Get to know our occupational therapists

All of our Occupational Therapists are registered and in good standing with the Nova Scotia Occupational Therapy Regulator.

Client Focus: Children, Families, Parents

Areas of Support: Autism, ADHD, Emotional Regulation, Sensory Processing, Social Communication, Fine Motor Skills, Handwriting, Feeding, Toileting, Dressing, Daily Living Skills, Independence

Languages: English

Vanessa Poulton

Client Focus: Children, Teens, Adults, Parents, Families

Areas of Support: Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, Life Transitions, Stress Management, Grief & Loss, Bereavement, Pregnancy & Postpartum Mental Health, Parenting Challenges, Women’s Health

Languages: English

Client Focus: Children, Teens, Adults, Seniors, Individuals, Families

Areas of Support: Emotional Regulation, Motor Development, Daily Living Skills, Independence, Executive Functioning, Chronic Pain, Mental Health, Home Safety, Workplace Injuries, Motor Vehicle Accident Recovery, Workplace Accommodations, Physical Rehabilitation

Languages: English

Hayley Atkinson

Client Focus: Adults (18+), Seniors, Individuals

Areas of Support: Independent Living, Healthy Aging, Home Safety, Home Modifications, Mobility, Wheelchairs & Mobility Aids, Equipment Recommendations, Community Living, Functional Independence

Languages: English

Client Focus: Adults, Individuals

Areas of Support: Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, Executive Functioning, Emotional Regulation, Sensory Processing, Stress Management, Mental Health, Addiction, Return to Work, Return to School, Daily Living Skills

Languages: English

Emily MacEwen 

Client Focus: Adults, Seniors, Individuals

Areas of Support: Stroke Rehabilitation, Recovery from Illness & Injury, Healthy Aging, Functional Independence, Home Safety, Home Assessments, Wheelchair Prescription, Mobility, Environmental Modifications, Daily Living Skills

Languages: English

Client Focus: Children, Teens, Adults, Seniors, Individuals, Families

Areas of Support: Developmental Milestones, Sensory Processing, Fine Motor Skills, Gross Motor Skills, Functional Independence, Daily Living Skills, Home Assessments, Home Modifications, Equipment Recommendations, Wheelchair Seating, Office Ergonomics

Languages: English

Client Focus: Children, Adults, Seniors, Individuals, Families

Areas of Support: Stroke Rehabilitation, Hip & Knee Replacement Recovery, Rheumatology, Dementia, Mental Health, Hand Therapy, Home Adaptations, Emotional Regulation, Fine Motor Skills, Self-Care Skills, Wheelchair & Mobility Needs

Languages: English

Richard Pingert

Client Focus: Children, Teens, Adults, Seniors, Individuals

Areas of Support: Mental Health, Physical Health, Functional Independence, Daily Living Skills, Goal Setting, Health & Wellness

Languages: English

Client Focus: Adults, Seniors, Individuals

Areas of Support: Physical Health, Mental Health, Functional Independence, Return to Work, Activities of Daily Living, Adaptive Equipment, Cognitive Screening, Rehabilitation

Languages: English

Client Focus: Children, Teens, Adults, Individuals, Parents, Families

Areas of Support: Emotional Regulation, Sensory Processing, Executive Functioning, Daily Living Skills, School Participation, Workplace Participation, Community Participation, Functional Independence

Languages: English, French, Turkish

Jenny is not currently accepting new clients.

Client Focus: Children, Teens, Adults, Seniors, Individuals, Families

Areas of Support: Youth Mental Health, Emotional Regulation, Sensory Processing, Handwriting, Fine & Gross Motor Skills, Executive Functioning, Chronic Pain, Concussion Rehabilitation, Home Safety, Workplace Modifications, Functional Capacity Evaluations (FCEs), Physical Health, Mental Health

Languages: English

Gabrielle Steylen

Client Focus: Children, Teens, Adults, Individuals, Families

Areas of Support: Functional Rehabilitation, Injury Recovery, Chronic Pain, Return to Work, Mental Health, Emotional Regulation, Daily Living Skills, Daily Routines, Functional Independence

Languages: English

Client Focus: Children, Teens, Adults, Individuals, Families, Veterans

Areas of Support: Anxiety, Depression, Executive Functioning, Emotional Regulation, Fine Motor Skills, Daily Living Skills, Mental Health, Chronic Pain, Pain Education, Workplace Injuries, Ergonomics, Functional Capacity Evaluations (FCEs), Functional Independence

Languages: English

Client Focus: Children, Parents, Families

Areas of Support: Emotional Regulation, Sensory Processing, Developmental Trauma, Developmental Delays, Fine & Gross Motor Skills, Social Skills, Cognitive Development, Behavioural Development, Play Skills, Feeding, Toileting, Dressing, Daily Living Skills

Languages: English

Nick is not currently accepting new clients. Please see other therapists for availability! 

Client Focus: Adults, Seniors, Individuals

Areas of Support: Functional Independence, Injury Prevention, Home Accessibility, Workplace Ergonomics, Daily Living Skills

Languages: English

Client Focus: Children, Teens, Adults, Parents, Families

Areas of Support: Mental Health, Emotional Regulation, Sensory Integration, Fine Motor Skills, Gross Motor Skills, Executive Functioning, Handwriting, Dressing Skills, Play Skills, Daily Living Skills, Functional Independence

Languages: English

How We Work

We bring the
practice
to the
place
— clinic, home, school, work.
At The Clinic

Our Halifax and Bedford clinics offer welcoming, sensory friendly spaces designed to support effective, evidence informed therapy for all ages.

At Home

Therapy happens where life happens. We work alongside you at home to build practical skills that make everyday routines easier.

At Work

We support adults in returning to work, improving workplace function, and overcoming barriers through practical, goal-focused therapy.

At School

We collaborate with teachers, families, and school staff to help children participate confidently in learning and social activities.

Why Choose Us

Serving
individuals
and
families
across Nova Scotia

Thrive Therapy was built on a simple belief: everyone deserves the support they need to fully participate in life.

Plain-spoken

No jargon, no acronyms, no euphemisms. If we wouldn't say it at your kitchen table, we don't say it in the clinic.

Whole Family

We treat the person and the people around them. Parents get coached. Partners get included. Caregivers get supported.

Evidence Based

We don't promise quick fixes. We promise real progress — measured in the things you can do this month that you couldn't last month.

Locally Owned

Proudly owned and operated in Nova Scotia, Thrive Therapy is honored to support our community through every stage of life.

Where we stand

We are an inclusive practice

We serve LGBTQ+ families, Indigenous clients, Veterans, and kids of every ability.

Safe & Welcoming

LGBTQ+ Friendly

We Believe

Every Child Matters

VAC Approved

Veteran Friendly

Visit Us

Empowering
lives
across Nova Scotia

Halifax

Suite 343, 7071 Bayers Road, Halifax, NS B3L 2C2

Our clinic at the Bayers Road Centre features welcoming therapy and counselling spaces, a sensory gym for children, and convenient free parking.

Bedford

Suite 420, 1600 Bedford Hwy, Bedford, NS B4A 1E8

A bright and welcoming clinic that is popular with families, offering free parking, step free access, and therapy services for children, youth, and adults.

Annapolis, Queens & Tri-County

Mobile + partner clinics

We come to you through home visits, school visits, and appointments at community locations in Yarmouth, Digby, Shelburne, and Liverpool.

Kentville

Mobile + partner clinics

We come to you through home visits, school visits, and appointments at community locations in Kentville, Greenwood, Berwick, New Minas, and Wolfville.