Meet the Team

Sue Baptiste

Sue Baptiste is the Principal Investigator for the Ontario OTepp Program and Co-Principal Investigator for the National Program. Sue is an occupational therapist and Professor at the School of Rehabilitation Sciences at McMaster University. She immigrated to Canada from the UK in 1968 and has since influenced Canadian occupational therapy through her innovative approaches to practice, leadership, education and research. An internationally renowned leader in problem-based education, Sue has facilitated the development of problem-based, self-directed learning across many disciplines. Sue has also contributed significantly to faculty development and curriculum reform, client-centredness and evidence-based professional practice. Being an immigrant herself, Sue is passionate about enabling other new Canadians to find a path to integration into professional work in Canada.

Marie-Christine Beshay

Marie-Christine Beshay is an occupational therapist who completed her entry-level B.Sc. degree in Occupational Therapy at the University of Ottawa. She then obtained a M.Sc. Occupational Therapy – Post Professional degree at Dalhousie University where she examined the possibilities of enabling clients’ occupational engagement in acute care settings. She also explored the intricacies of leadership and of creating and implementing effective changes at different levels within organizations. Marie-Christine is the National Research Assistant for the OTepp project. Her involvement with OTepp includes implementing and monitoring all activities for the National project. In addition, she is a course instructor and advisor for French speaking IEOTs. Prior to working with OTepp, Marie-Christine worked as a clinician in a variety of settings, including in the community with a pediatric clientele and in acute care with older adults.

Shaminder Dhillon

Shaminder is an occupational therapist and Assistant Professor in the School of Rehabilitation Science at McMaster University. Shami completed her post-secondary education at McMaster University including a B.Sc. in Biochemistry with a minor in the Theme School on International Justice and Human Rights (1999), a B.H.Sc. in Occupational Therapy (2001) and an M.Sc. in Rehabilitation Science (2006). Her thesis examined the role of occupational therapists in advocating with/for people with disabilities. Clinically, she has provided occupational therapy services in the areas of forensic psychiatry and disability management. Shami is taking the lead on curriculum development for the OTepp project.

Leah Dix

Leah Dix is an occupational therapist and Assistant Clinical Professor at the School of Rehabilitation Sciences at McMaster University and is the Ontario Project Manager for the OTepp Program. Leah completed her post-secondary education at McMaster University in Science (1994), Occupational Therapy (1996) and Rehabilitation Science (2007). Her thesis examined the meaning of mentorship for occupational therapists. Clinically, she has provided occupational therapy services within the third party payer system. Leah has also worked on several other research projects at McMaster, conducting assessments, interviews and as a research assistant.

Nancy Lidstone

Nancy Lidstone As national clerical lead, Nancy provides administrative support for the OTepp project including coordination of participant registration and assignments, answering enquiries and maintaining the database. Having moved from the East Coast of Canada within the last two years, Nancy is enjoying learning about Hamilton and the surrounding area.

Colleen McGrath

Colleen McGrath is an occupational therapist and part time research assistant with OTepp. Colleen completed her post-secondary education at McMaster University in Health Studies and Gerontology (2006) and in Occupational Therapy (2008). Colleen is currently completing her PhD in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (Health and Aging) at the University of Western Ontario where her research interest is in the area of low vision rehabilitation and older adults. Clinically, she has provided occupational therapy services in the third party payer system.

Pat McMahon

Pat McMahon is an occupational therapist who recently completed the formal re-entry process in order to return to clinical practice after having been away for several years. She works part-time at St. Peter’s Hospital in Hamilton, Ontario and is also a research assistant and placement coordinator for OTepp. In addition to her formal work, Pat is a strong advocate for students with learning differences.

Elizabeth Steggles

Elizabeth Steggles is an occupational therapist who immigrated to Canada in 1981. She is an Assistant Clinical Professor at the School of Rehabilitation Science at McMaster University and is the National Project Manager for OTepp. Elizabeth’s clinical work has focused on accessibility and the use of assistive technology to enhance autonomy for people with disabilities. Elizabeth has developed and managed services in both public and not-for-profit organizations.

Claudia von Zweck

Claudia von Zweck is the principal investigator for the National OTepp Project and executive director of the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT), a national voluntary professional association representing over 7700 members across Canada. In addition to her Bachelor of Science degree in occupational therapy, she holds a Master's degree in Community Health and Epidemiology and a doctorate in Rehabilitation Science from Queen's University, Kingston, Canada. Prior to coming to CAOT in 1995, Claudia worked in health care administration as well as an occupational therapist in a variety of settings, including rehabilitation centers, home care and a regional children's treatment center. Claudia has led a number of additional national projects to assist internationally educated occupational therapists (IEOTs) with working in Canada. The projects include an environmental scan of issues influencing workforce success of IEOTs, the development of an IEOT access and registration framework and creation of the www.gocanadaot.com web portal for IEOTs.