About
Our Space
Our clinic officially opened in September 2023. We are conveniently located in the heart of Downtown Courtenay - just steps away from the theatre, library, local shops, restaurants, and the Courtenay River. Our space has been carefully designed to create an inviting, comfortable, and functional space for your child to learn and play.
Meet the Team
Cynthia Lau (she/her/hers)
Owner + Occupational Therapist
Hi! Meet Cynthia, owner and occupational therapist of Community Kids OT. Cynthia has been working with children in different settings for over a decade. She came across pediatric occupational therapy while studying social inclusion at Quest University Canada (Squamish, BC) and instantly knew it was the right career for her. This led her to pursue her Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy at McMaster University (Hamilton, ON).
Over the years, Cynthia has gained valuable experience working in both early intervention and school-aged therapy. She has had the opportunity to work all over the province, including the Fraser Valley, Sea-to-Sky Corridor, Greater Vancouver Area, and remote First Nation communities.
Cynthia's therapy style is focused on function i.e., getting kids to do the things that they need to do or want to do! Cynthia utilizes a strengths-based approach and always aim to make therapy fun and engaging. She is passionate about getting children of all abilities involved in the community.
Cynthia is a big believer in play, even as an adult! She currently lives in Cumberland, BC where you'll find her mountain biking, rock climbing, and paddling in her spare time. On really rainy days, you'll find her crafting at home.
Cynthia is registered as an occupational therapist with the College of Health and Care Professionals of British Columbia (CHCPBC) and listed on the Registry of Autism Service Providers (RASP).
-
Astronaut Training: A Sound Activated Vestibular-Visual Protocol - Vital Links
-
Becoming a Behavioural Detective: Understanding and Supporting Complex Behaviours - Kim Barthel
-
Building Blocks for Sensory Integration - Vital Links
-
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
-
Collaborative & Proactive Solutions - Ross Greene
-
Embracing and Understanding Individual Differences - Rosemary White
-
Exploring and Applying Psycho-Sensory Interventions and Trauma Informed-Practice - Kim Barthel
-
Handwriting Without Tears
-
Inclusive Trauma Informed Practice Through a Lens of Cultural Safety
- The BC Association for Child Development and Intervention
-
Kids Bowel & Bladder - Treatment of Bowel and Bladder Disorders Level 1 & 2
-
Learn Play Thrive Approach To Autism
-
Motivational Interviewing
-
Executive Functioning Across the Lifespan - Sarah Ward
-
Safe and Sound Protocol
-
Social Thinking
-
SOS Approach to Feeding
-
The ALERT (How Does My Engine Run) Program
-
The Cognitive Orientation of Daily Occupational Performance (CO-OP) Approach
-
The Zones of Regulation
-
Visual Perception and Its Impact on Learning - Sensational Brain
Cynthia has taken a number of continuing education courses, including:
Farai Simbabure (she/her/hers)
Occupational Therapist
Hello! Meet Farai, an occupational therapist at Community Kids OT. Over the past four years, Farai has been working with youths, adults, and seniors in various settings. Now, she is excited to make the jump into pediatrics.
With a passion for helping individuals gain the skills they need to reach their goals, occupational therapy has been a great fit for Farai. Farai completed her Bachelor of Occupational Therapy in South Africa, which provided her with a unique context to learn about occupational therapy.
Farai's approach to therapy is focused on highlighting individual strengths in order to support participation in activities that are important. Farai believes therapy should be fun, meaningful, and collaborative.
As something who grew up loving being in the water, Farai is excited to offer aquatic occupational therapy through Community Kids OT. The therapeutic benefits of water are immense in supporting kids' gross motor development, confidence, social skills, and integration of sensory systems.
In her spare time, you can find her on the ocean paddleboarding, freediving, or swimming. Farai has a passion for travel and her last trip took her on an adventure throughout Egypt.
Farai is registered with the College of Health and Care Professionals of British Columbia as an occupational therapist. She is listed on the Registry of Autism Service Providers (RASP).