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.
Welcome, I’m Jessica
Every child and family deserves to be understood, embraced, and empowered to reach their fullest potential.
As both 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. Fluent in both English and French, I am proud to offer bilingual services to make my support accessible to a wider range of families.
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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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 behavior. 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 behavioral 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.
“Jessica approaches every situation with compassion, authenticity and a level of care that remains unmatched. After years of working alongside her, her level of knowledge continues to astound me. She continuously uses her expertise to create a truly holistic approach tailored to each family’s unique needs and goals.”
-ANNABELLE PHILLION, OT Reg.(Ont.)
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 are crafted to support children in building the skills they need to thrive in their daily lives. We embrace neurodiversity, recognizing and honoring the unique ways in which each child interacts with the world. Our therapists work closely with families to develop personalized strategies that promote confidence in daily life.
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We believe in inclusive physiotherapy that meets children where they are. Our physiotherapists focus on developing and improving movement, strength, and coordination, always with an understanding and respect for each child’s individual needs. Whether it’s enhancing mobility or building motor skills, we’re here to help children move confidently 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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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.
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Healthy eating habits begin early, and our nutrition services are designed to support children and families in making balanced choices. We embrace various food preferences and cultural practices, offering guidance that respects your family’s unique needs. Whether you’re dealing with picky eating, food allergies, or simply looking to enhance your family’s nutrition, we’re here to help.
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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 early childhood group programs are more than just play—they’re a place for connection, learning, and growth. Designed to support early developmental skills, these programs provide a welcoming space where children can explore, socialize, and develop through play. 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.
“When in Jessica’s company I always feel seen, heard and deeply important. Her focus on connection and curiosity about everyone she meets makes her an easy person to share and be vulnerable with. Spending time with her always feels like coming home to myself.”
- CAMILLE DEN BOER, OCT
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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Initial Consultation Call with Parents
Next, we’ll schedule a detailed 45 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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Initial Assessment with Your Child
Finally, we’ll meet your child in a relaxed, welcoming session to observe and assess 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 schedule a consultation, or need additional information, please reach out to us using the form below and we’ll respond to you within 24-48 business hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Sapling Child & Family Therapy provides a range of pediatric therapy services, including occupational therapy, physiotherapy, psychotherapy, and speech and language 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 expertise 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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Scheduling an appointment is easy. You can call our clinic directly, use our online appointment booking system on our website, or visit our clinic in person.
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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 30 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.
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We 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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Absolutely! We warmly invite you to schedule a tour of our clinic. 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. Contact our administrative team, and they’ll be happy to arrange a convenient time for you to visit our facility, meet our compassionate team, and learn more about our services.
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Stay connected with us! Follow our social media profiles for the latest updates, events, and helpful resources. You can also subscribe to our newsletter on our website to receive regular updates directly to your inbox.
If you have additional questions or require further information, please don't hesitate to contact Sapling Child & Family Therapy. We are here to support you and your child on their unique journey to growth and well-being.
“Jessica has a unique ability to connect with both her patients and their families, making them feel heard, valued, and empowered. She truly understands the importance of a holistic approach, collaborating seamlessly with parents, teachers, and other professionals to ensure comprehensive care. Jessica’s supportive, practical, and impactful approach is backed by a wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience as a lifelong learner and parent. I am continually inspired by her dedication to her work and the difference she makes in the lives of children. I couldn’t recommend her more highly as a pediatric occupational therapist.”
- JENNIFER RIENDEAU, RECE
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.
You are welcome here exactly as you are.