OUR TEAM
CKFTO started as an idealistic concept of an Occupational therapist and a parent of a child with special needs in 2008. It was brought to life by a dedicated voluntary Board of Directors, who set out to create a structure to provide clinical and financial assistance to families in a sustainable model.
Krista Hamel-Smith
Krista is the backbone of CKFTO. Her commitment to making Trinidad and Tobago a caring society for all children and families with special needs, is evident in her passion to overcome the many obstacles we encounter in quality therapeutic servicerinidad and Tobago,she attended Lander University where she obtained her bachelor’s degree in Health Care Management and a minor in Dance. Since graduation Krista guided her career to stay in the Health Care field and has a broad spectrum of experience in many different types of health care facilities.
Christopher Ristic
Chris Ristic is a Registered Occupational therapist specialized in Autism and ASD disorders, and is certified in ADOS, Sensory Integration, Social/emotional regulation, Astronaut Training. Christopher’s approach to pediatric Occupational therapy combines his 18 years of diverse clinical experience with his love of empowering children to achieve their full motor development. His love for the natural world, outdoors and aqua therapy provide his foundation for ADHD solutions. He is magnifying his neurodivergent programs offerings by adding a tech component to appeal to gen Alpha.
Carolina Calles
Carolina Calles is a Registered Occupational Therapist with 25 years of paediatric experience. She specializes in Autism and ASD disorders, and is ADOS, SI and ABA accredited. As a school based Occupational therapist, she focuses on refining handwriting, Fine motor skills and teaching social/ emotional behaviour for school preparedness. As a mother, Carolina’s calm, comforting, demeanor encourages clients with their daily challenges.
Deborah Deane
Deborah started as a volunteer in 2009 and has been part of the foundation that has grown CKFTO over the years. Her work behind the scenes to ensure operational excellence, demonstrates her commitment to helping children with special needs achieve their potential.
Roxanne Grant
Is the calming voice and smiling face you see as you enter the CKFTO clinic. Roxanne grew up quickly having to take care of her siblings until they finished school as her mother migrated to the US. This life lesson helped her to understand the dynamics and importance of family life, as such, Roxanne champions the family centered service approach at CKFTO, and embraces and offers some comfort to challenged parents and caregivers.
When she is not working she enjoys travelling with friends, watching TV and singing in her church’s choir - which she has been a part of for 15 years.
Michelle Laveau
Michelle is multi talented and multi faceted but at CKFTO she is our CKFTO Count Me In®, Bullying and Human Trafficking Puppet Show Co-ordinator and Program leader. Michelle is vital to our Puppet Show awareness program and she is in charge of creating awareness. Michelle is passionate about the puppet show.
Samuel Everduim
Samuel Everduim is a physiotherapist graduated from the May Hamilton University College of Rehabilitation in Caracas Venezuela, he also holds a Master’s degree in Physical Education. He has worked as an assistant professor at the Libertador Experimental Pedagogical University, Caracas Pedagogical Institute, Caracas, teaching anatomy, human physiology and kinesiology at the undergraduate and graduate levels. He is a practicing level II CME® therapist.
Marcia Akan
As a Speech language pathologist Marcia is passionate about helping all children succeed with language and communication. Being bilingual she also offers services for children with needs in spanish. Samuel Everdium
Shasta Green
Meet Ms. Shasta Green. A native of Dominica; home of the 2nd largest boiling lake in the world and the 2024 Paris olympic gold medalist, Thea LaFond. She earned a Master of Science degree in occupational therapy at the University of the Southern Caribbean in Trinidad and Tobago. She has 5 years experience as an occupational therapist. She specializes in treating children, persons living with stroke and the elderly population. At present she mostly sees the tiny humans (children) of Trinidad and Tobago. She enjoys hiking, trying new recipies and meeting new people. She looks forward to meeting you and your family.