Registered Physiotherapists

Heather Gillis

Clinic Owner/Physiotherapist

Stratford/New Hamburg

Heather Gillis is an owner of Physiotherapy Alliance. She works at the Stratford location. She is a national examiner, senior instructor and education chair with the Orthopaedic Division of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association and a professor at the University of Western Ontario. Heather graduated from the University of Western Ontario with a professional degree in Physiotherapy and completed her Masters in Clinical Anatomy in 2010. Heather also completed her Diploma in Manipulative Therapy in 1999 and is a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Manipulative Physiotherapy. Heather has completed training in intramuscular dry needling. She volunteers her time and clinical insights to physiotherapists looking to advance their skills and is actively involved in various community events.

In her spare time Heather enjoys spending time with her two daughters and participating in Canadian stepdancing and clogging.

Darcy Trefiak

Clinic Owner/Physiotherapist

Stratford/New Hamburg

Darcy Trefiak is an owner of Physiotherapy Alliance. He works at the Stratford, and New Hamburg locations. Darcy graduated from the University of Alberta with an Honours Bachelor of Science in Zoology and then graduated from the University of Western Ontario with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy in 1994. He completed his Advanced Diploma and is a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Manipulative Physiotherapy. He has also completed the McMaster Contemporary Medical Acupuncture Course. Darcy has extensive experience in sports physiotherapy and has provided physiotherapy services to a wide range of sporting events at local and national levels. Darcy has donated his expertise to our community working with the Stratford Black Swans Rugby teams, Stratford Warriors Junior B hockey team, St. Mary’s Lincolns hockey team and multiple OFSSA tournaments to ensure the safety of our local athletes.

In his spare time Darcy enjoys spending time with his two daughters. Darcy likes to stay active by playing hockey and squash. He also enjoys running and cycling.

Jennifer Harwood

Physiotherapist

Stratford

In her spare time Jennifer loves spending time with her two sons, running, biking, hiking, and skiing.

Robert Docking

Physiotherapist

Milverton/Mitchell

Robert Docking works as a physiotherapist in the Milverton and Mitchell locations. Robert graduated from the University of Western Ontario with an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree in Kinesiology in 2007 and a Master of Physical Therapy in 2009. Post-graduate education includes courses in manual therapy, McKenzie mechanical diagnosis and treatment of the spine, intramuscular dry needling and acupuncture. He completed the Advanced Manual and Manipulative Physical Therapy Diploma and is a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Manipulative Physiotherapy. Robert has provided physiotherapy services at a range of sporting events, including coverage of Black Swans Rugby and Stratford Warriors Junior B hockey and various local high school sports.

In his spare time, Robert enjoys playing and watching several sports, especially hockey and soccer.

Alex Buono

Physiotherapist

Stratford/Mitchell

Alex is a Registered Physiotherapy Resident working at the Stratford and Mithcell locations. He completed an Honours Bachelor of Applied Science in Kinesiology and Diploma of Fitness and Health Promotion at the University of Guelph-Humber in 2021 and a Master of Physical Therapy at the University of Western Ontario in 2024. He is motivated to continue furthering his education in manual therapy and various other treatment modalities such as acupuncture. 

Alex enjoys weightlifting, watching football and baseball and playing his guitar and his bass. 

Emily Smith

Physiotherapist

Stratford

Abbey Hood Tidman

Physiotherapy Resident

Stratford/New Hamburg

Abbey is a Physiotherapy Resident working at the Stratford and New Hamburg locations. In 2020, she completed her Honours Bachelor of Kinesiology at Brock University, where she then continued on to complete her Master of Professional Kinesiology in 2021. Abbey completed her Doctor of Physiotherapy at Bond University in Australia in June of 2024. Abbey’s areas of interest include orthopedic injuries and conditions, as well as sport-related injury, prevention, and return to sport. Abbey is eager to participate in post-graduate education in acupuncture and manual therapy in the near future. 

In her free time, Abbey enjoys spending time at her cottage along Lake Huron with friends and family, as well as hiking and camping in the summer months. Abbey takes pleasure in participating in a variety of sports & activities and loves finding new ways to be active! 

Amy VanSchyndel

Physiotherapist

New Hamburg

Amy VanSchyndel is a Registered Physiotherapist at Physiotherapy Alliance, who primarily works in the New Hamburg location. Amy 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. She also completed her Advanced Manual and Manipulative Physical Therapy Diploma and is a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Manipulative Physiotherapy. Amy’s areas of interest and post-graduate education include courses in manual therapy, Integrated Dry Needling, concussion management, and vestibular rehabilitation. She is dedicated to providing compassionate, client-centred care through education, manual therapy, and exercise prescription; and is actively taking courses to learn American Sign Language in order to increase accessibility of physiotherapy services to all members of the community. She is also well-versed in the dance industry and has experience treating various dance-related injuries. Amy is the President of the Kitchener-Waterloo District of the Ontario Physiotherapy Association, and has been on the Executive Committee since 2016.

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 the rest of her free time hiking, dancing, doing yoga, and spending quality time with her family and friends.

Derrick Owen

Physiotherapist

New Hamburg

Derrick is a Registered Physiotherapist at Physiotherapy Alliance’s New Hamburg location. He began his studies by completing his Bachelor of Science Human Kinetics degree at the University of Guelph in 2013, then went on to complete his Master of Physical Therapy degree at the University of Saskatchewan in 2016. Derrick has a special interest in the treatment of a variety of orthopedic injuries and conditions, vestibular rehabilitation and vertigo, and sports injuries prevention and rehabilitation. He has completed his Advanced Manual and Manipulative Physical Therapy Diploma and is a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Manipulative Physiotherapy. He has also completed post-graduate training in Acupuncture and Vestibular Rehabilitation. Derrick looks forward to continuing to pursue further training in these areas of physiotherapy to further expand his repertoire in the near future.

In his spare time, Derrick enjoys spending time with his wife and their daughter. He also enjoys all things sports, especially hockey and golf.

Erin Taylor

Physiotherapist

New Hamburg

Erin is a Registered Physiotherapist working at the New Hamburg location. In 2020, she graduated from Wilfrid Laurier University with an Honours Bachelor of Kinesiology and Specialization in Health and Rehabilitation. Erin then completed her Masters of Physical Therapy at Western University in 2022. She is looking forward to continuing her education through courses in acupuncture, dry needling, advanced manual therapy and vestibular rehabilitation.

Robert Docking

Physiotherapist

Milverton/Mitchell

Robert Docking works as a physiotherapist in the Milverton and Mitchell locations. Robert graduated from the University of Western Ontario with an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree in Kinesiology in 2007 and a Master of Physical Therapy in 2009. Post-graduate education includes courses in manual therapy, McKenzie mechanical diagnosis and treatment of the spine, intramuscular dry needling and acupuncture. He completed the Advanced Manual and Manipulative Physical Therapy Diploma and is a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Manipulative Physiotherapy. Robert has provided physiotherapy services at a range of sporting events, including coverage of Black Swans Rugby and Stratford Warriors Junior B hockey and various local high school sports.

In his spare time, Robert enjoys playing and watching several sports, especially hockey and soccer.

Jillian Vanhevel

Physiotherapist

Grand Bend

Jillian Vanhevel is a Registered Physiotherapist and co-owner of the Grand Bend location. She graduated from the University of Western Ontario with a Bachelor of Health Sciences and an Honours Specialization in Rehabilitation Sciences, in 2011. Jillian graduated from the University of Toronto with a Master of Science in Physical Therapy in 2013. Her post-graduate education includes courses in manual and orthopedic physiotherapy, acupuncture, Integrated Dry Needling, concussion management, athletic and kinesio taping, the McKenzie method, soft tissue release and more. She is a life-long learner and plans to continue taking courses in the future. Jillian is passionate about helping her patients achieve their own goals, and is dedicated to providing care in her local community of Grand Bend.

In her spare time, Jillian enjoys spending time with her family and friends, and being active outdoors.

Meghan Scott

Physiotherapist

Grand Bend/Goderich

Meghan Scott is a Resident Physiotherapist at Physiotherapy Alliance in Grand Bend and Goderich. She began her studies by completing her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology degree at Indiana University in 2020, where she played collegiate soccer. She then went on to complete her Master of Physical Therapy degree at Western University in 2022. 

Meghan has a special interest in pelvic health, neurological rehabilitation, sports rehabilitation and animal rehabilitation. Meghan looks forward to continuing to pursue further training in these areas of physiotherapy in the near future. 

Meghan grew up involved in many sports including soccer, volleyball, basketball, x-country, and horseback riding. Meghan is passionate about helping others, both human and animal, and looks forward to making a positive impact in her local community. 

In her spare time, Meghan enjoys spending time with family, friends, and her dog. She also enjoys reading, watching movies, and playing soccer for her local club FC London!”  

Craig Irwin

Physiotherapist

Grand Bend

Craig graduated from the University of Waterloo with an Honours Bachelors of Science (Kinesiology) in 1994 and continued at McMaster University to complete his Bachelors of Health Science (Physiotherapy) in 1996.  Established Irwin Physiotherapy in Seaforth in 2004 and operated the clinic until December 2024. 

Craig has extensive clinical experience in sports physiotherapy and orthopedics. He received his Diploma of Advanced Manual and Manipulative Physiotherapy in 2009 and is a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Manipulative Physiotherapy (FCAMPT). Craig is an Instructor (Level 2) and Assistant Instructor (Level 3) in the Advanced Integrated Musculoskeletal physiotherapy program.

Craig’s areas of interest include musculoskeletal/orthopedic physiotherapy, sports injury management, post-concussion rehabilitation, and vestibular rehabilitation. He has attended numerous continuing education courses regarding concussion and vestibular rehabilitation. He has received a Level 1 Shift Concussion Certification and has become a Certified ImPACT © Physical Therapist.

In 2022, Craig expanded his clinical knowledge in the field of vestibular rehabilitation completing a Certification in Vestibular Rehabilitation (April 2022) at Emory College, Atlanta, GA offered through Duke University.  This certification has allowed Craig to expand his clinical expertise in the assessment and management of vertigo, dizziness and various balance disorders.

Dagny Kane-Haas

Clinic Owner/Physiotherapist

Goderich

Dagny also uses Deep Needling in her repertoire of treatments.

Dagny is part owner of Physiotherapy Alliance’s Goderich location.

She has been living and working in the Goderich area for many years. Her family is made up of two very active boys, husband and their menagerie. She enjoys staying physically fit and living an active lifestyle. When not at work she can be found kiteboarding or snowboarding with her family.

Melayna Sager

Physiotherapist

Goderich

In her spare time, Melayna enjoys spending time with family and friends. She also enjoys staying active, especially with outdoor activities

Tim Macleod

Physiotherapist

Goderich

Tim works as a physiotherapy resident at the Goderich location. He graduated from the University of Guelph with an Honours Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science in 2018, and completed his Masters in Physical Therapy at Western University in 2022. 

Tim is passionate about helping clients get back to doing the things they love. His treatment approach focuses on functional exercise, manual therapy and education.

Tim is excited to continue his physiotherapy education and plans to pursue further education in manual therapy, acupuncture and dry needling. He is looking forward to expanding his skillset with the PT Alliance team.

In his spare time Tim enjoys spending time with family and friends. He also enjoys fishing, woodworking, and staying active at the gym and on the ice.

Valeria Contartese

Physiotherapy Resident

Goderich

Valeria (Val) grew up in Kincardine and completed a Masters of Physiotherapy from the University of Limerick in 2023. She will be working as a physiotherapy resident in the Goderich Location.
Val believes in an evidence based, patient centered care approach to treatment. Working with clients to make their own goals and helping them achieve them through functional exercises, manual therapy, and education. Val looks forward to expanding her offering through continued education in acupuncture and dry needling.
In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her family, her dogs, and gardening.