I remember watching the Vancouver Canucks as a kid and thinking that the person that got to run on the ice and care to injured and bloody hockey players had a really cool job.
Fast forward in life and I was lucky enough to cross paths with some amazing physiotherapists that become mentors for me and helped guide me in the right direction.
I may not be the person on the ice at Canucks games taking care of injured players, but I’ve been able to find a cool niche in the physiotherapy world that I’m proud of and very grateful for.
Describe yourself
Team player. Listener. An engine that doesn’t seem to shut off. Someone who understands and accepts that life is a constant journey of change and we need to embrace this.
Proudest moments
I think my proudest achievement is the team and culture we’ve created at Active Solutions Health + Sport, and also within our community. This sets our clinic apart from others and provides a great foundation for us to care for patients needs.
Many people ask “How do you live and work in a small town?” I can't help but answer “How do you NOT live and work in a small town?” It’s so rewarding when embraced!
On a personal level I’ve been fortunate enough to have completed my Sports Physiotherapy Diploma which has provided me with many “pinch me” moments while travelling the world and working with Olympic athletes as part of contract work with various National Sports Teams.
Winning back-to-back 50km Mind Over Mountain Adventure Races (MOMAR) in my early 40s was another achievement that I look back on fondly.
Professional skills
I believe learning takes no break, and I have fully embraced post graduate education.
I am a Certified GunnIMS Practitioner, a recognized Registered International Sports Physiotherapist (RISPT), Certified GLA:D Therapist, Concussion Management Therapist, and Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapist.
Other endeavours include completing the ReConditioningHQ Level 2 course, Kinesiotape Level 2 Course, Load Management (Tim Gabbett) Course, Pain Science Course, and numerous manual therapy courses.
Core values
Respect. For my patients, co-workers, community, environment, and our traditions. I believe I bring an inclusive approach to our clinic and to the people I connect with, whether that is in clinic or within our community.
Honesty. I find this is the cornerstone of all treatment plans and journeys. Being honest with a patient and building that trust is essential to helping solve the issues at hand. I also think being honest is the effort and focus we bring to work every day and I take pride in bringing my "A game" to every patient experience in the clinic.
Ambition. Whether it’s running a clinic, raising a family, trying to master a sport, or focusing in on a treatment plan – I’m always trying to improve. I have an engine that doesn't stop and as I’ve aged I have become more aware of how to use that energy to the best of its capability.
Community. Volunteering with community clubs such as the Cowichan Piggies Rugby Club, Mid Isle Soccer Club, Ladysmith Softball, and Mt Washington Ski Patrol are my ways to give back to the community.
Overcoming challenges
The constant challenge of balancing a busy personal life, business venture, and professional career seem to be something that I’m personally always working on. Life is constantly changing and adapting to these changes can be difficult.
Fortunately I’m surrounded by an amazing family, a great team, and have great outlets (surfing, skiing, mountain biking, etc.) that help centre me.
Hobbies and interests
Surfing offers an indescribable feeling that only a surfer knows. Once it’s in you it doesn’t ever leave you. I started surfing in 1998, and it’s been influential in how I live my life to this day. I think the joy of the pursuit and the lifelong pursuit of mastery in surfing are what have attracted me to the sport.
I’m also highly active with coaching my kids’ sports. I enjoy mountain biking, trail running, skiing, ice hockey, kayaking, working out, yoga, and raving to anyone who will listen about Steve Winwood and Huey Lewis.
Why physiotherapy?
Helping people along the path of recovery is just so rewarding. After 15 years in the profession I’m as overjoyed as ever when a patient reaches a milestone or finds the confidence to try something that they didn’t think was possible.
I’ve also been fortunate enough to travel to many parts of the world and experience many cultures thanks to my background in sports physiotherapy.
More recently, I’ve really enjoyed the teaching aspect of my profession, as well as mentoring the bright therapists that are coming up in the field.
Educational background
My education started playing sports as a kid, and learning from the many lessons that come with growing up in a competitive environment. These experiences help me realize early that I embrace and feel most comfortable in a team environment.
After high school I attended the University of British Columbia and completed my Bachelor of Human Kinetics in 2004. Following this, I worked as a kinesiologist for a couple of years before being a beach bum and surfing as I applied for physiotherapy school.
The University of Alberta accepted me, and I completed my Masters in Physiotherapy in 2009. Since then I worked in Australia for a year and continue to take post-secondary courses that challenge my current way of thinking.
I recently completed a 10-year journey and finally completed my Sports Physiotherapy Diploma. I am now recognized as a Registered International Sports Physiotherapist. It’s been an amazing journey to date, and I still feel like I have so much more to learn and offer.