2026 CapU Alumni Awards: Farah Rattansi

Farah’s interest in autism care began in small, everyday acts of inclusion. She remembers a neighbour on the autism spectrum quietly watching as other children played. Her father encouraged Farah and her siblings to include the neighbour in games, inviting him to kick a ball, share a story, or join in family activities.

Over time, Farah watched him begin to speak more, try things he had once avoided and engage in ways that had once felt out of reach. “Even simple acts of inclusion can make a big difference,” she says.

Those experiences inspired her to pursue clinical training. Farah wanted to understand not only the challenges children face but also how to design support systems that truly help families.

During her studies, she saw the same principles in practice: children thrive when care is consistent, respectful and connected to their daily lives. She also noticed families navigating fragmented services, often without guidance or coordination.

“The gap between what families needed and what systems provided became the spark for a new vision,” Farah explains.

Founding My Empower Therapy

From the outset, Farah envisioned a clinic rooted in collaboration, accountability and clinical excellence, built on values of early intervention, family-centred care, cultural humility and dignity.

“We wanted families to feel informed, supported and empowered,” she says. “And for children, we wanted opportunities to learn, grow and participate fully in everyday life.”

Today, My Empower Therapy has four locations, offering multilingual support, school partnerships and community programs. Children develop functional speech, gain independence, expand social skills and build confidence, all in environments designed to feel welcoming and inclusive.

“Watching children reach milestones that once seemed out of reach is a reminder every day of why this work matters,” Farah says.

Extending impact beyond the clinic

Farah’s influence reaches far beyond her own therapy rooms. She partners with schools, advocacy groups and community organizations to provide early screening, parent education and inclusive programming. She mentors the next generation of clinicians, shaping a culture of thoughtful practice.

Among her proudest achievements is creating clinics that serve diverse communities without lowering standards. “Inclusion means excellence without exclusion,” she says.

Her team combines equitable access, culturally responsive education and partnerships that allow children to fully participate in everyday life.

Looking ahead

Looking back on her time at Capilano University, Farah credits hands-on learning, critical thinking, and mentorship for shaping her approach to leadership.

Looking forward, she hopes to expand integrated services, embed therapy within schools and strengthen clinical training programs.

“Growth is meaningful only if it creates real opportunities,” she says. “Our work is about designing systems where children can thrive, families feel supported, and inclusion is part of everyday life.”

On March 4, 2026, Capilano University will honour Farah with the Open Award at the Alumni Awards of Excellence, celebrating her leadership in pediatric care and her commitment to empowering children and families.