At West Coast Kids Therapy, our team of practitioners brings a wealth of knowledge, dedication, and heart to every family we meet. We are committed to supporting your child's unique path to growth and development.
Our paediatric therapists are registered both provincially and nationally to support the highest standard of practice and professionalism. We are also Registered Autism Service Providers (RASP).
“Each and every therapist at West Coast Kids Therapy Group has contributed to my child’s ability to live in the world more comfortably and joyously. Although they are beautifully unique women, their commonalities lie in their kindness, humour, compassion, and expertise in their fields. They are incredibly dedicated to helping kids and families live better lives, which is evident whether they are working one-on-one with your child, or training you (or another support person) to achieve various goals. Each one of them feels like an extended member of our family, and we are eternally grateful for the ease of life they have given us.”
FOUNDER
PAEDIATRIC OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST
Melissa O'Brien, OT
After completing her occupational therapy studies at Queen’s University and the University of Ottawa in 2006, Melissa O’Brien spent her first years as an OT working with children in Whitehorse and flying to outreach clinics in Yukon’s northern communities. After moving to Vancouver Island, Melissa founded Coastal Kids Occupational Therapy in 2009, changing the name in 2021 to West Coast Kids Therapy Group to reflect a growing team of therapists.
Melissa has a passion for working with neurodiverse kids and their families. She specializes in the areas of Autism, Developmental Coordination Disorder, and Sensory Processing Disorder. Melissa is bilingual in both French and English. She is a registered Autism Service Provider (RASP). Melissa's work is guided by values in connection, learning, courage, independence, and growth mindset.
In addition to being an OT, Melissa enjoys being a mom to her three boys, exploring beautiful Vancouver Island with her family, and learning about sustainable living.
PAEDIATRIC OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST
Kylee Abrahamson
Kylee Abrahamson received her Master’s of Occupational Therapy from the University of British Columbia. Her experience as a paediatric occupational therapist includes being mentored at Queen Alexandra Centre for Children’s Health, working at Dogwood Place in Campbell River and the Child Development Association in Courtenay, and working privately with children and their families on Vancouver Island since 2013.
Kylee believes in combining evidence-based practice with practical strategies to incorporate into busy everyday family life. Her approach to working with children and their families is flexible, open-minded, down to earth, innovative, and family-centered. Some of her areas of specialty include picky eating and problem feeding, supporting sensory processing and self-regulation skill development, and promoting printing skill development. Kylee is a Registered Autism Service Provider (RASP).
Outside of her work, Kylee and her partner have three adorable young children. When not busy in her roles as mom and OT, she enjoys hitting the squash courts. She also enjoys traveling the world and being active outdoors on Vancouver Island where she was born and raised.
PAEDIATRIC PHYSIOTHERAPIST
Louisa Pulfrey
Louisa Pulfrey obtained her Bachelors degree in Physical Therapy from the University of British Columbia, and her Masters degree in Adult Education from the University of Calgary. Louisa has worked in a variety of paediatric settings including Sunny Hill Health Centre for Children, North Island Early Intervention and School Program, as well as the BC Centre for Ability. She has also taught extensively in the field of paediatrics at UBC in the department of Physiotherapy as well as in the Rehabilitation Assistant diploma program at Vancouver Community College.
Louisa is dedicated to helping children maximize their function and facilitate independence and participation in their daily lives. She believes strongly in working collaboratively with families and practicing family centred, parent-driven, evidence based, empathetic care. Louisa enjoys the diversity of children she works with, and has developed experience in treating a wide variety of paediatric conditions with associated physical challenges. She has a particular interest in infant development, DCD, complex neurodevelopmental conditions, as well as somatic symptom disorders.
Louisa lives in the Comox Valley with her husband and two children. When not working, she loves to be outside, preferably on her bike.