Thomas Hein, Reg PT, Dip. Manip. PT, FCAMPT, CGIMS, MCPA
Physiotherapist
Thomas is a manual physiotherapist with years of postgraduate experience in orthopaedics, sports medicine, and manipulative therapy. After graduating from Queen’s University in 1995 he has practiced in a variety of clinical settings. He completed a full-time post-graduate program in 1998-99 and received his first diploma from the Canadian Academy in 2000 and he continues as Instructor for the Orthopaedic Division of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association in the postgraduate manual and manipulative therapy educational program. Thomas also has an interest in traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture.
At the request of physicians in the Thornhill area who were not getting the results with their patients, Thomas opened Physioactive in 1999 with the goal of opening a clinic second to none. Thomas continues to teach and take postgraduate studies on a part-time basis. Completing the five-year Osteopathy Program at the Canadian College of Osteopathy has furthered increased Thomas’s knowledge base. It has allowed Thomas to improve results by incorporating craniosacral, visceral, and other osteopathic techniques into his physiotherapy practice. He has had great success in combining a variety of techniques to achieve maximal results with even the most difficult or complex clientele. He incorporates a wide range of techniques including spinal manipulation, myofascial release, spinal stabilization exercises, neural tissue mobilization, and medical acupuncture. Recently, Thomas has also completed his training for intermuscular stimulation (IMS). Having many “tools in his toolbox” allows Thomas to enjoy success in treating a variety of ages and conditions. With a growing interest in pediatrics and pre- and post–+natal care. Thomas has found great reward in successfully treating newborns and young children with varied conditions.
Effects of Osteopathy on Balance in those with Parkinson’s
Function and Mobility in Parkinson’s patients
Robyn Cornofsky, Reg. PT, BSc.P.T., MCPA
Physiotherapist
Robyn holds an Honours Bachelor of Science (Biology) from McMaster University and a Bachelor of Science (Physical Therapy) from the University of Toronto. Robyn is a Registered Physiotherapist with years of clinical experience in outpatient orthopaedic and sports medicine.
Robyn thrives on empowering others by giving them a greater understanding of their body and their injury. She believes the best therapeutic results are obtained with patient compliance – by teaching ways to avoid aggravating a condition, building strength and endurance, and preventing re-injury in the future.
Passionate about postural education and core stability programs, Robyn also uses manual therapy to help clients’ progress. She has a keen interest in continuing education and furthering her skills as a clinician.
Robyn’s professional style involves gaining a person’s confidence and trust, to make a difference quickly and have them tell others about their positive experience with a Registered Physiotherapist. She believes the biggest compliments come by way of referrals.
Nicholas Biasini, Reg. PT, BSc.Kin, MSc. PT., MCPA
Physiotherapist
Nicholas Biasini is a graduate of the Physical Therapy program at the University of Toronto. Prior to that, he completed his Honours Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology at York University. Nicholas’ pursuit of becoming a registered physiotherapist is a result of his long-time passion for discovering how the human body functions, combined with his genuine desire to help others. Nicholas is devoted to expanding his expertise and skill set through post-graduate courses, in order to best serve his clients. At this time, Nicholas is certified in acupuncture, soft tissue release, and is working towards an advanced manual therapy certification from the Orthopaedic Division of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association.
Nicholas believes that patient education is an invaluable and essential tool in empowering his patients to take on an active role in their rehabilitation. Nicholas combines injury-relevant education with hands-on manual therapy techniques, and therapeutic exercise prescription, to best help his patients return to their optimal physical functioning. With these tools, Nicholas aims to pinpoint the root cause of his patient’s pathologies, rather than just treating their symptoms. His interest and success with high-level athletes and weekend warriors, combined with his extensive skill set makes him a valued member of our Physioactive team.
Outside of work, some of Nicholas’s hobbies include hockey, tennis, weight lifting, and spending as much time outdoors as possible! During the summer months, Nicholas also enjoys travelling and spending time on the lake at the cottage.
Andrew Conroy, Reg. PT. Grad.Dip.Phys.
Physiotherapist
Andrew graduated in the U.K. in 1987 and since 1989 has had extensive experience specializing in Orthopaedic and Sports Injury Rehabilitation here in Canada.
Working closely with the North York General Orthopaedic surgeons Andrew has an up-to-date and thorough knowledge of the latest surgical approaches to both upper and lower extremities and their post-operative rehabilitation. In addition, he has treated a wide range of non-surgical conditions successfully. A passionate teacher, Andrew has been an instructor in numerous community settings covering such topics as ‘Backcare and Lifting’ for Healthcare workers and the ‘Benefits of exercise’ for the Diabetic and Coronary health population. He has been a Clinical Instructor for many PT students and is a credentialed clinical instructor with the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). He brings this ability to educate in the clinical setting to ensure the client/patient has a thorough understanding of their condition and the approach to treatment. His constant pursuit of knowledge through the completion of numerous post-graduate courses allows the delivery of precisely targeted treatment to achieve successful outcomes for patients and the attainment of their functional goals. It is this individually tailored treatment approach, combining care with clinical experience, in a comfortable, professional manner, that enthuses Andrew in his work as a Physiotherapist.
Aparna Brahma, Reg. PT, MSc. PT. Medical Acupuncture Provider, MCPA
Physiotherapist
Aparna Brahma is a Registered PT practicing in Canada since 2008. She is a certified Acupuncture provider and Pelvic health physiotherapist licensed with the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario. She is a dedicated member of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association.
Aparna graduated with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy from India in 2004. With the intent of having a better understanding of age-related changes in the musculoskeletal system of the human body, she decided to pursue post-graduation from Western University, London ON. Her research involved studying age-related changes with exercise in residents of Long Term Carefacilities. She graduated with a Masters of Science in Physical Therapy in 2007 upon which she set her foot into the private healthcare system.
In her several years of clinical experience, Aparna places patient education to be of paramount importance. She notices a positive prognosis in her patient’s health condition and steady compliance with treatments with a “patient-invested” approach. She stands by the quote “It’s never too late to start” and always encourages her patients for taking their first step towards improved quality of life no matter where the starting point is.
Aparna believes that “Learning stops when intent stops”. In her quest to continue education, she has recently completed Level 2 certification in Pelvic Health and has been providing treatments for pelvic floor dysfunction such as incontinence and prolapse. She has adopted a multi-factorial treatment protocol to bring a global change in her client’s health condition.
Due to the continued demand for our pelvic health program. Addressing all the concerns of pain, incontinence, and dysfunction. Aparna continues to develop her post-graduate skills in this regard. Aparna works with other practitioners to maximize the health of our clients.
Sheetal Parwani, Reg. PT, MPTh, MCPA
Physiotherapist
Sheetal was attracted to the field of physiotherapy since Grade 12 when she saw the wonders of how physiotherapy can help heal clients, not only physically but emotionally too. Being compassionate in nature and a good listener, it seemed like a natural choice to turn to the profession of Physiotherapy. There has been no turning back since then. Sheetal received her Master’s in Physical Therapy in 2002 from the University of Mumbai and worked in Mumbai in an orthopedic setting for two years. She relocated to Canada and became a registered Physiotherapist in Canada in 2005. She is an active member of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association.
Over the years, Sheetal enhanced her career with continuing education with various post-graduate courses including manual therapy advancement from the Orthopedic Division of the CPA, nerve mobilization, chronic pain management from APTEI, functional capacity evaluation, ART (Active Release Therapy) to name a few. Recently, she has been certified in Vestibular Rehabilitation which includes the assessment and treatment of vertigo, dizziness and balance disorders. She is also a Connect Therapy Series graduate with Dr. LJ Lee International.
She treats all age groups and uses education, soft tissue techniques, manual therapy and exercise to help her clients achieve their treatment goals. She believes in treating clients with a holistic approach and uses various tools from her skill sets to help them return to their functional activities.
In her free time, Sheetal enjoys reading, cooking and travelling with family. She likes to stay fit and practice yoga, pilates, enjoys walking, swimming and fitness classes. She believes in practicing Fitness herself as she preaches it to her clients!
Winnie Valencia, Reg. PT
Physiotherapist
Winnie’s introduction to Physiotherapy began with her many injuries as a child and teenager. She suffered sprained ankles, dislocated elbows and shoulders just to name a few. So her journey to become a physiotherapist began. After graduating from Curtin University of Technology in Western Australia she returned home to work with children with special needs. Thoroughly loving working with children life brought her to working with adults in private practice. Winnie threw herself into taking manual therapy courses through the Canadian Physiotherapy Association Orthopedic Division levels 1 to 3 until life brought her two beautiful boys, twins! Recovering from having twins led her to dive into learning about the rest of her body, her nervous system and my organs. This has opened up a whole new world of healing which she would like to share with you.
Kaitlin Vance, Reg. PT
Physiotherapist
Kaitlin graduated from the University of Toronto with a Master of Science in Physical Therapy after graduating from McMaster University with an Honours Bachelor of Science in Biology with a specialization in Physiology. Kaitlin always knew she wanted to work in healthcare.
During her undergraduate, Kaitlin discovered her passion for fitness as she started strength training at the gym, and from there she quickly determined physiotherapy would be a great field for her. Throughout the physiotherapy program, she had clinical placements in hospitals, rehab, and private practice settings which provided her with a multitude of skills necessary to treat the person as a whole.
Kaitlin’s treatment approach includes a combination of hands-on manual therapy, personalized exercises and education to ensure each of her clients reach their specific goals and return to the quality of life they desire. She will be completing her Level 1 Manual Therapy certification from the Orthopaedic Division and plans to further her knowledge through courses in acupuncture/dry needling and taping. She is excited to help her clients find the root cause of their problem so they can live their best lives and be healthy and active. She is interested in helping her clients optimize their performance while working out, by focusing on technique and correcting muscle imbalances so they can avoid reinjury and ensure they have functional strength.
In her free time, Kaitlin enjoys hiking and exploring various trails and forests with her dog. She enjoys strength training at the gym.
Isabella Edelshteyn, Reg. PT
Physiotherapist
Isabella completed her Masters of Physical Therapy at Queen’s University in 2021. She previously completed her Bachelor of Science Honours degree in Kinesiology and Health Science at York University and graduated with the highest distinction (Summa Cum Laude). She has since developed a strong passion for health and is eager to assist her patients gain optimal functioning in their everyday lives. Isabella truly believes in all her patients and has a kind and friendly bedside manner. She is passionate about providing exceptional Physiotherapy and helping her patients achieve their functional and health goals through an individualized care plan.
Isabella is a big proponent of evidence-based practice and continued education. She strongly believes that to excel in Physiotherapy one should be on a lifelong journey of learning. Since graduating in 2021, Isabella has furthered her education in Manual and Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy by taking multiple courses in these specialized fields.
In her free time, Isabella enjoys all things nature, such as camping and hiking. She has a strong love for all animals, including her own puppy, Chapo and cat, Gatsby. She enjoys being active and likes going for long walks and practicing yoga. Her favourite thing to do of all is to spend quality time with her best friend, her husband. In addition to English, Isabella also speaks Russian and Hebrew.
Zachary Starr, D.C
Chiropractor
Dr. Zachary Starr is a graduate of the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College. Before studying to become a chiropractor, Dr. Starr completed a specialized honours bachelors of science in kinesiology from York University. Dr. Starr realized that he wanted to work in the neuromusculoskeletal field since volunteering at the fracture clinic at Mount Sinai hospital and taking an interest in the pathophysiology of various orthopaedic conditions, especially related to the spine.
Dr. Starr is passionate about helping his patients to achieve their goals and make steps towards attaining their best health. His clinical interests include postsurgical rehabilitation, chronic pain disorders, and discogenic referral. Other areas of focus include postural/ergonomic assessment, prophylactic care, and education.
Dr. Starr achieves his results through joint manipulation and mobilization, myofacial release, exercise prescription and use of various modalities such as laser, IFC and shockwave.
In his free time, Dr. Starr enjoys brazilian ju-jitsu and playing guitar. During the winter time, he also enjoys playing ice hockey and snowboarding.
Mina Kalil, MOst DOMP
Osteopath
After being introduced to osteopathy in 2011, Mina grew a keen interest in the profession as his desire was always to help people feel better and be pain-free. Mina is a British-trained osteopath who went on to complete his Masters in Osteopathic Medicine in London, England at the British College of Osteopathic Medicine. Mina appreciates the holistic approach that osteopathy takes as his job is to seek the underlying physiological cause of the issue, following the bio-psyhco-social model of health. He also aims in providing support to educate, engage and influence patients in decisions pertaining to achieving and maintaining optimal health.
In his years of clinical training in the UK and Canada, Mina has dealt with all patients ranging from young athletes, office workers, elderly patients, factory/industrial workers as well as pregnant women. Mina uses osteopathy as a way of detecting and treating injuries in the muscles, ligaments, fascia, nerves and joints of the body. Having a highly developed sense of touch known as palpation, he will gently and specifically evaluate and treat injuries. As an osteopathic practitioner, Mina believes that the body has the ability to heal itself and the skilled application of osteopathic techniques (massage, visceral, mobilization/manipulation and soft tissue) in addition to exercise prescription can improve this process and help patients reach their optimal goal.
Mina is a member of the Ontario Association of Osteopathic Manual Practitioners and is covered by insurance.
Shirley Fung, RMT
Registered Massage Therapist
Shirley is a Registered Massage Therapist with years of health & wellness experience, from hospital to hotel spas, doing hands-on work, management, and education training in between the two extremes. After graduating with honour from the 2200 hour Ontario massage program, she has practiced in a variety of settings, including the spa, sports club, and physiotherapy clinic. She also achieved both hospital & sports outreach certificates in addition to the required school clinic training.
After registered with CMTO as RMT, Shirley attended massage conference on a regular basis and furthered her training in pregnancy massage, Soft Tissue Release for treating tight muscle, ultrasound treatment, TMJ/jaw treatment, chair massage and has a basic knowledge of Matrix Repatterning, NISA, Chakra, Reflexology, Acupressure, and Zen Shiatsu.
True to her desire to always learn new skills and treatments in holistic wellness, Shirley’s current focus is in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture. She will be sharing knowledge of Qigong and Tuina with her clients soon.
Man (Monica) Guo, RMT
Registered Massage Therapist
Monica Guo is an empathetic and skilled Registered Massage Therapist in Ontario with expertise in Swedish Massage, Deep Tissue Massage, Reflexology, Acupressure, Cupping and Chinese TuiNa. She is focused on therapeutic massage to aid in pain management and approaches every patient with a tailored treatment plan to resolve their unique journeys with pain and discomfort. Her skills coupled with her own stories of chronic pain motivate her to help others achieve optimal results at any stage.
Gabriel Beer, RMT
Registered Massage Therapist
Gabriel is our senior Massage Therapist with over twenty years of experience. A high level of understanding of the human body combined with extended practice in his field make Gabriel not only an exceptional therapist but also a healer. Gabriel holds a University Degree with a Bachelor in Health and Physical Education and Sport. He is trained to improve the athlete’s ability to increase endurance, resistance, and speed in order to reach peak performance. He also has completed a Massage Therapy Program and he is licensed by the CMTO and he is member RMTAO.
As a massage therapist, he put all of his knowledge into his practice in order to create the best treatment for his patients. Helping the body to heal itself it’s the foundation of his treatment.
He is performing a large spectrum of massages including Therapeutic Massage, Swedish Massage, Sport Massage, Pregnancy Massage, Breast Massage, Infants Massage, and Deep Tissue Massage. He also provide Trigger-Point Therapy, Active Release Technique (ART), Manual Lymphatic Drainage, Myofascial Release Technique, Hydrotherapy, Joint Mobilization and Remedial Exercises. Being a holistic practitioner, he also offer to our patients CranioSacral Therapy, SomatoEmotional Release, Reiki, and Reflexology.
Gabriel have been practicing Karate for nine years and he has a black belt with first degree in that discipline. When he doesn’t have his hands on the body he has his mind on the soul. Gabriel’s passion for music, sports, and writing complements the balance between his work and his leisure time. As a husband and father he has a very deep connection with his family. As an author, Gabriel is very proud of his accomplishment, publishing his first book titled: ”Pieces of Heaven”.
He would describe himself: ” I’m my own philosophy in searching for its truth”.
Vincent Ku, DPodM
Registered Chiropodist
Vincent completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Waterloo in Engineering with a specialty in Biomechanics, and graduate studies in Podiatric Medicine at the Michener Institute in Toronto. His previous experiences include rotations at St. Michael’s Wound Clinic, Toronto General Hyperbarics Unit, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute and Erin Mills Podiatry. He is registered in good standing with the College of Chiropodists of Ontario with prescribing rights and surgical training. He has been in practice for over 10 years and has served as a medical advisor to several Ontario prescription orthotic laboratories. He is a caring and compassionate practitioner that has a deep interest in his patients’ well-being and strives to help them function at their highest potential.
Our Administrative Team
- Ashley Henriques
- Karen Custoreri
- Rebecca Bentolila
- Armine Samvelyan
- Carla Weinstein
- Anna Green
- Negin Haghighi
- Era Ourahou