Meet the team at our 51st Street location.
Occupational Therapists
David Ambrose
MSc; BMR(OT); OT Reg (SK)
David opened Theraplay’s doors in January 2005. David has dedicated his career to providing high quality individualized occupational therapy treatment. He has a special interest in using the responsive interaction style as a therapy tool to help individuals build skills and meet goals.
David completed a Bachelor of Medical Rehabilitation in Occupational Therapy from the University of Manitoba in 2000 and a post-professional Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from Dalhousie University in 2019. He is proud of the two research papers he has published in academic occupational therapy journals. He has completed advanced training in the area of sensory integration and in the use of developmental approaches to help children with autism.
David, originally from small town Manitoba, has lived in Saskatoon since 2001. He is married to Sherrie, and together they have two children, Nicholas and Julia. In his free time David enjoys reading and coaching his children’s sports, much to their chagrin.
Elissa Cooper
B.A. (T. Rec); MSc(OT); OT Reg (SK)
Elissa is originally from Saskatoon and moved to Ontario for her post secondary education in 2006. Elissa completed her Bachelor’s of Arts in Therapeutic Recreation at the University of Waterloo before moving on to completing her Masters of Occupational Therapy at Queen’s University in Kingston.
In 2012, Elissa began her Occupational Therapy career in early intervention services in Yorkton, SK working with children birth until kindergarten entry. Elissa was then given an opportunity to make the move back home to Saskatoon to begin working with Theraplay. Elissa's time at Theraplay is split between working with clients in the sensory motor gym and within schools . Elissa practices within a sensory integration frame of reference and is specializing in working with children and young adults who have experienced childhood trauma. Elissa has experience and certifications in various therapeutic modalities, such as Therapeutic Listening and Integrated Listening Systems. Elissa has experienced volunteering as an occupational therapist with Team Canada Healing Hands in Belize, which has strengthened her love and passion of her work.
Elissa and her husband, Brent welcomed their first child in early 2020. In her spare time, Elissa loves to spend time with her family, particularly, her 4 nieces, and their dog, Lily. Elissa also enjoys traveling, woodworking, knitting and reading.
Jessica Elias Lopez
BPHE, MOT, OT Reg (SK)
Jessica is originally from Winnipeg, Manitoba, where she completed a Bachelor degree in Physical and Health Education from the University of Winnipeg in 2016. She completed her Masters of Occupational Therapy at the University of Manitoba and began working at Theraplay in 2019.
Jessica has had the opportunity to work with children and adults of varying abilities through different volunteer and job positions with organizations in Manitoba and Alberta. She has completed various trainings and professional development related to sensory processing, neurodiversity affirming practices, the neurobiology of Autism and ADHD, trauma sensitive practice, mealtime challenges, toilet learning, primitive reflexes, pediatric anxiety, interoception, visual perception, transfer-lifting-repositioning (TLR), school-based skills, and is certified in the Safe and Sound Listening Protocol. She is also fluent in French and Spanish, and has provided services in both languages. Jessica’s time at Theraplay is split between working with clients in the clinic and within schools across central and northern Saskatchewan. She has also provided group and individual services virtually. Her experience in the schools consists of a mix of embedded, direct, and consultative services in both English and French. Jessica practices within a sensory integration and developmental frame of reference using a strength-based and neurodiversity affirming approach. She has a strong interest in child and youth mental health and incorporating positive mental health practices into her services.
In her spare time, Jessica enjoys reading, yoga, hiking, skateboarding, snowboarding, and spending time with family and friends.
Chloe Kjargaard
BSc(Kin.); MSc(OT); OT Reg (SK)
Chloe completed her Bachelor's of Science in Kinesiology in 2018 from the University of Saskatchewan before completing her Master’s in Occupational Therapy at the University of Alberta. Following her schooling, Chloe began her Occupational Therapy career with the Saskatchewan Health Authority working with adult and pediatric populations. Although, born and raised in Prince Albert, Chloe now calls Saskatoon home after joining the Theraplay team in October 2021.
Chloe’s greatest passion is supporting her clients on their journey to empowerment and independence. She recognizes that no singular client is alike, and she enjoys working with her clients and families to find the right approach to best meet their needs. Chloe has a special interest in early childhood development and when she isn’t in the clinic you can find her at the dog park, bookstore or spending time with family.
Hannah Sollid
BSc(Kin.); MSc(OT); OT Reg (SK)
Hannah was born and raised in Saskatoon. She completed her Bachelor’s of Science in Kinesiology in 2019 from the University of Saskatchewan. Hannah joined the Theraplay team in January 2022 after completing a Master’s in occupational therapy from the University of Alberta.
Hannah is passionate about supporting children in what they need to do, have to do, and desire to do. Everyone is the expert of their own being and Hannah recognizes and acknowledges this when working with her clients.
In her spare time, Hannah enjoys camping with her family, canoeing, reading, gardening, cross country skiing, and exercising.
Melissa Latos
B.Mus; MSc(OT); OT Reg (SK)
Melissa completed a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy degree at McGill University in 2016. Prior to obtaining her OT degree, she attended the University of Saskatchewan, completing a Bachelor of Music degree. Her desire for working with children started during this time when she helped students develop their musicianship skills. Continuing on to support children in other areas of their development was of great interest to her.
Melissa began her occupational therapy career in 2017, working for the Saskatchewan Health Authority in Lloydminster, SK. During this time, she specialized in supporting children and youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Melissa practices within a developmental, sensory, and relationship-based framework and values the importance of creating connection with her clients. She strives to empower parents and caregivers to feel confident in supporting their child’s individual needs. Melissa is excited to be a part of the Theraplay team to continue with her passion for helping children reach their potential and become their best selves.
In her spare time, Melissa enjoys baking, reading, curling, and teaching piano and saxophone lessons. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends on camping trips, weekends at the lake and during other travel adventures!
Shay-Lea Lewis
BSc(Kin.); MSc(OT); OT Res (SK)
Shay-Lea grew up in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. She completed her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology in 2020 from the University of Saskatchewan. Shay-Lea then completed her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from the University of Alberta in 2022 in which she completed a placement at Theraplay. Shay-Lea is new to the Theraplay team as of 2023.
Starting in high school, and throughout her studies, Shay-Lea worked with individuals of various ages with varying abilities at the Moxie Club Autism Program, Valley View Center in recreational therapy, and the Government of Saskatchewan’s Camp Buffalo. Through these experiences, Shay-Lea became familiar with Occupational Therapy and decided it would be the perfect career to feed her passion for working with others and supporting them in achieving their goals.
In her spare time, she enjoys spending her time outside at the lake swimming, surfing, and gardening. Shay-Lea also enjoys cooking, crafting and spending time with friends and family.
Administrative Staff
Kyrstin Braun
Kyrstin grew up near Saskatoon, SK and started at Theraplay in June of 2022. She is excited to be part of the Theraplay team in the Administrator role as she has a passion for people and organization, and has multiple years of experience in similar positions.
Kyrstin graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Saskatchewan in 2021 and hopes to pursue a Masters in Occupational Therapy in the near future. This has been an area of interest of hers since she was young having grown up volunteering with vulnerable children and youth and having close ties to children with Autism.
In her free time Kyrstin enjoys playing music, creating art, taking part in winter sports, caring for her houseplants, or being outdoors with her two very cute dogs. These are some of her greatest passions alongside social justice, family and friends, and travelling.