Sami Hanser completed her Bachelor of Arts with a Major in Psychology from Western University, followed by a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MScOT) from the University of Toronto in 2024.

Sami has always been passionate about working with children with special needs, beginning her journey by teaching children with special needs how to swim while studying at Western University. She later spent a year and a half working in a classroom setting with children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Cerebral Palsy, and Learning Disabilities. During this time, she was able to develop expertise in adaptive strategies and individualized interventions tailored to the unique needs of each child.

Sami’s clinical placement experiences include time at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, where she worked in the neuromuscular and prosthetics units. Additionally, she completed a clinical placement in rural Kenya, where she worked in a clinic for children with disabilities and learned to navigate and adapt to the limitations in facilities, finances, and resources. This experience deepened her understanding of the importance of advocacy for vulnerable populations. Consequently, Sami is committed to advocating for her clients, fostering strong relationships with both children and their families, and integrating client-centered care into her practice.

Sami embraces every opportunity to connect with families and support each child in reaching their unique potential. She often is referred to as a “child at heart” as Sami has a natural ability to connect with children by incorporating their play ideas into therapy. She also places great value on the parent-child relationships, advocating for parents to play a central role in their child’s development.

Sami is registered with the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario (COTO). She is also a member of the Ontario Society of Occupational Therapists (OSOT).