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

• Kari Lambden

  BScPT, Cert MDT (Physiotherapy)

  Kari graduated from the University of Western Ontario in 1993 with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy. In 1994, she became the owner of Bonavista Physical Therapy Clinic. The clinic has been locally owned and operated ever since.  Kari has taken numerous post-graduate courses, getting her Certificate of Medical Acupuncture (University of Alberta) in 1998, and the Intermediate Diploma of Advanced Manual and Manipulative Therapy (Part A) in 2005. She became credentialed in the McKenzie Method (MDT) in 2008, and has been doing orthotics for 12 years. Over the past few years, Kari has developed a special interest in seniors’ health and arthritis management.  Kari now offers the GLA:D program (Good Life with Arthritis Denmark) which has been a very successful group education and exercise program developed in Denmark for managing pain and disability in people with arthritis.  Helping people in the amazing community of Lake Bonavista for the past 27 years while developing lasting relationships with generations of local families has been Kari’s greatest honor and achievement.

• Audrey Long

  Dip MDT, MSK Specialist (Physiotherapy)

  Audrey is kindly referred to as the “back (or neck) lady”. She received her Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from the University of Western Ontario in 1984, and has since practiced in many different settings.  Throughout her working and teaching career she has had exposure to a wide variety of conditions. She especially enjoys the challenge of sorting out neck and shoulder problems, or back and hip problems using the McKenzie Method (www.mckenziemdt.org). In 1993 she traveled to New Zealand to attend the advanced McKenzie course earning a Diploma in Mechanical Diagnosis and Treatment. Audrey now teaches courses on this method to therapists across Canada and in the United States. She has published two major research papers in the journal Spine and continues to be involved in clinical research.  Audrey is recognized internationally for her expert knowledge and is a sought after speaker at physiotherapy conferences.

  Audrey has been officially recognized by the Canadian Physiotherapy Association as a Clinicial Specialist in MSK (Musculoskeletal). She is among the first group in Canada to receive this designation. Audrey 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 is an invaluable member of our team, mentoring and assisting with more challenging patient cases and providing ongoing education to our entire team.  Audrey has recently become a running specialist with www.therunningclinic.ca. She has been a recreational runner for decades. Her goal is to not let her age stop her from enjoying her morning jogs. She enjoys helping runners overcome current injuries and /or prevent those recurrent problems that some runners experience. Audrey has been an invaluable asset to our team since 2001.

• Merrylee Clark

  MScPT, Dip MDT (Physiotherapy)

  Merrylee graduated in 2009 from the University of Alberta with a Masters of Science in Physical Therapy with Distinction. 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. She is able to cast orthotics to help with foot issues and various postural issues. 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.

• 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!

• Yogesh Chopra

  MPT, Dip OMTP (Physiotherapy)

  Yogesh has a total of 9 years experience in the field of Orthopedic Physical Therapy and specializes in the treatment of severe back and neck conditions. He also has a special interest in treating scoliosis.

  He has done his Master of Physical Therapy from Manav Rachna International University, Faridabad, Haryana, India and Bachelor of Physical Therapy degree from University of Delhi, New Delhi, India. He also completed his Diploma in Osteopathic Manipulative Theory and Practice affiliated to Osteopathic College of Ontario and he is currently pursuing certification in Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (aka McKenzie Method) from McKenzie Institute International. He has personally mentored many Physical Therapists in the treatment of back & neck pain.

  Awards & Recognition

  – Winner of Toughest case award for year 2017 to 2018 from QI Spine Clinic, India

  – Gold Medalist for academic and clinical skills from Manav Rachna International University

  In Yogi’s free time he enjoys singing and listening to music, driving, and playing cricket. He and his wife love everything about Calgary except for the cold winter days!

• 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. 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.

• 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.

• Saniya Dang

  MScPT, BMSc(Hons) (Physiotherapy)

  Saniya completed the Masters of Science in Physical Therapy program in 2013 from the University of Toronto. She relocated from Ontario in 2019, and brought a variety of clinical experience from both the private clinic and hospital rehabilitation settings. Along with practicing acupuncture, dry needling, cupping therapy and taping, Saniya utilizes the McKenzie Method of Diagnosis and Treatment to assess and treat mechanical pain. She can also help people with dizziness, balance issues, vertigo and post-concussion syndrome, having been trained in Vestibular Rehabilitation and Concussion Care.

  In conjunction with her hands-on skills, Saniya believes in empowering patients in their own recovery through education and exercise therapy.

  When she isn’t busy researching new treatment techniques, Saniya enjoys traveling, staying active and spending time with her family (including her little shih tzu).

• Gord Routledge

  BScPT, Cert MDT (Physiotherapy)

  Gord graduated in 1989 from the University of Alberta with a Bachelor of Science in Rehabilitation Medicine (Physical Therapy) with Distinction. His areas of clinical specialization include Sports Physiotherapy, Acupuncture, Intra-Muscular Stimulation (I.M.S.), and McKenzie Mechanical Diagnosis and Treatment of Spine Disorders. Gord’s career highlights to date include Men’s National Team physiotherapist with Hockey Canada from 1992-94, 1994 Winter Olympics in Lillehammer, Norway, and 1994 World Ice Hockey Championships in Milan, Italy. He spent three years in Sweden working for Leksand Stars in the Swedish Elite Hockey League from 1995-98. Gord is part-owner of Bonavista Physical Therapy and has been a key member of our team since 1999.

• 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.

• Francy Canal

  Advanced Clinical Massage Therapist

  Francy is from Colombia, she moved to Calgary in 2010 with her husband and two kids.

  Francy is a Registered Nurse with 14 years of experience helping people recover their health in Colombia. When she first arrived in Canada it was difficult to continue working as a Nurse, she decided to study massage therapy so she could continue helping those in need. She likes massage because it gives her the opportunity to help patients recover their physical and emotional balance.

  Francy graduated from Makami College in 2014 with a Massage Therapy Diploma and 3000 hours of training. She also worked for two years as a tutor in Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology and Massage Techniques as she also loves to teach!

  Francy offers a variety of techniques including Deep Tissue, Sport Massage, Pregnancy Massage, and Therapeutic Massage catering to the specific needs of her clients.

• 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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