Meet our team
-
Michelle is a very dedicated pediatric physiotherapist with over 30 years of experience helping infants and young children reach their full potential. She has a special interest in several key areas, including early motor development at every milestone stage, infant feeding challenges, conditions at birth including torticollis (a tight neck from birth), positional clubfoot and head shape concerns. Michelle is also highly skilled in treating toe walking and a variety of genetic, congenital and neurological conditions. She has experience with a wide range of conditions, both common and rare.
Born and raised in Grande Prairie, she graduated from the University of Alberta in Physical Therapy and moved back home to enjoy her career and raise her family. After working a few years with a variety of ages and conditions, she chose to primarily focus her physiotherapy practice on pediatrics early in her career, as it has always been her passion. Michelle has attended a vast number of continuing education courses throughout North America to further her knowledge. To highlight a few in particular of note: Pediatric Physiotherapist’s Role in Infant Feeding; MFR (Myofascial Release - John Barnes); Torticollis and Head Shape; Toe Walking and biomechanics of the foot and lower extremity in Gait; Latch, Jaw and Tongue Assessment for feeding skills in Infants; NDT -Infant and Child (Neuro-Development Treatment); Sensory Integration and Sensory Processing (including Sensory Profile Checklist); Dynamic Core and Postural Stability - Contribution to Development of Motor Skills; and several others.
She is a registered member in good standing with the College of Physical Therapists of Alberta. Michelle's passion for pediatric physiotherapy shines through in her work. She finds immense joy and satisfaction in witnessing the newfound confidence and success a child feels when they've finally mastered a skill they have been working so hard on. Michelle loves sharing her knowledge about "anything pediatric physiotherapy" with parents, children, students, and other professionals. Her commitment to supporting and empowering families is a cornerstone of her practice. She strongly believes in early intervention to improve a child's opportunity for optimal functioning and boosted abilities to be confident in their movement skills. Ensuring the best foundation for your child, as even the smallest steps and successes can steadily build a child’s confidence, enjoyment of life and pave the way for a brighter future.
-
Smitha Prakash is a registered Physiotherapist with over 20 years of clinical experience and is in good standing with the College of Physiotherapists of Alberta. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy (2001) and a Master’s in Physiotherapy (2010). Throughout her career, she has worked extensively in orthopedics, neurorehabilitation, and pediatric physiotherapy.
Over the past several years, she has focused on supporting infants and children with a variety of conditions, including motor development delays, torticollis, cerebral palsy, neurological disorders, orthopedic injuries, and genetic conditions. She is committed to making therapy both effective and enjoyable, bringing warmth, creativity, and dedication to every session.
Smitha’s decision to specialize in pediatrics is deeply rooted in both her professional expertise and her personal journey. As a mother, she experienced the challenges of raising a child with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and feeding difficulties. This personal experience gave her a profound appreciation for the emotional and physical impact such challenges can have on families. It also reinforced her belief in the importance of early intervention, accessible care, and professionals who truly listen.
To expand her expertise, Smitha has pursued numerous continuing education opportunities, including:
Therapeutic Evaluation and Treatment of Pediatric Gait (Liesa M. Ritchie)
Posture and Torso Alignment for Pediatric Neuromotor Training (Beverly Cusick)
Baby Begin: TOTS – Tethered Oral Tissues Specialty Training
Common Conditions in Pediatric Rehabilitation (University of Alberta)
Torticollis and Plagiocephaly: Assessment and Treatment for Infants and Toddlers (Cindy Miles)
Physiotherapy Assessment of Breastfeeding-Related Conditions: Infant and Maternal Factors (including screening for tongue ties and support for effective latch)
John F barns pediatric myofascial release.
Passionate about creating a supportive and engaging environment, Smitha’s goal is to help children move with greater ease and confidence, while empowering families to feel heard, supported, and encouraged. She strongly believes that even the smallest milestones can lay the foundation for a child’s lifelong confidence, well-being, and potential.