Our Mission & Team: Here to Support Your Family
Why We’re Here
At developt, we believe every child should have access to physical therapy that meets their unique needs. Care that’s designed for them, in a place where they feel comfortable.
Our purpose is simple: help kids grow, move, and thrive while supporting the families who love them.
What We’re All About
Our Vision
Our vision is to have physical therapy as a first-line assessment and treatment option for many childhood conditions so that every child has the option readily available when they need it.
Our Mission
Our mission is to meet the needs of children faced with developmental challenges and their families.
This is done with specialized physical therapy services provided by therapists knowledgeable in child development so that families can support their children along their developmental journey.
What Matters to Us
At developt, our work is guided by four core values: Accessibility, Community, Support, and Advocacy. Here’s how we put them into action:
Accessibility
To Physical Therapy Services
We provide sessions wherever they work best—whether that’s in the clinic, at home, or at school.
Helping families navigate funding sources like NIHB and JP and sharing information on publicly funded services are key parts of what we do.
To ensure access for everyone, we reserve discounted spots for 1-2 families at a time.
To Environment
We support the use of alternative forms of mobility and assistive aids that help children participate fully, and our plans for the future include a fully accessible clinic space so that everyone feels welcome and supported.
We’re committed to raising awareness about the importance of accessibility for all members of the community and identifying barriers to access.
Community Involvement
Within the Clinic
Our clinic is a welcoming and supportive environment where kids and caregivers feel safe to learn, grow, and connect.
Support Outside the Clinic
We actively engage with your child’s broader care team, including schools, daycares, and other practitioners, to ensure a seamless circle of care.
Awareness/Education
We empower families by increasing awareness of developmental concerns, giving them the tools to recognize challenges and advocate for their child.
Family Groups
We love connecting with parents at local group meetups around the city. It’s a great way for families to ask questions, get support, and chat with a therapist in a relaxed, friendly setting.
Fundraising
We organize fundraisers for selected causes and bring attention to other community fundraisers to support children and their families.
Support
Establish Connections
Building meaningful connections with parents and children is at the heart of what we do. We focus on creating feelings of warmth, belonging, and acceptance.
Family and Client-Centered
We meet families where they are, addressing their current needs while helping them plan for the future.
We guide families through the healthcare system, helping them find the right resources and professionals to address their concerns.
Groups and Organizations
We support community organizations that serve our clients, whether by raising awareness, donating, or fundraising to keep their services running strong.
Advocacy
We work to increase understanding of developmental conditions that affect kids in Saskatchewan, and our team supports families as they navigate and overcome barriers to care.
We actively push for change, lobbying for increased support for families of high-needs children.
Meet the Team Who’s Here for You
Kristen Quigley, CD, BSc.Kin, MPT
Kristen obtained her Bachelor of Kinesiology degree in 2004. Following a short break, Kristen pursued her Master of Physical Therapy and completed it in 2010. She graduated with Great Distinction and was honoured with the prestigious Canadian Physical Therapy Award for Clinical Excellence.
Throughout her career, Kristen has gained extensive experience working in the Saskatchewan Health Authority. She has been an integral part of the Alvin Buckwold Child Development Program, spending a decade focusing on helping children with conditions that affect their gross motor development.
Kristen has successfully helped patients with various conditions such as Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, Developmental Coordination Disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorder, plagiocephaly and torticollis, brachial plexus injury, various muscle diseases, and many other genetic and metabolic conditions.Kristen’s passion for helping children grow and thrive shines through in her extensive training and specialization. She’s continually building her skills to provide the best care for her patients. Here’s a look at some of the specialized training she has completed:
Advanced Orthopaedic Manual and Manipulative Therapy (Level 1)
Early Postural Acquisition
Pediatric Gait Analysis and Orthotic Intervention, with additional training in treating toe walking
Strength Training in Rehabilitation
Infant Massage and Bodywork, with a focus on feeding and oral ties
Functional Electrical Stimulation, particularly for Cerebral Palsy
Sensory and Motor Processing for Postural Control
Segmental Assessment of Trunk Control and Targeted Training
Assessment and Integration of Primitive Reflexes
Dynamic Movement Intervention (Level B Practitioner)
Kristen’s dedication to learning ensures she brings the most effective and innovative approaches to every child’s therapy journey.
Kristen resides in Saskatoon with her husband, three boys, and their beloved greyhound, Stan.
“There is no limit to the amount of good you can do if you don’t care who gets the credit.”
Heather McKnight, BSc.Kin, MPT
Heather earned her Bachelor of Kinesiology with Distinction in 2007 and worked as an exercise therapist for two years before returning to obtain her Master's in Physical Therapy in 2012.
Since graduating, Heather has worked in a variety of clinic settings. Heather worked for the public sector in Melfort, Saskatchewan, for three years. During that time, she worked in both inpatient and outpatient settings. While in Melfort, Heather focused on her orthopedic skills and received diplomas in Advanced Orthopedic Manual and Manipulative Physiotherapy - Level I, Level II Upper Quadrant, and Level II Lower Quadrant.
Heather moved to Saskatoon in 2015 and began working in the public sector, focusing on tertiary-level SGI clients in a multidisciplinary setting. During this time, she developed a deep understanding of chronic pain and completed specialized training in Mobilization of the Nervous System.
Since 2021, Heather has shifted her focus entirely to pediatrics, working full-time at the Alvin Buckwold Child Development Program. She joined developt two years ago, where she continues to support children and families with her expertise and compassionate care.
Outside of work, Heather loves traveling with her husband and their dog, Zoey, always finding new adventures together.
“Truly wonderful, the mind of a child is.”
Kara, Pediatric Physical Therapist
Kara graduated with Distinction from the University of Saskatchewan with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology (2009), a member of the Huskie Athletics all academic team. She then received her Master of Physical Therapy in 2011, receiving best overall clinical proficiency upon graduation. Kara has spent her entire Physiotherapy career specializing in complex pediatrics. She has worked in a variety of multi-disciplinary rehab settings in both SK and AB, with children of all ages.
Kara began her career at Wascana Rehab in Regina, SK. She then moved to Saskatoon and worked at the Alvin Buckwold Child Development Program. Kara later moved to Edmonton, AB, where she spent many years at the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital working on many different multidisciplinary teams.
Kara has experience working with developmental delays, spasticity/abnormal muscle tone, ASD, Down syndrome, orthopedic disorders, cerebral palsy, juvenile arthritis, brain injuries, and more.
Kara has experience in gross motor development, pediatric chronic pain, orthotic management, toe walking, torticollis/plagiocephaly, wheelchair and specialized seating, and a variety of pediatric equipment. She has a strong interest in power mobility, gait assessment/treatment, orthotic prescription and design, and resistance training. Her philosophy is to help her clients gain as much confidence, strength, and independence as possible.
Kara’s passion is working with children. She has taken many continuing education courses to better her practice.
Kara and her husband have three little boys and recently moved back home to Saskatoon. She is excited to bring her robust pediatric experience back to SK!
“You’re braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.”
Emma Thorimbert, Therapy Assistant
Hi, I’m Emma! I am currently in my third year of study at the University of Saskatchewan in the Exercise and Sports studies program, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology.
This fall I began an Occupational Therapy Assistant/Physical Therapy Assistant program online through Medicine Hat College as well. I love learning about how the body moves and the best ways to maximize its function.
When I’m not studying for my classes, I am either at the gym, coaching gymnastics, out for a walk, or just spending time with friends! I enjoy anything that has to do with physical activity and am always looking for new opportunities to learn something new about it!
“Remember you’re the one who can fill the world with sunshine.”
Melissa Uhrin, Client Experience Coordinator
Meet Melissa, the vibrant soul on a mission to spread joy and positivity wherever she goes! With a heart that beats for people, she has spent the past decade in Saskatoon managing a multidisciplinary health clinic, focusing on creating a welcoming, safe and friendly space for clients and their families.
A recent move spurred the need for a career change, so when the position of Client Experience Coordinator arose, she jumped at the opportunity to join developt!
Melissa is dedicated to serving others with unwavering compassion, care and humour.
In her free time, she enjoys dancing around her kitchen with one of her four “furbabies” and singing along to whichever Disney song happens to be playing!
She looks forward to becoming a part of the developt community and growing meaningful connections with clients and their families.
“Every day is a new chance to make someone smile.”
Bring Your Passion to Our Team
We’re always looking for passionate people to join our team. If helping children and families thrive is your calling, we’d love to hear from you.