Dr. Farah Rattansi has dedicated her career to improving the lives of children with autism and diverse developmental needs through innovation, advocacy and interdisciplinary care.
A recognized leader in pediatric and neurodevelopmental services, she has spent nearly two decades expanding access to evidence-based supports for children and families across British Columbia.
Her passion for this work began at the age of six when her father encouraged her to befriend a young neighbour on the autism spectrum who was often excluded by others.
“Nobody played with him so our dad made us include him, and we did,” she says. “After some time, I noticed he was just like any other child. He started learning how to kick a ball, how to say some words, and the first word he ever said was my name.”
Now, the Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) alumna is being recognized with an Alumni Excellence Award for her outstanding professional achievements, leadership and impact on communities throughout B.C. and beyond.
“I'm very, very humbled and excited to be receiving this award. I had no clue that I was nominated and it’s definitely very encouraging to see that alumni and our efforts and commitment to the community are recognized.”
After graduating from KPU in 2013 with an Associate of Arts in General Studies, Rattansi continued her dedication to service through extensive volunteer work in hospitals, senior care facilities, community organizations and newcomer support programs. These experiences helped shape her vision of creating accessible, inclusive and high-quality care for all families.
As Founder and Clinical Director of My Empower Therapy®, Rattansi has built one of B.C.’s leading multidisciplinary pediatric therapy organizations. Under her leadership, the organization has expanded to six locations across the Lower Mainland, providing integrated speech-language pathology, occupational therapy, behavioural intervention, counselling and early intervention services. Her collaborative model of care has helped hundreds of children access specialized supports and achieve meaningful developmental outcomes.
Recognizing the need for more inclusive educational opportunities, she also founded Empower Academy, a therapy-integrated educational program that bridges healthcare and education for neurodiverse learners. The program combines individualized academic instruction with therapeutic support, creating environments where children can thrive both academically and socially.
Beyond pediatric care, Rattansi played an instrumental role in supporting her brother with the development of Neuro Brain Treatment Centre Vancouver®, B.C.’s first licensed MeRT® clinic. Through strategic leadership and clinical expertise, she helped expand access to innovative neurotechnology-based interventions for individuals with neurological, developmental and mental health conditions.
A passionate advocate for autism awareness, inclusive education and community engagement, Rattansi has led developmental screening initiatives, parent education programs and professional training opportunities throughout the province. Her leadership has been recognized through numerous provincial, national and international honours, including multiple Stevie Awards for Women in Business and the Surrey Board of Trade Women in Business Award.
Through visionary leadership, innovation and an unwavering commitment to children and families, Rattansi continues to shape the future of pediatric and neurodevelopmental care while creating more inclusive and accessible systems of support for future generations.
The Alumni Excellence Award recognizes recent accomplishments of KPU alumni, such as major awards, national or international honours, major championships and appointments to high office.
