Meet the therapists

Devon Karchut

MScPT, Physiotherapist, owner

Devon has been a physiotherapist for 14 years, with the majority of her career focused in pediatrics. Through her own personal outdoor pursuits and working with children outside, she has seen the incredible power nature can play in supporting healthy development. Devon is thrilled to be combining her loves of children, nature, and physiotherapy to offer outdoor therapy to Calgary children! Devon is a born and raised Calgarian who spends her free time hiking, skiing, and camping with her husband and 10 year old wild child.

Christy Macfarlane

MScOT, Occupational Therapist

Christy has been a pediatric occupational therapist for the past 11 years. Having spent the majority of her career as a school therapist, she is excited to be taking her love of working with kids and their families outdoors. Christy grew up hiking, camping, and skiing in the wilderness surrounding Calgary. Today, with her three kids in tow, exploring in the woods continues to be one of her favorite ways to spend time. Christy believes that nature benefits us all, and for children, provides unparalleled opportunities for learning, development and fun.

Marla Kerr

MScSLP, Speech-language Pathologist

Marla graduated from the University of Alberta Speech-Language Pathology program in 2013 and has been working in mostly preschool-aged populations every since! She has worked in school-based intervention programs, private practice and community services. Marla has interests in building language, literacy, speech sounds/articulation, augmentative and alternative communication, play, friendships and being outside. Two of her biggest values are early childhood (and all the magic involved) and spending time outdoors. She truly believes everything is better outside (even food tastes better outside!). Marla has two young daughters and loves spending time with them, playing, sharing stories, crafting/drawing/making art, swimming, camping and going for walks and adventures.

Lisa McBride

BScOT, Occupational Therapist

Lisa received her BScOT from the University of Alberta in 2007 and has been working as a pediatric Occupational Therapist ever since. She’s been honoured to work with children in a variety of settings, including school- and home-based early intervention programs, private practice, and clinical settings. She enjoys cross-country skiing, running, and playing with her daughters outside. Lisa has also recently begun working as an instructor for TimberNook of Greater Calgary, supporting children in outdoor play, and is beyond excited to combine her passion for the outdoors with her love of connecting with children and their families as an OT in this new role with Nature Play. Lisa lives in Cochrane, Alberta with her spouse and two daughters.