ABOUT

Hi, I’m Janelle—a mama, occupational therapist, horse lover, nature seeker, and lifelong learner.

I started Family Foundations Therapy after becoming a mother myself and experiencing just how wide the gap in support truly is for women during one of the most life-altering transitions: becoming a mom. After my daughter was born, I found myself struggling with postpartum depression and anxiety—something no amount of professional knowledge had quite prepared me for. I carried guilt, shame, and the weight of trying to hold it all together.

But when I began learning about the real, raw, and normal experiences so many mothers go through, I realized: I wasn’t broken. I wasn’t failing. And I definitely wasn’t alone.

That realization changed everything.

I made it my mission to help mothers feel seen, supported, and safe—so we can stop pretending we’re okay when we’re not, and start building real foundations of healing, connection, and trust. When we put words to the “new mama struggle,” we soften. We open. We begin to heal. And when we heal, we show up with more presence and joy—not just for our children, but for ourselves.

My daughter’s feeding journey is what first led me into the world of oral motor therapy. She struggled to latch, feed, and regulate from the beginning. Even after a tongue tie release, her difficulties continued—and I quickly realized that no one had the answers I needed. So I searched for them myself. I dove into specialized training in oral motor development, infant feeding, and tethered oral tissues, determined to understand the missing pieces and help her thrive. That journey ignited a deep passion in me to support other families going through similar challenges—because no parent should feel alone or unsupported in those early, critical days.

Alongside this work, I’ve never stopped supporting children in school settings. For over a decade, I’ve worked across Saskatoon, Calgary, and San Diego in schools, daycares, and early intervention programs—helping children with everything from motor development and sensory processing to self-regulation, classroom participation, and social-emotional growth. I’ve also led training and mentorship for educators and teams, ensuring kids are supported by the adults around them in meaningful and effective ways.

Today, my practice bridges both early childhood and maternal wellness. I specialize in pediatric occupational therapy with a focus on infant feeding, oral motor development, emotional regulation, and trauma-informed care. I believe early intervention isn’t just about hitting milestones—it’s about helping children feel safe, capable, and connected in their bodies and in the world around them.

When I’m not in the therapy room, you’ll usually find me dancing in the kitchen with my daughter, exploring lakes and trails, connecting with animals (especially horses), or diving into spiritual growth and energy medicine. I believe healing is both a science and an art—and I bring that belief into every session, whether I’m working with babies, parents, or kids who need a little extra support to thrive.

At the heart of it all, I’m here to walk alongside families as they grow, struggle, heal, and rise. This work is my calling—and I’m so grateful you’re here.

“Healing begins when we feel seen.”
“It takes a village—but first, we have to feel safe in it.”