Bio

Gary is the founder and director of Function First Occupational Therapy & Rehabilitation Services Inc. He is a registered occupational therapist in good standing with the College of Occupational Therapists of British Columbia (COTBC). He is also a member of the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT) and the World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT).

With nearly two decades of clinical experience, he has treated adults and older adults limited by complex musculoskeletal injuries, orthopaedic injuries, neurological disorders, palliative care, post-concussion and migraine symptoms, chronic pain, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, post traumatic stress, and other psychological impairments. Gary is fluent in English and conversational Cantonese.

Since graduating from McMaster University with a Master of Science Degree in Occupational Therapy (2005) and obtaining his Certified Work Capacity Evaluator designation (Matheson & Associates), Gary has contributed his knowledge, skills, and expertise in a wide range of settings including: acute care hospitals, inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation centers, community-based occupational therapy, home health, geriatric rehab (assisted living and residential care), insurance industries, mental health services, and return to work programs. As a Certified Progressive Goal Attainment Program (PGAP) provider with clinical training in Prolonged Exposure (PE) Therapy, Gary is passionate about helping clients reach their maximum rehabilitation potential in order to achieve their purposeful goals and participate in life’s meaningful activities. Gary is also well versed in home accessibility / modifications, aging in place consultations, universal design, wheelchair / seating mobility, ergonomics, and vehicle adaptations. Having successfully completed the Adaptiv Home Renovation Course through the Canadian Home Builders’ Association (CHBA), Gary has facilitated numerous success stories on the removal of physical, cognitive, and environmental barriers to enable disability access. Gary is committed to life long learning and continually invests in his own professional development in order to provide the highest standard of care and evidence-based treatment to his clients.

As an educator, Gary is an appointed Clinical Instructor in the Faculty of Medicine - School of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy at the University of British Columbia. In addition to supervising Masters level student occupational therapists, Gary is an interview admissions panelist for UBC’s Masters of Occupational Therapy (MOT) Program.

An active member of the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists Mentorship Program, Gary volunteers as a mentor and clinical resource to internationally educated occupational therapists as they adjust to the practice of occupational therapy in Canada and / or have a desire to improve their knowledge, competencies, and skills in various clinical practice areas and work settings.