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
Christopher studied Occupational Therapy at Colegio Universitario de Rehabilitación May Hamilton. He is trained and certified in Sensory Integration and is experienced in the treatment of children with down syndrome, cerebral palsy, autism, vascular stroke, SPD and developmental delays.
He enjoys splinting and making prostheses for amputees. Christopher is trained in aqua therapy and is passionate about the benefits that can be derived from this modality. In his free time you can find Christopher at the beach hanging with friends or gardening.
Carolina Calles
Carolina Calles is a Registered Occupational Therapist from May Hamilton University in Caracas, Venezuela. She also has a Diploma in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Tertiary Education and Psycho-Education. She has more than 16 years experience in pediatric treatment specializing in Sensory Processing Disorder and ABA. As a mother, Carolina relates to the daily challenges of her clients. In her free time, she likes to go to the beach and enjoy time with her family.
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