KITCHENER-WATERLOO DISTRICT

Welcome to the Kitchener-Waterloo (KW) District of the Ontario Physiotherapy Association where networking events, courses and district news will be posted.

We are currently seeking enthusiastic physiotherapists who are looking for leadership opportunities. If you are interested, please contact Amy VanSchyndel at kw@opa.on.ca.

MEET THE EXECUTIVE

Amy VanSchyndel

Amy-VanSchyndel-headshot

Amy VanSchyndel is a Registered Physiotherapist practicing primarily in outpatient orthopaedics in the private sector. She graduated from Western University with an Honours Bachelor of Medical Science in 2011, a Master of Science in 2013 and a Master of Physical Therapy in 2015. While completing her physical therapy schooling, Amy was able to gain experience through clinical placement in private orthopaedics, spinal cord and concussion rehabilitation, acute neurosurgery, and cardiac intensive care. Her areas of interest and post-graduate education include courses in manual therapy, Integrated Dry Needling, concussion management, and vestibular rehabilitation. Amy completed her Advanced Manual and Manipulative Physical Therapy Diploma, and is a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Manipulative Physiotherapy as well as a registered mentor within the AIM program. Amy is dedicated to providing compassionate, client-centred care primarily through evidence-based education, manual therapy, and appropriate/meaningful exercise prescription within the biopsychosocial model of patient care. She is also well-versed in the dance industry and has experience treating various dance-related injuries.

Amy is passionate about leadership and advocacy within the physiotherapy profession, and has recently taken on the role of President of the Kitchener-Waterloo District of the Ontario Physiotherapy Association, after serving on the Committee since 2016 as Secretary. Her goals for the District include providing education and professional development opportunities for members and other healthcare professionals; creating an ongoing dialogue between members and the OPA regarding strategic planning and challenges faced by members; and lastly increasing membership involvement, thereby enhancing the sense of community between physiotherapists, physiotherapy residents, physiotherapy assistants and physiotherapy students of the Kitchener-Waterloo District.

Amy dedicates her spare time to the art of dance, inspiring young dancers to discover their creative passion through both choreography and performance.  She spends her free time hiking with her dog, dancing, working out, and doing yoga, as well as spending quality time with her family and friends.

Heather Dayarathna

Heather-Bertram-headshotHeather Dayarathna is a Registered Physiotherapist who currently practices in an outpatient orthopedic clinic. She graduated from Western University with an Honours Bachelor of Health Sciences in 2017 and a Master of Physical Therapy in 2019. Her areas of interest include sports injuries, concussion management, and neurological rehabilitation. She has completed post-graduate courses in manual therapy through the AIM program, and she plans to pursue further education in both manual therapy and neurological physiotherapy.

Heather has recently joined the Kitchener-Waterloo District of OPA as Secretary. She is passionate about advocacy within the physiotherapy profession, as well as advocacy for the profession in the health care community at large. She hopes to work within this role to help progress member involvement, provide educational opportunities, and advocate for the profession in the community.

In her spare time, Heather enjoys staying active with activities such as running, working out, and playing sports such as soccer and ultimate frisbee.

Naseem Amani

Naseem Amani is a Registered Physiotherapist practicing in outpatient orthopaedics in Waterloo. She completed her Honours Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology at the University of Waterloo in 2009 and then went on to the University of Toronto to obtain her Master of Science in Physical Therapy in 2011. She has continued to expand on her knowledge and skill sets through a number of post-graduate courses in areas including Contemporary Medical Acupuncture from McMaster University, MDT Method from McKenzie Institute Canada, Bonefit for osteoporosis management, and more.

Nas also has a strong passion for yoga. She started practicing in 2011 and became a certified Yoga Instructor in 2016. As her love for yoga continued to grow she wanted to find a way to bring this holistic practice into the clinic setting which is how she discovered Yoga Therapy. She is currently completing her Yoga Therapy certification through Ajna Yoga College and often integrates the principles of Yoga and Physiotherapy together in order to assist her clients’ understanding of their bodies, their pain experience, and their recovery journey.

In addition to her work clinically, Nas believes there is exceptional value in building community among physiotherapists and other local professionals. She currently holds the position of Treasurer on the Kitchener-Waterloo District Executive of OPA and is very excited to be part of a team helping to provide education, resources, and a sense of community in the local area.

In her spare time, Nas enjoys rock climbing, acro yoga, bike rides and traveling. For her, any time spent outdoors with friends and family is time well spent.

Jennifer Stemmler

Jennifer-Stemmler-headshotJennifer completed her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology degree at the University of Waterloo in 2011, continuing her education at McMaster University, where she obtained her Master of Science in Physiotherapy in 2014. While at McMaster, Jenn had unique experiences working in acute neurosurgery, palliative care, private orthopaedics, and with persistent pain populations, gaining a true understanding of the need for rehabilitation in many facets of injury, disease, and disability.

Jenn has continued to expand her skill set throughout her career, as she is passionate about life long learning. She has studied the role of physiotherapy in the management of complex persistent pain extensively, and has applied these principles to her practice. Jenn believes in compassionately empowering each individual to take control of his or her own pain experience. She is currently completing her Therapeutic Pain Specialization through Evidence in Motion to be able to further assist her clients understand and overcome their pain.

Jenn has also completed further training in acupuncture, vestibular and concussion therapy, exercise therapy, TMJ dysfunction, and orthopaedic practice. Jenn is dedicated to motivating clients in all circumstances to make positive lifestyle modifications, listen to their bodies, and challenge themselves so they can improve their health and prevent future injury and illness.

In addition to her skills clinically, Jenn is also an advocate for the profession in her community. She is the Education Representative for the Kitchener-Waterloo District Executive of OPA. As well, she loves sharing about how physiotherapists can help, specifically with persistent pain, and has spoken to the Waterloo Region Chronic Pain Initiative to increase awareness on the realities of persistent pain, and the importance of physical rehabilitation.

In her spare time, Jenn loves going out for walks, runs, or bike rides with her husband and son. She is a very amateur knitter, an avid reader and writer, and enjoys travelling.

Erin Taylor

Erin Taylor is a Registered Physiotherapy Resident who currently practices in an outpatient orthopaedic clinic. She graduated from Wilfrid Laurier University with an Honours Bachelor of Kinesiology in 2020 and a Master of Physical Therapy from Western University in 2022. Her areas of interest include sports injuries, neurological rehabilitation and vestibular therapy. She plans to pursue further education in manual therapy, acupuncture and vestibular physiotherapy.

Erin has recently joined the Kitchener-Waterloo District of OPA as Social Media Coordinator. She hopes to use her position within the OPA to advocate for the role of physiotherapy within our healthcare system. She is excited to become a leader within the physiotherapy community through organized educational opportunities and sharing information about the physiotherapy profession within the Kitchener-Waterloo community.

In her spare time, Erin enjoys working out, dancing, playing volleyball and spending time with friends and family.

Anna Marie Sneath

Anna-Marie-Sneath-picture

As a PT clinician, educator and leader with over 30 years of experience in the public sector, Anna Marie has supported, advocated for and mentored many peers, colleagues, teams and students in areas of professional practice, process & quality improvement, change management, advocacy, team functioning, and career development. With strong academic connections to U of T, certification as a Leadership Coach and progressive leadership roles within the Rehab sector, she is a demonstrated collaborator using a strengths based approach.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Celebrate National Physiotherapy Month with the Kitchener-Waterloo District!

Million-Reasons-Run-KW-District-Poster

This year, we are participating in The Million Reasons Run to raise funds for children’s hospitals across Canada. The Million Reasons Run is a 31-day running challenge, starting on May 1, and funds raised go towards life-saving research to find cures for childhood illnesses and gentler treatments for children undergoing medical procedures.

The KW District has created a running team called KW Physios + Friends, and we would love for you to join! Registration is FREE and on an individual basis so you can create your own running and fundraising goals, and your achievements contribute to our team goals over the course of the month. Prizes for fundraising are awarded on an individual basis, and fundraising is optional.

How to Register:

  1. Find more information and register here
  2. Click “Sign up for Free”
  3. Fill in your information, select a children’s hospital of your choice, and set your running goal
  4. Click “Join a Team” and look for KW Physios + Friends
  5. Set your fundraising goal (which can be changed at any time)
  6. Agree to Terms and Conditions and click “Complete my Registration”

Please refer to the “How it Works” section for FAQ’s as well as information regarding how to connect your running apps to help you track your running goals! Also, download the poster to share with colleagues, family, friends, and clients! We would love for them to participate as well, so encourage them to register as part of our team!

INFO & REGISTRATION
DOWNLOAD POSTER

KW Physios + Friends Walk/Run

Join us May 27, 2023
Victoria Park Pavilion, Kitchener at 9am

To help us celebrate National Physiotherapy Month and achieve our distance and fundraising goals in The Million Reasons Run, bring your colleagues, friends, AND clients to join us at Victoria Park in Kitchener for a 5km walk/run on May 27, 2023.

Win Prizes!

Signing up for the run and enter draw to win OPA swag, and an Amazon gift card will also be up for grabs! The draw takes place May 27 at 9am before the run starts. Winners must be in attendance to accept prizes.

How to Register:

  1. Register for The Million Reasons Run and join our team – KW Physios + Friends
  2. On your personal page, scroll down and click on “Group Runs”
  3. Click “Find a group run” and select Kitchener and Ontario from the drop down menus
  4. Find KW Physios + Friends and click “Join”

When you’re logged in, make sure to check back frequently for updates regarding the KW Physios + Friends Walk/Run under “Group Runs”, then “Group Runs Joined”.

Please click here for free parking at the lot located near the pavilion at 80 Schneider Avenue, Kitchener, ON, N2J 1K9.

DOWNLOAD POSTER

Contact Us