Julia Kwan

Julia Kwan

Occupational Therapist

Credentials

Master of Occupational Therapy, University of British ColumbiaBachelor of Science, University of British ColumbiaOccupational TherapistStandard First AidCPR-C/AEDOFA-1ASISTCertified MoCA RaterProvincial Violence Prevention CertificateLifesaving InstructorNational Lifeguard

Specialties

Sensory processingSelf-regulationFine motor and written outputExecutive functioningMental health and anxietySchool participationAdaptive swimmingFunctional assessmentGross motor skills and coordinationLanguages: English

Julia is a dedicated occupational therapist who is passionate about supporting children and their families in building skills for everyday life. She holds a Master of Occupational Therapy and a Bachelor of Science from the University of British Columbia and brings a compassionate, family-centred approach to her work. Julia values collaborative, relationship-based care and partners closely with families to set meaningful goals that enhance participation across all environments. She has experience providing services in a variety of settings, including homes, clinics, and community spaces, to best support each child in their natural environments.

She has experience working with children with a range of needs and diagnoses, including autism, ADHD, developmental coordination disorder (DCD), Down syndrome, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), and mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. Julia is committed to ongoing learning and integrates evidence-based approaches into her therapy to provide thoughtful, individualized care.

In addition to her clinical work, Julia spent nine years as a lifeguard and swim instructor, where she developed and delivered adapted swim lessons for children of diverse abilities. This experience continues to inform her creative, strengths-based approach—helping each child build confidence, develop new skills, and find joy in movement and play. She is excited to work alongside families to support children in developing skills through fun, child-centred, play-based activities.

Julia is registered with the College of Occupational Therapists of British Columbia and is a member of the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists. She is also a Registered Autism Service Provider (RASP).

Experience

  • Pediatric private practice
  • School-based therapy
  • Acute care and inpatient rehabilitation
  • Mental health and substance use
  • Neuromusculoskeletal rehabilitation

Courses & Professional Development

  • DIR/Floortime® 101
  • Regulation Matters: Polyvagal Theory, Interoception and Emotional Integration
  • Joint Attention-Based Interventions for Preschoolers with ASD
  • Studio III – Managing Distressed Behavior for Caregivers
  • Sensory Processing for Early Education
  • Infant Eating, Feeding, and Swallowing: Theory + Clinical Application
  • Assessment of Executive Functions Children and Teens
  • Executive Functions and Activities of Daily Living
  • ADHD: Transformative Practices for Children and Teens
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KidStart Pediatric Therapy provides expert occupational therapy, speech therapy, and behavioral therapy for children in Burnaby and the Greater Vancouver Area. See all our services on the KidStart Pediatric Therapy homepage.