Our Team
"Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much" - Helen Keller
Occupational Therapy
ELIAS SALAME
Occupational Therapist – OT CLINICAL LEAD
- If Elias could teleport to anywhere in the world, he would teleport to Thailand.
- If Elias were to eat only one food for the rest of his life, he would eat Sushi.
- If Elias were to be an animal, he would be a bird so he could fly!
Rima Toop
Occupational Therapist
Rima’s passion for working with children and youth emerged from her early roles as a dance class assistant, camp counselor and cooking school instructor. With a background in competitive dance, Rima pursued a Bachelor of Science in Human Kinetics at the University of Guelph. Intrigued by the “non-traditional” and holistic perspective of Occupational Therapy, she furthered her education with a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy at the University of Toronto.
During her academic journey, Rima strengthened her skills in paediatric care through a clinical placement at SickKids Hospital in the neurology, neurosurgery and trauma unit. Here, she learned to use play as a form of assessment and intervention. She also gained international experience at an intensive neurorehabilitation centre in Madrid, Spain, working with individuals of all ages and integrating traditional therapy techniques with evidence-based technology.
Throughout her clinical placements, Rima has gained knowledge in wheelchair seating and positioning, feeding, upper extremity neuromotor interventions, and guided discovery methods such as the CO-OP approach. Drawing on her two years of experience as a personal trainer and fitness coach, she also brings a solid understanding of biomechanics to her practice, helping individuals work towards their personal goals.
Rima believes in using a strength-based approach to build motivation and self-efficacy in clients. One of the many reasons Rima loves occupational therapy is because it emphasizes that well being can be achieved through small, meaningful steps. As often has been said, the little things are really the big things!
Rima is committed to providing high-quality, family-centred care. She is a lifelong learner who looks forward to continually expanding her knowledge and making a positive impact on the lives of the children and families she serves at Butterfly Paediatric Therapy.
A few fun facts about Rima:
- Rima finds joy in cooking and unwinding with rom-coms during quality time with friends.
- Her ultimate treat for a lifetime? Dairy Milk fruit and nut chocolate bars would be her top pick.
- While no longer engaged in competitive dancing, Rima indulges her dance itch with impromptu sessions while house cleaning.
KIMBERLY HOLLI
Occupational Therapy Assistant
Mississauga & Burlington
Kimberly is a dynamic and vibrant therapy assistant who strives to optimize and empower children and youth through meaningful and family centered activities and skill acquisition.
Kimberly received her Occupational Therapy Assistant and Physiotherapy Assistant diploma from Centennial College after completing her undergraduate degree in International Relations and History with a minor in Political Science from York University, Glendon Campus. After working at a few summer camps for children with complex neurological conditions, Kimberly knew she had to pivot away from where her undergrad studies had taken her and find a way to work with children and their families full-time in opportunities that enables life-enhancing skills, self-esteem, confidence and above all, fun!
Kimberly dove headfirst into her passion and worked for the Geneva Centre for Autism in their Group Services stream supporting children, youth and adults with Autism. Kimberly had the opportunity to have clinical therapy assistant placements in a variety of settings including hospitals, fast-paced clinics, school-based care and children treatment centers around the GTA. In her spare time, you can find Kimberly exploring the great outdoors, visiting the Toronto Zoo any time she can get; spending time at her local Orange Theory Fitness classes and searching the world for the next best donuts!
Taryn Kieller
Occupational Therapist
Taryn is a compassionate and collaborative Occupational Therapist excited to join the Butterfly Paediatric Therapy team!
Taryn completed a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science at the University of Guelph, followed by a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy at the University of Toronto. During her undergraduate degree, Taryn volunteered as a First Responder and developed a passion for mental health advocacy. Taryn was drawn to Occupational Therapy as it allows her to combine her interests in science, mental health, and physical wellness – helping people bridge the gap between where they are and where they want to be!
Taryn has always enjoyed working with children, spending many memorable summers as a camp counsellor and volunteering with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Halton. During her Master’s degree, Taryn strengthened her skills in paediatric care through clinical placements at ErinoakKids in Early Development and School-Based Rehabilitation Services, and at Davis Occupational Therapy in Paediatric Nature-Based Therapy. Through these placements, Taryn gained experience supporting children and youth with fine motor and gross motor development, emotional regulation, executive functioning, sensory processing, and feeding.
As a neurodivergent person, Taryn strongly believes in using strengths-based, neurodiversity-affirming approaches with children and their families. She is passionate about creating safe spaces where kids, teens, and adults can show up authentically, engage in meaningful activities, and build social connections. Taryn has also been a part of neurodiversity-affirming research on autistic burnout, inertia, meltdown, and shutdown (BIMS), including co-creating the website www.bimslab.ca!
In her free time, Taryn loves hiking, camping, rock climbing, and spending time with her golden retriever, Promise.
A few fun facts about Taryn:
- In between her undergrad and master’s degree, Taryn worked at a café as a
baker. - If Taryn were an animal, she would be an otter because they collect rocks and
hold hands with other otters when they sleep! - If Taryn could only eat one food for the rest of her life, it would be sweet potato
fries.
Kyana Lyttle
Occupational Therapist
Mississauga
Kyana is a passionate and dedicated Occupational Therapist whose love for working with children has been the driving force throughout her career. Starting as a Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE), Kyana discovered her deep commitment to helping children reach their fullest potential. During her time teaching, she worked closely with children of varying abilities, fostering a love for creating inclusive and supportive learning environments. This experience inspired Kyana to pursue a career in Occupational Therapy to further support children and families in meaningful ways.
Kyana is a recent graduate of Western University’s Occupational Therapy program and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Human Behaviour, specializing in Early Childhood Education, from McMaster University. With her background in early childhood education and experience in the field of Occupational Therapy, Kyana has a unique and holistic approach to supporting children’s growth and development. She is dedicated to using her knowledge and creativity to make therapy both fun and effective. Kyana had the opportunity to participate in Holland Bloorview’s Autism Coaching program, where she worked alongside experienced Occupational Therapists to learn and implement neuro-affirming therapy practices. This experience deepened her understanding of how to support children on the autism spectrum in ways that respect their individuality and promote their strengths. Kyana values a strengths-based approach and believes in focusing on each child’s unique abilities to foster growth and success.
Her time as a RECE, combined with clinical placements, has given Kyana a unique perspective on child development and the tools to support children with diverse needs, from sensory integration and behavior management to fine motor skill development. During her clinical placements, she gained valuable hands-on experience in areas such as feeding therapy, handwriting, and self-regulation, particularly using interventions like Zones of Regulation. Whether working on play-based learning, promoting positive social interactions, or fostering independence in daily activities, Kyana believes that therapy should be as enjoyable as it is effective. A strong advocate for fun, she incorporates play and creativity into every session, ensuring that therapy is both engaging and empowering for children.
Outside of work, Kyana enjoys spending time with her niece, going on adventures, exploring new places through travel, and curling up with a good book. Kyana is excited to partner with families to support children in achieving their goals, celebrating their successes, and navigating the challenges they may face along the way. She is committed to providing a warm, inclusive, and strengths-based approach to therapy that fosters growth, confidence, and independence for every child.
Fun Facts about Kyana:
- If Kyana could be any animal she’d be a polar bear because they’re resilient, thrive in
extreme environments, and their black skin and translucent fur is a reminder that there’s
always more than meets the eye! - If Kyana could have any superpower, it would be teleportation so she could explore the
world effortlessly! - Kyana loves reading, her favorite genres are drama and romance