Heather Dayarathna

Heather 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 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.

Katie Gasparelli – Board Liaison