Archipelago Rehab is a collection of healthcare providers across Vancouver Island.

Occupational Therapist and founder of Archipelago Rehab, Stephanie initially became interested in Occupational Therapy volunteering with children with complex disabilities and concurrent mental health disorders. She fell in love with the focus on function and enabling individuals, and continues to use this in her practice today, supporting clients to reach their goals and maximize function in their recovery from illness, injury, or disability.  

Stephanie completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Victoria (Honours BSc in Psychology with a minor in Hispanic Studies) and her Masters in Occupational Therapy at the University of British Columbia. She has conducted research and worked as a teaching assistant, and holds a Clinical Instructor position in the UBC Faculty of Medicine. She worked in physical and psychosocial rehabilitation in the public sector before transitioning to community based private practice. 

Stephanie has been accepted as an expert in Functional Capacity Evaluations and Cognitive Functional Capacity Evaluations by the Supreme Court of British Columbia. She is a member in good standing with the College of Occupational Therapists of British Columbia and the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists, as well as several local special interest groups and online rehabilitation communities. 

Stephanie grew up on northern Vancouver Island within the traditional Kwagu’ł First Nation territory, and after living and working in the Lower Mainland for seven years, moved back to the island to the traditional territory of the K’ómoks First Nation. She is a mom of two busy little boys, and when not working with clients she can be found watching cooking shows, or spending time outdoors with her family - hiking, kayaking, skiing, or losing at tennis.

Carmen is  a registered psychologist in the British Columbia and Alberta with extensive experience in health and human services, counsellor training and education, mental health and addictions, rehabilitation, and health promotion. She completed her doctorate (PhD) in Counselling Psychology at the University of Calgary.

Over the course of her career, Carmen has provided psychological assessment and treatment to individuals and groups in a variety of settings, with current emphasis on promoting wellbeing across the lifespan, mental health, couples, military populations, and return to work after injury or illness.

Carmen works as part of the Archipelago Team tha specifically provide services to clients with Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Colin completed his undergraduate degree in Kinesiologist at the University of Waterloo and his graduate degree in Occupational Therapy at Western University. He started his career in BC in 2016 and has worked in a variety of clinical and leadership positions.   

Colin has many years of experience working with a wide range of clients of all abilities and backgrounds and truly enjoys getting to know his clients while guiding them through their recovery journey. He has an extensive background in assisting those who are experiencing musculoskeletal conditions, concussions, depression, anxiety, burnout and many other diagnoses.  

During his career, Colin has had the opportunity to work alongside many skilled clinicians, and he values taking a collaborative approach to rehabilitation, connecting with other clinicians involved in a client’s care and ultimately letting the client lead the process when returning to the activities that are meaningful to them.  

Outside of work, Colin enjoys trail running, playing hockey, listening to music too loudly and spending as much time as possible outdoors with his family.   

Earl obtained three Masters degrees in leadership, ministry, and counselling and post-graduate training in adult education, public relations, and communications. Earl is accredited as a Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) and is a certified Myers-Briggs Type Instrument (MBTI) practitioner.

A survivor of trauma and PTSD, Earl’s focus is on clients and couples suffering from the effects of past trauma, enabling and empowering them to move forward with the skills they lost or never obtained.  Earl’s goal is to make a difference in the lives of those affected by poverty, substance dependence, and traumatic life events, allowing each client to manage their anxiety, develop interpersonal skills, regulate their emotions, and tolerate stressful situations. 

Earl works as part of the Archipelago Team that specifically provide services to clients with Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Elli is an occupational therapist and certified health coach with Archipelago Rehab

 Jade’s passion for helping others and her strong interest in mental and physical health drew her to occupational therapy. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Neuroscience, and Behaviour with a specialization in Mental Health from McMaster University. During her undergraduate degree, she also earned a certificate in Applied Behaviour Analysis from McMaster University/Mohawk College. Jade continued her education at McMaster University, completing her Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy.

Throughout university, Jade spent her summers supporting children and adults with developmental and physical disabilities to participate in recreational activities. She also found joy in her various volunteer positions, which included helping people with disabilities safely engage in physical activity and participate in therapeutic horseback riding. Jade has professional experience working in acute medicine, hospital and community mental health, and private community practice. Jade recognizes the unique needs of each client and believes in providing collaborative and holistic care. She holds a great appreciation for the value of participating in everyday tasks and looks forward to learning about and supporting her clients' meaningful activities.

Originally from Ontario, Jade has recently moved to Vancouver Island and is excited to experience all it has to offer. Outside of work, she enjoys baking, caring for her plants, reading, hiking, and mountain biking. 

Katie has always known she was wanted to pursue a career within health care serving and helping others in need. Katie graduated in 2015 with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Victoria. With this degree, Katie worked as a Behaviour Interventionist in Kelowna, BC, supporting families and children with developmental disabilities. Additionally, Katie has devoted her time to volunteering in various community organizations and programs to support people of all ages and abilities. 

Katie’s passion to serve those in her community led her to pursue further education. Katie recently completed her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy in 2022 from the University of Alberta. During Katie’s degree, she completed additional course offerings in the Stigma of Mental Health, Grief and Loss, and Chronic Pain. Katie has professional experience in Long-Term Care, Community Mental Health, and Acute Care (General Medicine, Cardiac Care, Intensive Care). Katie believes in supporting individuals where they are at, providing evidence-based and collaborative practice, and helping individuals to do what is meaningful to them.

Born and raised on Vancouver Island, Katie is excited to be back after traveling the world and completing her degree. When Katie is not at work, she can be found completing DIY projects around the house, camping, spending time outdoors with friends and family, and walking her dog.

Liam's strong passion for supporting others, combined with his deep interest in physiology and psychology, led him to pursue a career in occupational therapy. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from MacEwan University in 2024. 

Outside of his academic and professional interests, Liam enjoys staying active through working out, playing soccer, hiking, fishing, and spending time in the outdoors. 

Lily has always been passionate about helping others and pursuing a career in healthcare, though it took time for her to narrow down her specific path. It was through her recent volunteer experience at Comox Valley Hospital that she discovered her values and aspirations closely align with the field of Occupational Therapy. Motivated to learn more and gain hands-on experience, she has since begun working as a rehabilitation assistant.

She earned a BSc in Biology from the University of Victoria in December 2024. During the fall of that year, she contributed to a collaborative research project focused on Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, which is hopefully soon to be published.

Although originally from the mainland, Lily has spent most of her life in the Comox Valley. She grew up playing a variety of sports, with a particular focus on soccer during high school. Today, she maintains an active lifestyle through weightlifting, running, hiking, and other outdoor activities.

With a strong academic foundation, a genuine passion for improving lives, and a proactive approach to gaining real-world experience, Lily is becoming well-prepared to pursue a career in Occupational Therapy.

Mathilde was born and raised in the south of France. Her interest in rehabilitation and helping others started early in her life. After a childhood injury, she discovered the world of physiotherapy and recovery process. As an Occupational Therapy student, she would spend her summer breaks helping older adults and working at a medical equipment store (when not fixing tractors with her dad or helping in a vineyard!).

Once she graduated as an OT, she worked in different settings, providing services to children with various physical disabilities, adults with progressive neurodegenerative disorders or requiring mental health support, before transitioning to working with older adults in care homes.

After moving to Canada in 2010, she continued her career in long term care homes in Vancouver, and started providing community services to the Vancouver Island and Powell River in 2019, helping clients return to meaningful activities, or age at home in an safe and accessible environment.

Mathilde loves to think outside the box (both in French and English!), she enjoys brainstorming with her clients, families and being part of multidisciplinary teams, always striving to provide the most appropriate support and services for her clients.

Although she sometimes misses French gastronomy and the sound of summer cicadas, she embraces her life in Canada and loves Vancouver Island’s nature, beauty and relaxed pace. When she is not at work, she can be seen fishing from her paddle board, practicing taekwondo with her son, talking to her chickens, or planning a camping adventure with her family and friends.
 

Steph grew up on Vancouver Island and is happy to be back after spending the last seven years working as an Occupational Therapist in Whitehorse, Yukon. Within this rural setting, Steph was inspired by the resiliency of the people who call Yukon their home. With limited resources available, she learned to be flexible and creative with her treatment plans in collaboration with the client's goals.

Steph learned about Occupational Therapy volunteering at a rock climbing gym with children with physical and mental health challenges. She then worked as an inclusion facilitator at Community Living BC in the Teen Community Connections after-school program. These experiences solidified Steph’s passion for becoming an Occupational Therapist and she continues to grow when given an opportunity to problem-solve around finding unique ways to improve an individual’s overall function and quality of life.   

She completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Victoria (Bachelor of Science in Biology & Psychology) and then graduated with her Master of Occupational Therapy from UBC in 2015.   

When not at work, you can find Steph outside spending time with her beloved golden retriever. She loves hiking, trail running, mountain biking and skiing. Steph is grateful to be living on the traditional territory of the K’ómoks First Nation.  

With a passion for nurturing people, education, and business, John has been helping to steer Archipelago Rehab as its Director of Growth & Development since its founding.

His dedication to this role is fueled by a deep commitment to making a positive impact on clients' lives and supporting the clinic’s talented team of clinicians.

Before diving into the world of rehabilitation management, John was immersed in education and professional development. He led dynamic teams, spearheaded engagement initiatives, and managed substantial budgets to ensure student programs thrived, gaining invaluable experience in interpersonal support and service development along the way.

When he's not at work, John can often be found playing one sport or another, or enjoying the great outdoors with his family—camping, hiking, paddling, or trying to convince a friend to take him out on their boat.

Born and raised on Vancouver Island, he treasures every moment of island life, especially when it involves camping or exploring the Island with his two energetic boys and his wonderful wife, Stephanie (and no, he’s not JUST saying that because she’s the boss!).

In his role at Archipelago Rehab, John is excited to blend his love for community engagement with his professional skills, helping the clinic grow and ensuring top-notch support for their clients.