Tara Smitke, BSCOT (C)

Tara graduated from the University of Alberta with a Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Therapy in 2003. Since that time she has been practicing in the area of pediatrics in both the school and community settings.

Tara has worked with a variety of professionals, families and children with an array of diagnosis and developmental delays. She established herself as an influential multi-disciplinary team member in creating the Kindergarten Inclusive Developmental Services (KIDS) South policy and procedures.

Tara specializes in working with children with sensory processing disorders, developmental delays, Attention Deficit Disorder, Developmental Coordination Disorder, visual perceptual challenges and Autism Spectrum Disorder. She has completed specialized training in sensory integration, visual processing disorders, The Handle Paradigm and Handwriting Without Tears. Tara has directed a variety of in services and educational sessions for professionals across the district. She is co-author of The Bear Necessities for Little Learners and facilitated its adaptation as a professional development opportunity for Educational Assistants through Edmonton Public Schools.

Tara has been providing FSCD specialized services to children with disabilities and their families since 2007.

Since becoming a mother in 2011, Tara has found much inspiration from her daughter and is reminded daily how to pause, breath and enjoy the wondrous moments of childhood.