Melanie Anonuevo O.T. Reg. (MB), M.O.T., is an Occupational Therapist in our FASD Family Support, Education and Counselling Program. She attended the University of Manitoba for both undergraduate and graduate studies, acquiring both her Bachelor of Science degree, and her Master of Occupational Therapy degree. She has experience working in both hospital and community settings. Melanie started working at New Directions in 2015 in the FASD Family Support Program, and over the years her role has expanded to working with other programs throughout New Directions.

Within the FASD Family Support Program Melanie works closely with the program counsellors in supporting children and families accessing our services. She works with caregivers, daycare staff as well as school staff to support children in their development in fine or gross motor skills, as well as participation and engagement in everyday activities such as dressing, toileting and feeding. Additionally, Melanie works with the support systems of children to promote the development of emotional and self-regulation skills. Along with her colleagues, Melanie works as an advocate, often connecting with external systems, to seek out additional support/services and equipment that the children or family may benefit from.

Melanie appreciates the opportunity to work collaboratively with children, their families as well as other systems that may be supporting them (e.g. school, daycare, Children’s Disability Services, Child and Family Services). She enjoys supporting children and their families to develop new skills, to work towards identified goals and to contribute to their overall development and well-being.