WELCOME to
SPRUCE TIP OT
Mental Health and Pediatric Occupational Therapy Services
About Spruce Tip OT
Uvluumi, Drin Gwinzii, Good Day!
Spruce Tip OT, formerly Cloudberry Wellness, was established in January 2021, with the goal of increasing mental wellness supports in the Beaufort Delta. In July of 2022, we expanded services to include pediatric and Elder support, and expanded geographically to include the Sahtu Region.
Rachel Schooley
Rachel is the founder of Spruce Tip OT (formerly Cloudberry Wellness), and is a registered Occupational Therapist and mental health therapist who is grateful to call the Inuvialuit and Gwich'in lands of Inuvik, NT, home, where she lives with her partner and two children. Rachel has a Bachelors of Arts in Sociology and Gender Studies, completed her Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy in 2016, and has a post-grad certificate in Trauma and Stress Research Studies from the Trauma Research Foundation. Rachel is a Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) Provider and a Certified Grief Informed Professional (CGP). Rachel has also completed numerous trainings around the neurobiology of trauma, psychosensory and somatic approaches to trauma treatment, mindfulness and self-compassion, addictions support, and Polyvagal Theory. Rachel is passionate about supporting Indigenous-led initiatives that are doing invaluable work to decrease systemic barriers and promote wellness in a culturally meaningful way, and has been fortunate to be a part of many Indigenous-led and land-based wellness programs. Rachel is the recipient of the 2021 CAOT-North Outstanding Occupational Therapist of the Year Award.
Colin McAskile
Colin is a registered occupational therapist who, along with his wife and two sons, has been privileged to call Inuvik 'home' since 2019. Colin has experience working in various roles and settings, as well as with people across the lifespan - from early years to Elders. These roles have involved working 1-on-1 with clients, as well as collaborating with families, other healthcare providers, and organizations such as daycares and schools. Colin specializes in working with children and Elders, with extensive training in self-regulation in children, supporting children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, home modification and safety for older adults, and seating and mobility. Colin has many years of experience working in schools, early childhood centers, hospitals, group homes, and home care.
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Colin is passionate about working with children, as well as the families, schools, and communities who support them, to identify and progress towards goals that are meaningful to them.
Supporting individuals, organizations and communities.
Spruce Tip OT provides a variety of services to meet your needs.
Pediatric Occupational Therapy
​Children may need support with a variety of occupations, including fine motor skills, emotional regulation, sensory processing, feeding, daily living skills, socializing and play. We support children, families, programming and schools to ensure children and supported to explore and utilize their natural strengths and capabilities. ​
Mental Wellness Services
Your overall wellness matters, including your mental wellness.
We provide trauma-informed therapy services, with a focus on psychoeducation, collaboration and compassion. Working with Indigenous Services Canada, Non-Insured Health Benefits, and in collaboration with various community resources, we strive to make mental health services accessible.
Consultation
We are happy to provide collaborative and tailored consultative services to schools, organizations, corporations and communities with program development and refinement, including (but not limited to) the areas of trauma-informed care, mental health, child development, and supporting Elders.
Spruce tips symbolize a time of growth and change, they are tender, and they are good medicine.
Safe and Sound Protocol
The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) is a music therapy intervention designed to reduce stress and sensory sensitivity, and increase feelings of safety, connection, and engagement. The SSP can be used within regular sessions, and is offered both in-person and virtually. Watch this video to learn more about the SSP:
Community Programming Support
Community care is a pillar of personal wellness. Spruce Tip OT has supported, and continues to support, many community programs in Inuvik. Whether it be program development or program delivery, we strive to support the incredible community programming that is offered, maintaining the original vision and goal of the various organizations we are fortunate to collaborate with.
Virtual Services
We provide virtual services for people living outside of Inuvik, as well as for people who feel more comfortable meeting virtually. Sessions are held via a secure platform that is PHIPA compliant. Phone sessions are also available.
Where to find us
Our office (pictured on the left) is located in Inuvik, NT. Please contact us via email or through the contact form at the bottom of this website for further details.
Services may be covered through Non-Insured Health Benefits, Indigenous Services Canada's Indian Residential Schools Resolution Health Support Program, Jordan's Principle or the Child First Initiative. Please connect with us to learn more about how to access our services, we're here to help!
WITH GRATITUDE
Spruce Tip OT is grateful to have been able to work with, and have the support of, the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation, Gwich'in Tribal Council, Western Arctic Youth Collective, Inuvik Mental Health Awareness Working Group, Nihtat Gwich'in Council, Inuvik Community Corporation, Inuvik Homeless Shelter, Inuvik Hope House, Children First Society, Tudzé Ê”erįhtÅ‚’ékÇ« (Water Heart School, Délı̨nÄ™), William Firth Sriigwindaih Zheh Health Centre, Beaufort Delta Divisional Education Council, Indigenous Services Canada, Aurora College, and each person that has trusted us to walk alongside them in their wellness journeys.
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COMMUNITY
An important part of Spruce Tip OT's mission is giving back to the community. We are dedicated to demonstrating our gratitude by being active members of our community, volunteering hours to various initiatives, and supporting local and Indigenous-led programming and partnerships.
GIVING BACK
We are donating at least 10 volunteer hours per month towards community care initiatives, through participation with the Mental Health Awareness Working Group, the Inuvik Youth Center board, and regular volunteer hours at Inuvik's Hope House, and supporting various community events.
MENTORSHIP
Spruce Tip OT believes in building capacity within communities to sustain services. If you are interested in a career in occupational therapy and/or mental wellness and are looking to ask questions or receive mentorship hours, please don't hesitate to connect with us!
Questions?
Are you interested in accessing services or learning more? We'd love to hear from you!
