Helping Individuals & Families Thrive Through Holistic Sleep & Occupational Therapy
Meet Janice McCullough, Founder of Rest Is Best, Occupational Therapist, Holistic Sleep Consultant, and graduate of the International Parenting & Health Institute’s Holistic Sleep Consultant Certification Program.
Like many parents, Janice’s journey into the world of sleep began with her own family. When her two sons were babies, she experienced the exhaustion, uncertainty, and overwhelming flood of conflicting advice that so many parents know all too well. Although every recommendation was well-intentioned, none fully addressed the unique needs of her family or helped uncover the root causes of their sleep challenges.
Rather than settling for one-size-fits-all solutions, Janice drew upon her background as an Occupational Therapist and began searching for a more comprehensive understanding of sleep. That journey eventually led her to the International Parenting & Health Institute (IPHI), where she discovered the Holistic Science of Sleep Method™—an approach that considers the many interconnected factors influencing healthy sleep, including development, emotional well-being, sensory processing, nutrition, family dynamics, environment, and overall health.
It was a philosophy that resonated deeply with both her personal experience and professional values, ultimately transforming not only the way she understood sleep but also the way she supports families today.
Building Upon an Occupational Therapy Foundation
Janice graduated from the University of Alberta with a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy before later completing her Master of Occupational Therapy.
Throughout her career as a regulated Occupational Therapist, she developed extensive experience supporting both children and adults while pursuing advanced education in mental health, sensory integration, motivational interviewing, therapeutic processes, and solution-focused interventions.
As she worked with clients, one theme consistently emerged.
Sleep affected everything.
It influenced emotional regulation, learning, relationships, participation in meaningful activities, physical health, and overall well-being.
Improving sleep often became the key that unlocked progress in so many other areas of life.
Discovering a Holistic Perspective
Although Janice possessed a strong healthcare background, she wanted a more comprehensive understanding of sleep itself.
She discovered the International Parenting & Health Institute’s Holistic Science of Sleep Method™, an approach that looks beyond sleep behaviors alone to consider the many interconnected factors that influence restorative sleep.
Through the Holistic Sleep Consultant Certification, Janice expanded her understanding of how biology, development, nutrition, sensory processing, emotional health, family dynamics, environment, and lifestyle all contribute to healthy sleep.
This holistic perspective complemented her occupational therapy background and strengthened her ability to develop individualized sleep plans tailored to each client’s unique needs.
Continuing to Advance Her Expertise
Committed to lifelong learning, Janice has continued expanding her knowledge through advanced professional education.
She completed training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) through Colorado State University, allowing her to provide evidence-informed support for adolescents and adults experiencing insomnia while integrating her broader holistic approach.
Today, her education enables her to support sleep across the lifespan, from infants and young children to teenagers and adults.
Helping Families Thrive
Through Rest Is Best, Janice combines occupational therapy, holistic sleep education, and evidence-informed practice to help individuals and families improve not only sleep, but overall quality of life.
Her philosophy is beautifully summarized by a simple belief:
When you sleep better, you feel better. When you feel better, you do better.
Rather than searching for quick fixes, Janice partners with families to understand the root causes of sleep challenges and create sustainable solutions that respect each individual’s unique circumstances.
Her compassionate, personalized approach empowers clients with the knowledge and confidence needed to build healthy sleep habits that last.
An Inspiration for Future Sleep Consultants
Janice’s professional journey demonstrates the power of combining healthcare expertise with holistic sleep education.
By integrating occupational therapy, mental health, CBT-I, and the Holistic Science of Sleep Method™, she has created a comprehensive approach that supports the whole person—not simply the symptom of poor sleep.
Her work continues to improve the lives of families across Canada while inspiring other professionals to recognize sleep as one of the most important foundations of health and well-being.
Congratulations, Janice!
Your commitment to helping individuals and families experience healthier, more restorative sleep through compassionate, evidence-informed, and holistic care is truly inspiring. By thoughtfully integrating occupational therapy, cognitive behavioral strategies, and holistic sleep education, you continue to empower people of all ages to improve not only their sleep, but their overall quality of life.
We are incredibly proud to have you as a graduate of the International Parenting & Health Institute and grateful for the meaningful impact you continue to make through Rest Is Best.
We celebrate your accomplishments and are honored to have you as part of the IPHI family. We can’t wait to see all that you’ll continue to achieve in the years ahead.
Graduate Profile
Janice McCullough, MOT, OT
📍 Location: Alberta, Canada
🏢 Founder: Rest Is Best
🌐 Website: https://restisbest.ca
IPHI Certification
- Holistic Sleep Consultant
(International Parenting & Health Institute)
Education
- Bachelor of Occupational Therapy – University of Alberta
- Master of Occupational Therapy – University of Alberta
Additional Professional Training
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I), Colorado State University
- Continuing education in:
- Mental Health
- Sensory Integration
- Solution-Focused Interventions
- Motivational Interviewing
- Therapeutic Process
Areas of Expertise
- Infant Sleep
- Child Sleep
- Teen Sleep
- Adult Sleep
- Occupational Therapy
- CBT-I
- Mental Health
- Sensory Processing
- Family Wellness
- Holistic Sleep Coaching
Professional Focus
Janice integrates occupational therapy, cognitive behavioral strategies, and holistic sleep education to support infants, children, teens, adults, and families. Her individualized approach recognizes that sleep is deeply connected to emotional well-being, sensory processing, daily routines, development, and overall health. By identifying the root causes of sleep challenges, she helps clients create practical, sustainable solutions that improve both sleep and quality of life.
