OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY
Karen Mercure
Occupational Therapist
Hi there!
My name is Karen and I am one of the OTs working at This World’s Ours. I have been an OT for 14 years and have specialized in pediatrics for more than 13 of those years. I graduated with a Master of Occupational Therapy from the University of Manitoba after completing my Bachelor of Science (Honours). I have had the pleasure of working in clinical and community settings with children and their families, school teams, and support systems in Manitoba, Alberta and now beautiful BC.
I am passionate about providing services using a neurodiversity-affirming and strength-based approach, and I believe that therapy is most effective when it is fun and joyful! I work closely with families to support children’s development related to goals that are meaningful and important to them. This could include self-help skills (dressing, eating, toileting), fine motor skills (managing fasteners, holding a crayon, printing, using scissors), executive functioning skills (time management, planning, organization), emotional regulation (managing and responding to emotional states), sensory integration (receiving and organizing information from our senses, and using it to participate in everyday life), and much more.
Please reach out if you have any questions, for additional information, or would like to discuss scheduling a session.
I look forward to hearing from you! Email me at kmercureot@gmail.com
Emma Lei
Occupational Therapist
Hi, I’m Emma! I graduated with a Master of Occupational Therapy from the University of British Columbia after completing my Bachelor of Kinesiology with a Minor in Psychology. I am fluent in English and Mandarin.
I have over 10 years of experience working with children of all abilities. I worked as a Pediatric Occupational Therapist in clinical and community settings, and as an Education Assistant and Adaptive Recreation Programmer in schools and community centres. In my practice, I strive to create safe and collaborative environments, while using a play-based and evidence-based
approach, where families feel heard and included in the process.
As an Occupational Therapist, I can work with your child to improve their function in daily tasks. This could include self-care skills (eating, dressing, toileting), fine and gross motor skills, emotional regulation, executive functioning, and sensory regulation. I also have formal training in using the Cognitive Orientation to Daily Occupational Performance (CO-OP) approach with individuals with motor challenges.
I am passionate about ongoing professional development and actively engage in training to stay up-to-date with current research and practices. I have conducted academic research on screen time guidelines specifically for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and completed courses related to cognitive flexibility in children with autism, sleep health, sensory processing in children, and the importance of play. In my spare time, I love trying new food, playing board games, kayaking, and walking in nature.​
Please email me at emmatl.ot@gmail.com if you have any questions or want to schedule a session. I look forward to meeting you soon!
Valerie Lo
Occupational Therapist
Hi! I’m Valerie, an occupational therapist passionate about supporting children in building the skills and confidence they need to live their most meaningful lives. I hold a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from the University of Toronto.
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With over six years of experience working and volunteering with children of all ages and abilities, I have developed extensive expertise in supporting autistic youth. My experience includes working one-on-one to build academic, communication, and daily living skills, as well as clinical practice focused on sensory processing, self-regulation, mental health, and functional development.
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I strongly believe in a neuro-affirming, strengths-based approach, and I strive to create a safe, fun, and collaborative environment where children and their families feel supported. Together, we work on developing skills in areas such as self-care (eating, dressing, toileting, hygiene), fine motor abilities, emotional and sensory regulation, communication, and executive functioning.
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Outside of work, I enjoy snowboarding, hiking, going to the gym, travelling, and more. I believe that exploration, movement, and play are just as essential for children as they are for all of us!
I look forward to working with you and your child to create a supportive and engaging space where they can thrive.
To schedule a session, please email emmatl.ot@gmail.com.
Julia Healey
Occupational Therapist
My name is Julia Healey and I'm an Occupational Therapist. I have worked as an Occupational Therapist since 1996 taking a short break to complete another degree in 2006. I graduated from Queen's University with a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy (BScOT) and my second degree is a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology (MA). I have worked in many different settings (schools, homes, hospitals, & community programs) and with a variety of ages (babies to elderly) and physical, cognitive and/or mental health conditions. I have worked as an Occupational Therapist for Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) for over 20 years and currently work with youth with mental health conditions and/or social, emotional or behavioural difficulties for VCH Child & Youth Mental Health Services. I also offer private OT services as a contractor through This World's Ours Centre. If a youth is eligible for VCH CYMH services, they may be able to access OT services for free through this publicly-funded community resource; otherwise, a referral for private OT services can be made through This World's Ours Centre. In addition to mental health difficulties, many of the youth that I work with are neurodivergent and are diagnosed with or are being assessed for Autism, ADHD, FASD and/or learning disabilities. I assist youth by helping them engage in meaningful daily activities that they need and/or want to do (e.g. self-care, life skills, recreation, socializing, emotional regulation, school, work, chores, & post-secondary/career development activities). I have taken additional training over the years and most recently completed training in sensory processing, executive functions, PEERS social skills, and CBT-ARFID.
My OT colleague (Grace Liu) and I will be offering a PEERS social skills training group for youth (ages 13 to 18) starting in February 2026.
To obtain additional information or be referred to our PEERS social skills training group, please email Grace and I at the following email address: peersOTprivate@gmail.com.
Grace Liu
Occupational Therapist
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Hello! My name is Grace. My path to occupational therapy began after completing my degree in Human Kinetics (Exercise Science). I was drawn to a profession that explores the whole person — understanding how the mind, body, and environment impact functioning in daily life.
I always knew I wanted to work in child and youth mental health, and I’ve been grateful for the
opportunity to do so for more than 18 years. Throughout my career, I’ve worked in a variety of
community settings, including mental health teams and the Vancouver public school system. In
my work, I feel honoured to walk alongside young people as they build the skills and confidence
to reach their goals. I strive to bring compassion and a strengths-based approach, meeting
youth where they are and supporting their individual paths forward.
Currently, I work at Foundry Vancouver-Granville with youth and young adults living with mental
health and substance use challenges, many of whom are experiencing homelessness when
they come to our team. I support youth in their recovery journey — helping them build life,
emotional regulation, social, and coping skills that strengthen their ability to engage in
meaningful activities.
Among my favourite parts of the job is facilitating groups and creating spaces where youth can
learn, share, and connect with one another. I’m especially excited to be co-facilitating the
PEERS Social Skills Training program with Julia Healey starting in February 2026.
For more information about the group, please email: peersOTprivate@gmail.com