Welcome to Simple Joys Occupation Therapy: for kids and the young at heart.

 Meet Kaley!

I'm Kaley Dyrland, a registered occupational therapist and the heart behind Simple Joys OT. As a rural Saskatchewan mom and business owner, I run this part-time practice because I believe in providing quality over quantity - giving each family the focused attention they deserve while maintaining balance in my own life.

My journey into pediatric occupational therapy wasn't just professional - it was personal. I've seen firsthand how the right support can transform not just a child's abilities, but their entire relationship with learning and growing. I've watched kids go from "I can't" to "I'm learning how to," and honestly, that transformation never gets old.


My Philosophy

Every child I work with teaches me something new. I believe in celebrating sensory preferences (not calling them "issues"), honouring stimming as valid communication, and recognizing special interests as incredible strengths. When a child tells me they "can't" do something, I simply add "yet" to the end of that sentence - and watch their whole perspective shift.

I'm neurodivergent-affirming in everything I do. This means I don't see autism or other differences as things to be "fixed." Instead, I see them as different ways of experiencing the world that deserve support, understanding, and celebration. My job isn't to make children "normal" - it's to help them thrive exactly as they are.


Growth Mindset in Action

In our sessions, we:

  • Celebrate effort over perfection - "Wow, you kept trying even when that was tricky!" matters more than getting it right the first time.
  • Reframe challenges as growth opportunities - That puzzle that's "too hard"? It's actually the perfect challenge to help your brain grow stronger.
  • Build resilience through play and exploration - We practice bouncing back from mistakes in low-stakes, fun environments.
  • Support different communication styles - Whether your child uses words, pictures, gestures, or AAC devices, we honour their unique way of communicating.
  • View accommodations as accessibility tools, not limitations - Fidget toys, movement breaks, and sensory supports aren't "cheating" - they're smart tools that help children access their best learning.


Training & Expertise


  • Master of Occupational Therapy from the University of Manitoba
  • Registered Occupational Therapist with the Saskatchewan College of Occupational Therapy (SCOT)
  • Safe and Sound Protocol trained (a specialized listening therapy that helps regulate the nervous system)
  • Co-Chair of the Saskatchewan Pediatric Occupational Therapist Practice Network
  • Years of experience specializing in autism support with a neurodivergent-affirming approach
  • Ongoing professional development in sensory processing, growth mindset principles, trauma-informed care, sleep, feeding, and family-centered care.



Why Rural Saskatchewan Matters

I chose to serve rural communities because every child deserves access to quality therapy, regardless of where they live. I understand the challenges of weather delays (hello, Saskatchewan winters!), long distances, and the feeling of being "too far" from services. I've driven through blizzards to reach families (although, expect a cancelation if the weather is not safe), and I've celebrated breakthroughs in community centers, schools, and family living rooms.

Rural families have a special kind of resilience and resourcefulness that I deeply admire. You make things work with what you have, you support each other through tough times, and you celebrate victories together. That's exactly the kind of community I want to be part of, and it's why I'm committed to bringing quality occupational therapy to a nearby clinic or right to your door.


Let's get started

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