Qualifications

& Experience

Hi, I’m Tonya Kilmer. Here’s a little bit about my qualifications and experience. My hope is to help you make the best decision possible when it comes to choosing a therapist. Whether that’s me or someone else, that person needs to be the right fit for you.

I earned my Master of Science Degree in Occupational Therapy, Rehabilitation Medicine, from the University of Alberta and my Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Victoria.

My service in the Canadian Armed Forces inspired my Occupational Therapy Master’s research, to provide the best therapy treatment possible for service personnel who have been exposed to high stress, trauma or who have suffered a head injury. Little did I know that this would serve me on my own personal journey with my family, which you can read about in my blog.

Since beginning my professional practice in 2010 I have worked in two major Hospitals but my passion resides in the community. I have had the privilege of working with a wide variety of clients from:

  • The Department of National Defense

  • Veterans Affairs

  • Long Term Disability (like Blue Cross)

  • The Worker’s Compensation Board

  • Our provincial motor-vehicle insurance company for clients who had been injured in a crash

After becoming a mom, I was struck by a tidal wave of love and expanded my OT practice so that I could work with children. I was enriched by the Sundrops Centre for Child Development in the Cowichan Valley, where I provided assessment, education, coaching, treatment and support to children, their families, caregivers, support networks and schools following childhood:

  • Developmental delays

  • Diagnoses

  • Trauma

  • Behavioural challenges

I’m excited to now bring my experience to the great outdoors, where I believe that you and your family will achieve the best, most sustained outcome following your injury. 

Professional Affiliations

Professional Development

  • November 2024 - Alberta’s First Responders’ Mental Health Conference 2024, Trillium Health Partners' Insight Health Solutions and Wounded Warriors Canada

  • May 2024 - Ontario’s First Responders’ Mental Health Conference 2024. Trillium Health Partners' Insight Health Solutions and Wounded Warriors Canada

  • April 2024 - EMS Leadership Summit. Flourishing Together: Leadership Practices to Unite & Inspire.

  • March 2024 - CIPSRT (Canadian Institute for Public Safety Research & Treatment) Symposium. Together We Are Stronger: Showcasing Collaborative Efforts to Support the Wellbeing of all Public Safety Personnel. Ottawa, ON.

  • February 2024 - Creating Systematic Desensitization Protocols for Clients with Phobia and Trauma. Michelle Scott, OT and the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapy (CAOT) professional development.

  • January 2024 - Wounded Warriors Canada: Core Trauma Concepts.

  • January 2024 - Wounded Warriors Canada: Introduction to Trauma Exposed Professionals.

  • January 2024 - Atlas Institute for Veterans and Families Summit. Empowering Families through knowledge, community, & hope.

  • May 2022 - Canadian Association of Occupational Therapy (CAOT) Conference. Whistler, BC.

  • November 2021 - Prolonged Exposure (PE) Therapy for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Dr. Yusko & Dr. Dichiara.

  • September 2020 - Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): Level Two for Occupational Therapy. Gord Hirano, MSc., BSc. OT & CAOT professional development.

  • June 2020 - Skills for Psychological Recovery Field Operations by National Centre for PTSD. The Canadian Red Cross.

  • November 2017 - Making Connections, Knowledge & Community Excellence. Enhancing the Mental Health and Development of Children & Youth. Dr. Vanessa LaPoint (keynote) & other psychological/psychiatric professionals. Nanaimo, BC.

  • October 2017 - CBI Health Concussion Management. Chilliwack, BC.

  • September 2017 - The Edgewood Health Network Assessment Supplemental Inventory (EASI) for Addictions & Treatment. Edgewood Health Network. Victoria, BC.

  • March 2015 - Seeing, Moving, Learning: Discovery of Integration of Vestibular and Visual Senses. Kim Barthel, BMR, OTR. Chilliwack, BC.

  • March 2015 - The Sleep Workshop. Dr. Gordon Neufeld, PhD. Duncan, BC.

  • April 2012- Changeways: The Core Program. A Group Intervention for Depression. Dr. Randy Paterson, PhD. Vancouver, BC.

  • March 2012 - Progressive Goal Attainment Program (PGAP™) Certification: An Evidence-Based Treatment Program for Reducing Pain, Depression, PTSD, Cancer and other Chronic Health Conditions. Toronto, ON.

  • November 2010 - Military and Veteran’s Health and Research Forum. Presenter. Kingston, ON.

  • May 2010 - Canadian Association of Occupational Therapy (CAOT) Conference. Presenter. Halifax, NS.

  • October 2009- Occupational Therapy Conference. A Step A “Head”: A Focus on Brain Injury. Edmonton, AB.

  • September 2009 - Occupational Therapy Psychiatry Conference. Alberta Hospital. Edmonton, AB.

  • June 2009 - Canadian Association of Occupational Therapy (CAOT) Conference. Ottawa, ON.

  • May 2009 - Alberta Mental Health in Occupational Therapy Community Practice. Edmonton, AB