Karen Kvrgic, P.T.: Karen is a graduate of the University of Toronto’s B.Sc. Physiotherapy Program. Karen has been practicing Orthopedic and Sport Physiotherapy for 21 years in a wide variety of settings including OHIP, home care, multi-disciplinary rehabilitation, and as Clinic Director with the Canadian Back Institute. Karen also adds many more years of experience through personal involvement and injury management. At Physio FX, Karen treats a broad range of injuries such as Motor Vehicle Accident injuries, neck and back pain, sciatica, herniated disc syndromes, carpal tunnel, arthritis management, sports injuries, postural misalignments, muscle strengthening and training, and more.
The Physiotherapy Team
Karen’s clinical philosophy centers on educating her clients. Her goal is to get her clients actively involved in the “feeling better” process by clearly communicating the mechanics underlying the injuries and providing the knowledge to fix and prevent future problems. As Clinic Director, Karen fosters warm and personable relationships with everyone. She promotes an open, friendly, and casual atmosphere that we believe really makes a difference!
The Massage Therapy Team
Naturopathy
Sean McConnell, N.D.: Sean is a native of Montreal, he graduated from Concordia University in Montreal with a degree in Cultural Anthropology. He and his family moved to Toronto so that he could complete the four-year doctorate program at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine. During the four years at CCNM Sean was involved with curriculum development and was elected as student representative to the Board of Governors for the College. After clinical internship at the Robert Schad Naturopathic Clinic, and selection for rotation at the college’s satellite clinic at Anishnabe, Sean graduated and was awarded the Dr. Shimon Levytam prize for outstanding understanding of Naturopathic Medicine. Dr. McConnell is registered with the Board of Directors of Drugless Therapy-Naturopathy, is a Member of the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors, and is licensed to practice in the province of Ontario.
Acupuncture
Dr. Sean McConnell, N.D.: Sean (as noted above) is licensed to practice Clinical Acupuncture as well as Cosmetic Acupuncture in the province of Ontario.
Georgina Falzon: In Autumn of 2010, Georgina (our "Jill of all trades") had been welcomed back to the workforce by Physio FX - since having her little boy. She has over 9 years of experience in an Administrative role as well as over 20 years in the customer service industry; including retail, hairstyling, web design, e-commerce and catering. She’s recently graduated at the top of her Culinary Arts class; having trained in “Le Cordon Bleu” techniques at Liaison College. Georgina is currently in training for her Fitness Instructor Specialist certification and plans to further her career in health, wellness and nutrition. In her spare time, she enjoys working out, singing, baking, photography and spending time with her family - as well as her new family here at Physio FX!
Shereen Al-Jamal, BSc., D.C.:
Dr. Shereen Al-Jamal graduated from New York Chiropractic College in 2009 and obtained her Bachelor of Science with concentration in Honours Biology in 2006 from the University Of Western Ontario. Since graduating, Dr. Al-Jamal has been practicing Chiropractic in a variety of private clinics and serving a diverse patient population before joining Physio FX in March of 2011. As a result, Dr. Al-Jamal takes a very patient base approach; treating a wide range of conditions and injuries including Motor Vehicle Accident injuries, WSIB (work related injuries), neck and back pain, soft tissue injuries, herniated discs, sprain/strain injuries, carpal tunnel, sport injuries ( including knee, ankle, etc.) and much more. In addition, Dr. Al-Jamal incorporates a lot of stretching and strengthening exercises into treatments and utilizes a variety of chiropractic and myofascial techniques; in addition to spinal traction technique.
Debbie Saroca, R.M.T.:
Stephanie Sandoval, R.M.T.:
Denise Leneord, R.M.T.:
Kelly Franklin, BhSc., MSc. P.T.: Kelly graduated from Queen's University with her Master's of Physiotherapy in 2009 and obtained her Bachelor of Health Sciences from the University of Western Ontario in 2007. Since graduating, Kelly practiced Physiotherapy in a private clinic in Ottawa before moving to Toronto. She has experience treating a wide range of conditions and injuries such as Motor Vehicle Accident injuries, neck and back pain, arthritis, general deconditioning, post-surgical Physiotherapy, and sports injuries. In addition, Kelly uses acupuncture as as extra add-on to therapy. Ouside of work, Kellyenjoys running, working out at the gym, camping, photography and art.
Joeylyn Cayabyab, Assistant P.T.: Joey completed her Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Therapy in Manila, the Philippines. Shortly after that, she came to Canada, living in Montreal for five years before she came to Toronto to pursue a career in health care. Currently, Joeylyn is working on her accreditation for further study here and to become a fully licensed physiotherapist in Canada. “Working at Physio FX gives me the opportunity to help clients find relief from pain and discomfort. I am totally happy to be a part of their journey to feeling better....”
Melissa Malan, R.M.T.: Melissa is a Senior Registered Massage Therapist at Physio FX. She is a graduate from the Ontario School of Massage and Hydrotherapy. Melissa has been practicing Massage therapy for four years at Physio FX. She has received additional certification in Hot Stone Massage, and Pre-Natal Massage. Aside from her specialization in Pre-Natal and Hot Stone Massage, Melissa focuses on Relaxation Massage, and Repetitive Strain Injury Massage. She is currently completing a degree in Clinical Nutrition with Ryerson University.
Krystyne Stankiewicz, B.R.T., (Hon) B.Sc, R.M.T.: Krystyne is a Senior Registered Massage Therapist at Physio FX. She is a 2005 graduate from the Sutherland Chan School of Massage Therapy and Teaching Clinic obtaining her active registration with the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario in the same year. She also holds an Honours Bachelor of Science degree in Human Biology and Pre-Medical Health Sciences from the Universities of Waterloo and Toronto. She was previously employed for 12 years as a Research Scientist in the Cancer Research Departments of several Toronto hospitals. As a Massage Therapy clinician, she specializes in treating patients of catastrophic brain and spinal cord impairment due to motor vehicle collisions. Her other clinical interests include: sports injury, pre/post natal, infant, and deep tissue massage. In her spare time Krystyne is an avid ice hockey player, runner, and full time wife to Todd and Mommy to daughter Olivia.
Gina Valent, R.M.T.: Gina graduated with honours from Elmcrest College and is registered under the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario. Gina has had the benefit of gaining practical experience treating various conditions in the student clinic, along with athletes at various sporting outreaches, the Women’s Shelter, as well as the North York Senior’s Centre. In her second year of school, Gina volunteered to be a mentor for the first-year student clinic to assist teaching various treatments. Gina is trained in Swedish Massage and incorporates various techniques such as Trigger Point Release, and Myofascial Release to achieve results. She has experience treating chronic and acute conditions such as stress, strains, sprains, edema, over-use syndromes and much more. Having grown up in Northern Ontario, Gina’s interests include various outdoor activities including swimming and gardening.
Ryan Jamisola, R.M.T.:
Ryan is a Sutherland-Chan School and Teaching Clinic graduate registered with the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario and a member of the Registered Massage Therapists’ Association of Ontario. An advocate of continued education, Ryan constantly tries to better his skills through studies as well as learning from experience. Through specialty clinics dealing with Multiple Sclerosis, Post Surgery at Toronto Western Hospital, Pregnancy Clinic, Sports Clinic and Seniors Clinic at Loyola Arrupe, Ryan is confident in applying his knowledge in providing a well-rounded and holistic approach in treating his clients. Ryan emphasizes on stress reduction and the correction of postural dysfunctions influenced by poor habits which manifest as day to day aches and pains. He is very thorough and intuitive in identifying problem areas and is passionate in providing self-care and client education which he believes plays a significant role in the recovery. By utilizing various techniques such as Deep Tissue Treatment, Myofascial Release, Trigger Point Treatment, Swedish Massage Techniques, and Hot Stone as well as Hydrotherapy modalities, clients can be assured that they are getting an effective high-quality treatment.
Jamie Burton: Jamie hasover 11 years in the customer service field. Jamie brings experience as a team player and as management. She is an alumnus of the University of Western Ontario, and more recently, an honours graduate from Everest College’s Medical Office Administration program. Jamie was welcomed to the Physio FX team in the fall of 2010. With her love of people and subsequent background in the health and fitness industries, she “is happy to play a part in helping our clients get to feeling better – fast!”