OUR THERAPISTS
Christopher Chmiel
Registered Physiotherapist
Clinical Director
Medical Acupuncture Provider
Graston Technique® Provider
Kinesio®Tape Practitioner
Custom Orthotics
Chris completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Guelph where he graduated with Honours & received a BSc in Biological Sciences and a Bachelors of Nutritional Science. Chris continued his education in the United Kingdom at Leeds Metropolitan University, where he completed a Masters Degree in Physical Therapy.
Throughout his 6 years of post-secondary education, Chris has pursued his passion in human health & rehabilitation. Chris has experience in Musculoskeletal, Neurological, Cardio-pulmonary, Sports & multi-system injuries/disorders. As a Physiotherapist, Chris has worked with professional athletes with Toronto FC & Burnley FC.
Pursuing up to date research & ongoing personal development through continuing education, Chris is continually seeking advanced skills & training in the field to provide the best available treatments & rehabilitation to help you achieve your personal functional goals.
Chris is currently working toward his certification in Manual Therapy through the Orthopedic Division of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association.
Burlington Physiotherapy & Health Centre is Chris' second multidisciplinary clinic. Forest Hill Physiotherapy & Health Centre has been awarded the "Best Physiotherapy Clinic" in Toronto for 2018 & 2019 by both Top Choice Awards & Consumer Choice Awards.
Jan Lopez
Registered Physiotherapist
Medical Acupuncture Provider
Jan completed his Masters Degree in Physiotherapy from McMaster University in 2015. Previously, he graduated from Wilfrid Laurier University with a Bachelor of Science (Kinesiology) in 2013. He has experience working with clients of all ages in the Halton region as a Physiotherapist in an Orthopedic/Sports Medicine setting before moving to Burlington.
Jan has since continued to stay up to date with evidence based Physiotherapy training. He has completed the Level 3 Orthopedic Division Manual Therapy courses as he works toward the Diploma of Advanced Manual & Manipulative Physiotherapy. He has completed the Contemporary Medical Acupuncture program through McMaster University and is also certified in the Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA) Level 1, a screening method used to identify movement imbalances related to injury.
Outside of the clinic, Jan loves the Raptors and Blue Jays but also enjoys playing basketball, baseball, and powerlifting.
Steffi Ringelberg
Registered Physiotherapist
Steffi completed her undergraduate degree at the Amsterdam University of Applied Science in The Netherlands where she graduated with a BSc (hons) in Physiotherapy. After completing work experience in Brazil, Australia, England and The Netherlands, she went on to complete her MSc in Sports Medicine and Injury Rehabilitation at Salford University in Manchester, England.
Growing up as a high-level athlete, Steffi has had an interest in sports from a very young age. This interest has translated into her professional career and has led her to work with sports teams such as: soccer, rugby, basketball, ultimate Frisbee, hockey and synchronized skating. Additionally, she has gained experience with a wide range of non-sports related Musculoskeletal injuries and neurological disorders.
Steffi has expanded her knowledge base by taking additional courses and using alternate intervention techniques such as: Clinical Pilates, Dry Needling, Sports Massage, Sports Taping and Hydrotherapy.
Steffi believes that in order to better herself as a therapist she needs to stay up to date with the current research and seek out further education relevant to Physiotherapy to improve her scope of practice.
Stephanie Johnson
Registered Physiotherapy Resident
Stephanie completed her BSc. in Physiotherapy with Honours in the bilingual program at the University of Ottawa in 2006.
She then worked at a variety of clinics and hospitals throughout coastal BC, becoming experienced treating a wide range of conditions including orthopaedic, peri-operative, perinatal, cardio respiratory, and neurological.
After moving with her family back to Ontario, she has enjoyed working one on one with clients both in the community and in clinic.
Stephanie incorporates a strong focus on functional goal setting and evidence based treatment, and has a strong interest in taking continuing education courses including vestibular/concussion, NDT, manual therapy/orthopaedic and more.
In her spare time, Stephanie enjoys hiking and camping with her family and discovering new places to explore in Ontario.
Photo coming soon
Tully Holman
Registered Massage Therapist
Emily Desmarais
Registered Massage Therapist
Reiki Master, Cupping
CranioSacral 1
Visceral Manipulation 1
Aquatic Rehabilitation Specialist
As a graduate of the Canadian College of Massage and Hydrotherapy, and a Registered Massage Therapist with the CMTO, Tully believes that massage therapy can be incorporated into any health plan to help patients minimize pain and reach a higher state of health and well being.
Throughout Tully's life, he has always had a fascination with how the human body works. By the age of 18, Tully could feel a deep compassion inside that made him want to help those in pain around him, and this led to his training in massage. Tull was able to obtain a greater understanding of how the body reacts to stress, pain and injury through his education as an RMT.
Tully is very interested in Eastern and Western theory and his massage and healing style reflects that. Tully takes the best of everything he has learnt and customizes it for his patient. Sometimes problems can manifest physically, emotionally or spiritually and there is a need to unlock these energetic patterns for the greatest success in the relief of pain and ailment, using acupressure, meridian therapy and massage to promote relaxation and decrease pain. Tully focuses on boosting energy levels, improving sleep patterns and educating his patients on self awareness to help engage the body’s natural healing system.
Emily started her studies in Health Science at Algonquin Collage where she completed a Pre-Health Science certificate confirming her desire to learn more about the human body. Emily also completed three years of Athletic Therapy and gained valuable experience working with high-school football and wrestling athletes. In 2015, Emily graduated from the Royal Canadian Collage of Massage Therapy.
Emily has treated people with diverse needs across Ontario and has worked with professional and amateur athletes, Motor Vehicle Accident injuries, and a variety of patients dealing with chronic pain. Emily uses a variety of techniques and disciplines customized to her patients needs. Emily has also been practicing energy work her whole life, which she finds is helpful for anyone dealing with anxiety, stress, depression, or chronic pain. Emily uses deep tissue & Swedish massage techniques, visceral manipulation, cupping, and cranial sacral therapy.
No treatment is ever the same with Emily, as bodies are constantly adapting and as they do, Emily tailors her approach to each patient and each treatment.
Stephanie Zadorozniak
Registered Massage Therapist
Dr. Daniel Adler
Doctor of Chiropractic
Medical Acupuncture Provider
Stephanie graduated from Humber College in 2018. The following year, she was awarded first place in the Student Case Report Contest hosted by the Registered Massage Therapy Act of Ontario (RMTAO).
Stephanie utilizes her skills to help treat individuals on a case-by-case basis, and create a customized treatment plan to meet the patients’goals. Stephanie takes a holistic approach to her practice by working on various areas of the body to reduce pain, increase range of motion, and improve function. She utilizes a variety of techniques including General Swedish Massage, Trigger Point Therapy, Myofascial Techniques, low-grade joint mobilizations, and Stretching. Stephanie’s style typically has a slow rhythmic flow for relaxation with adjustable moderate to deep pressure. She checks in regularly with her clients throughout their sessions to ensure they are content with their progression, and works with the client in making changes when necessary.
In Stephanie's spare time she enjoys practicing yoga, juggling, and playing board games.
Dr. Daniel Adler always had a passion for working in a healthcare-related field. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Western Ontario in 2009 where he studied psychology. It was there that he spent four years coaching flag football.
After his undergraduate, Dr. Daniel pursued his chiropractic degree from the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College where he graduated from in 2014 having achieved Dean’s List Standing for academic achievements.
The learning hasn’t stopped for Dr. Daniel- after graduation he completed his certification in Contemporary Medical Acupuncture and has even become certified in chiropractic treatment of animals.
Dr. Daniel treats his patients in an evidence-based manner using a combination of spinal adjustments, soft tissue therapy, acupuncture, lifestyle advice and exercise prescription. When he isn’t helping his patients achieve their health goals, he’s either helping our animal friends, or spending time with his wife and son. Dr. Daniel is also an avid squash player so if you’re ever up for a friendly game, just challenge him.
Christine Doering
Registered Acupuncturist
Cosmetic Acupuncture Provider
Cupping/Gua Sha Provider
Dr. Victoria Chiappetta
Naturopathic Doctor
Christine is a graduate from the Canadian College of Traditional Chinese Medicine. She has successfully passed the Pan-Canadian Acupuncture License Exams and is registered with the College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of Ontario. She was also a former Registered Massage Therapist and has a Bachelor of Health Sciences.
Chinese medicine is one of the oldest continuous systems of medicine. It focuses on maintaining the body’s flow of Qi, blood, and yin-yang to maintain health, prevent illness and balance the body, mind, and spirit.
Christine uses acupuncture to treat conditions including headaches, insomnia, depression, anxiety, stress management, digestive conditions, urinary complications, edema, tinnitus, vertigo, infertility, menopause, musculoskeletal disorders and much more.
Christine has a passion for holistic health and incorporating a multi-faceted approach to healthy living.
Dr. Victoria Chiappetta is a licensed Naturopathic Doctor with a clinical interest in mental-emotional wellness, fertility, pregnancy and postnatal care. Prior to pursuing her Doctor of Naturopathy degree, she obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree with a specialization in psychology from the University of Ottawa. She is passionate about the mind-body connection and applies this lens when working with all patients in her practice.
Dr. Victoria uses a combination of clinical nutrition, lifestyle counselling, acupuncture and botanical medicine as her primary treatment modalities. Using an integrative approach, her aim is to uncover the root cause of pain or disease and tailors each patient's treatment plan to remove any obstacles to wellness. Dr. Victoria offers a supportive environment in which she and her patients work collaboratively and patients feel empowered to meet their health goals.
Dr. Victoria is currently only available for virtual appointments.
Aaron Laing
Osteopathic Practitioner
As a Graduate of the National Academy of Osteopath, Aaron has the unique vantage point to see the human body in a way that is different from how you may see it. From his time in undergraduate studies in Kinesiology and Recreational Therapeutics he has taken aspects and implemented them into the philosophy of Manual Osteopathy.
From a young age, Aaron has always wanted to help those in need. As he began to pursue higher education, he felt that helping others recover from pain was vital to his path. He has been active in athletics all his life; playing soccer in university and has also been a Medical responder for high school sporting events in the GTA and surroundings. Aaron strives to continuously learn new ways of creating positive change in his patients lives. Aaron understands that just as our soul needs a listening ear to release, the body also needs a listening hand in order to release. Through his studies in Kinesiology and then Manual Osteopathy, Aaron sees the body as an amazing system intricately interconnected both functionally and structurally. Through soft tissue, joint mobilizations, METs, exercises and stretches, Aaron looks to effect lasting change. His goal is to release musculoskeletal restrictions so that the body can work towards healing itself.
In his spare time, Aaron is a lover of health, staying active in sports and taking in the fresh air as much as possible. When he is not outside he is inside trying out new plant-based and vegan cooking recipes. He is also an avid musician playing piano, violin, and cello for both leisure and festivals as well as in many sacred music groups.
OUR TRAINERS & INSTRUCTORS
Dianne Fonseca
Kinesiologist
Personal Trainer
Group Fitness Instructor
Peter Lam
Kinesiologist
Personal Trainer
Group Fitness Instructor
Dianne is a graduate of two degrees from York University, a Bachelor’s of Science in Kinesiology & Health Science and a Bachelor’s of Education specialized in Health & Physical Education. During her time studying, she developed a drive in health and fitness enhancing her competitive spirit when it comes to sports. Dianne was an elite athlete in track & field, along with playing university level flag football for York. She has transitioned into a teacher and coach who strives to open opportunities for young girls and women to build confidence in their bodies and be healthiest version of themselves!
As an experienced teacher Dianne brings energy to her group training classes while promoting correct movements with the right cues for every individual. As for 1 on 1 training, Dianne wants nothing more than to see her clients reach their goals. Her love for movement and performance has made her into a great coach, specializing in functional body weight training, athletics, and high intensity interval training.
When Dianne isn’t coaching or training in the gym she is probably spending time walking her dog, running with her race team or playing volleyball and football.
Peter completed his Honour’s B.A in Kinesiology and Health Science along with a Bachelors of Education specialized in Health and Physical Education from York University. Peter is an Ontario Certified Teacher with a passion for fitness, his goal is to give everyone the movement skills, knowledge and confidence to live a healthy lifestyle. He specializes in functional training, athletic performance and joint mobility but his biggest goal is to coach individuals to build healthy habits in their daily lifestyle.
With his experience in teaching large high school classes, Peter makes for a great group instructor coaching with compassion and attention to detail ensuring his athletes learn to move to their fullest potential. Peter is a caring 1on1 trainer, his client’s become his friends almost instantly keeping them motivated and accountable to reach their goals in healthy living.
Peter’s personal interest outside of the working out in the gym include playing sports (soccer, volleyball, spikeball), running (community races, OCRs) and travelling (next stop South America!).
Abby Hayes
Yoga Instructor
Abby has been practicing yoga for nearly 10 years. What started as a natural transition out of the dance world has become a whole new journey onto her mat, exploring the connection of mind and body lead by the breath.
Abby recently completed her 200hr Hatha Yoga Teacher training through the Yogashala Wellness Centre under the instruction of Barb Leese. Through this training she has explored both philosophy and history of the lineage, pranayama, Hatha yoga, an introduction to vinyasa, yin and restorative yoga, yoga for post-injury, as well as pre- and post-natal yoga. With a firm foundation in Hatha training, her classes incorporate elements of vinyasa and fluid movement, resulting in a Hatha Flow style class. Abby encourages those she shares her practice with to come to their mats without expectation and with a gentle kindness towards themselves - using each asana to drop into feeling the body, honouring what the body needs in the present moment, and coming out of the wandering mind.
ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF
Rebecca Langsford
Clinic Administrator
Jackie Maddalena
Clinic Administrator
Rebecca is a recent graduate in Bachelor of Science of Kinesiology with a minor in Physical Education from Brock University. She always had a passion for movement and grew up playing an assortment of different organized sports. During her education, she realized the crucial role of meaningful physical movement in a holistic approach to healing and health. Rebecca is a big advocate for mental health and the connection between mind, body, and soul. She’s excited about helping others and being a part of her community.
Rebecca is very excited to be working with Burlington Physiotherapy to further her education on all aspects of the kinesiology world, to grow with the team, and create meaningful connections with all the patients. In her free time, she enjoys being outdoors with her dog Trae, hot yoga classes, team sports, and reading a good book
Jacqueline comes from an administrative background, and is a graduate of the Executive Administration program at Mohawk College. Jacqueline is passionate about working with people, serving the community, and building positive relationships with our clients. She strives to promote positivity, and has a passion for health and wellness. Her passions have lead her to pursue her goal of becoming a massage therapist.
In her free time, she enjoys the outdoors and connecting with nature through activities such as hiking, cycling, and camping. She also has a passion for art and specializes in watercolour painting.