Heather Newell completed her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy in 2025 at the University of Alberta in Edmonton. Before becoming an occupational therapist, Heather gained extensive experience supporting children and youth through her work as a pediatric occupational therapy assistant, as well as through years of coaching youth sports at local, national, and international levels.
Heather’s passion for pediatrics grew from her time owning and operating a taekwondo studio, where she developed an adapted program for children with diverse needs, and from her work with the Canucks Autism Network as a support worker, helping support youth in participating in sports programming. These experiences shaped her belief in the power of inclusive, strengths‑based environments where every child can thrive.
Heather enjoys working with children and youth on fine motor skills, executive functioning, behaviour, and participation in daily routines. She takes a play‑based, creative, and Positive Behaviour Support–informed approach, always aiming to make therapy fun, engaging, and tailored to each child’s goals. She also completed Responsive Feeding training, which emphasizes child‑led, low‑pressure strategies to support positive and meaningful feeding experiences. She is committed to helping children build confidence and independence in the activities that matter most to them.
Born and raised on Vancouver Island, Heather loves reading, watching Survivor, and proudly shares that she has seen Taylor Swift, live, in concert twice.