Our Team

Meet Our Professional Team

All Occupational Therapists at VanKids hold a Master's or Bachelor's degree in their respective fields. Our therapists are approved or supervised by the Registry of Autism Service Providers (RASP) and are fully licensed and registered with the College of Health and Care Professionals of British Columbia (CHCPBC).

Leonardo Tam

Leonardo Tam

MSc.OT, B.Kin, RASP

Clinical Director / Registered Occupational Therapist

Hi! I'm Leo, I graduated with a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from the University of Alberta and a Bachelor of Kinesiology from the University of British Columbia.

I have worked across several pediatric clinics in the Lower Mainland and previously worked in a school for children with disabilities, where I provided neurodiversity-affirming, play-based care. Through these experiences, I have developed individualized treatment plans and interventions that target sensory processing, fine motor development, executive functioning, and social-emotional skills. I also bring over 8 years of experience as a behavioural interventionist, respite provider, and youth sports coach, which has shaped my holistic approach to supporting children's development.

I am also passionate about supporting children and families through both local and global initiatives. I had the privilege of volunteering in a rural village in Tactic, Guatemala, where I worked with children with developmental delays while providing consultation to caregivers and school staff. This experience strengthened my commitment to accessible, family-centred care, and I hope to return one day to continue supporting the community. When I'm not in the clinic, you'll usually find me playing volleyball, mentoring youth, or taking my dog on nature walks. I’m also fluent in English and Cantonese!

Professional Development

  • ICDL DIR Floortime® 101 & 201
  • CLASI Ayres Sensory Integration® 1 & 2
  • Treating Movement Challenges in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: NDT for ASD – Kim Barthel
  • Becoming a Behavioural Detective: Understanding and Supporting Complex Behaviour – Kim Barthel
  • Pediatric Eating, Feeding, and Swallowing: Beyond Infancy – University of Alberta
  • Back-to-School Strategies for Executive Function Success – Sarah Ward
  • Fine Motor and Upper Extremity Gross Motor Treatment Interventions – Sensational Brain
  • Powerfully You: Empowering Self-Regulation Practitioner
  • Rolling with ADHD: Practical Strategies for ADHD
  • Neurodiverse-Affirming Practice in Support of Individuals with Sensory Processing Differences – Kim Barthel
Michelle Li

Michelle Li

MOT, B.Kin, RASP

Registered Occupational Therapist

Hello! I’m Michelle, a Master of Occupational Therapy graduate, following my Bachelor of Kinesiology, both from the University of British Columbia.

I have experience working with children and youth across pediatric, educational, and community settings, including supporting children with neurodivergent and developmental needs. Through my clinical placements and work as a behaviour interventionist, tutor, and support worker, I have developed a holistic approach to supporting children’s participation, independence, and confidence in their everyday lives. My experience includes supporting fine and gross motor skills, executive functioning, sensory processing, emotional regulation, social-emotional development, and daily living skills.

I value building genuine connections with children and youth and creating an environment where they feel comfortable being themselves, understood, and supported. I strive to make therapy feel approachable and engaging, while helping children feel confident trying new things, developing new skills, and working toward their goals. I enjoy finding activities that are meaningful to each child and connecting therapy to the things that matter in their everyday lives.

Alongside my pediatric experience, I have also worked in mental health and acute settings with individuals across the lifespan. These experiences have shown me how different parts of a person’s life can influence how they learn, grow, and participate everyday. A child’s emotional well-being, relationships, environment, and individual strengths are all important pieces of their development. This has reinforced the importance of looking beyond individual skills and working collaboratively with children, families, and other professionals to understand what each child needs to feel supported and thrive.

Outside of occupational therapy, you’ll often find me playing ultimate frisbee, getting creative through different art forms, and spending time with family and friends. I’m also fluent in English and conversational in Cantonese!

Tanvir Sidhu

Tanvir Sidhu

MOT, BSc

Registered Occupational Therapist

Hi! I’m Tanvir, a Registered Occupational Therapist with a Master of Occupational Therapy from Curtin University in Australia and a Bachelor of Science with a Combined Major in Biology and Psychology from the University of Victoria.

My passion for working with children began long before becoming an occupational therapist. Through my experiences as a Behaviour Interventionist and Occupational Therapy Assistant, I had the opportunity to support children with autism and diverse developmental needs. These experiences sparked my interest in understanding how children learn, grow, and experience the world around them.

Throughout my career, I’ve gained experience in pediatric and community-based occupational therapy, supporting individuals with a wide range of physical, cognitive, emotional, developmental, and mental health needs. My clinical experiences have strengthened my passion for helping children build confidence, develop meaningful skills, and participate more fully in their everyday lives.

I believe therapy should be just as engaging as it is meaningful. My approach is playful, creative, and child-led, with a focus on building genuine connections and celebrating each child’s unique strengths. Whether we’re working on fine motor skills, sensory processing, emotional regulation, mental well-being, or everyday independence, I enjoy finding creative ways to make learning fun. I also value working closely with families to develop practical strategies that carry over into everyday life.

One of my favourite parts of being an occupational therapist is celebrating the little moments that lead to big milestones, whether it’s mastering a new skill, building confidence, or discovering new possibilities!

Christine Chu

Christine Chu

Occupational Therapy Assistant

Hello! I’m Christine, an Education Assistant with experience supporting children in both elementary and secondary school settings.

I am passionate about working with children with diverse learning, behavioural, social-emotional, and communication needs, including children with Autism, ADHD, intellectual disabilities, and complex support needs. I enjoy getting to know each child, discovering their interests, and finding meaningful ways to help them build confidence, develop new skills, and become more independent in their everyday lives.

I believe every child has unique strengths and the potential to grow. My philosophy is, “If they can’t learn the way we teach, we teach the way they learn.” I also believe that behaviour is a form of communication and that children use it to express their needs. For this reason, I approach each child with patience, empathy, and understanding. I also value collaboration with families and other professionals to ensure each child feels supported and has opportunities to reach their full potential.

In addition to completing an Education Assistant program (REAP) - Richmond School District, I have pursued further training in autism and neurodiversity, child and youth mental health, social-emotional learning, and Nonviolent Crisis Intervention through UBC and POPARD.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family and exploring creative activities. I am fluent in English and Cantonese, and proficient in Mandarin.

Ann Leung

Ann Leung

Therapy Office Assistant

Hey! My name is Ann and I bring nearly a decade of experience in healthcare and administration, along with a genuine passion for supporting children and their families. I hold a Bachelor of Communication from Hong Kong Baptist University and a Diploma in Health and Social Sciences, and I strive to create a calm, organized, and welcoming environment for every family who visits our clinic.

I provide administrative support in English, Cantonese, and Mandarin, helping ensure clear and seamless communication throughout your experience.

I am passionate about supporting families and creating a positive clinic experience. Outside of work, I enjoy staying active through badminton, hiking, and travelling.

What Families Say

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