Emotional regulation + sensory processing
Neurodivergence
ADHD
Executive functioning
School participation + attention
Independence with everyday tasks
Motor coordination + motor planning + body awareness
Social participation and play
Parent and family support
Paula Zonneveld, MScOT, Reg. (BC) is a paediatric Occupational Therapist who loves helping kids build confidence, better understand their bodies and brains, and develop the skills they need to participate more fully in everyday life.
Paula completed her Master of Occupational Therapy at the University of Toronto in 2021 and has experience supporting children and youth with ADHD, autism, developmental coordination disorder, sensory processing differences, emotional regulation challenges, executive functioning difficulties, and a range of physical, cognitive and developmental needs.
At Groms, Paula’s approach fits right in: therapy should feel meaningful, practical and, whenever possible, fun. Rather than expecting kids to simply “sit still,” “focus harder,” or push through situations that feel overwhelming, Paula works to understand why something is challenging. She helps children and families identify what is happening underneath the behaviour; whether that is sensory overload, difficulty with transitions, motor planning challenges, executive functioning demands, emotional regulation or something else entirely.
Paula strongly believes there is no one-size-fits-all approach to occupational therapy. She works closely with each child and family to identify the goals that matter most to them and builds therapy around the child’s strengths, interests and real-world needs.
She also has experience in adaptive climbing and nature-based occupational therapy and loves finding creative ways to take therapy beyond the treatment room. Whether that means movement, play, climbing, outdoor exploration or practicing real-life skills, Paula enjoys helping kids work toward their goals in ways that actually feel relevant to them.
Paula is registered with the College of Health and Care Professionals of BC.
Outside of the clinic, Paula is usually exploring the outdoors with her goldendoodle, Daisy. She loves rock climbing, hiking and camping and brings that same sense of curiosity, movement and adventure into her work with kids.