Jess graduated from St. FX University in 2017 with a Bachelor of Human Kinetics with a minor in Biology. She then went on to complete her Masters of Science in OT from Queen’s University in Kingston and has been working in various practice settings as an occupational therapist for the last 7 years across 3 provinces. Jess has experience working in acute medicine, neurology, community health, long-term care, pediatrics, and mental health.

Prior to becoming an OT, Jess had been working with kids in an array of settings for about 10 years in roles like camp counsellor, respite worker, and daycare teacher. She worked as an educator at Cloudberry Forest School in St. John’s from 2021-2023 and now sits on their Board of Directors. Jess has always been drawn by the therapeutic properties of nature and became a CONTIGO Approach certified pediatric nature therapist in 2024. She is extremely passionate about neurodiversity-affirming care and making sure kids have agency to develop their confidence and skills in a supported environment. She leads with the philosophy that natural wonder is one of the most important things we can preserve.

Jess loves a walk in the snow, a good sunset, and the smell from a lilac tree in June. She loves spending her time with her partner and two dogs and adventuring around Newfoundland.

Jess graduated from St. FX University in 2017 with a Bachelor of Human Kinetics with a minor in B... Read More

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Maria graduated from Memorial University in 2017 with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Sociology. She then pursued her Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy at Dalhousie University, graduating in 2019. Since then, Maria has explored entrepreneurial endeavours, owning and operating businesses, and consulting with other businesses owners. She has also worked as an Occupational Therapist in pediatric settings, adolescent mental health, and adult mental health. Maria and Aaron have been offering horticulture-based workshops and group therapeutic sessions for the past 5 years together. Maria has additional certification in Nature-Based Therapy, completed in 2024.

Inspired by the great outdoors, Maria spent many formative summers counselling at outdoor camps, teaching canoeing, kayaking, and swimming to youth. She managed the inclusive programming for children and youth who needed supports for participation in all areas of camp life. During her years working at camps she also led week-long wilderness canoe trips.

With a passion for neurodiversity-affirming care and experiential learning, Maria works in collaboration with clients to explore sensory-based, movement-based, and mindful activity, for approaching goals and building confidence.

Maria also enjoys hiking, visiting the ocean, coaching spin classes, and spending time with her husband, two year old son, and two dogs.

Maria takes great inspiration from her son, watching him experience the wonder of nature for the first time. She loves sharing his excitement and awe when they get outdoors, play in nature, and explore together.

Maria graduated from Memorial University in 2017 with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Sociol... Read More