Registered Physiotherapists

Heather Gillis

Clinic Owner/Physiotherapist

Stratford/New Hamburg

Heather Gillis is an owner of Physiotherapy Alliance. She works at the Stratford and New Hamburg locations. 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

Jennifer Harwood is a physiotherapist and the clinical practice leader with Physiotherapy Alliance. She works at the Stratford location. Jennifer graduated from the University of Guelph with an Honours Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science in 2000 and from the University of Western Ontario with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy in 2003. She has continued her studies taking numerous post-graduate courses in manual, sports and orthopaedic physiotherapy as well as vestibular rehabilitation and intramuscular dry needling. Jennifer has completed her Advanced Manual and Manipulative Physical Therapy Diploma and is a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Manipulative Physiotherapy and an instructor with the Orthopaedic Division of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association. She has also pursued post-graduate education in evidence-based physiotherapy practice and treatment of knee osteoarthritis through tele-health physiotherapy. Jennifer has provided physiotherapy consultation and education to industrial and service sectors and to various community organizations. She has donated her time and skills to provide physiotherapy coverage for numerous local and provincial sporting events. Jennifer is committed to providing evidence-informed, client-centred care to help clients return to the activities they love.

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

Jennifer Masse

Physiotherapist

Stratford/New Hamburg

Jennifer Masse has been working as a physiotherapist at Physiotherapy Alliance since 2008. She works in the New Hamburg and Stratford locations. She graduated from the University of Western Ontario with a Bachelor of Health Sciences in 2005 and a Master of Physical Therapy in 2007. Over the years, Jennifer has continued her studies completing numerous post-graduate courses in orthopaedics, as well as the McMaster Contemporary Medical Acupuncture Course in 2012. She has developed a passion for pelvic health physiotherapy, which has led her to additional courses to help patients with incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, rectus diastasis, pelvic girdle pain, pre and postnatal care, sexual dysfunction, as well as various pelvic pain conditions.

Outside of work, Jennifer enjoys spending time with her husband and two sons, watching movies, reading books, and practicing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Robert Docking

Physiotherapist

Stratford/Milverton

Robert Docking works as a physiotherapist in the Stratford and Milverton 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.

David Bingeman

Physiotherapist

Stratford

David graduated in 2016 with a Master’s degree in Physical Therapy from Western University. His post-graduate education includes courses in manual therapy, McKenzie mechanical diagnosis and treatment of the spine, pain education, concussion management, and movement-based therapy. David enjoys helping clients of all ages with a variety of conditions and injuries to improve their pain and resume their meaningful activities, whatever those may be!

In his spare time, David enjoys a good CrossFit workout, playing hockey, and spending time with his two dogs, Forrest and Lily.

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. Her areas of interest and post-graduate education include courses in manual therapy, Integrated Dry Needling, concussion management, and vestibular rehabilitation. Amy is dedicated to providing compassionate, client-centred care through education, manual therapy, and exercise prescription. 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 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 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 Bertram

Physiotherapist

New Hamburg

Heather is a Physiotherapist at Physiotherapy Alliance in New Hamburg. Heather graduated from Western University with a Bachelor of Health Sciences (Honours Specialization in Rehabilitation Sciences) in 2017 and a Master of Physical Therapy in 2019. She has completed post-graduate courses in manual therapy, and she plans to pursue further education in this area as well as neurological physical therapy.

In her spare time, Heather enjoys spending time with family and friends. She also enjoys running, working out, and playing sports such as soccer and ultimate frisbee!

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 numerous post-graduate courses in advanced manual and manipulative therapy, and has also completed training at Emory University and holds a certificate in Vestibular Rehabilitation from the APTA. Derrick looks forward to continuing to pursue further training in these areas of physiotherapy and plans on adding acupuncture and dry needling to 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.

Nancy Lowagie

Physiotherapist

Mitchell/Goderich

Nancy is a Physiotherapy Resident who works at the Mitchell and Goderich locations. Nancy graduated with an Honour Bachelor degree in Human Kinetics from the University of Guelph in June 2018, and then completed her Master of Physical Therapy at Western University in 2020. Nancy plans to continue her education in orthopaedics and manual therapy. Nancy is passionate about finding ways to keep people moving in ways that are important and meaningful to them.

In her spare time, Nancy enjoys finding a variety of ways to stay active, including going for walks, biking, working out and swimming. In her down time, she enjoys watching Netflix, connecting with friends and family and listening to podcasts.

Jillian Vanhevel

Physiotherapist

Grand Bend

Jillian Vanhevel is a Registered Physiotherapist at 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.

Andrea Carey

Physiotherapist

Grand Bend

Andrea Carey is a Physiotherapist at Physiotherapy Alliance, working at the Grand Bend location. Andrea graduated from Western University in 2013 with a Bachelor of Arts, Honours Specialization in Psychology and again in 2018 with a Masters in Physical Therapy. She has completed post graduate courses in manual therapy, soft tissue and myofascial release, acupuncture and post-concussion management. Andrea’s goal with every patient, regardless of age, is to provide them with the tools to become active participants in their recovery and health maintenance.

In her spare time, she enjoys being active and can often be found dragon boating, weightlifting and running.

Dagny Kane-Haas

Clinic Owner/Physiotherapist

Goderich

Dagny began her post-secondary educational journey in 1987 when she graduated with a Fitness Specialist Certificate from George Brown College. Next, she received her Diploma in Honours Standing in Physical Education from the University of Western Ontario in 1994. She continued with the first of a two-year Master’s degree in Philosophy of Sport, and subsequently transferred to the B.H.Sc. in Physiotherapy program at McMaster which was completed in 1997.
Since working as a physiotherapist, Dagny has continued to upgrade skills and knowledge by taking a variety of physiotherapy continuing-education courses. In 2014, she completed her Master’s in Clinical Science in Manipulative Therapy at Western University. She is also a Fellow in the Canadian Academy of Manipulative Therapy (FCAMPT).

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

Melayna Sager is a Physiotherapist at Physiotherapy Alliance, working in the Goderich location. She graduated from Laurentian University with an Honours Bachelor of Kinesiology in 2014, and then went on to Western University where she graduated with her Master of Physical Therapy in 2016. Melayna has completed post-graduate courses in management of post-concussion syndrome and vestibular dysfunction. In addition, Melayna has completed courses in acupuncture and manual therapy and plans to continue with dry needling and more manual therapy courses in the near future

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

Leah DeCorte

Physiotherapist

Goderich

Leah is a Physiotherapist at Physiotherapy Alliance, working at the Goderich location. Leah graduated from Queen’s University with an Honours in Physical and Health Education in 2017 and then completed her Master of Physical Therapy at Western University in 2019. Although Leah treats many orthopaedic conditions with adults, she also enjoys working with infants and children. Since graduating, Leah has continued her education to learn more about treating individuals who have various neurological conditions such as stroke, spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, and Parkinson’s.

In her spare time, Leah enjoys hiking, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.