Meet The Team

Kali Jacobs

Owner & Lead Occupational Therapist

Beyond borders, Kali extends her impact globally. As a mentor to Occupational Therapists worldwide, she travels to various countries, offering therapy intensives to groups of families. Kali's vision is clear – to provide quality Occupational Therapy services that are not only effective but also fun and cultivating. Her innovative approach focuses on creating sessions that not only address therapeutic needs but also instill a sense of joy and growth in the children she serves. Through her determined efforts, Kali Jacobs continues to shape the landscape of pediatric Occupational Therapy, leaving a lasting impact on the lives of countless children around the world.

  • Kali Jacobs graduated from Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia in 2009 with a BSc. In Neuroscience and Recreation Therapy. She practiced as a Recreation Therapist at Sick Kids Hospital located in Toronto, Ontario for a year whereby she was introduced to the world of Occupational Therapy. Kali proceeded to complete her MSc. in Occupational Therapy & Occupational Science at the University of Toronto and graduated in 2012.

    For the past 10 years, Kali has been practicing as a pediatric Occupational Therapist who strives to enable children and families to participate in meaningful daily occupations. Throughout her career, Kali has taken numerous courses including vestibular-ocular therapy, sensory integration, reflex integration, neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES), the listening program, astronaut program, cognitive orientation to daily occupational performance (CO-OP) approach, alert program for emotional regulation, handwriting without tears, as well as the sequential oral sensory approach to feeding.

    Kali has experience working with children/youth of various ages and abilities in private practice, schools, outpatient clinics, and in the community. Kali is the founder of the Occupational Therapy department at S.M.I.L.E. Therapy for Kids located in Toronto, Ontario and has since been involved in mentoring numerous Occupational Therapists worldwide. She travels to various countries to provide therapy intensives for groups of families who request her services. Through provision of direct therapy and therapist mentorship, Kali is determined to provide quality Occupational Therapy services worldwide to as many children as possible.

  • OT Registration with the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario

    Vestibular-ocular therapy

    Sensory integration

    Reflex integration

    Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES)

    Spinal stimulation (NISE)

    The listening program

    Astronaut program

    Cognitive orientation to daily occupational performance (CO-OP) approach

    Alert program for emotional regulation

    Handwriting without tears


  • PTA/OTA, Rebound Therapy Practitioner, Administrative Assistant

    Maya Perez is currently completing her undergraduate degree in a Bachelors of Science with a specialization in Kinesiology at Queen’s University. She has practiced as a paediatric Physical and Occupational therapy assistant since 2018. Her passion, commitment, and expertise in working with children has grown tremendously over the years. Maya’s extended practice in the field of paediatric therapy includes her 3 years of work as a certified Rebound Therapy Practitioner / Therapeutic Trampoline Specialist. Recently she has expanded her practice to involve student athletes serving as a student Athletic Trainer for her school's varsity sports teams. Maya uses her extensive background working with children and youth with complex needs in her volunteer work with various programs for children with exceptionalities. Maya strives to leave a lasting impact on every one of her clients, making therapy fun and celebrating every achievement. 


  • B.Sc. (Cur. Occ.), OT

    Jemie completed her degree in Occupational Therapy from Trinity College Dublin in June 2024. With a longstanding passion for working with children, Jemie discovered Occupational Therapy through healthcare professionals in her family. She was drawn to occupational therapy as the profession’s holistic approach, focuses on the person, their environment, and their unique occupations, rather than just their condition. Jemie has volunteered with children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and has developed a growing interest in supporting children with complex needs and their families to participate in meaningful daily activities. During her final placement, Jemie became fascinated with sensory integration, which ignited her enthusiasm to incorporate it into her practice. As a current mentee of Kali Jacobs, Jemie is excited to bring intensive, hands-on Occupational Therapy services to families across Ireland through her work with KJOT.


  • Administrative Assistant

    Siobhan Mannion brings 20 years of rich experience in the field of education, specializing in both early years and adult education. Her career has been dedicated to supporting learners in becoming inclusive educators who champion the rights of all children. Siobhan holds a BSc in Psychology and Child and Family Studies and an Advanced Diploma in Montessori Education. Currently, she is furthering her expertise through a postgraduate program in Inclusive Education.

    Siobhan's personal journey as a mother of two sons has profoundly shaped her professional path. Her younger son, Jamie, has complex disabilities and medical needs, providing Siobhan with a unique perspective on the challenges and triumphs families face. For the past 4.5 years, Siobhan has been working closely with Kali Jacobs OT Services, where she has gained extensive hands-on experience in sensory integration and the KJOT approach. This direct involvement in her son's therapy, coupled with Kali's mentorship, has deepened her understanding of Occupational Therapy and its impact.

    Joining the KJOT team allows Siobhan to merge her passion for early childhood education, her advocacy for inclusive education, and her personal experience with Occupational Therapy. She is committed to helping other families access the support they need, just as she did through Kali's guidance.