UBC, 1994
17 years experience in orthopedics

Cheryl’s experience includes vocational rehabilitation, pain management and work hardening programs. She has completed postgraduate studies in manipulative therapy (she has been a resident of the Canadian Academy of Manipulative Therapists since 2002). She received her Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS) certification through iSTOP (The Institute for the Study and Treatment of Pain) in 2007. In 2010, Cheryl studied Fascial Manipulation™ in Italy with physiotherapist, Luigi Stecco. This has been an important addition to the management of chronic conditions not responsive to more conventional approaches. She uses a combination of the above-mentioned techniques for spinal and peripheral disorders to improve movement, reduce pain and restore individuals to their previous functional activities. Cheryl also provides treatment for individuals post-mastectomy, including lymphaedema care, scarring and regaining movement and strength.

Outside of physiotherapy, Cheryl enjoys hiking with her dog and gardening. She has a love of animals, and has been educated in canine physiotherapy, an area in which she occasionally practices. She also enjoys the world of gastronomy, with wine as a complimentary hobby.

UBC, 1977
26 years experience in hand therapy,
34 years in orthopedics

Jane has focused on hand and upper extremity rehabilitation for 26 years. This has included acute upper limb trauma, repetitive strain injuries, acquired conditions (such as arthritis) and burn injuries. Her work experience includes both hospital settings and private practice. Volunteer roles have included: president of the West Coast Hand Therapy Association (2008) and hand therapist liaison with the BC Hand Society (2007–2011). She continues to teach hand assessment workshops to students in the UBC master’s of physiotherapy program and has lectured to colleagues on aspects of hand therapy.

Outside of work, Jane keeps active with running, swimming, gardening, cycling and skiing.

East London University, 1992
17 years experience in hand therapy,
19 years in general orthopedics

Clare works as a physiotherapist/hand therapist, treating upper extremity injuries including the neck, shoulder, arm and hand. Conditions treated include repetitive strain, acute trauma and acquired conditions (such as arthritis). Her hand therapy skills include custom-made splints, wound and scar tissue repair, burn care and early fracture and tendon repair management. Other professional commitments include teaching the hand therapy module for the UBC physiotherapy master’s program and participation in the College of Physical Therapy quality assurance program. She is also a member of the BC Musician’s Injury Group and participated in the organization of the 2011 Canadian Hand Therapy Association (CHTA) national conference.

Clare maintains an active lifestyle running half marathons, and skiing and hiking with her energetic children. Clare is an amateur violinist and enjoys making music with a local orchestra.

University of Western Ontario, 1996
15 years experience in sports physiotherapy
and general orthopedics

Sid’s clinical interests include sports physiotherapy management of athletes, with emphasis on core stability programs as related to upper and lower extremity injuries, and manual therapy in combination with customized exercise programs to rehabilitate patients. Movement re-education through corrective exercise is an important element of this rehabilitation process. Sid has extensive experience in working with athletes from the BC Lions, the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games, the Commonwealth Games, World Cup Speed Skating, World Ultimate Championships and the Canadian Women’s Hockey Championships. Sid was on the Canadian medical team for short track speed skating and figure skating at Vancouver 2010. He is currently also working with triathletes of all levels—from beginners to Ironman competitors. Other professional affiliations include involvement in the Vancouver sports medicine community, SportMed BC and the Sports Physio BC Executive.

Sid’s athletic interests include cycling, running, hiking, ultimate Frisbee and skiing, while his musical skills include playing guitar and piano.

Dalhousie University, 1987 Physiotherapy, 1984 Psychology
15 years experience with TMJ disorders
24 years as a physiotherapist

Maria’s main clinical area of interest is in the treatment of patients with temporomandibular (TMJ) disorders. This encompasses the jaw, the masticatory (chewing) muscles and the cervical spine and associated musculature. In April, 2010, she successfully completed the examination to become a Certified Cervical and Temporomandibular Therapist (CCTT). She is a member of the American Academy of Orofacial Pain, and attends annual conferences on the subject of TMJ disorders. Maria has taught UBC physiotherapy master’s program students assessment and treatment of the TMJ and has presented lectures to practicing physiotherapists, dentists and dental hygienists on the topic of TMJ disorders. Maria has worked in private practice in Vancouver since 1990 and has owned and operated Westside Physiotherapy and Hand Clinic since 1998.

Outside of work, Maria enjoys distance cycling, hiking, skiing, yoga, windsurfing and long walks with her dogs. She is also a director of a charitable organization dedicated to rehabilitating and finding homes for neglected or abandoned collies.

Dalhousie University, 1981
30 years general orthopedic experience,
14 years in hand therapy

David spent his first 16 years treating patients with orthopedic injuries, both in a large teaching hospital and in private practice. Since moving to Vancouver in 1997, he has worked mostly in the area of hand therapy. His current caseload includes a range of hand problems, including repetitive strain, acute trauma and acquired conditions (such as arthritis). David has attended many continuing education courses in the area of hand/upper extremity rehabilitation, including the Canadian Hand Therapy Association (CHTA) national conference.

Outside of work, David enjoys long rides on his tandem bike with his wife or daughter, and ballroom dancing. He also values spending time with his grandchildren.

Auckland University, New Zealand, 2004
7 years experience as a physiotherapist,
2 years with TMJ disorders

Since graduating, Sarah has worked in various orthopaedic private clinics in the lower mainland. She has a strong desire to constantly improve her skills as a therapist, and has taken continuing education courses in women’s health, TMJ disorders and sports physiotherapy and has also completed her level III manual therapy certification. Sarah has commenced her studies to challenge the American Board exam to become a Certified Cervical and Temporomandibular Therapist. Sarah has delivered educational lectures at Century House community centre for seniors, and has worked with Douglas College soccer teams and the New Westminster Hyack’s football team.

Sarah is an accomplished jazz vocalist and has pursued jazz voice studies at Capilano University. This experience has highlighted the similarities between the demands of musical training and athletic training, which she has applied to her clinical practice. Sarah also keeps active with yoga, ultimate Frisbee and cycling.

Dalhousie University, 1996
8 years experience in hand therapy,
15 years as an occupational therapist

Maritess worked for a number of years in multidisciplinary vocational rehabilitation programs and as an occupational therapy consultant. Her work experience includes worksite visits, creating and monitoring gradual return-to-work programs and functional capacity assessments. For the past eight years her work has been focused on hand therapy, including custom-made hand splints, the treatment of repetitive strain injuries, acute trauma, functional hand rehabilitation assessments and pain education.

Outside of work, Maritess is kept busy with three young children, while still maintaining her own activity level with cycling, running, swimming and skiing.