Meet The Team

Let's introduce you to your new practitioner and the Symphony Team!

Each member of the team comes from their own unique background that led them to their profession. They have all invested exceptional time and attention to their training all with the purpose of being able to provide the best care to our clients.

Natasha

Physical Therapist

Concussion, Functional Neurology, Vestibular, Neurological, IMS, Acupuncture, Bobath, PWR, Neuroperformance

My family and I relocated to Nanaimo in October of 2014. My son was only 4 months old and while on maternity leave, I had the opportunity to explore my return to work options. Fast Forward to May 2015 and Symphony began as just me, my massage table, and my Sorento. I started Symphony as a mobile service, but I had a vision. Today, I am thrilled that my vision is taking shape! 

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     Our clinic opened in April 2016, we have built an amazing team.  We are always thinking of ways to serve our clients, which is why we introduced our innovative Telehealth services in 2017! 


    I learned very early in my physiotherapy career that I had a passion for neurology and movement. Since graduating from the University of British Columbia, I have taken post-graduate courses in the Bobath Concept, NDT, PWR!, Chronic Pain,  IMS, Acupuncture, Vestibular Rehabilitation, Concussion (Post-Concussion) Rehab, and Functional Neurology. 


    I believe that by continuing to educate and grow individually I can offer my clients the best of my skills. In turn, this will help you reach your goals and improve your quality of life. 


    I have experience in all aspects of the continuum of neurological rehab - acute care (including the emergency room, acute stroke floors as well as throughout other medical floors in the hospital setting), in-patient rehabilitation, and in the private clinic setting. 


    Having these experiences gives me an understanding of the journey an individual goes through when recovering from either a new injury or an exacerbation of an existing one.


    In addition to Symphony, I am the Founder of Concussion Nerds - this is an online mentorship program where I support clinicians in uplevelling their skills to provide amazing rehab to the concussion community.   I also created and issue a monthly digital magazine, Concussion Currents, which summarizes the latest concussion research while providing immediate clinical applications.   It is the bridge between research and clinical practice. 


    Today you will find me treating in the clinic, mentoring my team, supporting my online Concussion Nerds Community and speaking. 


    I am honoured to have won the 2017 Entrepreneur of the Year, 2018 Vancouver Island Business & Community Achievement Awards,  2020 PABC Excellence in Leadership Award, and an RBC Women of Influence top 400 business. 

Jessica

Physical Therapist

Concussion, Vestibular, Pilates, IMS

Nanaimo is my home town and I thoroughly enjoy working and being a part of my community in a career that I am so passionate about. I received a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology from the University of Victoria in 2008 and a Master of Science degree in Physiotherapy from Queen’s University in 2011. 

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    I was the Head Physiotherapist for the VI Raiders football team from 2011-2015 and have completed post-graduate training in Advanced Orthopaedic Manual and Manipulative Therapy, Functional Dry Needling, and hydrotherapy. 


    I am dedicated to providing individualized evidence-based treatments, which are centralized around each client’s goals. Along with Functional Dry Needling and Manual Therapy, I also believe in the integration of soft tissue techniques, taping, and therapeutic exercise to achieve optimal patient outcomes and satisfaction.

Nicole

Physical Therapist

Concussion, Neurological, Pediatrics, Vestibular

Nicole completed a Bachelor's degree in Biology with an emphasis on genetics and neurological development. After graduation, she volunteered at the Blusson Spinal Cord Centre in Vancouver researching the effect of gait training with a robotic walking aid for patients with incomplete spinal cord injuries. This furthered her interest in neurological injury and recovery, moving her forward to complete her Masters of Physical Therapy degree.

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    Since graduation, Nicole has dedicated her physiotherapy practice to neurological rehabilitation. For the last several years Nicole has worked at Abilities Neurological Rehabilitation, GF Strong in the spine and neuromuscular units, and now at Symphony Rehabilitation. She has treated clients with a wide range of neurological and developmental concerns.


    She has also taken additional courses including vestibular rehab (the treatment of dizziness) intro, advanced courses, and the Emory certificate course; pediatric-specific courses; Functional Dry Needling (IMS) certification; Concussion treatment courses; She is trained in the Bobath technique of neuromuscular facilitation and has taken advanced clinical neuroscience courses (Functional Neurology) offered through the Carrick Institute.

Tara

Physical Therapist

Neurological, Pelvic Health

I first came West from Ontario in 1999 to complete a B.Sc. in Kinesiology (with a minor in Psychology) at Simon Fraser University. I fell in love with the landscape and the lifestyle but in 2003 academics took me to Montreal, to work and study at McGill University (M.Sc. and B.Sc PT).

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    In 2010, the West was calling again and we moved first to Vancouver and finally to Nanaimo and I started working at NRGH.


     Since 2016, I have had a blended practice - working in both the private and public sectors. Throughout my career, I have worked with many interdisciplinary teams to support people in regaining confidence and function after life-changing medical events. I started with specialities in Oncology and Neurology, developing strong knowledge and skills in these areas early in my career.


    Following the physically challenging pregnancies and births of my children, I found myself on the “other side” - needing rehabilitation after these major life events. Through my own experiences, I developed a curiosity and in recent years, I have studied and practiced extensively in Pelvic Health Physiotherapy. I have the knowledge and skills to support clients with pelvic health concerns no matter their age and life experiences, with a particular interest in relation to pregnancy and postpartum concerns. 


    In October 2020, I completed PhysioDoula training, expanding my practice to engage women and their partners in learning the physiology and biomechanics of labour and delivery using that information to optimize their own birth and recovery experience.


    Looking for a way to support all my speciality clients, I engaged in Yoga Instructor training. I now have the skills to incorporate the physical practice of yoga into the care plans I develop with my clients. I have refined these skills through training with Love Your Brain foundation (for my neurological clients) as well as exploring PhysioYoga and training through Pelvic Health Solutions.


    For all of my clients, whether we are connecting in-clinic or via telehealth, I take a biopsychosocial approach. I treat the whole person, working towards their goals while keeping an open mind to recommend resources/clinicians to ensure comprehensive care.

Susan

Speech & Language Pathology

Adult Neurological

Susan completed her training in Speech-Language Pathology in 1988, augmenting her skills with a Masters Degree in Counselling Psychology in 2007. Her hospital career spans over 25 years - 23 of which were in a supervisory capacity - and experience across the continuum of neurological rehabilitation services. 

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    Susan has expertise in neurological disorders of swallowing and communication.  A singer herself, the treatment of voice disorders represents the second area of specialization for Susan.


    Susan's other passions include vegetable gardening/cooking, drawing, piano, cats, and keeping up at the gym. 

Martina

Occupational Therapist / Adapted Yoga

Martina is an impassioned Occupational Therapist (OT), excited and inspired to create new and innovative ways to serve her patients’ health care needs. Martina was raised on Vancouver Island and is thrilled to be living in beautiful Campbell River. On her off time she loves exploring the outdoors on hiking trips, biking, and running local trails. 

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    Martina received her Master's degree in OT from Queens University. Through personal and professional opportunities Martina has developed an interest in working with cognitive rehabilitation, particularly with Stroke and Traumatic Brain Injury. 


    Continued professional development to further her clinical practice skills and stay up to date with the latest research and best practice is a priority for Martina. She has taken additional training including a course in Concussion Management, Enabling Occupation Through the Assessment & Treatment of Cognitive Impairments, and additional training through the Canadian International Bobath Association for treatment of neurological conditions.


    Martina also has a passion for fitness and yoga. She has worked as a fitness instructor for the past 10 years teaching a variety of land and aquatic-based programs. She is a certified yoga instructor and is completing her 800 hr Therapeutic Yoga Instructor training.


    At Symphony Rehab Martina uses her training as an OT in conjunction with her training as a yoga therapist and fitness instructor to work with clients to improve their movement, decrease their pain & release stress from the body and mind. 

Jennifer

Registered Clinical Counsellor 

Jennifer received her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counselling from Prescott College, Arizona. She is a Registered Clinical Counsellor with the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors and a National Certified Counsellor with the National Board of Certified Counsellors in the United States. Jennifer is a compassionate and creative therapist who practices from a relational-based approach with the intention of empowering clients to determine goals through a collaborative process. 

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    She integrates a variety of techniques with evidence-based trauma-informed practices. She is also interested in incorporating expressive arts as a means of trauma processing and integration. Whether struggling with trauma, grief and loss, anxiety, depression, or other life challenges, Jennifer is passionate about creating a space of safety and trust where clients can experience healing, growth, and increased resiliency.

Mikaela

Kinesiology

Mikaela is a recent graduate from the University of British Columbia where she completed her Bachelor of Kinesiology in the Neuromechanical and Physiological Sciences Stream. As a Registered Kinesiologist, Mikaela specializes in the study of human movement and its relationship to health and wellness. Mikaela’s passion for this field began during her years as a competitive dancer where she became more fascinated by how the body moves and functions. During her time at UBC, Mikaela took a particular interest in the role exercise plays in concussion recovery and quickly realized she wanted to deepen her understanding following graduation.

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    At Symphony, Mikaela works closely with the multidisciplinary team to oversee an individualized exercise program tailored to your specific symptoms and goals. Mikaela aims to provide compassionate, comprehensive and evidence-based care to individuals, helping them to return to their daily lives with confidence and resilience.

Geoffrey

Physical Therapist

Geoffrey graduated from Queen’s University with a Master of Science in Physical Therapy in 2015. Upon graduating, Geoff worked with the Canadian military before moving to Toronto, where he worked downtown focusing on MSK and Vestibular Rehabilitation and performed field coverage for local football and track cycling teams.

He also worked as an instructor in a physical therapy development prep course. More recently, Geoff has worked at a private clinic in Victoria and completed a contract in Whistler working with snowboard Canada. Over his career, he has worked in various settings: hospital, long term care, military, private musculoskeletal and vestibular clinics. Geoff is actively involved in continuing education, taking advanced vestibular, manual therapy, exercise, strength and conditioning, taping and acupuncture/IMS courses.

He uses his skills to assess and develop comprehensive programs for people of all ages and abilities to improve performance and day-to-day quality of life. He believes in treating with a combination of manual therapy, exercise and education and is passionate about recovery from both acute traumatic injuries and chronic physical disorders. Geoff draws from his background as a personal trainer and competitive athlete and diverse clinical experience to inform his practice and mentorship of developing physiotherapists.

Growing up, he played soccer and junior hockey and was involved with the Queens' rugby and track and field team. Currently, he is struggling to manage a growing mountain bike addiction and training a cute but very barky dog that should know better by now. He is tremendously excited to become part of the Nanaimo community and eat many Nanaimo bars with a newfound sense of patriotism. 


Jimmy

Physiotherapy

Jimmy graduated from Dalhousie University with a Master of Science in Physiotherapy in 2019. Since graduation, he gained diverse experiences working in both acute and rehabilitation settings. With a strong commitment to continuous learning, he has completed additional training in NDT (Neuro-Developmental Treatment), Bobath, American Spinal Injury Association, concussion management, cardiac rehabilitation, and the Hemispheres Stroke Competency series. His passion lies in vestibular rehabilitation, which involves the treatment of balance, dizziness, and vertigo. He completed Duke University’s competency-based certification course in Atlanta, Georgia.

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    In addition to his clinical work, he also works as a teacher helping aspiring physiotherapists across Canada in their preparation for the physiotherapy licensing exam.

Jonathan

Physiotherapy

I am originally from Halifax, Nova Scotia. Growing up I played many sports including hockey, golf, sailing and snowboarding; developing a passion for health and fitness. In 2020, I completed my undergraduate degree in Neuroscience at Dalhousie University, where I developed a keen interest in the functioning of the brain and its response to injuries. My fascination for sports and brain health led me to McMaster University, where I earned my Master's degree in Physiotherapy in 2022.

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    Since graduating, I have continued to expand my knowledge by completing courses in the Bobath concept, Functional Electrical Stimulation, and Motivating Healthy Behaviors. I have specialized in treating conditions related to the nervous system, including Stroke, Parkinson's, Multiple Sclerosis, Spinal Cord Injuries, and Amputations. Prior to relocating to Nanaimo, I gained valuable experience working with these specialized patient populations at two rehabilitation hospitals in Hamilton. I am also enthusiastic about pursuing additional courses in the Bobath concept, acupuncture, dry needling, and concussion management.


    My approach to patient care centers around a holistic model, emphasizing the importance of the bio-psycho-social framework. I prioritize functional movement and patient education in my therapies. What sets me apart as a physiotherapist are my strong communication skills and deep compassion, enabling me to build strong therapeutic relationships with my patients. My commitment to a patient-centered approach is unwavering, as I strive to optimize patient satisfaction and outcomes.


Cierra, Nicole W & Dorothy

Client Services

From Left to Right: Cierra has been with Symphony since 2021

Nicole W. is our Clinic Manager and has been with Symphony since 2017 Dorothy, our newest Symphony Team member, joined us in August 2023

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