About Us
Shawn Chuang
Shawn is the founder of Kidstart Pediatric Therapy. He is currently developing various OT treatment programs and therapy structure within several locations. He is listed on the Registered Autism Service Providers (RASP) list as an Occupational Therapist (OT).
Shaw has completed his Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy in Taiwan and graduated in 2009. He has advanced training in Sensory Integration and has completed ASI® certificate program from CLASI (Collaborative for Leadership in ASI). He is also a trained SOS (Sequential-Oral-Sensory) feeding therapist and a DIRFloortime® practitioner. Shawn has also attended many workshops including Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) for both introductory and advanced course as well as Relationship Development Intervention (RDI).
For more than 12 years of working with kids with special needs, Shawn has devoted his career to making a difference for these children and their families. After he moved to Canada in 2017, he continued his career with special focus on kids with Autism diagnosis. He enjoys working with them and loves to see them learn and grow through play and relationships.
Regarding his occupational therapy practice, he does initial Occupational Therapy evaluation, feeding assessment, report writing as well as direct intervention for children aged 3-18. He also attends to client’s home for home-based OT sessions as well as school visits for school aged clients.
Shawn believes in holistic approach with greater understanding of child development. He is also a strong advocate for creating awareness of children with special needs as well as promoting the importance of the involvement of the parents. He always tries his best to collaborate with the caregivers and walk with them through their journey. He enjoys working/playing and laughing together with kids, and that’s why he is never tired of finding fun and cool stuff for kids that he works with.
Professional Development/ Workshop and Courses
- Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) -Introductory and advanced courses
- Relationship Developmental Intervention (RDI)- Consultant training
- DIR Floor time introductory Level 1
- DIR Floor time Basic Certificate course (DIR 201)
- Integrated Listening Systems SSP training course
- ASI certificate program (CLASI)
- SOS Feeding approach course
- “The Traffic Jam In My Brain ONLINE” A Sensory Processing Approach to Challenges Associated with Autism, ADHD, Learning and Behavioral Differences
- Handwriting Without Tears K-5 Handwriting Workshop
- Keyboard Without Tears Workshop
Find us on Best of Vancouver as one of the best pediatricians for kids in Greater Vancouver!
Meet the team
Kidstart Pediatric Therapy
Kristie Shen
Occupational Therapist
Kristie began her journey as an Occupational Therapist after completing her bachelor’s degree of Occupational Therapy in Taiwan in 2007. Since then, her professional journey has led her to work with children and families in a variety of settings and treat many different diagnoses and developmental concerns.
For Kristie, positive relationships with children and families are fundamental to success in therapy. She believes that children learn best through meaningful activities that are fun and motivating, so letting children enjoy each therapy session is always one of her goals.
As a therapist, Kristie wants to always be progressing and learning in her field. She always wants to be her best so she can help children be their best self.
Christine Chiu
Occupational Therapist
Christine is an empathetic and caring pediatric Occupational Therapist, holding a Bachelor’s degree and license in Occupational Therapy from Taiwan since 2016. Expanding her expertise, she obtained a diploma in Infant development and Supported ChildCare from UBC, further enhancing her qualifications in the specialized field of pediatric care. In 2023, Christine obtained her OT license in Canada, demonstrating her commitment to providing the highest standards of care. With a rich background in working with children with neurodiversity, Christine brings a deep understanding and a personalized approach to her practice, ensuring that each child receives tailored support to thrive. Her passion and dedication to pediatric OT drive her to continuously seek innovative strategies and interventions that can make a significant difference in the lives of the children and families she serves.
Preet Shah
Speech-Language Therapist and Audiologist
Preet has completed her Bachelors in Audiology and Speech-Language pathology from Topiwala National medical college (Nair hospital) followed by a Master’s degree in Audiology and Speech-language Pathology from Manipal University. She is certified by the College of Speech and Hearing BC and I am a practitioner in RASP.
She also held a Clinical Competence Certificate (CCC-SLP) from ASHA (American Speech and Hearing Association) and licensure from Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI). She has also received training in Oral Placement Therapy, Hanen- More than words and Natural Language Acquisition.
Preet specialize in working with the paediatric population with language delay or deviancy, articulation and/or feeding issues. She has also worked with adults with neuro-communication disorders and dysphagia and have completed my dissertation in creating a treatment manual for adults who have word-finding difficulties.
Her passion:
“After working with various therapists over the years, I realised the importance of using a holistic approach for the treatment provided and sharing this form of approach with other therapists for professional development. I have developed an online portal called “Uncleft” wherein experts from various fields share their expertise on a topic which in turn will help train professionals and students in the field. “
Preet believes that when we work on something continually and “be at it” (keep practising it), then over time, not only do we end up achieving our goals, but surpassing them.
Kenneth Chue
Assistant
Kenneth graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Occupational Therapy in Hong Kong in 2015 and has begun a fulfilling career as an Occupational Therapist in Hong Kong, specializing in various fields including mental health, child and adolescent service, and senior care. Recently, Kenneth relocated to Canada, and is in the process of obtaining formal registration as an Occupational Therapist in British Columbia.
Kenneth’s passion for working with children stems from his belief that each child possesses the inherent potential to flourish and lead a meaning life in their own unique way. He is committed to creating an enjoyable and positive therapeutic experience for every child he works with. By fostering a sense of enjoyment, Kenneth aims to facilitate progress and holistic well-being for the children he serves.
Tiffany Lee
Assistant
Tiffany is studying her Bachelor’s in Kinesiology at UBC, working towards getting her Masters in Occupational Therapy. She has worked with children with physical and cognitive disabilities as a gymnastics coach and continues growing professionally in that realm. Tiffany is excited to utilize her knowledge to support children and their families, foster growth, and gain skills needed for everyday life.
Wan-Yi Chiu, M.A., M.Sc., BCBA
BCBA (Board Certified Behavioral Analyst)
Wan-Yi’s journey in the field of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) began as a Pediatric Occupational Therapist (OT) in Taiwan.
Discovering the potential of ABA to help individuals with ASD, she transitioned to work as a Behavior Interventionist (BI) in Taiwan. In pursuit of greater expertise, Wan-Yi obtained her master’s degree in ABA from Columbia University, New York, and she became a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). Wan-Yi moved to Greater Vancouver, Canada in 2018, joining the Registered Autism Service Providers (RASP) to serve families and individuals with ASD.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, she encountered a family struggling with feeding disorders, sparking her interest in this area. Through her self-studying, she was inspired by many workshops and courseworks. Seeking specialization, she is currently receiving consultation from Dr. Laura Seiverling and Elise Jusko, M.S. CCC-SLP, founders of BITES®, The Behavioral InTEgrated with Speech approach.
Wan-Yi currently lives in North Vancouver. In her free time, she enjoys mountain biking, hiking, trail running in the nature with her partner and their dog.
Education
Bachelor of Science – Occupational Therapy
Chung Shan Medical University (中山醫學大學), Taiwan
Master of Science – Early Intervention
Chang Gung University (長庚大學), Taiwan
Master of Art – Applied Behavior Analysis
Teachers College, Columbia University, New York
Additional Training & Certification
Practical Functional Assessment (PFA) and Skill Based Treatment (SBT)
The Behavioral InTEgrated with Speech approach (BITES®) – Certification of Completion
Recent Coursework
The Behavioral InTEgrated with Speech approach (BITES®) – 12 hours of training – Dr. Laura Seiverling and Elise Jusko, M.S. CCC-SLP
Behavioral Feeding Therapy – 6 hours of training – Melissa Druskis, M.S., BCBA
Trauma and Feeding: Supporting Families at Mealtimes with a Trauma-Informed Lens – 2 hours of training – Karen Dilfer, MS, OTR/L, Stephanie Cohen, MA, CCC-SLP, CLC
The Supervision Essential Program – 17.5 hours of training – Shannon Biagi, MS, BCBA
The Reflective Analyst: Navigating Escape Behaviors with the Trauma-Informed Assent Mastery Kit for Escape Behaviors – 6 hours of training – Dr. Megan DeLeon Miller, Ph.d, BCBA-D
Natalie Leung
Admin
Natalie has a deep love for nature and an active lifestyle, but her real passion shines when she is interacting with kids. Growing up, she was surrounded by children of various ages as her mom worked as a babysitter at home. Likely influenced by those constant interactions, she chose to pursue a career as a kindergarten teacher after graduating, and you’ll often find her with a beaming smile.
During Natalie’s leisure time, she relished traveling, cycling, and skiing with her family. Balancing work and family is paramount to Natalie, as both hold equal importance in her life.