SMART Therapy. Sensory, motor and research based therapy for children
Specializing in assessments,treatment,training in a fun and functional way.
Our goal is to maximise every childs potential.
SMART Therapy. Sensory, motor and research based therapy for children
Specializing in assessments,treatment,training in a fun and functional way.
Our goal is to maximise every childs potential.
About Us
Why Choose Smart Therapy
How Can SMART ThERAPY Help
SMART therapy is about providing a service that is individualised, specific to each child and family , individualised and collaborative. I pride myself on working outside the box and doing whatever it takes to support the kiddo's that I see.
I specialize in working with children and families with:
- Motor skill difficulties including handwriting, typing, general motor skills.
- Dyspraxia.
- Autism spectrum ( ASD)
- ADHD
- A New Zealand specialist in Sensory processing issues with the highest possible qualification and international experience/mentorship
- Highly trained feeding therapist including Picky eaters/problem feeders ( American trained/Canadian experienced))
- Social and emotional issues such as anxiety, social skills, social development
- Alcohol or drug exposed children
- General developmental concerns and children with complex profiles
The Difference
The difference is that Im not a marketing nor a business person. I'm a well seasoned, experienced passionate therapist that doesn't know how to do add campaigns, or social media ( as that wasn't in our training in those days : ) but trying to learn.
Im a therapist that has been passionate about working with children and families for almost 20 years, most of that in Canada which is the the leading edge country for therapy. My experiences have been unique, varied and extensive including being mentored by the guru's in my field. Ive been very lucky in my career to had amazing learning experiences are now part of my therapy toolbox. As a result My therapy approach is functional, holistic, individual and respectful of every client and their situation. We all know two children are never the same and therapy should reflect and respect that. My goal is to help , empower and advocate in any way needed to maximise each child's potential.
Our Services
Occupational Therapy
- Full Occupational therapy /developmental assessments including :fine motor, gross motor, visual motor, handwriting skills and specific sensory processing evaluations.
- Comprehensive reports including detailed analysis of each child's profile, detailed recommendations for home and school.
- Tailored, individualized, functional and fun therapy. :). your child will not identify with being in therapy as they will have so much fun whilst working on specific goals
- Collaboration with family, school, medical professionals.
- A Goal and research orientated therapy approach.
- Advocating for your child and family in all ways including applications for technology, special education conditions or whatever is needed for you child to reach their potential.
The SMART Shop
Due to an identified need in her practice for fun and functional toys/equipment at affordable prices, Nicola hand chooses items for the Smart shop to make these accessible for clients and others. These are thoroughly evaluated from an O.T perspective and can be hand tailored for each child's needs.
- Check out our sensory, toys, tools and sensory kits.
- Individualized tools.
- School sensory kits
- additional resources including therapist made games and activity sheets.
smart education
Education is one of Nicola's passions and paramount in helping children and increasing awareness. Nicola has done numerous presentations to families, educators and clinicians in many areas over her 20 year career, including iservices on DCD( dyspraxia), SPD ( sensory issues, ADHD, handwriting, picky eating /problem feeding and general development to name a few. Nicola is passionate about education and increasing awareness. Education sessions and supervision are available on request.Topics include but not limited to:
- DCD(dyspraxia) at home and in the classroom.
- Picky eating and problem feeding.
- Sensory processing differences (All areas).
- Motor skill development.
- Social skill development and how to facilitate this across the different ages and stages.
- General talks on development, behaviour, sensory processing
Occupational Therapist
Nicola Baines, BHc ( physiology), BHSc(occupational therapy) Occupational Therapist
You can have a great website and advertising but the bottom line is it comes down to experience. life experience (which as a mother of two I have), personal experience and professional experience . I have been blessed to have had opportunities and experience with living in Canada for 15 years ( the hub of O.T) that I am so grateful for and moulded me into the compassionate, caring , educated and research driven therapist I am today. I look and work outside the box. Working overseas and working in environments that I was lucky enough to have experienced have given me a unique toolbox to support , work, advocate for all families no matter what the challenges are. Im not the average Occupational therapist, I believe in the whole person, and that therapy is about everything related to the individual in order to maximise their potential.
Some of Nicola's achievements include:
- BSc in neurophysiology and pharmacology. Otago university 2005.
- BHSc ( Occupational therapy). AUT.2001
- CAOT examination and member .2002-present.
- Employed at Sunny Hill Health centre for children ( Vancouver BC), working on numerous teams including developmental assessments, Dyspraxia, ADHD, ASD, FASD, preschool and school aged assessments and intervention, specialized feeding ( picky eating) , visual and hearing impairment and therapy outreach team working with to name a few.
- Private Practice in Canada and New Zealand focusing on assessment and intervention
- Selected for the advanced and then the intensive mentorship program in SPD ( sensory processing disorder) at the STAR centre, Denver Colorado, mentored by Dr Lucy Jane Miller.
- Advanced training and mentorship in the SOS approach to feeding in Denver Colorado, with Dr. Kay Toomey.
- Many additional and unique qualifications that span my 19 year career including specialised handwriting intervention,Dyspraxia sepcialization.