Andrea Meade PT, RP (Qualifying), Med

Andrea Meade works as a physiotherapist, psychotherapist, and certified coach. Her practice journey as a physiotherapist spans several interconnected areas, including neuro rehab, pelvic health, and community care in Canada and the Caribbean. Andrea completed a Master of Education at the University of Toronto’s Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE). As a psychotherapist, she has a special interest in burnout care as it relates to practitioners’ health and career development. Her company, Practice Gap, provides psychotherapy and group education to build self-care skills within the helping professions.

Keynote: Managing Your Wellbeing as a Clinical Skill

Anna Wong PT, MScPT, MAPP

Anna Wong is a cancer rehab physiotherapist, educator, and consultant. She holds a Master’s in Applied Positive Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania, where she developed a professional development series on using strengths-based communication skills in physiotherapy. As founder of the Clinician Wellness Hub, Anna has delivered training sessions on well-being, resilience, and communication skills to healthcare teams across Canada and the United States since 2017.

Keynote: Managing Your Wellbeing as a Clinical Skill

Abdullah Beltagi, SPT

I am a final-year physical therapy student in the internship phase. I actively engaged in research, and social activities during college, as well as joining a student exchange program in Iraq, where I exchanged knowledge and practice in physical therapy. Focused on spine and pelvic floor health, my aim is to integrate clinical practice with impactful research and publications.

Alaa Beltagy,  SPT

Alaa Beltagy, a final-year physical therapy student in the internship phase, is passionate about advancing women's health and pulmonary physical therapy. She is committed to combining hands-on clinical practice with evidence-based research, aiming to contribute to innovative treatments and improved patient outcomes in her areas of interest.

Allison Rigney, RM, BHSc Midwifery, B. Kin

Allison is a registered midwife practicing in a semi-rural community. She completed a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology at Western University prior to midwifery. She has collaborated with a local physiotherapist since 2020 to bring pelvic floor prenatal workshops to the community, and has recently taken pelvic health courses enabling her to treat pelvic floor dysfunction in the postpartum population.

Amir Beltagi,  PT, PhD

Dr. Beltagi is a highly accomplished physical therapist with a diverse background in academia and clinical practice. Holding a Doctorate Degree in Biomechanics from Cairo University and UIC (2022), Dr. Beltagi served as an Assistant Professor of Kinesiology & Biomechanics at Cairo University (2012 – 2022). He conducted extensive research and contributed to numerous publications and conferences in the fields of orthopedics and spine rehabilitation.

Anastasia Newman, MScPT, MScRS, PhD

Dr. Anastasia Newman completed her Masters of Physiotherapy, Masters of Rehabilitation Science, and her PhD at McMaster University in 2006, 2011 and 2021 respectively. She worked clinically as a critical care and advanced practice physiotherapist.  She is an Assistant Professor in School of Rehabilitation Science at McMaster University.

Bahram Jam,  PT, MScPT, DScPT, FCAMT

Bahram Jam graduated from the University of Toronto, and then completed a Clinical Masters and a Doctorate in Physical Therapy at the University of Queensland, Australia and at Andrews University, USA respectively.

He is the founder and director of Advanced Physical Therapy Education Institute (APTEI) and is the creator of PAIN! The Musical with aim to give those living with pain & disability a voice.

Charissa Levy, MHSc, BScOT, OT Reg (Ont)

Charissa is an Occupational Therapist and Executive Director of the Rehab Care Alliance, providing strategic and operational leadership to implement collaborative, evidence-based approaches that drive improved health services. She has participated on a variety of provincial & regional expert panels/committees to inform policy directions & clinical services planning. She is an Adjunct Lecturer in the Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation at the University of Toronto.

Charlotte Anderson,  MScPT, PhD

Charlotte Anderson is a practicing physiotherapist in Ontario and an Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto. She is also the founder of ALPHA Health Services and co-founder of 360 Concussion Care.

Dana Licorish, PT Resident, MScPT, BASc, Dip.FHP

Dana Licorish (she/her) is a recent graduate of the MScPT program at McMaster. She is dedicated to providing culturally-safe care within sports MSK and participating in EDI research. Dana identifies as a Black, queer, second-generation Caribbean-Canadian settler, who grew up in Scarborough, Ontario.

Darryl Yardley,  PT, MScPT, MClSc(Manip)

Darryl has been a physical therapist for more than a decade. He is a clinic owner and the Chief Operating Officer for Clinic Accelerator where he supports 500+ clinic owners. He has mentored and helped thousands of physical therapists become all-star clinicians, clinic directors, and equity partners. He isa professor of Business and Leadership in Physical Therapy at Western University.

Debbie Childerhose, BPE, BHScPT, MHM (candidate)

Debbie Childerhose is a Registered Physiotherapist and Program Coordinator in the cardiac rehabilitation program at Women's College Hospital in Toronto. She also is the Manager of Professional Practice for the Health Disciplines. Debbie's career has been mostly in the field of cardiac rehabilitation and women's health. She is a passionate advocate for interprofessional care and attention to women's health care across the life span.

Douglas Freer,  BScPT, R.Kin(inactive), CAT(C), AFCI(C), FCAMPT

I have been practising as a physiotherapist for over 50 years. I was honoured by OPA in 1981 when presented with the Recognition Award-Professional Contribution External and by CPA in 2019 when I made “the list of therapists who “made a difference” in the first 100 years of CPA.

Emily Xiao, BHSc Student

Emily Xiao is a third-year Health Sciences student at McMaster University with a passion for improving systems in pediatric healthcare. She is interested in advancing healthcare practices through evidence-based research and strives to enhance clinical processes, tools, and patient outcomes. Emily has contributed to pediatric projects, particularly in rheumatology, surrounding topics of mental health and measurement tools.

Emma Plater,  PT, PhD

Emma Plater is an Assistant Professor in the School of Physical Therapy at Western University. Her clinical background is in orthopaedics and sport and she teaches in the Foundations of PT and Clinics courses at Western. Her research explores multi-sensory, technology-enhanced teaching in healthcare with a focus on movement analysis and therapeutic exercise prescription.

Erin Miller, PT, PhD

Erin practiced as an acute care physiotherapist for 10 years before completing a PhD in Rehabilitation Science. She is now an Assistant Professor in the School of Physical Therapy at Western University and has a keen interest in educational scholarship and the use of evidence to inform pedagogical practices.

Gabrielle Sadler,  LSSBB, MScPT, BScPT, RPT

Living in Kawartha Lakes, Gabrielle is a physiotherapist, LEAN Six Sigma Black Belt and project manager with the Rehabilitative Care Alliance, leading initiatives that support implementation of quality rehabilitative care. Gabrielle is also the Past-Chair of CPA's Seniors Health Division.

Grace Liu, PT, PhD (Health Policy & Equity)

As the Knowledge Translation Representative of the Seniors' Health Division of CPA, I am eager to share clinical best practices with other physiotherapists. With a PhD in Health Policy and Equity, I am interested in improving the healthcare delivery system to support diverse older adults in healthy aging across Canada.

Gurpal Deol,  PT Resident, MScPT

Gurpal is a recent graduate of McMaster's Physiotherapy program. He has a strong passion for cardiorespiratory physiotherapy and currently practices as a PT Resident in the inpatient medicine program at Credit Valley Hospital. He enjoys collaborating with other health care providers and hopes to play an active role in facilitating change in Ontario's health care model to better meet the growing needs of its residents.

Haneen Ali, HBSc, MScPT

Haneen Ali is a recent graduate from McMaster University's physiotherapy program. She has a keen interest in acute care and research. She is passionate about expanding the scope of practice for physiotherapists in Ontario, and is hopeful her research will help facilitate this.

Hélène Thériault,  MAdEd, BScOT, Master Certified Coach (MCC)

With over 20 years in healthcare, Hélène Thériault is a bilingual (French/English) educator, speaker, and Master Certified Coach (MCC). She’s a clinical instructor at the University of British Columbia  and founder of Function First Coaching. Holding a Master of Adult Education from St. Francis Xavier University, Hélène certifies healthcare professionals using a strength-based, holistic framework to drive business growth and improve patient outcomes.

Jack Miller, BScPT, Dip MT(NZ), Dip MSK Med (UK), MClSc, DPT, FCAMPT

Jack trained at the University of Toronto, then completed a Diploma of Manipulative Therapy in New Zealand with Robin McKenzie and Brian Mulligan as instructors. He worked for many years in clinical practice in London, Ontario and now focuses on advanced practice and training.

Jaimie Coleman,  PT, MScPT, MHM

Jaimie is an Assistant Professor, Teaching Stream in the Department of Physical Therapy at the University of Toronto. Jaimie is also a PhD student in Health Professions Education Research, also at U of T, where her research interest is effort regulation in autonomous learning environments.

Janine Sibayan, PT Resident, MHScPT, HBSc HK

Janine is a Physiotherapy Resident at Premier Physiotherapy Clinic in Ottawa, with an interest in promoting and maintaining equitable health service delivery amidst rapid technological advancements. During her education at the University of Ottawa, Janine conducted research through joint collaborations with colleagues in Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy, focused on health equity in telerehabilitation.

Jasdeep Dhir,  PT, MClSc(MT), TDPT, FCAMPT

Jasdeep is the Acting Assistant Dean for the McMaster Physiotherapy Program, and has many years of clinical experience. She has chaired numerous committees within the profession, and has been awarded for excellence in mentorship and innovation. Her research focuses on innovations in education and promotion of equity, diversity, inclusion and justice in health professions education and practice.

Jeffrey Andrion, PT, PhD, MA, BScPT

Dr. Andrion is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Physical Therapy and Affiliated Scientist of the A.T. Still Research Institute, both at A.T. Still University in Mesa, Arizona, USA. He is an Adjunct Lecturer at the Department of Physical Therapy at the University of Toronto where he is also the Chair of the Philippine Working Group, International Centre for Disability and Rehabilitation.

Jennifer Howey,  BScPT, BSc(Hons)

Jennifer Howey is the owner of InsideOut Physiotherapy in Toronto.  A highlight of her career was as a Medical Lead for the 2015 PanAm/ Para PanAm Games.  Jennifer is a Master Instructor for Nordic Pole Walking and was involved in the development of the Rehabilitation Instructors program for poling companies in Canada, Hong Kong and South Africa.

Jennifer Boyle, PhD

Jennifer Boyle was diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis at the age of 20 after years of symptoms. She is a Patient Representative on the Integrated Scientific and Medical Advisory Committee for Arthritis Society Canada. Jennifer is a Patient Research Partner for the Psoriatic Arthritis Research Program and Ontario Best Practice Research Initiative at University Health Network.

Jessica Doig, BScKin,  MScPT

Jessica Doig, BScKin, MPT is a pelvic floor physiotherapist and clinic owner in Collingwood, Ontario. Passionate about prenatal and postpartum health, she successfully launched a free postpartum pelvic  health program in collaboration with the Midwives of Nottawasaga. Jessica is committed to improving pelvic health through education, care, and community outreach.

Jessica Powers, PT, MScPT, MSc

Jessica Powers is a physiotherapist and Program Manager at Lifemark’s Community Advantage Rehabilitation. Jessica’s passion is empowering older adults and innovating interventions to live life well in their homes. Her clinical research, in collaboration with Durham College, focuses on the utilization of PTAs and virtual engagement in homecare. Jessica earned her MScRS at UofT and MScPT at Glasgow Caledonian University.

Julie Herrington,  PT, MSc(RS), ACPAC

Julie Herrington has been a physiotherapist for 25 years, with the past 18 in rheumatology. She completed the Advanced Clinician Practitioner in Arthritis Care (ACPAC) program in 2018 and a Masters in Rehabilitation Science at McMaster in 2023. Since 2020, she has worked as an advanced physiotherapist practitioner in pediatric rheumatology at McMaster Children's Hospital and has been researching the impact of this APP role.

Katie Gasparelli, BScPT

My professional work has focused primarily on First Nations health as a clinical physiotherapist and health system leader. As a physiotherapist of settler and Haudenosaunee ancestry, I aim to use my positionality to support the mainstream system to better address the needs of First Nations communities. My current work at Healthcare Excellence Canada is aimed at addressing anti-Indigenous racism through the lens of patient safety.

Katie Kowalski,  PT, PhD

Katie is an Assistant Professor Teaching Scholar in the Western University School of Physical Therapy. Her research focuses on optimizing the development of musculoskeletal clinical reasoning along the novice expert continuum, using mixed methods approaches. Katie also leads research exploring authentic and sustainable partner engagement in research and education.

Kristin Nugent, MPT/PhD Student

Kristin Nugent is a current MPT/PhD student at the University of Western Ontario, and is the Communication Director of the SHD of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association. Kristin currently focuses on research with lower limb loss and prosthetic rehabilitation. Kristin is very passionate about advocating for comprehensive physiotherapy care for Canadians throughout the lifespan, particularly for older adults!

Laura Passalent,  PT, BScPT, MHSc, ACPAC

Laura Passalent obtained her Bachelor’s of Science in Physical Therapy (1995) and Masters of Health Science in Epidemiology and Community Health (2005) from the University of Toronto. She is a certified Advanced Clinician Practitioner in Arthritis Care and an Assistant Professor with the Department of Physical Therapy at the University of Toronto. She is also a Clinician Investigator with the Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network.

Leslie Soever, BScPT, MSc, ACPAC

Leslie is an Advanced Clinician Practitioner in Arthritis Care (ACPAC)-trained physiotherapist with a Master of Science from the University of Toronto. She has extensive experience working in extended roles related to rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases most recently at Toronto Western Hospital, Division of Orthopaedic Surgery. She is Co-Director of Operations, ACPAC Program, Continuing Professional Development, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto.

Manshi Rana,  BScKin, MScPT

Manshi graduated from McMaster University with a Master of Science in Physiotherapy in 2024, following her Honours Kinesiology undergraduate degree. Currently, Manshi is working as a Resident Physiotherapist at a private clinic in Markham. Outside the clinic, Manshi enjoys running, biking, traveling, and exploring new group fitness classes.

Maryam Khaleqi-Sohi, PhD Student

Maryam Khaleqi-Sohi is a PhD student in Rehabilitation Sciences at the University of Ottawa. She completed her bachelor’s degree in physiotherapy in 2011 in Iran. Her research interest focuses on improving the quality of life for individuals with brain injuries, using a person-centered approach to promote health equity, overall well-being, and meaningful reintegration into society.

Nancy Drouillard,  PT, BSc, BScPT, Cert. MDT

Nancy Drouillard is a physiotherapist working in private practice with a special interest in assisting seniors to maintain their independence and live full lives within the community.  She has advanced training in physiotherapy treatment for arthritis, osteoporosis, balance and fall prevention.

Piper Lopes, Physiotherapy Resident, MScPT

Piper Lopes is a physiotherapy resident at The Ottawa Hospital and a 2024 graduate of the University of Ottawa’s Master of Science in Physiotherapy program. She collaborated with occupational therapy and physiotherapy students on a research project focused on health equity in telerehabilitation. Piper is excited to share her findings and promote equitable practices in physiotherapy.

Prashna Singh,  PT, MScPT

I graduated from the University of Cape Town in 1994, andmoved to the UK where I worked primarily in cardiorespiratory. I have been working in Canada for 20 years, during which I obtained my Masters in PT as well as becoming a certified respiratory educator. Currently, I work at Trillium Health Partners as a Pulmonary Rehabilitation Coordinator.

Renée Coelho, PT Resident, MScPT

Renée Coelho is a physiotherapy resident who graduated from McMaster’s physiotherapy program in 2024. She currently works in inpatient stroke and neurological rehab at Providence Healthcare Hospital in Toronto. Renée is passionate about neurological rehab and increasing awareness and diversity of the profession.

Rob Werstine,  DPT, MBA, FCAMPT, Sport Dip

Rob is an Advanced Practice PT with RAC for Low Back Pain at LHSC. He has a BScPT and MSc from Western, a DPT program in 2017 and an MBA in 2023. He is a past Chair of the Orthopaedic Division and is a Past President of the CPA. He has taught hundreds of courses in MSK, APP and Manipulation through Key Clinical Skills Inc.

Sabrina Thompson, HBSc

Sabrina Thompson is the Quality and Operations Coordinator for Lifemark's Community Advantage Rehabilitation. Sabrina holds an empathetic interest in improving accessibility to and opportunities for care. She is the Clinical Research Coordinator for research partnerships between Lifemark and Durham College. Although not a clinical, she has enjoyed learning about physiotherapy and homecare. Sabrina earned her Honours Bachelor of Science at the University of Toronto.

Sarah Arulchelvam,  BHSc, MScPT

Sarah Arulchlevam holds a Bachelor's in Health Studies with an Honours Specialization in Rehabilitation Studies from Western University and a Master’s in Physiotherapy from McMaster University. Currently a Physiotherapy Resident at Michael Garron Hospital, Sarah is passionate about addressing systemic issues in healthcare and education, while advocating for inclusivity and equitable access to services.

Shaheer Khawar, MScPT

Shaheer is a practicing outpatient orthopaedic physiotherapy resident at Kings Cross Physical Therapy and Sports Injury Clinic in Brampton, Ontario. Shaheer is passionate about improving access to physical therapy care and ensuring that as many people as possible are able to receive the care they need.

Sheena Philip,  PT, MSc, PhD

Dr. Sheena Philip is a registered physiotherapist with over 20 years of international experience in clinical practice, research, and administration. She completed her PhD from Western University, London, Ontario in 2023, focusing on functional recovery following distal radius fractures. She is the owner of Renewed Rehab Care & Physiotherapy and currently works as a physiotherapist at CBI Home Care.

Simona Kukuruzovic, PT Resident, MScPT

Simona is a recent graduate from the University of Toronto Master of Science in Physical Therapy program. She is currently working in private practice as a Physiotherapy Resident. Simona engages through advocacy and promotion of the profession in her role as the co-president of the Central Toronto District of the OPA.

Stephanie Lurch,  BScPT, M.Ed

Stephanie Lurch (BScPT, M.Ed) is a storyteller, activist, leader and physiotherapist. A dynamic award-winning educator, Stephanie has worked across multiple settings in the healthcare and education sectors, bridging the gap between academia and practice. She is an Assistant Clinical Professor at McMaster University, a Lecturer at Western, and practicing paediatric clinician.

Sue Turcotte, PT, APP

With 30 years of experience as a physiotherapist at the Timmins and District Hospital, I have developed a diverse clinical background, primarily working in the outpatient department. Additionally, I completed APP training in 2015 and have since supported our hip and knee clinic. Currently, I am enrolled in the ACPAC program, with the goal of improving access to rheumatological care in Timmins and area.

Sukhvinder Kalsi-Ryan,  BScPT, MSc, PhD

Dr. Kalsi-Ryan is a Clinician Scientist at KITE Research Institute, and Assistant Professor in Department of Physical Therapy at University of Toronto. A physiotherapist by training, Dr. Kalsi-Ryan inspires clinicians and researchers through education and mentorship. Her work focuses on advancing innovative neuro-restorative methods and improving access to cutting-edge rehabilitation technologies. She has worked for the last 15 years to develop the role of physiotherapy in the management of DCM.

Thomas Swales, PT, MPT, ATC, FCAMPT, AMTC, CSCS, RKC, MCT

Tom Swales, PT, Strength Coach, and Founder of the AMT System, is a leader in orthopaedic rehabilitation and human performance. With a passion for optimizing movement, he blends clinical expertise and innovative techniques to improve patient outcomes. Tom’s evidence-driven approach has supported Olympic athletes and everyday individuals, making him a sought-after educator and clinician in the field.

Tiffany Tiu,  MScPT, BKin, CSCS

Tiffany Tiu is a physiotherapy resident in Toronto. She is passionate about improving practice standards through knowledge mobilization. She hosts Paincast, a CPA podcast. She is also the co-president of Central Toronto District and a clinician-researcher at the Biomechanics of Orthopaedic Sports Medicine Lab at the University of Toronto. She was awarded the CPA Student Leadership Award and the OPA Student Leadership Award in 2023.

Trinette Kaunds, PT, MScPT, BScKin, ACPAC

Trinette Kaunds, MScPT, graduated from McMaster University in 2014 and completed the Advanced Clinician Practitioner in Arthritis Care (ACPAC) program in 2023. She currently works at Mount Sinai Hospital in orthopedics and rheumatology. In her extended role, Trinette plays a key part in the Rheumatology Rapid Access Clinic, which aims to address rheumatology wait times, improve access to care, and enhance patient care pathways.