A scholarship from COTF is about more than financial support – it can help students pursue new opportunities and discover their passions while earning their degree.
Receiving the Barb Worth Emergent Leader Award in 2024 while he was attending the University of British Columbia opened new doors for Kirby Way, both academically and professionally.
“This scholarship supported me to pursue research and publish a paper while still an OT student. It also supported me to create a company (Youphoria Consulting) with a colleague with the aim of supporting the growth of gender-affirming care in occupational therapy.”
Through Youphoria Consulting, Kirby has been able to combine clinical and educational work that advances inclusion and gender-affirming care within occupational therapy.
Building a career rooted in meaningful work
In his day-to-day role, Kirby works as an occupational therapist on an Assertive Community Treatment Team, which is a community mental health team delivered through a nonprofit organization. Through Youphoria, he also maintains a small caseload of clients focused on gender-affirming occupational therapy.
“I love that we get to work on what is important to folks. It’s so much easier to form meaningful relationships with clients when we’re working on the things they find most important and meaningful.”
Advice for future COTF scholarship applicants
When asked what he would say to students considering applying for a COTF scholarship, Kirby’s advice is simple and encouraging:
“Just apply! Don’t compare yourself to others because you and your skillset are totally unique.”
Life outside of occupational therapy
Outside of his professional life, Kirby enjoys crafting, – cross-stitch, colouring, beading, painting – birdwatching, and rollerblading.