For the past three years, Olena Czuba has worked as an Occupational Therapist (OT) with Shared Health’s Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Service, supporting children and adolescents with ADHD and other neurodevelopmental or mental health disorders.
Her work focuses on helping young people develop the skills and strategies they need to participate successfully in everyday activities, whether that’s getting ready for school, managing emotions, or joining in play with friends.
“I have the opportunity to empower youth with ADHD to participate meaningfully in their daily occupations, build self-awareness, and develop lifelong skills for success and well-being,” says Olena.
Through individualized, strengths-based, and evidence-informed interventions, Olena helps her clients improve self-regulation, motor skills, executive functioning, and social participation.
A typical workday involves one-on-one, 60-minute sessions with both the child and caregiver(s) that blend play, movement, and structured tasks – making therapy engaging and goal-oriented.
“Every child deserves timely, coordinated, and equitable care. Reducing wait times and improving access – especially for rural and northern families – would make a huge difference in outcomes and quality of life.”
Olena’s path to occupational therapy began with an interest in how people grow, adapt, and thrive despite challenges.
“I pursued this career because I believe that small, meaningful changes can open big possibilities for a person’s future — and being part of that journey is deeply fulfilling,” she says. “As an OT, I’m able to empower families, foster growth, and celebrate progress. It’s a career that challenges me to keep learning, adapt creatively, and approach every client as unique.”
Olena completed a Bachelor of Science at the University of Winnipeg, majoring in Neuroscience with a minor in History, before earning her Master of Occupational Therapy at the University of Manitoba.
She says one of the most rewarding aspects of occupational therapy is its holistic nature.
“You don’t just treat a diagnosis; you look at the person, their goals, their environment, and how all those pieces fit together,” Olena says.
Despite the rewarding nature of her role, it also comes with challenges. Balancing the emotional, behavioural, and systemic factors that influence a child’s participation requires creativity, collaboration, and patience.
“The most challenging aspects of being a pediatric OT often stem from those broader factors that affect access and continuity of care,” she says. “Yet, these challenges also make the work meaningful, because they push us to think creatively, collaborate deeply with families, and celebrate every small step of progress.”
According to Olena, long wait times are one of the biggest barriers for children and families in Manitoba seeking developmental or behavioural support. These delays can lead to fragmented care and greater pressure on both caregivers and health-care staff to coordinate services and advocate for their needs. Additionally, Indigenous and rural communities often face inequities in accessing care, such as fewer specialized services or longer travel distances, resulting in delayed assessments and limited follow-up.
About the ADHD Service
Shared Health’s Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Service supports children and youth aged 6 to 17 who experience complex presentations of ADHD and other emotional or mental health disorders. The multidisciplinary team provides family-focused care, including diagnostic services, treatment, and support.
Interventions may include:
- Short-term strategies to assist with behavioural management and parenting
- Psychoeducation
- Occupational therapy consultation and treatment
- School liaison
- Psychology consultation and assessment
- Psychiatric assessment and medication consultation (with physician referral)
The program serves families primarily in the Winnipeg region, with telehealth consultation available to support community child and adolescent mental health offices across Manitoba.