Owner, Occupational Therapist

Christine is a passionate pediatric occupational therapist and the founder of Canyon Kids Pediatric Occupational Therapy. With years of hands-on experience, she’s worked with children and young adults across a wide range of developmental and physical challenges. Her areas of expertise include Sensory Integration, Neurodevelopmental Treatment (NDT), praxis and motor planning, self-regulation, executive functioning, social participation, handwriting, and visual perceptual motor skills.

Christine has a strong belief in the power of community and movement-based learning. She’s developed group programs and community initiatives focused on promoting sensory-motor development and regularly partners with local schools to lead workshops on the importance of outdoor play and movement in childhood development.

Beyond direct therapy, Christine is a trusted consultant to families, educators, psychologists, pediatricians, and fellow therapists—offering practical, collaborative strategies that make a real difference in everyday life.

She also serves as Adjunct Faculty in the Department of Occupational Therapy at New York University, where she teaches Pediatric Simulation for Level I Fieldwork students—mentoring the next generation of occupational therapists.

Outside the clinic, Christine enjoys spending quality time with her husband, Mike, and staying on her toes with their three boys—Ben, Ian, and Andrew.

Billing Manager

Bio coming soon!

Occupational Therapist / Scheduling Coordinator

Shannon is a seasoned pediatric occupational therapist with over 30 years of experience helping children thrive. She earned her degree from Towson University and has dedicated her career to providing compassionate, hands-on care across a variety of pediatric settings—including hospitals, private practice clinics, schools, and homes.

Shannon specializes in working with infants, toddlers, and young children up to age 10, supporting those with a wide range of needs such as autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit disorder, neuromotor challenges, fine motor delays, sensory processing difficulties, executive functioning limitations, and developmental delays. Her approach is rooted in evidence-based, client-centered practices that engage children through fun and functional activities.

Collaboration is a cornerstone of Shannon’s work. She partners closely with families, teachers, and other professionals—often observing children in home and school environments—to develop personalized sensory diets, promote effective communication, and support the carryover of newly acquired skills across settings.

Shannon is certified in both The Listening Program and the Astronaut Training Program. She has also received extensive training in sensory integration, neurodevelopmental approaches for infants, and Handwriting Without Tears.

In addition to providing evaluations, consultations, mentoring, and weekly treatment sessions, Shannon plays a key role in coordinating therapy schedules—matching each child’s needs with the therapist whose skills and experience are the best fit.

When she’s not working with families, Shannon enjoys life in Maryland with her husband and their four adult sons. In her free time, she loves playing pickleball, hiking, and cooking.

Occupational Therapist

Victoria, better known as Tori, has been part of the Canyon Kids team since February 2019. She earned both her Bachelor’s in Health Science Studies and her Master’s in Occupational Therapy from Quinnipiac University in Hamden, CT.

Tori discovered her passion for working with kids through both clinical experience in pediatric outpatient and school settings, and from growing up with a brother on the autism spectrum. She loves helping children of all ages grow and thrive through fun, evidence-based, and personalized therapy. Tori also enjoys collaborating closely with families and schools to support progress across all aspects of a child’s daily life.

Tori has completed specialized training in several key pediatric programs including the USC Chan Sensory Integration CE Certification Program, Safe and Sound Protocol, and SOS Approach to Feeding Therapy. She’s also trained in Handwriting Without Tears, Zones of Regulation, SuperFlex and Social Thinking, and Astronaut Training. Her additional continuing education includes areas like DIRFloortime and food chaining.

Outside of work, Tori enjoys traveling, crocheting, and watercolor painting.

Occupational Therapist

Francinehas been a valued member of the Canyon Kids team since 2019 and is passionate about supporting children in their growth and development. She earned her Bachelor’s in Health Science with a minor in Disabilities Studies from the University of Delaware, and went on to complete her Master’s of Science in Occupational Therapy at Thomas Jefferson University.

A lifelong learner, Francine has pursued advanced training in pediatric occupational therapy including therapeutic yoga, strategies for supporting children with anxiety and ADHD, and executive functioning skills. She also completed the Sensory Integration Continuing Education Certificate Program through the University of Southern California (USC), enhancing her expertise in sensory processing and regulation.

A unique and meaningful part of her sessions is the presence of her therapy dog, Bonnie. Bonnie helps support emotional and sensory regulation and brings comfort, motivation, and joy to each therapy session.

Outside of work, she enjoys spending quality time with her growing family.

Occupational Therapist

Tori earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Tennessee and her Master’s in Occupational Therapy from Trinity Washington University. Before becoming an OT, she spent over 7 years in the education field, where she focused on direct instruction, curriculum development, and educational leadership. This background shapes her commitment to supporting the academic and emotional success of children and teens, both in and outside of the classroom.

Tori has experience working with children, adolescents, and young adults with developmental and neurological differences, including autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, Down syndrome, sensory processing challenges, and mental health needs. She provides neuroaffirming, strengths-based care designed to build self-awareness, confidence, and independence in real-world settings. Her approach integrates sensory-based, child-led strategies and draws from continuing education in sensory integration, self-regulation, and collaborative care.

Outside of her clinical work, Tori is an avid reader and enjoys reading across all genres—averaging over 100 books each year. 

Occupational Therapist

Sarah holds a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Kinesiology from the University of Maryland, and a Master’s of Occupational Therapy from Trinity Washington University. Sarah is driven to help children of all ages to develop the skills, independence, and confidence to increase participation in desired and necessary areas of life. She maintains a collaborative approach with families, schools, and therapists to promote carry-over of skills and strategies learned in OT to best support each child.

For continuing education to provide up to date services for children, Sarah has completed the King of Swings Hands On Sensorimotor Workshop; The Whole-Brain Child Approach: Develop Kids' Minds and Integrate Their Brains for Better Outcomes created by Daniel Siegel; and numerous books that support research in the areas of ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorders, anxiety, trauma, and neurodiversity.

For fun, Sarah enjoys running, playing soccer, going to concerts, reading, doing puzzles, playing board games, and spending time with friends and family.

Occupational Therapist

Kaitlin earned her undergraduate degree in Kinesiology from the University of Maryland and her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from SUNY Stony Brook University. During school, she gained valuable experience working as a substitute floater in a variety of educational settings, including United Cerebral Palsy in Commack, NY, and Alternatives for Children preschool in Setauket, NY.

She’s also worked in outpatient neurological clinics and pediatric sensory gyms, supporting individuals from ages 3 to 92. Kaitlin is especially passionate about working with kids, creating fun, personalized, and evidence-based treatment plans that help them reach their goals in a playful and engaging way.

When she’s not working, you can find Kaitlin out on a hiking trail, going for a run, or enjoying time with friends and family around the DMV area.

Occupational Therapist

Liz is a dedicated pediatric occupational therapist with a passion for helping children thrive through play-based, functional therapy. She holds a Bachelor’s of Science from Elon University, a Master’s in Occupational Therapy degree from Le Moyne College, and a Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from George Washington University.

Liz's journey into OT began with a pivotal shadowing experience at Walter Reed Medical Center, where she quickly realized that occupational therapy—not physical therapy—was her true calling. That very day, she changed course, applied to OT programs, and never looked back.

Liz brings valuable experience from her work in school settings with children who have severe autism and emotional, behavioral, and psychosocial needs. She has a particular interest in the field of assistive technology, especially in identifying when a device may not be effectively supporting a child’s needs.

Now excited to be working in an outpatient pediatric setting, Liz is eager to continue growing professionally while supporting children and their families in a playful, meaningful way.

Outside of work, Liz is an avid scuba diver and loves exploring the underwater world whenever she can.

Occupational Therapist/ Student Coordinator

Candace is a dedicated occupational therapist who brings warmth, creativity, and over 15 years of experience working with children and their families. She earned her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from Towson University and has been part of the Canyon Kids team for more than ten years—starting out as our amazing administrative assistant before stepping fully into her role as an occupational therapist.

She has extensive experience supporting children on the autism spectrum and those with attention-related challenges, drawing from her background as a behavioral therapist trained in Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA). Candace is also CBIS verified (Certified Brain Injury Specialist).

Over the years, Candace has worked in a variety of settings—from outpatient pediatrics and inpatient hospitals (including psychiatric care), to teaching dance at a local studio. No matter the setting, her passion lies in helping each child discover and build on their strengths while developing the skills they need to thrive.

Originally from Montgomery County, MD, Candace is all about connection—whether it’s through movement, music, or just getting outside and enjoying nature. She brings that same energy and joy to the children and families she works with every day.

Outside of work Candace loves to spend time with her family, dance, and deep sea fish.

Occupational Therapist

Bio coming soon!

Office Manager

Alayna is the organizational heart of our practice, ensuring that everything runs smoothly behind the scenes so our therapists and families can focus on what matters most—supporting each child’s growth and success. As Office Manager, Alayna is often the first friendly voice our families hear. She manages a wide range of responsibilities, including intake paperwork, scheduling, billing, insurance coordination, and even lending a helping hand during therapy sessions when needed.

With a Bachelor of Science in Community Health from Towson University and certification as a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES), Alayna brings both compassion and professionalism to her work. Her background in public health gives her a strong understanding of the systems that support family well-being, and she is deeply committed to creating a welcoming, supportive experience for every client.

Outside of Canyon Kids, Alayna enjoys quilting, long walks on the local trails, and spending time with beloved rescue pup, Jack!

Therapy Dog

Bonnie is our standard poodle certified therapy dog and works alongside her favorite occupational therapist, Francine! Bonnie is trained to provide both physical and emotional support to our clients. She is able to assist with deep pressure therapy, play games, do tricks, help our clients in social situations, and more!