Achieve Therapy Centre

Krista earned a Masters Degree in Speech-Language Pathology from SUNY in Buffalo in 2005. She has had the opportunity to work with many different populations from infants to the elderly.
Krista has spent the majority of her career working with children who are neurodivergent. In 2021, Krista was selected to participate in the Apraxia Kids Bootcamp, she holds extensive training in Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) and co-founded the Ottawa Walk for Apraxia. Krista embraces a team approach to therapy in which the parents play an integral role in the therapy sessions. Outside of the clinic, you will find Krista shuffling her two children between sporting events, cooking or enjoying time outside.

Nathalie received a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy in 2002 from the University of Ottawa. Nathalie has developed a special interest for Sensory Processing, Self-Regulation, Attachment and Trauma work and has sought out cutting edge research and treatment techniques through networking in the US. She is one of few Interactive Metronome certified therapists in the Ottawa area, and continues to implement treatment modalities such as Therapeutic Listening, the Safe and Sound Protocol, and Rhythmic Movement Training. Nathalie has 19 years of experience as a bilingual (French/English) Occupational Therapist working with children with special needs.  She has worked extensively with children on the autism spectrum, as well as children with mental health challenges, learning disabilities, down syndrome, cerebral palsy, ADHD, Developmental Coordination Disorder, and developmental delays. Though currently in private practice, past experiences include working in the publicly funded CCAC School Health Support Services program in Ottawa, Renfrew County and the Eastern Townships.  Nathalie has three daughters that keep her busy and actively participates in projects to increase physical activity and development.

Elsa is an Occupational Therapist at Achieve Therapy Centre. She graduated from the University of Ottawa with a Masters in Health Sciences in Occupational Therapy in 2014. She has been working as an Occupational Therapist at Achieve Therapy Centre since January 2015.

Elsa works with clients for individual therapy and in a joint therapy capacity (alongside SLP) treating a variety of skill areas such as sensory processing/regulation, motor skills and executive functions. She also has experience working with the indigenous population. Elsa has received training and certification in Therapeutic Listening, the Safe and Sound Protocol and Interactive Metronome.

Elsa enjoys taking her dog Alfie to the dog park while spending time with her husband and two sons. She also enjoys sports, having played both competitive soccer and ringette for over 10 years, as well as other sports in high school.

Richelle d’Entremont is a bilingual (French/English) occupational therapist who is certified in various therapy modalities including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Interactive Metronome (IM), and Floortime. She completed her undergraduate degree in developmental psychology at Carleton University, and received her Masters degree from the University of Ottawa where she is currently a part time professor and PhD candidate.

On weekends, she enjoys going on walks in search of new coffee shops and spending time in the sun at the cottage. She is an East Coast native but has set firm roots in Ottawa with her spouse, son, and dog.

Katie Walsh is an Occupational Therapist at Achieve Therapy Centre. She graduated from the University of Manitoba with a Masters in Occupational Therapy.  She also holds an Honors Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and Psychology from Queen’s University. Katie is licensed through the Ontario College of Occupational Therapists (COTO) and is a member of the Ontario Society of Occupational Therapists (OSOT).

Katie works with clients for individual therapy as well as joint therapy with an SLP. She has experience working with children on the autism spectrum; learning disabilities; ADHD; mental health challenges; sensory processing and regulation challenges; and developmental delays.

Katie is a certified Safe and Sound Protocol provider, a Therapeutic Listening Provider as well as Interactive Metronome Certified. In addition, Katie is trained in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, DIR- Floortime, SOS Approach to Feeding, and trauma informed care. In her spare time, Katie enjoys hiking with her dog Lexi, traveling, running, and baking.

Caitlin Elmslie is an Occupational Therapist at Achieve Therapy Centre. She graduated from the
University of Toronto with a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy and also holds a Master
of Arts in Dance. Caitlin has a passion for the use of movement strategies to promote
engagement and regulation, and to build body awareness and motor skills. Caitlin provides both
individual occupational therapy sessions as well as joint therapy alongside an SLP. She has
received training and certification in the Safe and Sound Protocol and Interactive Metronome.

Caitlin is a certified Pilates Instructor and spends her spare time teaching Pilates, attending dance
classes, and exploring the outdoors with her dog Dylan.

Alexia Kateb is an Occupational Therapist at Achieve Therapy Centre. She received a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy Degree from the University of Toronto. She also has an Honours Bachelor of Social Science with a major in Sociology and a minor in Psychology from the University of Ottawa. Alexia has worked with clients of all ages with a variety of conditions and needs. She has experience working in hospital, community, school, and private settings. Alexia’s extensive experience with different cultures, including Indigenous communities, enables her to incorporate cultural sensitivity into her practice. She implements a client-centered approach to therapy, collaborating with clients and their families to ensure individual differences are recognized and appreciated.  

Alexia conducts individual therapy, and joint therapy with a Speech Language Pathologist. She has experience assessing and treating clients in numerous skill areas including: sensory processing and regulation challenges; fine motor and gross motor skills; self care; executive functioning; and rehabilitative and complex care. In addition, Alexia has experience working with many populations including: individuals on the autism spectrum; with learning disabilities; ADHD; mental health challenges; developmental delay; and congenital and degenerative conditions. Alexia’s training and certifications include, but are not limited to, DIR-Floortime, Safe and Sound Protocol, and ABC-Boom! Handwriting Program. In her spare time, Alexia enjoys travelling, learning about new cultures, cooking, baking, trying new foods, music, and art. She loves all animals, especially her rabbits Gandalf and Mozzy, and two fish, Leroy and Fanta.

Amber Nykyforak is an Occupational Therapy Assistant at Achieve Therapy Centre. She holds a Diploma in Occupational-Physiotherapist Assistant from Algonquin College. She also holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Laurentian University.

Amber works with clients with autism spectrum disorder for individual therapy, as well as in joint therapy under the supervision of an Occupational therapist. She is a certified Safe and Sound Protocol provider.

In her spare time, Amber enjoys figure skating, teaching skating lessons to both adults and children, and learning how to golf.

Mya Roberts is a bilingual (English/French) Occupational Therapy Assistant at Achieve Therapy Centre. She holds a Diploma in Occupational Therapy Assistant/Physiotherapy Assistant from Algonquin College and is currently completing her Respiratory Therapy diploma, also at Algonquin College.
Mya works with clients in group therapy sessions, under the supervision of an Occupational Therapist.
Outside of work, Mya enjoys traveling to new countries and can often be found studying toward her next goal.

Michelle Mercier is a bilingual (English/French) speech-language pathologist at Achieve Therapy Centre. She received a Master’s Degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Western University. She also holds an Honours Bachelor in Health Sciences with a minor in Linguistics. Michelle is licensed through the College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Ontario (CASLPO). Michelle provides individual therapy sessions as well as joint therapy sessions in collaboration with an Occupational Therapist. Michelle has a professional interest in working with children with developmental disorders such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down Syndrome etc. She is dedicated to providing client and family centered care that is individualized to each client’s needs in order to help them realize their potential.

Michelle also marries her years of experience in dance and her love of working with children by teaching dance to children and adults.

Hailey Russell is a Speech-Language Pathologist with a Masters of Science (Applied) Speech-Language Pathology degree from McGill University. She also holds an Honours Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Carleton University. Hailey enjoys working in all areas of speech-language pathology with most of her experience in complex speech production, Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), and supporting autistic individuals using a total communication ideology. Hailey provides both individual speech therapy sessions and joint therapy with an Occupational Therapist. 

Hailey is continually seeking continuing education, recent impactful trainings include:  Trauma-Informed Care in Speech-Language Pathology through the George Hull Centre, the “Developmental, Individual-differences, and Relationship-based” framework (DIR-Floortime), and the Meaningful Speech Program focusing on Natural Language Acquisition and Gestalt Language Learning. She strives to bring genuine connection to every session and support each individual and their family on their communication journey.

Hailey grew up in Northern British Columbia and moved to Ottawa to complete her undergraduate degree. Since moving to Ottawa she has adopted a cat and two dogs who require endless amounts of love and attention. She is a new but avid curler and loves to get lost in a good book to rest and recharge.

Tammy Day is a Speech-Language Pathologist at Achieve Therapy Centre. She has a master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from McGill University. She also holds a Honours Bachelor of Arts degree in Linguistics from Carleton University with a Minor in German. Tammy is licensed through the College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Ontario (CASLPO) and is a member of Speech-Language and Audiology Canada (SAC).

Tammy has experience working with children with speech sound disorders, expressive and receptive language delay, literacy impairments, stuttering, and developmental disorders such as Autism Spectrum Disorder and Down syndrome. Tammy values continuing education throughout the lifespan and regularly attends webinars, workshops, and conferences to ensure the highest level of patient-centered care through up-to-date evidence-based practices. Tammy loves children and individualizes her therapy to each child’s unique interests and needs.

When she is not working at Achieve, Tammy loves spending time with her husband and six kids. If she can find free time, she spends it jogging, gardening, and baking.

Paige Holmes is a Speech-Language Pathologist at Achieve Therapy Centre. She received a Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from McMaster University. She also holds a Masters degree in Developmental and Communication Science from the University of Waterloo. Paige has experience working with children and adults with varying needs including language delays, speech sound disorders, literacy impairments, and stuttering. Paige is certified in the Hanen “More Than Words” program and has also completed multiple training courses on the DIR Floortime program. She strives to provide families with services that are both evidence-based and client-centered.

Outside of working hours, Paige enjoys spending time with family and friends, practicing yoga, and writing.

Olivia McMurtry is a compassionate and caring Speech-Language Pathologist at Achieve Therapy Centre. She has a Master of Science (Applied) – Speech-Language Pathology degree from McGill University. She also holds an Honours Bachelor of Cognitive Science degree from Carleton University. Olivia has experience working with both children and adults with various needs. Inspired by the uniqueness of every client, she provides a client and family-centered approach to her therapy sessions. She combines clinical expertise with a warm and encouraging environment. Olivia offers individual therapy sessions as well as joint therapy sessions in collaboration with an Occupational Therapist. Olivia is certified in DIR Floortime, Lidcombe (preschool stuttering), MBSimp, and has training in trauma informed care.

In her free time, Olivia loves spending time outdoors, playing sports, or working on her next knitting or crocheting project.

Belinda Cantor is a speech-language pathologist at Achieve Therapy Centre. She received a Masters Degree in Speech-Language Pathology from McGill University. She also holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Queen’s University. Belinda is licensed through the College of Audiology and Speech Language Pathology of Ontario (CASLPO) and is a member of Speech and Audiology Canada (SAC).  Belinda enjoys working in all areas of speech language pathology with most of her experience in stuttering, early language development, and speech sound disorders. Belinda is also certified in the Hanen ‘It Takes Two to Talk’ program. Belinda provides both individual therapy sessions and joint therapy and enjoys taking a client and family centered approach to her therapy sessions. In her free time, Belinda loves baking, reading, and spending time with family and friends.

Carley Bradley is a Communicative Disorders Assistant (CDA) at Achieve Therapy Centre. She received her Honours Bachelor of Cognitive Science specializing in Language and Linguistic studies from Carleton University in 2019 and her Graduate Certificate in Communicative Disorders Assistant from St. Lawrence College in 2020. Carley has experience providing speech therapy intervention to children with a variety of communication challenges including early language development, receptive and expressive language
difficulties, alternative and augmentative communication (AAC), articulation and social language learning. Carley has worked with children with diagnoses of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD,
Down Syndrome and Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS). Carley has Level 1 training in Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) and is training to become a certified provider in DIR Floortime. Carley works under the supervision of an SLP and provides individual speech and language therapy sessions and joint therapy sessions with an OT or an OTA. When she’s not working, Carley enjoys hiking, cooking and reading a good book.

Chloë Gorman is a bilingual (English/French) Communicative Disorders Assistant (CDA) at Achieve Therapy Centre. She holds a Graduate Certificate from the Communicative Disorders Assistant program at St. Lawrence College. She also received an Honours Bachelor of Arts from the University of Toronto, where she specialized in Linguistics, Italian, and Spanish. Chloë has Level 1 training in PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System), and is passionate about furthering her education to incorporate evidence-based practice into her services. Chloë provides joint group therapy sessions for children with ASD alongside an OTA. She, under the supervision of an SLP, works hard to ensure her clients are meeting their language and social communication goals. In her spare time, Chloë loves running, finding new crafts to obsess over, and curling up with a good book!

Krystyna Tremblay is one of the Administrators at Achieve Therapy Centre.

Hannah Brassard Lahey is one of the Administrators at Achieve Therapy Centre. She provides bilingual (English/French) administrative support to the clients and team at Achieve Therapy Centre. She holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree with Specialization in Psychology from the University of Ottawa. She is currently studying Health Sciences at Carleton University at the graduate level. Hannah has worked in various administrative positions in different settings. She lives with her husband, two cats, and dog. Hannah enjoys spending time outdoors, reading, writing poetry, and many other hobbies.

Emily Cantwell is an Administrative Assistant at Achieve Therapy Centre. Emily is currently a student at Carleton University, where she is pursuing an undergraduate degree in Neuroscience and Mental Health. She is working towards a career in Occupational Therapy where she hopes to continue making a positive impact. In her spare time, she enjoys playing hockey with her friends, listening to music, and playing her guitar.