A mother and daughter’s shared passion for occupational therapy

For Alyssa Prooday, a second-year student in the Master of Science in Occupational Therapy program, her journey to becoming an occupational therapist started several years ago. In fact, this is her second time attending the program. 

“My mom was completing this program when I was two years old so I would occasionally go with her to school. I often think about that when I face a difficult assignment or exam. I’m always fascinated by her ability and determination to complete the program while raising a child.” 

Alyssa’s mom, Victoria Prooday, graduated from the Master of Science in Occupational Therapy program from the University of Toronto in 2006, where she was her class valedictorian. 

Since then, Victoria has spent most of her career working as a paediatric occupational therapist — first with the Toronto District School Board, where she developed a deep connection with children on the autism spectrum. “Supporting these children and their families became more than just my work. It became my life’s purpose,” says Victoria. “This passion led me to open Victorious Kids Therapy Center, where my team and I inspire, empower, and transform the lives of children with autism.” 

“Throughout my 20-year career, the moments when I felt I truly made an impact on a child’s life brought me a deep sense of happiness and purpose. In those moments, I often thought of Alyssa and hoped that one day she would become an occupational therapist and experience that same feeling,” says Victoria. 

That day arrived in 2024 when Alyssa received her acceptance to the occupational therapy program at the University of Toronto.  

But Alyssa says she was never pressured to follow in her mom’s footsteps. “My decision grew organically through watching my mom over the years and seeing how meaningful and fulfilling her career has been,” she says. “Growing up with my mom as an occupational therapist, I experienced the impact that environment and occupation can have on development. I grew up in a home that prioritized independence, movement, outdoor play, and opportunities for creativity. As a sensitive child, I grew into a resilient young adult with practical tools for navigating challenges, something I attribute in large part to the OT-informed parenting I received.” 

So, what advice has Alyssa received from her mom as she begins her career? “One piece of advice my mom has often given me is to practice what you preach, especially when it comes to self-regulation, movement, mindfulness, and balance. She has always emphasized that as occupational therapists, we can’t authentically support others in building healthy habits if we are not tending to those things ourselves. That advice has helped me see self-care not as separate from practice, but as part of being a reflective and grounded clinician,” says Alyssa. Victoria adds, “Occupational therapy is more than just a profession. It’s a way of living.  Change in the world starts from ourselves, and we must live by the values we teach our clients. Protect meaningful occupations such as family dinners, deep conversations, time in nature, and laughter with friends. These are not luxuries; they are the foundation for becoming a successful professional and a fulfilled human being.” 

As Alyssa nears the end of the occupational therapy program, she is looking forward to following in her mom’s footsteps and pursuing a career in paediatric occupational therapy. “I’m especially drawn to working with children with self-regulation challenges and supporting families in ways that go beyond the child alone. I’m interested in partnering with parents and equipping them with tools, perspectives, and confidence to support their child’s development,” says Alyssa. 

Victoria couldn’t be more proud of her daughter. “There is no greater feeling than sharing this sense of purpose with my daughter — the joy of making a difference in someone’s life and contributing to a better world. Now more than ever, it feels like we see the world through the same eyes and feel it with the same heart,” she says.