Recipient of the 2014

Helen Leimonis

Nominated For: CASE MANAGER OF THE YEAR

Helen Leimonis is a Registered Occupational Therapist and Ontario Certified Teacher who has been providing Occupational Therapy services since 2007. Helen graduated from the University of Toronto with an Honours Bachelor of Science degree in Neuroscience and Biological Sciences. She graduated from the University of Western Ontario with a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy. She is a member in good standing with the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario (COTO), the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapy (CAOT), and the Ontario College of Teachers.

Helen places a strong emphasis on evidenced-based practice and continuing education. She has completed courses as per the Brock University Certificate Training Program, through the Ontario Brain Injury Association. Helen’s passion has always been researching and developing cognitive remedial and compensatory treatment modalities and establishing assessment tools to assist clients, physicians, and team members with understanding traumatic brain injury and its impact on function. Her main focus has been on understanding the long-standing effects of concussion and the impact on daily function and social relationships (particularly with familial relationships and friendships).

Arising from her concern for individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI), Helen has spent the past several years of her career educating clinicians on approaching TBI with a holistic lens. Having completed the AMA Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment Certification Course, the Certification in Catastrophic Impairment Evaluation (C-CAT) Course, and the Canadian Certified Life Care Planner courses offered through University of Florida, Helen is knowledgeable in thoroughly assessing severity of dysfunction and establishing the long-term care needs.

By utilizing this extensive training and commitment to client care, as a Case Manager, Helen supports clients through a collaborative approach involving establishing client goals, valuing client feedback, and assisting with implementing a strong and effective treatment team. She is experienced in working with clients who have sustained traumatic brain injury, amputation, spinal cord injury, psychological impairment, and serious orthopaedic injuries. She implements a creative approach to care to support recovery and strongly advocates for clients and families.

Helen has been actively providing services to clients of Innovative Occupational Therapy Services for approximately seven years. In her role at Innovative Occupational Therapy Services, she develops training and mentorship programs for fellow clinicians. Helen has co-founded Critical Trauma Therapy which has a specialized focus in providing Psychotherapy and Social Work Services to individuals who seek to improve their quality of life and learn effective strategies to manage any health issue, inclusive of brain injury. Critical Trauma Therapy additionally has a focus on supporting nutritional needs from an ABI perspective. Helen has co-founded The MomMe Clinic in 2023, to better support the paediatric population, supporting complex conditions/impairments inclusive of acquired brain injury and cognitive dysfunction. The MomMe Clinic is multi-disciplinary medical centre for children and families.

She is honoured to be recognized by OBIA, and is grateful to all her clients who have entrusted her with their care.