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šŸ† Proud 2026 Canadian Choice Award Winner | Individual Counselling & Therapy ā€” Surrey BC | My Empower Therapy | Award-Winning Pediatric & Autism Support ā­
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604 889 4333
672 886 0333

ESDM ā€“ Early Start Denver Model

What is the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM)?

TheĀ Early Start Denver ModelĀ is aĀ naturalistic developmental behavioral intervention (NDBI)Ā that integrates strategies from Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) within everyday routines and play-based settings. What makes ESDM unique is its emphasis onĀ warm, relationship-driven interactionsĀ that occur within a childā€™s daily environmentā€”such as snack time, play, and song timeā€”rather than formal, clinical drills.

ESDM focuses on helping children with autismĀ increase their ability to engage socially, communicate, and learnĀ while minimizing stress and overstimulation. Therapy is individualized to meet the specific developmental profile of each child and is continually adapted to reflect their strengths and challenges.

We use evidence-based modalities like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) to empower individuals to take control of their lives. Our team personalizes each session based on your needs, whether youā€™re looking for behavior therapy for children, teens, or adults.

Who Is ESDM For?

ESDM is especially effective for:

  • Children agedĀ 12 to 48 monthsĀ with a confirmed diagnosis of autism or showing early signs ofĀ developmental delays

  • Children struggling withĀ language development,Ā eye contact, orĀ joint attention

  • Toddlers with difficulties inĀ imitation, pretend play, andĀ social engagement

  • Families seeking aĀ gentle, research-supported alternativeĀ to traditional ABA

  • Parents who want to actively participate in their childā€™s therapy process

The earlier a child begins ESDM therapy, the more opportunity there is toĀ support brain developmentĀ and build lifelong learning skills.

Whether itā€™s a non-verbal child developing basic communication or a child with articulation disorder refining their speech clarity, our individualized treatment plans are designed to empower lasting growth.

Want to learn how we can support your childā€™s progress?

How Does ESDM Work?

Our ESDM therapy in Langley begins with a detailed developmental assessment, followed by a personalized plan targeting key skills like communication, play, and daily livingā€”delivered in natural, play-based settings by therapists who build strong, supportive relationships with each child.

Parent Involvement Matters

At My Empower Therapy, our ESDM program includes regular parent coachingā€”empowering you to support your childā€™s growth at home, strengthen your bond, and reduce stress with proven, consistent strategies.

What Makes ESDM Effective?

Research shows the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) boosts communication, IQ, social skills, and emotional regulationā€”while reducing autism symptoms and parent stress by harnessing early childhood neuroplasticity.

Our ESDM Process at My Empower Therapy

Hereā€™s what to expect when starting ESDM therapy with us in Langley:

1. Initial Consultation

We begin with an in-depth intake with you and your child to determine suitability for the ESDM approach.

2. Developmental Assessment

Using the ESDM Curriculum Checklist, our therapists assess your childā€™s current developmental stage across multiple domains.

3. Personalized Treatment Plan

We design a goal-oriented therapy plan, setting individualized objectives based on your childā€™s interests and learning profile.

4. Ongoing Therapy Sessions

Therapy sessions are conducted by ESDM-certified therapists in a fun, playful, and supportive environment.

5. Progress Monitoring & Parent Coaching

We track your childā€™s progress weekly, update goals, and hold monthly family meetings to ensure alignment and success.

Funding & Insurance

We assist families in securing support through BCā€™s Autism Funding Program, extended health benefits, and payment plansā€”guiding you through applications and offering direct billing when available.

šŸ“ Why Choose My Empower Therapy for ESDM in Langley?

Our certified ESDM team combines clinical expertise with play-based environments, speech and behavior specialists, and a family-centered, neurodiversity-affirming approachā€”delivering trusted results for early childhood development.

šŸ“ž Ready to Take the First Step?

If your toddler has autism or developmental delays, ESDM at My Empower Therapy in Langley offers evidence-based, compassionate support. Book your intake consultation today to start your early intervention journey.
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Mandi

BC Registered Kinesiologist and OTA/PTA at My Empower Therapy

Mandi K. is a BC Registered Kinesiologist and OTA/PTA at My Empower Therapy, with over 15 years of pediatric therapy experience supporting children across the Lower Mainland. She specializes in pediatric kinesiology, Occupational Therapy through sensory integration therapy, and corrective exercise programs designed to improve movement, coordination, and functional independence.

Mandi has advanced expertise in toe walking correction, hand strengthening, sensory stimulation, coordination training, and motor planning, including intervention strategies to reduce hand flapping and repetitive motor behaviors. She works extensively with children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Global Developmental Delay (GDD), and cerebral palsy, delivering individualized, evidence-based therapy programs aligned with occupational and physical therapy goals.

As part of the multidisciplinary team at My Empower Therapy, Mandi collaborates closely with occupational therapists, physiotherapists, and behavior specialists to support optimal developmental outcomes for children and families.

Mary

REGISTERED OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST | SENSORY INTEGRATION SPECIALIST

With over 18 years of experience in pediatric occupational therapy and rehabilitation, I am passionate about helping children overcome developmental challenges and reach their fullest potential through evidence-based, individualized care.

I hold a Masterā€™s Degree in Occupational Therapy, a PhD in Sports Rehabilitation, graduated from Iran University of Medical Sciences, and am a Registered Occupational Therapist with the College of Occupational Therapists of British Columbia (COTBC).

My primary area of expertise is Sensory Integration Therapy, helping children who struggle with sensory processing develop the skills needed to feel more regulated, confident, and successful in everyday life. I work closely with families to understand each childā€™s unique sensory profile and create personalized treatment plans that improve participation at home, school, and in the community.

I have extensive experience supporting children with:

  • Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
  • ADHD
  • Sensory Processing Disorder
  • Global Developmental Delay (GDD)
  • Cerebral Palsy (CP)
  • Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD)
  • Fine and gross motor delays
  • Emotional regulation and behavioural challenges

Ā 

My clinical areas of focus include:

  • Advanced Sensory Integration Therapy
  • Emotional regulation and self-regulation
  • Fine and gross motor development
  • Motor planning and coordination
  • Balance and postural control
  • Handwriting and school readiness
  • Activities of daily living and functional independenc
  • Play-based intervention
  • Parent coaching and home programming

Ā 

I believe every child learns differently. My therapy sessions are engaging, play-based, and individually tailored to each childā€™s strengths, interests, and goals. By combining advanced sensory integration techniques with evidence-based occupational therapy, I help children improve regulation, attention, confidence, independence, and functional skills that carry over into everyday life.

My greatest passion is empowering children to participate more fully in the activities they love while giving families the tools, education, and support they need to continue their childā€™s success beyond the therapy room.

Tanvir S.

PROVISIONAL OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST

I have completed my Masters of Occupational Therapy at Curtin University in Australia. Experienced with pediatrics.

Jessica F.

Senior Registered Occupational Therapist

M.Ed., BCBA

20+ years experience.
ā€“ RASP provider COTBC registered OTR/L
Certified Hypnotherapist
Certified Viome Nutrition Coach
Certified SOMA Level 1 Breath Work Facilitator

Tanya M.

BEHAVIOR ANALYST / BCBAS

RASP Certified ā€“ Registered Autism Service Provider

M.Ed., BCBA

Tanya McCarthy has been working in the field of applied behavior analysis for over 20 years. She has provided services to children and youth between the ages of 2 and 19 in home settings, schools, and the community. Tanya is a board-certified behavior analyst since 2020 and holds a masterā€™s degree in special education with a concentration in autism and developmental disabilities from the University of British Columbia and has also received an advanced citation diploma in disability and applied behavior analysis from Douglas College. Tanya is passionate about using the science of behavior analysis to promote meaningful changes to improve the lives of her clients and their families.

Mei W.

RASP CERTIFIED ā€“ REGISTERED AUTISM Services provider AFU funding
Board Certified Behavior Analyst BCBA

ā€“ BCBA Nearly ten years of service experience in children with autism, developmental delays, and other conditions

  • Serves hundreds of special needs children aged 2-14.
  • Skillful use of VB-MAPP and ABLLS-R
  • Helps children with autism and other developmental delays
    ā 

Annie

REGISTERED FAMILY BEHAVIOR THERAPIST- RCC

Masters of Psychology 7 years clinical experience Working as a Behaviour Therapist.

Jeyameena D

BEHAVIOR ANALYST / BCBAS

Bernadette M.

BEHAVIOR ANALYST / BCBAS

Highly experienced BCBA ā€“ Behavior Consultant specializes in developing daily living skills, independence and self regulation plans.

Sahar F.

RASP Provider as Family Therapist RCC /R-SLP / Behavior Consultant / Play Therapist

Sahar is a Registered Speech-Language Pathologist and Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) with over 20 years of pediatric experience supporting children and families. She is a full-time member of My Empower Therapyā€™s multidisciplinary team, working across the Panorama, Newton, and Morgan Crossing clinics within both the Speech and Behaviour Departments.

Known for her warm, playful, and highly engaging approach, Sahar has a natural ability to build strong connections with children while creating sessions that are fun, motivating, and meaningful. Families often appreciate her ability to make children feel comfortable, confident, and excited to participate in therapy.

Education/ Certifications:
BA in Speech and Language Pathology
MA in Family counselling
PhD in the Psychology of Special Ed.

Sahar has extensive experience supporting children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, speech and language delays, social communication challenges, emotional regulation difficulties, learning disabilities, hearing loss, Down syndrome, stuttering, articulation difficulties, and developmental delays.
In addition to her clinical experience, Sahar has advanced training in play-based intervention, family support strategies, behaviour consultation, and child development. Her approach is individualized, compassionate, and focused on helping every child build communication, confidence, connection, and independence in everyday life.

Working with children has always been Saharā€™s passion, and she is deeply committed to helping each child reach their fullest potential in a supportive and engaging environment.

Levy Stewart

RSLP / RASP Provider ā€“ Speech Language Pathologist

RSLP ā€“ Full Registered Speech Language Pathologist

Levy received his Master of Health Science in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Toronto in 2021. Before that, he studied Music with a specialization in Vocal Performance from Briercrest College in Saskatchewan.

He is a member in good standing with Speech-Language & Audiology Canada (SAC,) Speech and Hearing BC, and is registered with the College of Speech and Hearing Professionals of BC (CSHBC) and the Registry of Autism Service Providers (RASP).

Levy enjoys working with children through a play-based approach. Levy has experience with parent-coaching, early intervention, and providing services to clients of various backgrounds (ASD, Down Syndrome, CP etc). Levy enjoys incorporating music into his sessions and tries his best to make sessions fun, engaging, and neurodiversity affirming. Extra training includes SCERTS and Meaningful Speech, Gestalt Language Processing and The Ultimate Play Based Speech Course.

Mary

Speech Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA)

Mary is a Speech Language Pathology Assistant with over 20 years of clinical experience in speech therapy. She graduated in 2005 from the Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences at Iran University of Medical Sciences, where she specialized in Speech Language Pathology. Her clinical focus includes speech delay, childhood apraxia of speech, intervention for children with hearing impairment, autism rehabilitation, ADHD, infant feeding and swallowing disorders, stuttering, and articulation disorders. Since 2025, Mary has been practicing as an SLPA in British Columbia with two organizations in Canada while actively working toward the transfer and recognition of her professional credentials.

Vijitha T.

RSLP / RASP Provider ā€“ Speech Language Pathologist

RSLP ā€“ Full Registered Speech Language Pathologist

My Empower Therapy RASP approved provider SLP with over 8 years experience Speech Delay, language Disorders, Fluency Disorders, Voice, Autism, Apraxia of Speech, stuttering, voice disorder, communication disorders

Sharon D.

Senior Clinical Associate

Sharon Dhaliwal, our Executive Director, has been instrumental in shaping the vision and direction of My Empower Therapy. Her leadership ensures that our center not only meets but exceeds the standards of care expected by our families and the community. Sharon also offers private equine therapy services which promotes positive outcomes for our patients.

Dr. Farah R.

Clinical Director & Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine ā€“ Affiliated Clinical Educator
PhD in Child Development, Psychology, and Neuroscience Rehabilitation

FarahĀ  is our esteemed Clinical Director, bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience in rehabilitation medicine. As an affiliated clinical educator, Farah oversees our therapy programs and ensures that all treatments are aligned with the latest research and best practices in child development and rehabilitation. She brings forward over 15 years of experience and expertise and has positively impacted hundreds of families.

šŸ†Leadership That Inspires: Capilano University Alumni Recognition

Congratulations to Dr. Farah Rattansi on being honoured by Capilano University as the 2026 Open Award recipient at the Alumni Awards of Excellence. This recognition celebrates her leadership in pediatric care and her dedication to empowering children and families through early intervention, inclusive support, and family-centred autism care.

As founder of My Empower Therapy, Dr. Rattansi continues to create meaningful community impact through services designed to help children grow, participate fully, and thrive in everyday life. Her recognition by Capilano reflects not only professional excellence, but also a deeper commitment to building systems of care that are thoughtful, inclusive, and truly empowering for families.

šŸ† Honored in The Times of Canada

We are proud to congratulate Dr. Farah Rattansi for being featured in The Times of Canadaā€™s IGNITE Special Power Edition, a publication that celebrates strong women from our community who uplift, empower, and contribute meaningfully to the betterment of other women and society as a whole. This recognition reflects her leadership, vision, and continued commitment to making a difference through compassionate and purpose-driven care.

Through My Empower Therapy and Neuro Brain Treatment Vancouver, Dr. Farah Rattansi has helped build trusted spaces of support for children and families, with a strong focus on pediatric therapy, neuro-rehabilitation, and inclusive care. Her work continues to create meaningful impact in the community and reflects the kind of leadership and service this special edition was created to honour.

šŸ† Women in Business Award: Leadership & Impact

Dr. Farah Rattansiā€™s recognition by the Surrey & White Rock Board of Trade in the Entrepreneur, Large Business category highlights the strength of her leadership and the growing impact of the organizations she has built. Through My Empower Therapy and Neuro Brain Treatment Vancouver, she has created services that combine clinical excellence with a strong commitment to children, families, and community care.

This recognition speaks to more than business growth alone. It reflects a vision rooted in inclusion, innovation, and meaningful service, with a continued focus on expanding access to high-quality pediatric and neuro-focused support across the region.

šŸ† Regional Leadership: Business Excellence Awards Finalist

We are proud to be recognized as a top finalist in the Surrey & White Rock Business Excellence Awards, positioning My Empower Therapy among the most influential and high-performing healthcare organizations in the region

This distinction reflects:

  • Strong community impact and family trust
  • Rapid growth and operational excellence
  • Leadership in inclusive pediatric healthcare services

šŸ† Community Impact & Leadership Recognition

Our work extends beyond the clinic into the broader community, where we have been recognized for:

  • Supporting families through accessible, culturally inclusive care
  • Partnerships with schools, organizations, and advocacy groups
  • Contributions to early screening, parent education, and developmental support programs

šŸ† Global Recognition: StevieĀ®ļø Award-Winning Excellence

My Empower Therapy has been honoured with multiple StevieĀ®ļø Awards for Women in Business, one of the most prestigious global business award programs recognizing innovation, leadership, and impact at an international level.

These awards highlight:

  • Leadership in neurodevelopmental and autism care
  • Innovation in early intervention and multidisciplinary therapy models
  • Measurable impact on childrenā€™s developmental outcomes and family quality of life