Meet Our Team

Jen completed her Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy in 2000 at UBC and also holds a Masters of Applied Arts in Design from Emily Carr University in 2009. Jen began her OT career working in acute care, moving onto school aged therapy, and then to Sunny Hill Health Centre in the areas of complex pediatric seating and mobility, eating, drinking and swallowing skills and acute rehabilitation.

Jen has also provided direct therapy treatment with children and youth with a variety of diagnoses.

Her work with Access Therapists includes complex wheelchair seating and mobility consultation with adult clients with a variety of needs and conditions including developmental disabilities and other neurological conditions. Jen has a passion for universal design, medical assistive design, technology and children’s play spaces.

She was privileged to design a sensory wall for inclusive playground for the 2010 Olympics in Whistler and has designed a small outdoor play area as a public art project in North Vancouver. Jen also likes to ride her bike everywhere and spend time in the outdoors with her young family.

Jen lives in the Comox Valley and serves Vancouver Island, as well as many outreach areas.

Jenna graduated from Queen’s University, with a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy in 2014. Prior to this she completed a Bachelor of Kinesiology degree at UFV in 2011. Since becoming an OT, Jenna has gained experience in a variety of settings including acute care, residential care, and community rehabilitation.

She spent 3 years working at Vancouver General and UBC hospitals on a variety of units including Neurology, Spinal Cord, and Surgical Short Stay. Following work in the hospital, Jenna transitioned to the community setting working in the private sector with adults recovering from motor vehicle and workplace injuries.

Jenna has experience working with clients with physical, cognitive and mental health challenges. She is passionate about helping her clients achieve their desired goals. When not working, Jenna enjoys traveling, exploring the outdoors, and spending time with her young family.

Jessica is a registered nurse that currently works part-time as a wound clinician in the primary care setting. She has previously worked in both acute care and home health before starting with Access.

She completed the Wound Ostomy Continence Nurse program at Emory University in 2018 and has been working as a WOCN since. She has a Bachelor of Nursing Degree from BCIT and a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology. When she’s not working she is likely travelling or out enjoying the sunshine on her paddleboard or bicycle.

Jo-Anne graduated from UBC with a combined degree in occupational and physical therapy in 1981, following up with a Masters in Science in rehabilitation in 1996. After a brief stint in the Yukon working as a physiotherapist, she embarked on her career in occupational therapy at the GF Strong Rehab Centre in Vancouver, working primarily with persons with spinal cord injury and igniting a lifelong passion for wheelchair seating and mobility.

In 1990 she co-founded Access Community Therapists Ltd., and it was from this community therapy platform that she strengthened and consolidated her clinical and educational skills working with persons with a variety of physical disabilities always with a focus on technology to enhance independence and health. In addition to her clinical role, Jo-Anne is an educator; presenting at conferences; developing continuing education courses in wheelchair seating and pressure management; and is a Clinical Instructor in the Masters of OT program at UBC.

Named British Columbia OT of the year in 2002, Jo-Anne is an enthusiastic proponent of occupational therapy and performs regulatory work for the College (COTBC). She is qualified as expert witness to the Queens Bench of Saskatchewan, and has advised in legal cases involving persons with physical disabilities. When not wearing her OT hat, Jo-Anne can be found trekking in out of the way places, following the adventures of her adult sons and paragliding husband or cycling trails with Tybalt the wonder dog.

Julianna De Souza is a healthcare operations and human resources leader with over a decade of experience supporting clinical and administrative teams across British Columbia and Quebec. As Human Resources & Office Manager at Access Community Therapists Ltd., she oversees HR operations, office administration, payroll, and health benefits, while providing support to both in-office and remote clinicians.

With a background in psychology, Julianna brings a deep understanding of human behavior and workplace dynamics, combining it with hands-on healthcare experience to cultivate collaborative, inclusive, and purpose-driven workplaces. She is also committed to advancing equity and addressing anti-Indigenous discrimination, ensuring that organizational practices support culturally safe and respectful environments for all staff and clients.

In her spare time, Julianna enjoys staying active—whether its cycling through the city, exploring scenic hiking trails, or unwinding at home with a warm cup of coffee and a captivating book.

Karalyn graduated with her Masters of Occupational Therapy from La Trobe University, Australia in 2015 after choosing to study abroad after completing her undergraduate Bachelor of Science degree from Thompson Rivers University. Since returning home to Kamloops, BC in 2015, she has spent most of her career working in various community OT roles as well as in long-term care settings. Over the past four years, Karalyn’s career focus has shifted to working predominantly in physical injury, specifically spinal cord injury with a special interest in seating. In her spare time, Karalyn enjoys the beautiful Thompson-Nicola weather, spending as much time as possible on her family’s lake property near Adam’s Lake.

Kendall graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from the University of British Columbia. With a focus in mental health, she has completed continuing education in Motivational Interviewing, Mindfulness Integrated Therapy and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.

Prior to joining the Access Community Therapists team, Kendall worked for Vancouver Coastal Health providing Occupational Therapy services for adults with complex mental health, physical health and substance use conditions. Kendall weaves curiosity and compassion through her work of supporting clients towards meaningful participation and well-being. Ever an OT, Kendall is a natural hobbyist who enjoys a variety of activities when she is not getting lost in the forest with her faithful dog, Sparrow.

Lauren graduated from the Capilano University Rehabilitation Assistant Diploma program with distinction in 2015. At the time of graduation, Lauren was awarded the Governor General’s Academic Medal- Collegiate Bronze, having the highest cumulative grade point average across all academic departments within the university.

Upon graduation, Lauren worked for the Fraser Health Authority in acute medicine, critical care, outpatient rehab and surgical rehab. During her time in acute care, Lauren discovered a passion for working with individuals with neurological impairments. Focusing on those with traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord injuries, as well as orthopedic injuries, she pursued additional training in aquatic rehabilitation and worked as an aquatic rehabilitation therapist. In joining the team at Access Community Therapists in the Summer of 2021, Lauren also brings with her, experience in assistive technology, workplace ergonomics and geriatric care.

Lauren is extremely passionate about working with individuals utilizing a client-centered approach to reach their rehabilitation goals while building strong working relationships. Lauren is an advocate for mental health awareness and addiction recovery, and in her free time, loves being out in nature and being surrounded by her family and friends. She loves being near the ocean, listening to music, travelling and adores all dogs, especially her giant grumpy dog, Harlo.