LEARN,
PLAY,
GROW
LEARN,
PLAY,
GROW
our story
Tess Wollmann founded AquaStar Therapies in 2016, and since then our unique Aquatic and Recreation Therapy Services have rapidly expanded across the Lower Mainland. We are dedicated to helping support children participate in activities and achieve their individual goals while enjoying a safe, nurturing, and play-based environment. Our programs focus on enhancing social skills, communication, emotional regulation, safety awareness, physical abilities, and leisure skills.
Recreation and Aquatic Therapy sessions can be conducted in various locations, including community pools, private homes, or other pre-arranged community recreational or aquatic settings.
our story
Tess Wollmann founded AquaStar Therapies in 2016, and since then our unique Aquatic and Recreation Therapy Services have rapidly expanded across the Lower Mainland.
We are dedicated to helping support children participate in activities and achieve their individual goals while enjoying a safe, nurturing, and play-based environment. Our programs focus on enhancing social skills, communication, emotional regulation, safety awareness, physical abilities, and leisure skills.
Recreation and Aquatic Therapy sessions can be conducted in various locations, including community pools, private homes, or other pre-arranged community recreational or aquatic settings.
At AquaStar Therapies, we know that every child has
different needs, goals, and interests. That’s why we create
personalized support plans to help each child thrive!
what you cAN EXPECT
FROM AQUASTAR THERAPIES:
At AquaStar Therapies, we know that every child has different needs, goals, and interests. That’s why we create personalized support plans to help each child thrive!
what you cAN EXPECT FROM AQUASTAR THERAPIES:
Individualized
Goals
We work with families to set goals and discuss support plans tailored to your child’s development needs and abilities.
A Safe, Supportive Environment
Our Therapists, Therapy Assistants & Direct Support Professionals focus on building trust and making every child feel comfortable, confident, and empowered.
Creative
Activities
From fun water games to skill-building exercises, we keep sessions engaging and motivating based on your child’s interests.
Individualized
Goals
We work with families to set goals and discuss support plans tailored to your child’s development needs and abilities.
A Safe, Supportive Environment
Our Therapists, Therapy Assistants & Direct Support Professionals focus on building trust and making every child feel comfortable, confident, and empowered.
Creative
Activities
From fun water games to skill-building exercises, we keep sessions engaging and motivating based on your child’s interests.
Your child’s journey matters to us. Let’s work together to help them achieve their personal goals in a fun and encouraging way!
Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your family!
Your child’s journey matters to us. Let’s work together to help them achieve their personal goals in a fun and encouraging way!
Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your family!
WE PROVIDE 1:1 SERVICES THAT EMPOWER
CHILDREN TO ACHIEVE THEIR PERSONAL GOALS
AQUATIC THERAPY
Play-based Aquatic Therapy is a therapeutic approach that combines the principles of play therapy with aquatic exercises and activities. It is designed to support physical, emotional, and social development, particularly in children. In this setting, water is used as a medium to enhance movement, promote relaxation, and provide a safe environment for exploration and interaction.
KEY FEATURES OF AQUATIC THERAPY INCLUDE:
ENGAGEMENT THROUGH PLAY
Activities are designed to be fun and engaging, encouraging children to participate willingly. This can help reduce anxiety and promote independence through positive therapeutic experiences.
PHYSICAL BENEFITS
The buoyancy of water reduces the strain on joints and muscles, making it easier for participants to move and exercise. This can improve strength, flexibility, motor planning and coordination.
SOCIAL & EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Swim sessions foster communication, teamwork, and self-expression, helping build confidence and emotional awareness.
INDIVIDUALIZED APPROACH
Therapists tailor activities to meet the specific needs of each child, considering their developmental level and personal therapeutic goals.
SAFETY & COMFORT
The water setting promotes relaxation and creates a supportive space for exploration and learning. to help children engage in their therapy plan.
Aquatic Therapy offers a holistic, child-centered approach that
promotes development through engaged, purposeful play in water.
We provide 1:1 services that empower children to achieve their personal goals
what is aquatic therapy?
Play-based Aquatic Therapy is a therapeutic approach that combines the principles of play therapy with aquatic exercises and activities. It is designed to support physical, emotional, and social development, particularly in children. In this setting, water is used as a medium to enhance movement, promote relaxation, and provide a safe environment for exploration and interaction.
KEY FEATURES OF AQUATIC THERAPY INCLUDE:
ENGAGEMENT
THROUGH PLAY
Activities are designed to be fun and engaging, encouraging children to participate willingly. This can help reduce anxiety and promote independence through positive therapeutic experiences.
PHYSICAL
BENEFITS
The buoyancy of water reduces the strain on joints and muscles, making it easier for participants to move and exercise. This can improve strength, flexibility, motor planning and coordination.
SOCIAL & EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Swim sessions foster communication, teamwork, and self-expression, helping build confidence and emotional awareness.
INDIVIDUALIZED APPROACH
Therapists tailor activities to meet the specific needs of each child, considering their developmental level and personal therapeutic goals.
SAFETY &
COMFORT
The water setting promotes relaxation and creates a supportive space for exploration and learning. to help children engage in their therapy plan.
Aquatic Therapy offers a holistic, child-centered approach that promotes development through engaged, purposeful play in water.
RECREATION THERAPY
Recreation Therapy is a structured, activity-based therapy approach that supports a child’s physical, emotional, cognitive, and social development. Using engaging, goal-oriented activities like sports, games, and creative projects, children build life skills in a fun and supportive environment.
Tailored to each child’s needs and interests, Recreation Therapy fosters independence, confidence, and meaningful participation in daily life and the community—especially for children with physical, emotional, or developmental challenges.
KEY FEATURES OF RECREATION THERAPY INCLUDE:
INDIVIDUAL GOALS
Targeted outcomes such as improving mobility, social skills, or self-regulation.
DIVERSE ACTIVITIES
Therapy Assistants and Direct Support Professionals incorporate a mix of sports, arts and crafts, nature play, and games based on the child’s abilities and interests.
SOCIAL INTERACTION
Participation in recreational activities promotes social skills, teamwork, and communication. Children learn to interact with peers, share, take turns, and develop friendships.
SKILLS DEVELOPMENT
Through structured play and recreational activities, children can improve motor skills, cognitive functions, and problem-solving abilities. This helps build confidence and encourages participation in everyday activities.
EMOTIONAL BENEFITS
Engaging in recreational activities can boost self-esteem, reduce stress, and provide a sense of accomplishment and joy. It also offers a break from routine therapies and supports emotional expression.
A HOLISTIC APPROACH
Recreation Therapy addresses the whole child, considering physical, social, emotional, and cognitive aspects of development. It can be integrated with other therapeutic modalities for comprehensive care.
INCLUSIVE ENVIRONMENT
Accessible, adaptable activities that ensure all children can participate and thrive.
Recreation Therapy offers children a joyful & effective way to learn, grow, and connect through the power of play!
what is recreation therapy?
social development. Using engaging, goal-oriented activities like sports, games, & creative projects, children build life skills in a fun and supportive environment. Tailored to each child’s needs and interests, Recreation Therapy fosters independence, confidence, & meaningful participation in daily life and the community—especially for children with physical, emotional, or developmental challenges.
KEY FEATURES
OF RECREATION
THERAPY INCLUDE:
INDIVIDUAL
GOALS
Targeted outcomes such as improving mobility, social skills, or self-regulation.
DIVERSE
ACTIVITIES
Therapy Assistants and Direct Support Professionals incorporate a mix of sports, arts and crafts, nature play, and games based on the child’s abilities and interests.
SOCIAL
INTERACTION
Participation in recreational activities promotes social skills, teamwork, and communication. Children learn to interact with peers, share, take turns, and develop friendships.
SKILLS
DEVELOPMENT
Through structured play and recreational activities, children can improve motor skills, cognitive functions, and problem-solving abilities. This helps build confidence and encourages participation in everyday activities.
EMOTIONAL
BENEFITS
Engaging in recreational activities can boost self-esteem, reduce stress, and provide a sense of accomplishment and joy. It also offers a break from routine therapies and supports emotional expression.
A HOLISTIC
APPROACH
Recreation Therapy addresses the whole child, considering physical, social, emotional, and cognitive aspects of development. It can be integrated with other therapeutic modalities for comprehensive care.
INCLUSIVE
ENVIRONMENT
Accessible, adaptable activities that ensure all children can participate and thrive.
Recreation Therapy offers children a joyful & effective way to learn, grow, & connect through the power of play!
OTHER SERVICES PROVIDED
BY AQUASTAR THERAPIES:
RECREATION PROGRAMS &
SUPPORTED LEISURE ACTIVITIES
We are excited to be working on a few new recreation programs to offer the community of Maple Ridge, BC! We are looking into providing one to one leisure activity supports – helping support your child enjoy more activities around home! Also we are working on a social skills group program. More info to come! Dates/location TBD
SUPPORTED LEISURE SWIMS
We are excited to welcome more clients who are seeking additional support to help their children thrive with participation in more community activities. If your child loves swimming simply for the joy of it or has shown interest in the water and you require additional support for them; we are able to provide a safe and supported swim session to help them enjoy every splash they wish!
DON'T SEE EXACTLY WHAT YOU'RE LOOKING FOR?
that fits their needs. Contact Aquastar Therapies to discuss
how we can support your child with personalized services.
OTHER SERVICES PROVIDED BY AQUASTAR THERAPIES:
RECREATION PROGRAMS/SUPPORTED LEISURE ACTIVITIES
We are excited to be working on a few new recreation programs to offer the community of Maple Ridge, BC! We are looking into providing one to one leisure activity supports – helping support your child enjoy more activities around home! Also we are working on a social skills group program. More info to come! Dates/location TBD
SUPPORTED LEISURE SWIMS
We are excited to welcome more clients who are seeking additional support to help their children thrive with participation in more community activities. If your child loves swimming simply for the joy of it or has shown interest in the water and you require additional support for them; we are able to provide a safe and supported swim session to help them enjoy every splash they wish!
DON'T SEE EXACTLY WHAT YOU'RE LOOKING FOR?
Meet Tess
owner & charge therapist
With 15+ years of experience, Tess Wollmann is a Certified Therapeutic Recreation
Specialist with a rich background in Recreation and Aquatic Therapy.
Since 2006, she has been dedicated to providing private Recreation and Aquatic
Therapy services to families in British Columbia. Her journey in the water began in
high school as a swim instructor and lifeguard. She then earned her BA
in Therapeutic Recreation in 2008.
She was fortunate to start her dream job at Sunny Hill Health Centre where she
supported children in their recovery as part of the Acute Rehab Team. Collaborating
with a multidisciplinary team, she assisted children as they recovered from extensive
surgeries, traumatic brain injuries, and oncology treatments. She also contributed to
the Neuromotor Team, conducting Recreation and Aquatic Therapy consultations
and providing educational workshops throughout British Columbia.
Her passion lies in helping others learn through play, and witnessing their growth.
She takes great joy in supporting children as they work towards their life goals
and overcome challenges.
Each day is an amazing day to learn, play, and grow!
Meet Tess
owner & charge therapist
With 15+ years of experience,
Tess Wollmann is a Certified Therapeutic Recreation
Specialist with a rich background in Recreation & Aquatic Therapy.
Since 2006, she has been dedicated to providing private Recreation and Aquatic Therapy services to families in British Columbia. Her journey in the water began in high school as a swim instructor and lifeguard. She then earned her BA in Therapeutic Recreation in 2008.
She was fortunate to start her dream job at Sunny Hill Health Centre where she supported children in their recovery as part of the Acute Rehab Team. Collaborating with a multidisciplinary team, she assisted children as they recovered from extensive
surgeries, traumatic brain injuries, and oncology treatments. She also contributed to the Neuromotor Team, conducting Recreation and Aquatic Therapy consultations and providing educational workshops throughout British Columbia.
Her passion lies in helping others learn through play, and witnessing their growth. She takes great joy in supporting children as they work towards their life goals and overcome challenges.
Each day is an amazing day to learn, play, and grow!
Meet kATIE
Recreation Therapist & General Manager
Katie holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Therapeutic Recreation and recently completed her training to become a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist. She specializes in person-centered therapy that combines Aquatic and Recreation Therapy. She gained valuable experience during her practicum at GF Strong Rehabilitation Centre, working on the Musculoskeletal Unit.
Now as an Aquatic and Recreation Therapist and General Manager of AquaStar Therapies, Katie is committed to helping children build confidence, independence, and life skills.
Outside of work, Katie is passionate about sports, particularly volleyball & golf, and maintaining an active lifestyle.
Meet kATIE
Recreation Therapist & General Manager
Katie holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Therapeutic Recreation and recently completed her training to become a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist. She specializes in person-centered therapy that combines Aquatic and Recreation Therapy. She gained valuable experience during her practicum at GF Strong Rehabilitation Centre, working on the Musculoskeletal Unit.
Now as an Aquatic and Recreation Therapist and General Manager of AquaStar Therapies, Katie is committed to helping children build confidence, independence, and life skills.
Outside of work, Katie is passionate about sports, particularly volleyball & golf, and maintaining an active lifestyle.
Contact
AquaStar Therapies
Join us at AquaStar Therapies, where play and water come together to support your child’s growth & development! Our engaging, play-based Aquatic Therapy helps children build strength, confidence, & essential skills in a fun and supportive environment.
Contact us today to learn more or add your child to our waitlist. We can’t wait to make a splash with you!