About Us
Mission Statement
Advance Occupational Therapy Services aims to help children ages 0-18 years function to their fullest potential in their everyday activities regardless of their injury, illness or disability.
Vision
Advance OT will promote the vital role of Occupational Therapy in the community. This will be achieved by increasing awareness, promoting preventative practices, and providing a multi-layered service delivery model throughout the community.
Values
1. Quality
2. Client Focused
3. Innovation
4. Honesty and Integrity
5. Teamwork
6. Flexibility
7. Communication
History
Advance OT was established in August of 2006 within in the community of Medicine Hat. We have assisted with the development and implementation of OT services in the local school systems. We have also been instrumental in the education of teachers regarding Occupational Therapy Services. In addition, we have worked collaboratively with teachers and administration to develop classroom based programs such as Fine Fun and Good Sense to help build capacity within the classrooms to address Occupational Therapy at a more global level.
Current Contracts
Advance OT currently provides Occupational Therapy contracted services for School District No. 76, Prairie Rose School District No. 8 and private clients. Presentations and program implementation services have been provided to a variety of stakeholders in the community.
Who We Can See
Depending on funding or qualifications, Advance OT is available to provide services to any individual whose function is being impacted by disease, illness or injury. We are also available to promote and prevent dysfunction through preventative programming.
Other Professionals We Work With
Advance OT works closely with all Occupational Therapists within the community. In addition, we work with school administrators, teachers, educational assistants, parents, speech and language pathologists, physical therapists, behavioural consultants and psychologists.
Our Friendly Staff
Position: Manager/Occupational Therapist
Email: DaniellePluth@AdvanceOT.ca
Danielle Pluth is the owner and operator of Advance OT. She received her Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy from the University of Alberta in 2002. She has worked in a variety of areas of OT through the Alberta Health Services including Adolescent Mental Health, Home Care, Geriatric Mental Health, and Acute Orthopedic Care. She has continued her career in the area of Pediatrics where she has received extensive training in the area of Sensory Processing and Sensory Integration Theory. Danielle's vision is to provide comprehensive in class programs for children ages two-six that address OT concerns in the areas of fine motor and sensory processing. She also works to develop a strong team of therapists to provide excellence in Occupational Therapy Services. Danielle also really enjoys spending time with her husband, family and friends. Her hobbies include volunteering with a Christian not-for-profit group, reading, skiing, playing piano, slow-pitch and volleyball.
Position: Occupational Therapist
Email: KathrynMilner@AdvanceOT.ca
Kathryn Milner received her Bachelor of Science of Occupational Therapy from the University of Alberta. She has had a long career including working clinically at the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital in Edmonton, at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Grande Prairie, and for Palliser Health Region in southeastern Alberta. She also worked as a Regional Supervisor of Occupational Therapy for Palliser Health Region for many years. Currently she is providing services through Advance Occupational Therapy Services in schools in the Prairie Rose School Division #8 with kindergarten and junior kindergarten students. Kathryn enjoys photography, bird watching, kayaking and spending time with her family in her spare time.
Position: Occupational Therapist
Email: RuthIsaac@AdvanceOT.ca
Ruth Isaac is an Occupational Therapist who has recently joined the Advance Occupational Therapy Services team. Ruth has received her Masters in Occupational Therapy from the University of Manitoba. Ruth is a dedicated and enthusiastic therapist who is very interested in the promotion of Occupational Therapy within the community. Key areas of interest for Ruth are Handwriting skill development and Therapeutic Riding.
Position: Occupational Therapist
Email: ShaylaJohnson@AdvanceOT.ca
Shayla Johnson recently graduated from the University of Alberta where she achieved her Masters in Occupational Therapy. She also has obtained a degree in Education. She will be joining the Advance OT team in September!
Position: Occupational Therapy Assistant
Email: ReneeDrake@AdvanceOT.ca
Renee Drake is an Occupational Therapy Assistant and has worked with Advance OT since 2007. She has also held positions at the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital and within long-term care facilities. She is married with 2 daughters. She loves to plan social gatherings and is a great team player!
Position: Occupational Therapy Assistant
Email: CarlaEisner@AdvanceOT.ca
Carla Eisner is an Occupational Therapy Assistant with Advance Occupational Therapy Services. Originally from Manitoba, she moved to Medicine Hat 2 years ago to attend the college, and graduated last spring from the Therapist Assistant Program. Prior to becoming an OTA, Carla worked as a Recreation Therapist Assistant and a Pharmaceutical Technician. She has one daughter, who is 9 years old, and her family loves to ride bikes, camp and read. Carla is currently working on furthering her education with the hopes of attaining her Masters in Occupational Therapy and she looks forward to a long career working with the children of Medicine Hat.
