The Team

Physiotherapists

 
Nelson Physiotherapist

Lori Anne Donald

Experience

Lori Anne has a special interest in knee injury recovery and injury prevention as well as advancing athletic performance. She has worked with runners, skiers, mountain bikers, climbers, dancers and athletes in many other sports. She has helped people return to activity after surgery from ligament reconstruction, meniscal repairs, and joint replacements. She has experience in treating injuries throughout the body, including vertigo and vestibular disorders, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction, and respiratory disorders.

Sport Involvement

Lori Anne is a member of the Canadian National Ski Mountaineering Team. She is a downhill skier, mountain biker, trail runner, whitewater kayaker, classical ballet dancer, and salsa dancer/instructor.

Education

Masters Degree in Physical Therapy - University of Toronto (2011)

Undergraduate Degree in Life Sciences - Queen’s University (2009)

Certification in Anatomical Acupuncture - Acupuncture Canada

Intramuscular Stimulation Certification - University of British Columbia

Manual Therapy training - Orthopaedic Division of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association

Vestibular training - Dizziness & Balance Rehabilitation Clinic

Lower Extremity Courses - Advanced Physiotherapy Educational Institute (APTEI)

Level One Mountain Bike Instructor - Professional Mountain Biking Association

Level One Ski Instructor - Canadian Ski Instructor Alliance

River Kayak Instructor - Paddle Canada

Nancy Foesier

Experience 

Nancy is passionate about building confidence with movement, collaborative goal setting and enjoys chatting about anatomy & biomechanics. She strives to make rehab a positive part of your day by crafting engaging and unique treatments catered to each person. In sessions, Nancy is known to sneak in some relevant education, along with a few puns. She has experience working in sub acute stroke rehab, post surgical rehab (upper & lower body), in-home treatment, and managing various musculoskeletal conditions. 

Nancy’s special interests include falls prevention, stroke/neuro rehab, balance training, ergonomics, activity modification and hand/wrist therapy. 

Sport Involvement 

Nancy enjoys hiking, walking, road cycling, and photography.  

Education 

Master of Science in Physical Therapy – University of Alberta (2022) 

Bachelors of Science in Kinesiology – University of Lethbridge (2019) Co-op Designation 

The Acutely Injured Knee: Advance Assessment & Care (2022) 

Steph Galitzine

Experience 

In addition to her interest in general orthopedics and lifelong participation in physical activity, Steph has special interests in cancer care and chronic pain. Prior to pursuing her master's in physical therapy, she worked as an exercise physiologist at a cancer care center and identified a need for support of oncology patients in rural communities. Throughout her career in the wellness industry, Steph has also supported many clients in their chronic pain journeys and is passionate about the roles of pain science education and nervous system regulation to support quality of life. 

Sport Involvement

Steph grew up playing multiple team sports and continued on to play volleyball at the collegiate level. After her retirement as an athlete, she transitioned her role into the team's strength and conditioning coach where her passion for athletic performance only increased. Since then, she has shifted her own athletic pursuits into mountain sports and is keen to support others in conquering the thrills of the outdoors!

Education

Masters Degree in Physical Therapy - University of British Columbia (2024)

Undergraduate Degree in Sport and Fitness Leadership, Exercise and Wellness - Camosun College (2020)

Registered Yoga Teacher 200hr (2020)

Pain BC Allied Health Professionals Professional Development Course (2021)

Pelvic Health Solutions Level 1 - Urinary Incontinence (2024)

EX MED Cancer PD - 2020

Traditional Chinese Medicine & Acupuncture

 

Daniel Hengsbach

Experience

Daniel’s been practicing Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine since 2007. Besides treating musculoskeletal issues, he also finds that patients get relief from gastrointestinal, menstrual, sleep & mental emotional disorders as well as autoimmune dis-functions, including allergies.

Daniel understands that health is the central aspect of life. The work life, the family life, the social life, and your activities and interest, all benefit by balancing your health and well being. Daniel's goal is to bring you back in harmony, so that the many stresses of life have less of a negative impact on you.

In the modern age we are inundated with many stressors: dietary imbalances, pollution, as well as social and technological changes, among others. Daniel believes that acupuncture has a big role to play in reducing that stress load to a manageable level. He feels that humour and compassion, will bring some levity to the healing journey.

Sport Involvement

Daniel enjoys hiking, cycling, snowboarding, disc golfing, and meditation.

Education

Academy of Classical Oriental Studies, Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine (2005)

R.Ac, R.T.C.M.P.

 

Clinic Manager - Certified Bicycle Fitter

Matt Canale

Experience

Matt is passionate about many things, but ask him about cycling, and prepare to have your foot firmly pegged to the floor. He’s worked with numerous organizations in the tech and bike industry but is most passionate about bike fitting because it offers clients comfort, confidence, and performance on their steeds.

Matt brings with him a wealth of knowledge from the tech and outdoor industry, and we’re happy to have him onboard as our team manager!

Sport Involvement

If there’s a motto to summarize Matt, he’d likely tell you, “It could be worse.” Matt is an avid outdoor steward with a background in cycling, skiing, hiking, and backpacking. He has worked with Shimano, Cannondale, Trek, REI Co-Op, and locally works with the Nelson Cycling Club, Nelson Soccer Association, Cycling BC, Steep City Cycles, Nelson Nordic Ski Club, Nelson Disc Golf Society, Nelson Leafs, and Six Mile Bikes.

Education

Bachelor of Arts – English: Creative & Professional Writing; Minor: French; St. Louis University (1997)

Certificat de la langue française, Université Lumière Lyon 2 (1994)

Business & Retail Management, REI Co-Op, Seattle, Washington (2017)

Trek Precision Fit Certified Bike Fitter, Los Angeles, CA (2012)

Shimano Certified Bike Fitter, Irvine, CA (2019)

Patient Care Coordinator

David Little

Experience

While Dave is new to working in a Physiotherapy clinic, his experience with individuals from various ages, cultural backgrounds, and ethnicities is extensive. His experiences in the outdoor industry not only deepened his appreciation for sports like skiing but also exposed him to the challenges of being sidelined due to injury. He looks forward to meeting each clinic visitor to understand their goals and how he can assist them.

As a ski patroller, Dave is well versed in providing initial injury care, but is currently driven to pursue a career as a physiotherapist and work with clients on a longer-term scale. His volunteer work in Wilderness Therapy and contribution as a clinical research volunteer focusing on concussions in youth during his undergraduate studies further enriched his understanding of therapeutic interventions.

Sport Involvement

Skiing may very well be one of Dave’s first memories. From his formative years as a ski racer in Ontario and Quebec, to his subsequent 12 full-time seasons spent as an instructor, freeride coach, guide, and patroller, he has truly made life on skis one of his greatest priorities. During the warmer months, he likes spending time on his mountain bike, climbing, and trekking. Dave is grateful for the opportunities he's had to pursue his passion for sports worldwide, from trekking in Nepal and surfing in Taiwan to skiing Japan's bottomless powder and exploring the glaciers of New Zealand. 

Education

Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree in Psychology (minor in History) Carleton University (2015)

CSIA Level 3 Ski Instructor

CAA Avalanche Operations Level 1

Wilderness First Responder (90h) NUEC Level 3 First Aid (OFA 3 Inclusive)