Volunteer and Practicum Opportunities

Jana enjoys working with children of all ages and backgrounds. She loves being able to help them understand the world around them and express themselves. Jana recognizes that each child has different strengths and challenges, and considers all aspects of a child when working with them.

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 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 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 is an Administrative Assistant at Little Steps Therapy Services.

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

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. 

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.

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

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

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 is the Event Coordinator at Little Steps Therapy Services.

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.

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.

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.

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.