office! He is always up for a ball play in the backyard with the kids and is never far away from his box of treats.

Landa Fox

(she/her)

Landa began working at Little Steps in November of 2011. She took a brief hiatus but loved the team, the work, and most of all – the children and youth that come to Little Steps, so returned to work part-time. One of Landa’s passions is helping to teach and train aspiring Behaviour Consultants, work she continues to do with us. Landa loves finding fun and engaging ways to teach children the skills that they need to advocate for themselves and reach their full potential and helping to guide staff to be the best teachers they can be.

Crystal Sabeski

Crystal Sabeski is an Office Administrator at Little Steps Therapy Services.

Amber Corbin

Amber Corbin is the Financial Assistant at Little Steps Therapy Services.

Amber has been in the Little Steps office since 2018.
She enjoys working with the people who bring her snacks and drinking copious amounts of coffee. If she’s not at her desk, you can assume she is either hunting down parents for signatures, or curled up in a corner losing her mind. Amber encourages shopping on Amazon with the work credit card and pretending to work while hanging with coworkers.
Safety is important when it’s convenient to Amber, but she can be easily swayed by inconvenience and/or snacks.

Ikjot Kaur

Ikjot Kaur is the Group Coordinator at Little Steps Therapy Services.

Ikjot started at Little Steps in 2013 as a CYC practicum student through UVic and has stayed here since then! A significant portion of her years at Little Steps was at their previous Strong Point program, as a Lead Educational Interventionist. Currently, she is a Lead Behavioural Interventionist and Group Coordinator. When she’s not at work, she’s usually out in the community volunteering.

Jason Craig

Jason Craig is the Physiotherapist at Little Steps Therapy Services.

Krista Klokeid

Krista Klokeid is the Therapy Assistant at Little Steps Therapy Services.

Krista is trained as an Occupational and Physical therapy assistant through Vancouver Community College. She is also a licensed Paramedic. In school, Krista knew that she wanted to work with children, she truly believes helping them, when they are young, sets them up for success.

Krista loves being able to work with the kids and see the progress over the months and watch them grow up and be all they can be. She lives on a farm with many animals and loves to see the excitement on the kids’ faces from little learners and camp when they get to come over and ride the tractor, it truly makes her heart melt. Not many people can say they have 2 careers that they love and she is so grateful that she does.

Erin O'Neil

Erin O’Neil is an Occupational therapist at Little Steps Therapy Services.

Erin has been a part of the Little Steps team since fall 2020 after completing her Masters degree in Occupational Therapy at UBC. Erin’s background includes working in schools, camps, and recreational programs to help kids of all abilities participate, reach their goals, and have fun. When she’s not at Little Steps, you can find Erin exploring the outdoors or curling up with a good book.

Jessica George-Falkner

Jessica George-Falkner is a Volunteer Coordinator at Little Steps Therapy Services.

Lindsay Lorincz

MSc-SLP

Lindsay Lorincz is a Speech-Language Pathologist at Little Steps Therapy Services.

Lindsay has been with the Little Steps team since 2019 after finishing her master’s degree in Ontario at McMaster University. Her love of working with children started as a teenager teaching swimming lessons. Lindsay enjoys being part of a team that shares creative ideas to support clients while having fun.

Dawn Harris

Dawn Harris is a Speech and Language Pathology Assistant at Little Steps Therapy Services.

Alexandra Donovan

Alexandra Donovan is the Interventionist Supervisor and Practicum Coordinator at Little Steps Therapy Services.

Alexandra moved to Canada from Germany in 1992 after completing a 5-year training program as a ” Nationally Recognized Educator”, equivalent to a degree in Child and Youth Care but with a stronger emphasis in teaching. She has worked in a variety of settings, from private homes, group homes, preschools/kindergartens, occupational therapy, and school settings.

She joined Little Steps in 2008. Currently, as Senior BI and the Interventionist Supervisor, Alexandra provides 1:1 and group intervention as well as manages and supervises all Interventionists and practicum students as well as helping to train new staff.

Anna Dzioba

Anna Dzioba is the Event Coordinator at Little Steps Therapy Services.

Audriana Monteiro

Audriana Monteiro is a physiotherapist at Little Steps Therapy Services.

Audriana graduated from the University of Alberta with a Master’s in Physical Therapy and has been working at Little Steps since 2017. She began working with children in her late teens and has experience working with children in child development centres, hospitals, and community settings. As a physiotherapist Audriana is passionate about empowering children through play and movement to develop confidence in their motor skills.

Nathalia Gagnon

MA

Nathalia Gagnon is a trained art therapist working at Little Steps Therapy Services. Nathalia joined the team of clinical staff in 2016 and has been working with children and youth since 2007. She has been involved in schools, hospital, psychiatric facility and community agencies.

Through art therapy, Nathalia focuses on the positive aspects of developmental pathways that can engage the innate resources of children’s bodies, brains, minds and heart by redefining challenges as unique creative opportunities.

Laurence Filion

MSc-OTRL

Laurence Filion is an Occupational Therapist at Little Steps Therapy Services, she completed her Master of Occupational Therapy in 2015 at the University of Montreal. After Graduating, Laurence went on to pursue her interest in pediatrics. She has post-graduate training in SOS Approach to Feeding Therapy, Executive Functioning, Handwriting Without Tears, and The Zones of regulation. She will complete her Social Thinking curriculum in November 2018. Laurence is skilled using a play-based approach with therapy and making things fun. When she is not working, Laurence can be found gardening, cooking, and running around Victoria.

Maria Bruno

Maria Bruno is a Behaviour Consultant at Little Steps Therapy Services.

Maria moved to Canada from her home country Venezuela back in 2011. After completing her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. In 2009, while completing a research program, she discovered her passion to work with kids with special needs.

Once in Canada she completed the Autism and Behavioural Science program in Ontario, and after graduating she started working as a Behaviour Interventionist in clients’ homes and within the community.

In July 2015, Maria joined Little Steps as an Interventionist and a couple of months later decided to pursue her certification as a Behaviour Analyst. She is currently a Behaviour Consultant and is passionate about working and supporting kids with ASD and their families in a variety of settings.

Jen Darby

Jen has been with Little Steps for 15+ years; first as a Behavioural Interventionist and now as a Behaviour Consultant.

She is energetic and is always smiling. If she is not at Little Steps, you will find her outside playing with her two kids.

James Donovan

James Donovan is a Speech Language Pathologist at Little Steps Therapy Services.

James has been with Little Steps Therapy Services since 2013. He enjoys being part of a supportive team and seeing the progress his clients work hard to make.

Elaine McGoogan

BSc (Hons)

Elaine McGoogan is a Speech Language Pathologist at Little Steps Therapy Services.

Elaine joined Little Steps Therapy Services’ team of clinical staff in 2013 after moving to Victoria from Scotland. Elaine has been working with children since 1995 and was involved in developing services in secondary schools for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other learning challenges that affected their communication skills. Elaine is continuously inspired by the nature and speed of language development she sees in her clients.

Alison Mead

Alison Mead is the Clinical Director and an Occupational Therapist at Little Steps Therapy Services.

Alison began working with Little Steps as an Occupational Therapist in 2006. She has been working with children with disabilities since she was a teenager through respite and camp work. Ali enjoys being able to spend her days playing with children and is continuously inspired by the kids and families she works with. Ali plans to pursue further education in the area of Feeding Therapy.

Contact: ali@mylittlesteps.net

Victoria Coward

BA, MEd., BCBA

Victoria started at Little Steps in 2004 as an interventionist. Unsure at the time how to build a career out of her love for children, Victoria was excited to take any and all advice given to her by the clinical team at the time. Victoria completed a Post Graduate Certificate in Applied Behaviour Analysis through Penn State and completed the requirements for the BCaBA certification.

After several years working as a Behaviour Consultant, Victoria was given the opportunity to become a partner within the organization. In 2015 Victoria became a Director of Little Steps, and also started a Master’s program through Penn State. In August of 2017, Victoria completed her Masters, as well as completed the requirements for the BCBA certification. Victoria is dedicated to providing quality therapeutic services for the children and youth in the Greater Victoria Area.

Lynn Martindale

Lynn Martindale is the Director of Finance at Little Steps.

Lynn received her CA (Chartered Accountant) designation in 1993. Since then she worked in the Tourism industry in Victoria. Lynn discovered this wonderful organization – Little Steps, and decided to help grow and develop the business.

Lynn has been with Little Steps since 2011 and enjoys working with the young, energetic staff who care so much for the children.

Occupational Therapy

LITTLE STEPS’ TEAM OF OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS:

Alison Mead

Renee Rathwell