Nurturing Growth, Cultivating Connection
Support for families with children experiencing developmental, behavioural, physical health and/or mental health challenges.
In-person and virtually in Russell, Ontario and greater Ottawa area.
Our Mission
Sapling Child & Family Therapy is a community-driven clinic that prioritizes family-centered, well-rounded care. It’s a place where families feel supported and genuinely understood and cared for.
At Sapling, we emphasize involving the entire family in the care process. We go beyond addressing individual challenges to foster growth within the family unit, supporting both the children and parents through their journey. We aim to create a space where all families feel welcomed and empowered by embracing neurodiversity, offering inclusive services across disciplines, and valuing the unique dynamics of each family.
Just as a sapling stretches toward the sky, adapting to the environment around it, Sapling Child & Family Therapy is committed to evolving to meet the needs of our community, growing and adapting our services as the needs of the community evolve.
I‘m Jessica
Occupational Therapist and Founder of Sapling
Every child and family deserves to be understood, embraced, and empowered to reach their fullest potential.
As a wife and a mother, I understand firsthand the complexities of family life, which is why I love working alongside parents to help them find ease and confidence in their parenting journey. I believe in empowering families by sharing the knowledge I have had the privilege of learning and applying both professionally and personally. My goal is to equip parents with the tools and insights they need to support their child's growth in meaningful ways and to deepen their family connections.
I am a deeply curious person who thinks carefully and loves to connect the dots to make sense of complex situations, which fuels my commitment to lifelong learning.
I hold a Bachelor of Health Science in Human Kinetics and a Master of Health Sciences in Occupational Therapy, both from the University of Ottawa, and I am a licensed member of the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario (COTO). Fluent in both English and French, I am proud to offer bilingual services to make my support accessible to a wider range of families.
Meet the team
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Hi, I’m Julianne. I believe in the power of relationships—especially when children and families feel safe, seen, and understood. As a social worker and clinical therapist, I create supportive spaces to explore the emotions, behaviors, and stories that shape your life. My approach is rooted in polyvagal and relational practices, alongside CBT, and I love weaving in play, movement, and storytelling to nurture resilience.
I hold both a Bachelor’s and Master’s in Social Work with advanced training in Clinical Therapy. As a mother of three and a military spouse, I know firsthand the joys and challenges of transition and change. Outside of my practice, I’m also a yoga teacher and Reiki practitioner, which helps me bring a holistic lens to my work. I’m honored to walk alongside families as they find strength, connection, and healing.
I am a licensed member of the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Services Workers (OSWSSW).
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Hi, I’m Amélie, a pediatric physiotherapist passionate about helping kids feel strong, capable, and confident. I take a child-led, playful approach to therapy—making sessions fun and meaningful while helping your child build skills and independence. Just as importantly, I work with you, the parent or caregiver, so goals and strategies feel realistic and easy to carry into everyday life.
I hold a Bachelor’s in Human Kinetics and a Master’s in Physiotherapy from the University of Ottawa, and I provide services in both English and French. I have training in a wide range of pediatric areas, from early motor development to complex neurological and orthopedic needs. For me, every session is more than therapy—it’s a chance for joy, discovery, and meaningful growth for your child and your family.
I am a licensed member of the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario (CPO).
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Hi, I’m Rosie. I believe communication is about more than words—it’s about connection, relationships, and being understood. My goal is to create a safe, supportive space where your child feels seen and empowered to express themselves in ways that are meaningful to them.
I’ve worked with children across a wide range of communication needs, with interests in AAC, motor speech disorders, articulation and phonology, stuttering-affirming therapy, early literacy, and play-based approaches. I especially value working with autistic children and adapting therapy to their unique ways of engaging with the world.
I hold a Master’s in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Toronto and a B.A. in Cognitive Science of Language and Communication Studies. Having grown up in a small town, I carry forward the values of kindness, community, and personalized care into every session.
I am a licensed member of the College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Ontario (CASLPO).
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Hi, I’m Autumn! I believe every child and family deserves to feel seen, supported, and confident in their own path forward. My approach is flexible and family-centered, focused on building connection and finding strategies that truly work for your family.
I’ve supported autistic children, youth with developmental disabilities, and families navigating complex behavioural needs. To me, behaviour is communication—a clue to deeper needs—and I love helping families uncover those needs, reduce stress, and build stronger relationships.
I’m completing my Master’s in Behaviour Analysis in Practice at the Florida Institute of Technology, with a focus on trauma-informed and neuroaffirming care. As a mom of two, I also understand the everyday challenges of parenting. I’m here to walk alongside you—never ahead of you—as we create the path that feels right for your family.
I am a licensed member of the College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts of Ontario (CPBAO).
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Hi, I’m Laurence. I’m an occupational therapist, and I work with families in both French and English. I believe that families are more than just their individual members, and that real change happens when people feel seen, heard, and understood within their relationships. Supporting family dynamics and connection is at the heart of my work.
My approach is strength-based, child-led, and family-centered. I focus on helping children and families find balance in daily life—across their environments, activities, and personal abilities—because this balance builds confidence and a sense of ease. Fun is always part of my sessions, as I know we all learn best when we feel relaxed, engaged, and supported.
I have many years of experience working with children and families on emotional regulation, mindfulness, sensory processing, coordination, and fine and gross motor skills. I’ve also developed additional training in sensorimotor and somatosensory approaches, am a certified member of the American Hippotherapy Association, and have experience supporting anxiety and OCD using exposure and response prevention strategies.
I am a licensed member of the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario (COTO).
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Hi, I'm Jaden! As Sapling's Clinic Care Coordinator, I'm often the first person you'll connect with when reaching out for support. My goal is to help families feel welcomed, supported, and at ease from the very beginning.
I hold a Master's degree in Counselling Psychology and have experience supporting neurodiverse individuals and families in both clinical and educational settings. Through these experiences, I've developed a deep appreciation for the importance of feeling understood and supported when navigating services and seeking help.
Whether I'm answering questions, helping you find the right service, coordinating appointments, or guiding you through next steps, I'm here to make the process feel approachable, seamless, and easy to navigate. I look forward to connecting with you and helping your family feel at home at Sapling.
Our Unique Approach
Family-Centered Care
Sapling focuses not only on the child but also on supporting the entire family, offering a collaborative approach that empowers parents with the tools to nurture their child’s development at home and in daily life.
Multidisciplinary Expertise
With a team of specialists in occupational therapy, speech therapy, physiotherapy, psychotherapy, and more, Sapling provides a comprehensive range of services that address the diverse needs of children and their families under one roof.
Inclusive, Neurodiversity-Embracing Approach
Sapling is committed to creating an inclusive environment that honors neurodiversity, offering personalized care that respects and celebrates each child’s unique strengths while addressing developmental challenges with compassion.
Our Areas of Focus
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Our mental health services provide a safe space for children, youth, and families facing anxiety, depression, and trauma. We understand that mental health is foundational to a child’s overall well-being, so our therapeutic approaches are tailored to foster resilience and positive coping strategies, guiding families toward stronger mental health and a brighter outlook.
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Supporting children in developing the motor and cognitive skills they need to explore, learn, and thrive. Through play-based and functional approaches, we help build coordination, strength, balance, and body awareness, alongside problem-solving, attention, and executive functioning skills like planning, organization, and self-regulation. By fostering these essential abilities, we empower children to gain confidence, independence, and success in daily life.
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We support early childhood development by focusing on key milestones and caregiver-child attachment, essential for safety and confidence. Our therapists work closely with families, providing strategies to enhance connection and empower parents to nurture their child’s unique strengths, creating an environment where both children and families can thrive.
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Helping children regulate their nervous systems is key to managing emotions and behaviour. Our therapists teach co-regulation techniques and strategies, while also empowering families with insights into brain development to better support their child's emotional and behavioural needs.
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We address the crucial aspects of sleep, feeding, and nutrition, as they significantly impact a child's development. Our team offers tailored strategies for overcoming sleep challenges, picky eating, and nutrition concerns, promoting healthy habits that support overall growth and resilience.
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Effective communication is vital for building relationships and expressing needs. Our services focus on enhancing communication skills, from early language development to social interactions, ensuring that children can express themselves and connect meaningfully with others.
“Like branches on a tree, we all grow in different directions yet our roots remain as one.”
-Unknown
Our Services
At Sapling Child & Family Therapy, we offer a rich tapestry of services, each thoughtfully designed to meet the unique needs of our community. Our approach is rooted in celebrating the strengths of every child and family, embracing diversity, and fostering connection. Explore the range of services we provide:
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Our occupational therapy services support children in building the skills they need to thrive in daily life. Beyond self-care and functional skills, we also focus on emotional regulation, co-regulation, behaviour, and family support. Embracing neurodiversity, our therapists work closely with families to develop personalized strategies that foster confidence, connection, and well-being in all areas of their lives.
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Emotional well-being is essential to a child’s overall development, and our psychotherapy services are here to support that journey. We offer therapy that respects and validates diverse emotional experiences, helping children and families navigate challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and more. Our therapists create a safe and nurturing space for healing and growth.
Psychotherapy is offered by both our Social Worker and our Occupational Therapist.
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Every family is unique, and our social work services are here to support the diverse dynamics that make your family special. Our social workers offer guidance, advocacy, and resources to help you navigate life’s challenges. From connecting you with community resources to providing emotional support, we’re here to help your family thrive.
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Our physiotherapist supports children from infancy through youth in developing movement, strength, and coordination, always with an understanding and respect for each child’s individual needs. This includes specialized support for infant feeding, early motor development, and conditions such as torticollis or tongue tie, as well as enhancing mobility and building motor skills for older children. We’re here to help children move confidently and comfortably through the world.
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Communication is a fundamental part of who we are, and at Sapling, we celebrate all the ways in which children express themselves. Our speech and language therapy services are designed to honor various modes of communication, from verbal speech to alternative and augmentative communication (AAC). We work with children to develop their communication skills in a way that feels natural and empowering.
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Our Behaviour & Learning Support services help children develop positive strategies for self-regulation, focus, and learning. We view behaviour as communication and embrace each child’s unique strengths and needs. Working alongside families, we create supportive routines and approaches that build confidence at home, school, and in the community.
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Our group programs are more than just play, they’re a place for connection, learning, and growth. Designed to support development of a variety of skills, these programs provide a welcoming space where children can explore, socialize, and develop through play and connection. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to participate, creating a community of support and shared experience.
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1:1 Sessions: Our individual sessions with occupational therapy, physiotherapy, or speech and language therapy are designed to focus on your child’s specific needs. Parents are always welcome and encouraged to join in these sessions to support their child’s progress and learn helpful strategies to use at home.
Parent Support Sessions: These sessions provide parents with support and strategies to help their children at home. They’re especially beneficial for families with children under five, fostering a collaborative approach to growth and development.
Youth Mental Health Sessions: For older children and teens, our therapists offer dedicated support for mental health needs, creating a safe space to address challenges and build resilience.
Parent Mental Health Sessions: We also offer mental health support for parents, recognizing the importance of your well-being in supporting your family, regardless of what stage of parenting you are in.
Family Counseling: When working through family dynamics or shared challenges, our family counseling sessions provide a supportive environment for open communication and stronger connections.
Professional Consultation Sessions: To ensure consistency across settings, we can connect with teachers or other health professionals in your child’s circle of care, promoting a cohesive, well-rounded approach to their development.
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At Sapling, we believe in transparency and want you to feel confident as you explore care options for your family. Below is a general outline of our session rates. Please note that fees may vary slightly depending on the clinician’s experience and the type of service provided.
Parent Consultation Call
(Required prior to start of services for a child/youth)
40-minute session | $140
First Visit
50-minute session | $170
1:1 Therapy Follow-up Sessions
50-minute session | $170
40-minute session | $140
25-minute session | $110
The length and frequency of follow-up sessions are determined collaboratively with each family following the initial assessment.Parent Support Sessions
50-minute sessions | $170Professional Consultation with Teachers or Other Care Providers
50-minute session | $17025-minute session | $110
Additional Services
Written reports, letters, and extended consultations are billed based on time spent at a rate of $40 per 15 minutes. These services are discussed with families in advance to ensure clarity and informed consent.Many of our services are covered by private insurance plans; however, we do not offer direct billing at this time. We will provide you with a detailed invoice that you can submit to your insurance company for reimbursement.
Since coverage can vary depending on your individual plan, we recommend contacting your insurance provider directly to confirm which services are eligible.
Growth may not be loud or obvious, but it is happening… root by root, layer by layer.
Getting Started with Sapling
We know all too well that supporting your child's development can sometimes feel overwhelming, and we're here to help guide you every step of the way.
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Complimentary Connection Call
If you’d like, we can start with a free 15 minute Connection Call to answer any questions and help you feel confident about what to expect from our services. This is a no-pressure opportunity to determine together if Sapling is the right fit for your child and family.
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Consultation Call with Parents
Next, we’ll schedule a detailed 40 minute consultation with you to discuss your child’s background, strengths, and challenges. This conversation helps us understand your family’s goals and ensures we’re all on the same page before working with your child.
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First Visit with Your Child
Finally, we’ll meet your child in a relaxed, welcoming session to observe and build an understanding of their unique abilities and needs. From there, we’ll create a personalized plan to help them grow and succeed!
Contact Us
Our team at Sapling prioritizes building strong, meaningful connections and warmly welcomes you to our community. Thank you for considering Sapling Child & Family Therapy as your partner in growth, development, and well-being.
Whether you have questions about our services, wish to join our waitlist, or need additional information, please reach out to us using the form below and we’ll respond to you as soon as possible.
Our waitlist is always open!
Frequently Asked Questions
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Sapling Child & Family Therapy provides a range of pediatric therapy services, including occupational therapy, physiotherapy, psychotherapy, speech and language therapy, and behaviour therapy. Our holistic approach centers around the well-being of the child within the family unit. Although we focus primarily on services for children and their parents, we also offer services for adults whose needs can be met by one of our qualified therapists.
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Due to the hands-on and interactive nature of many of our services, virtual sessions may not be suitable for everyone. We carefully assess each client’s needs to determine if virtual therapy is the right fit. While virtual sessions can be challenging for young children, they may be a good option for youth, adult therapy, and parent support sessions. We encourage in-person sessions whenever possible, as they foster deeper connections and more meaningful growth. However, we also understand that attending in person can sometimes be a barrier to accessing therapy, so we remain flexible in our approach. If you or your child is feeling unwell but still wish to keep your scheduled session, switching to a virtual format can be a great alternative. Please contact us to discuss whether virtual therapy is suitable for your specific needs.
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While we do consider home visits on a case-by-case basis, it’s important to note that this option is not always the most suitable, particularly for neurodivergent children. For many, the home is a safe space, and introducing a therapist into this environment can be challenging. If a home visit is desired, our therapists will work closely with you to ensure that your child is comfortable with this approach. We prioritize establishing a safe and trusting therapeutic rapport before entering your family's safe haven. Additionally, while we understand that traveling to the clinic can be a burden, having families visit us allows us to serve more families and maintain a consistent therapeutic environment.
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If you have concerns about your child’s development, behavior, or emotional well-being, it’s always a good idea to seek support. At Sapling Child & Family Therapy, we believe that anyone who feels they need guidance, support, or care can benefit from our services. Whether your child is facing specific challenges or you simply want to ensure they’re on the right path, our experienced team is here to help. We offer assessments to better understand your child’s needs and collaborate with you to develop a plan that nurtures their growth and well-being. Seeking support is a positive step, and we’re here to walk with you on this journey.
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No, you don’t need a referral to access our services. You can self-refer or, if your insurance company requires it, have your doctor make a referral for you. We also welcome referrals from other healthcare professionals, schools, and community groups. If you know someone who could benefit from our services, please share our contact information, and we'll be happy to connect with them.
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At Sapling Child & Family Therapy, our therapists are not only licensed professionals with experience in pediatric and family therapy but also deeply committed to providing compassionate, family-centered care. We carefully select our team to ensure they possess not only the highest standards of qualifications and experience but also the warmth, empathy, and dedication needed to support your family’s unique journey.
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Simply fill out the contact form on our website and someone from our team will reach out to you to with more information.
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The first session involves an initial assessment to understand your child's needs and develop a personalized therapy plan. We encourage open communication, and our therapists will answer any questions you may have.
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The duration of therapy sessions may vary based on the individual needs of the child and the type of therapy provided. Sessions typically last between 25 to 50 minutes. Our therapists will work with you to determine the most suitable session length for your child.
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Although our services are covered by most insurance plans, we do not offer direct billing at this time. We will provide you with an invoice that you can submit to your insurance company for reimbursement.
Since coverage can vary depending on your individual plan, we recommend contacting your insurance provider directly to confirm which services are eligible.
Here are some helpful questions to ask when checking your coverage:
Are services provided by [type of therapist, e.g., occupational therapist, speech-language pathologist, physiotherapist, psychotherapist, etc.] covered under my plan?
Do I need a doctor’s referral to access coverage for these services?
How much coverage do I have per year, and is there a limit per session or per practitioner type?
Are sessions for parent support or family counseling also eligible?
If you have any questions about how our services are described on receipts or how to navigate this process, we’re happy to help.
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We plan to offer specialized group therapy programs based on the needs of our clients. Check our website or contact us directly for information on current group therapy offerings.
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Family-centered care means actively involving and supporting families in the therapeutic process. We collaborate with parents and caregivers, ensuring they are integral partners in their child's therapy journey. We welcome parental involvement during sessions, depending on the age and needs of the child. We also offer parent consultation sessions to help parents develop the skills they need to foster a strong parent-child relationship and overall family wellness.
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We provide services primarily for children and youth aged 0 to 20, addressing a wide range of developmental and therapeutic needs within this age range. We also offer mental health services to adults, couples, and families, as well as parent consultation sessions and groups. As we expand our service offerings, we hope to include additional services to address pre and post natal maternal health. Stay tuned!
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We strive to create a home-like environment that makes coming to therapy easier for our little clients, and we’d love for you to experience it firsthand. Once our clinic is ready, we would be happy to give you a tour!
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Stay connected with us! Follow our social media profiles for the latest updates, events, and helpful resources. @saplingchildfamilytherapy
If you have additional questions or require further information, please don't hesitate to contact us by email at welcome@saplingtherapy.ca or by phone at 613-704-3186.
We are here to support you and your child on their unique journey to growth and well-being.
Are you ready to take the next step?
At Sapling Child & Family Therapy, we understand that seeking help can be a big step. That’s why we are dedicated to making your experience as comfortable and supportive as possible. From the moment you walk through our doors, you’ll be greeted with warmth, respect, and a deep commitment to your family’s well-being.
Our multidisciplinary team of professionals is here to guide you through the ups and downs of parenting and child development, offering expert care in a nurturing environment. We are here to support you every step of the way, helping your family grow stronger, healthier, and more connected.
Acknowledgement
We at Sapling Child & Family Therapy respectfully acknowledge that our clinic operates on the traditional, unceded territory of the Anishinaabe Algonquin People, as well as the Haudenosaunee people, including the Mohawk Nation. We honor their enduring connection to this land, and we are grateful for the opportunity to learn, grow, and work within this community. We recognize the contributions and strengths of Indigenous peoples, past and present, and commit to fostering an inclusive environment that respects and values all cultures.
As part of our mission to support the well-being of children, families, and communities, we strive to work together towards reconciliation and create a space of healing, respect, and understanding for all.
Our clinic is a safe and welcoming space for everyone. We embrace and celebrate diversity in all its forms and are committed to providing compassionate, inclusive care for all individuals and families.