Because we at Bonavista Physical Therapy use a team approach, we can ensure you get the care you need.

• Rachelle Fornwald

  MPT (Physiotherapy)

  Rachelle graduated with a Master’s of Physical Therapy from the University of Saskatchewan in 2014 after completing a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology in 2012. Rachelle has been a key member of our team since 2015 and recently became the proud new c0-owner of the clinic in 2024. She is fully credentialed in the McKenzie Method having completed all four courses and the written/practical exam. She also plans to pursue further education in manual and manipulative therapy and to complete her certification in acupuncture. Rachelle enjoys collaborating with her patients to develop an individualized treatment plan to help reach their rehabilitation goals and improve their quality of life. She believes in an exercise-based approach to therapy, as this allows her patients to become actively involved in their care. When Rachelle is not at work, she enjoys snowboarding, travelling, playing sports and watching the NFL.

• Merrylee Clark

  MScPT, Dip MDT (Physiotherapy)

  Merrylee graduated in 2009 from the University of Alberta with a Masters of Science in Physical Therapy and soon after joined the team at Bonavista Physical Therapy Clinic.  She became the proud co-owner of the clinic in 2024 and is excited to continue to serve the community that she loves. She has pursued advanced training in several areas and has attained the highest level of accreditation (Diploma) in Mechanical Diagnosis & Therapy (McKenzie Method), travelling to Scotland to complete her training. Merrylee is also trained in Acupuncture through the Acupuncture Foundation of Canada Institute (CAFCI)and has also been trained in treating vestibular conditions which result in dizziness and balance disorders. With a Bachelors of Kinesiology from the University of Calgary and a long history of competitive athletics including figure skating and track and field, she loves to work with athletes on rehabilitating and preventing injuries. However no matter what type of injury or condition being treated, Merrylee is most passionate about educating individuals on what is causing the injury, how to rehabilitate it and how to prevent it from happening again. Merrylee has been a key and valued member of our team since 2010.

• Audrey Long

  Dip MDT, MSK Specialist (Physiotherapy)

  Audrey is kindly referred to as the “back (or neck) lady” and is committed to the motto that “movement is medicine”.  Audrey is currently rehabilitating her own ACL knee injury. She opted out of surgery and fully understands that nobody wants to stop doing the things they love to do. Audrey usesher 30+ years’ experience to help people understand and sort out their pain issues.  She especially enjoys the challenge of doing the ‘detective work’ necessary to sort out conditions that are linked to each other or that can mimic each other (neck and shoulder, or back and hip/knee problems). She investigates pain using the McKenzie Method (www.mckenziemdt.org). In 1993 Audrey traveled to New Zealand to attend the advancedlevel of McKenzie training and earned a Diploma in Mechanical Diagnosis and Treatment.  Audrey now teaches courses on this method to therapists across Canada. She haspublished four scientific papers on back pain and currently consults with a team investigating the link between neck stiffness and headaches.  Audrey is recognized internationally for her expert knowledge and is a sought after speaker at conferences.

  Audrey has been officially recognized by the Canadian Physiotherapy Association as a Clinical Specialist in MSK (Musculoskeletal) and is also qualified to order X-Ray, MRI and Ultrasound studies for her clients if indicated. Combined with her expertise as an instructor in the McKenzie Method (MDT), Audrey has been an invaluable member of our team since 2001, mentoring and assisting with more challenging patient cases and providing ongoing education to our entire team.

• Sarah Hall

  MPT (Physiotherapy)

  Sarah graduated in 2013 with her Masters of Physical Therapy degree from Western University in London, Ontario. Prior to this, she graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from Saint Mary’s University in her hometown of Halifax, Nova Scotia. Sarah is a driven and compassionate therapist who strives for excellence in all areas of patient care. Sarah has been a key member of our team since 2017. She takes her time with each person in order to give her patients the tools, education and motivation to recover and thrive after any injury. Since taking her first McKenzie course in 2015, she has been hooked, and has since completed all the courses and passing the credentialing exam in 2018. She has also completed other post-graduate training that includes Manual Therapy level one, Mulligan techniques for the lower extremities, and plans to do further training in Functional Movement Systems in the near future. Although Sarah grew up by the Atlantic Ocean, she has settled nicely in Calgary and enjoys exploring the mountains and the city with her husband and dog and doing some yoga along the way!  Sarah will be on maternity leave until April 2023!

• Julian Quaglia

  MPT, BScKin, CSCS (Physiotherapy)

  Julian earned his Honours Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology in 2016 at McMaster University while volunteering as a Student Clinical Therapist and Strength and Conditioning Coach with the varsity basketball and football teams. He completed his Masters of Physiotherapy program at Western University in 2019.

  Julian’s clinical approach prioritizes exercise, load management, and client empowerment. His treatment philosophy revolves around finding ways to keep you doing what you love, staying active through the rehab process, and making sure you’re involved every step of the way. Julian is particularly interested in the complexity of pain and understands that you are not your diagnosis.

  Julian is a Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist. In addition to working with various club and varsity teams, he has worked extensively as a personal trainer. You can find him at the gym every morning, lifting weights or shooting hoops. Music is a cornerstone of his life, and you’ll never catch him without a good book on the go.

• Vinnie Palumbo

  MScPT, BScKin (Physiotherapy)

  Vinnie Palumbo graduated from the University of Calgary with a Bachelor’s Degree in Kinesiology with distinction. Wanting to further understand the intricacies of human movement and rehabilitation led him to pursue his Master’s Degree in Physical Therapy at the University of Alberta. Vinnie enjoys getting to know his patients and helping them return to their favorite activities. While he loves all sports, he has a keen interest in both hockey and golf having played both for over 15 years. Vinnie’s obsession with golf has grown over the past few years, which has led him to further study golf-related injury rehabilitation and prevention. During covid, when gyms were closed, Vinnie developed a love-hate relationship with running. Unfortunately, Vinnie learned the hard way about running injuries.  From personal experience, he now knows the best ways a physiotherapist can facilitate a patients’ pain-free return to running. Vinnie believes in a simple, and big picture approach to rehabilitation using the McKenzie Method, manual therapy, and therapeutic exercises in his treatment plans.

• Laura Stewart

  MPT, BScBio (Physiotherapy)

  Laura graduated from the University of Regina in 2015 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology, prior to pursuing a Masters in Physical Therapy at the University of Saskatchewan. With a strong background in anatomy, physiology and movement analysis, she is dedicated to helping patients recover from injuries, manage chronic conditions and optimize their physical well-being.
  Laura is passionate about her work and believes in empowering her patients to take an active role in their own recovery. She prioritizes patient education, as well as working together to develop personalized treatment plans, with her clinical approach being a combination of therapeutic exercise and manual therapy.
  Laura is currently advancing through the Orthopedic Levels obtaining Level 1 and 2, has completed McKenzie Part A & B, as well as obtained her Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy certification. More specifically seeing pelvic patients with incontinence, prolapse and pelvic pain. She has extensive experience in treating temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, as well as a variety of musculoskeletal conditions.
  When she is not working, Laura enjoys playing basketball, traveling, snowboarding, hiking, pottery class and watching the NBA.

• Adam Powell

  MSc.PT, B.Kin Physiotherapist

  Adam graduated from the University of Calgary in 2016, with a Bachelor of Kinesiology (with distinction). He then completed his Masters degree in Physical Therapy in 2020 from the University of Alberta. Adam is a believer that being able to do the activities you enjoy is what keeps you healthy. Learning what is important to the client and building strong relationships along the way is vital. Additionally, educating the client about their injury from the beginning and understanding the “why” behind the treatment plan has tremendous value. Athletics have always been a part of Adam’s life. Like many, he grew up playing hockey. Eventually, he found wrestling where he became a varsity member of the University of Calgary Dino’s wrestling team. Now he uses his hands to mobilize joints and muscles to improve your symptoms. His athletic background has also equipped him with a sound knowledge of exercise prescription to solidify improvements made in the clinic and get you back to your activities.
  Adam currently practices level 1 Functional Dry Needling, TMJ, Mulligan Lower Concept, and Level 1 Orthopaedic Manual Therapy. Adam has a keen interest in preventative health. Whether it be injury prevention for young athletes or strengthening/mobility programming for middle aged adults.

• Sherrie Duerksen

  Registered Massage Therapist

  Sherrie graduated from the Mount Royal Massage Therapy Program and has been a registered member with the Natural Health Practitioners of Canada (NHPC) since her graduation in 2007. Sherrie has extensive experience in treating a wide variety of conditions including whiplash, headaches, repetitive strains, sports injuries, and a variety of postural related symptoms. She enjoys treating clients across every age group, from children to those suffering with arthritis and other age related conditions. Since joining the team at Bonavista Physical Therapy in 2010, she has enjoyed collaborating with the Physical Therapists to ensure a consistent therapeutic treatment for each client. Sherrie knows no two people are the same and will adapt every treatment to the individual needs and comfort level of each client. Whether it be to find relief from pain or simply to have a relaxing massage, Sherrie is passionate about the positive effects of massage therapy, both physically and emotionally.

• Adriana Herrera

  Registered Massage Therapist

  Adriana is originally from Columbia and graduated in 1996 as a production technologist at University of Columbia. In 2006 she came to Canada and in 2017 she graduated from Makami College in Advanced Clinical Therapy (3000 hour program). She has certificates in Advanced Treatment of Soft Tissue Injuries and Alligne and Refine Selfcare for Upper and Lower Body. Adriana is skilled in pregnancy massage, therapeutic massage, hot stone massage, and lymphatic techniques. She loves to help people dealing with pain through manual massage techniques and advice on healthy living. Adriana plans to continue her post graduate massage training and education to further advance her range of skills. Adriana is fluent in Spanish and English.

• Kathy Nguyen

  Registered Massage Therapist

  Kathy graduated from Makami College of Massage in 2017 and has been working full time as a Registered Massage Therapist ever since.  Kathy’s priority is building long lasting relationships with clients.  She  strives to help relieve pain and tension through various massage techniques and help  prevent avoidable injuries from work and life. Kathy is committed to life-long learning and improving her skills.  She is certified in Ceriax Friction by Dr.Salami and Cervical Therapeutic Treatment by Dr.Robert Libbey and his L.A.S.T (Ligamentous Articular Strain Technique). She is experienced in treating whiplash, neck and back strain, and sports injuries. Kathy is fluent in both English and Vietnamese.

• Nicole Weishaar

  Registered Massage Therapist

  Nicole graduated from the Professional Institute of Massage Therapy in 2011 and has been a registered member with Natural Health Practitioners of Canada since graduating.

  With over 10 years of clinical experience in therapeutic massage, Nicole has worked with a wide variety of conditions including motor vehicle accident injuries, whiplash, chronic headaches, chronic swelling, chronic bronchitis, repetitive strain injuries, post knee surgery, and stress. She has developed a passion for helping clients who experience chronic pain after having experienced it herself. Nicole is mindful of the role that the nervous system plays in pain management and incorporates that mindfulness into her treatments. She prides herself on creating a safe and welcoming environment for her clients and strives to make each treatment customized to the individual’s needs and within their level of pain tolerance. She enjoys working with other therapists to get the best care for the client.

• Client Experience Coordinators

  Sherry Ferrel & Shelley Wurz

  Our friendly and hard-working front office staff (aka client experience specialists) work hard to ensure your appointments and billings are efficiently taken care of.  Sherry Ferrel and Shelley Wurz have been managing the team for over 10 years and have extensive experience with all aspects of the patient journey. They can assist you in negotiating your way through extended health benefits, WCB claims, section “B” claims, auto insurance claims, Blue Cross, and Calgary Health Region funding.

  We are located at 739 Lake Bonavista Dr. SE., Calgary in the lower level of Bonavista Medical Clinic, across from Safeway in Lake Bonavista.

  Appointment Hours Available: Monday -> Friday, 7:30 am -> 7:30 pm and 9:00am – 2:00pm Saturdays (except summer) by appointment only, call 403 278-0705 to book.

  Our clinic is wheelchair accessible and there is ample free parking.

We’d all love to hear from you

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