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.
Cassie Valadares
Registered Physiotherapist
FCAMPT
Cassie completed her undergraduate degrees at the University of New Brunswick where she graduated with a BSc in Kinesiology and a BA in Sport & Exercise Psychology. Being a member of both the soccer and rugby teams at UNB, she spent a lot of time with the team therapists which lead her to pursue her education in this field. She completed her MSc in Physiotherapy at McMaster graduating in 2012.
Cassie truly believes in lifelong-learning and is devoted to keeping up with the latest research to deliver evidence-based client centered care. She has pursued continuing education courses in pelvic floor physiotherapy, acupuncture, vestibular rehabilitation, and chronic pain. In November 2018 she successfully attained her Diploma of Advanced Manual and Manipulative Physiotherapy through the CPA, which is the highest level of manual therapy training in Canada, making her a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Manipulative Physical Therapists (FCAMPT).
In her spare time, she enjoys watching and playing sports, working out, and travelling.
Jan Lopez
Registered Physiotherapist
Medical Acupuncture Provider
Dr. Daniel Adler
Doctor of Chiropractic
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.
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.
Tully Holman
Registered Massage Therapist
Samantha Jones
Massage Therapist
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.
Since graduating in 2015 from the 3000 hour program at Vancouver College of Massage Therapy, Samantha has witnessed time and time again the positive and progressive outcomes that can arise from Massage Therapy treatments. With a warm but firm touch, Samantha is dedicated to the treatment and rehabilitation of her clients. She has been trained in a wide variety of modalities, including (but not limited to) myofascial release, trigger point therapy, PNF stretching, and Swedish relaxation techniques. She was also trained and certified as a Graston Technique provider.
While living and working in North Vancouver, she worked with a variety of patients including those suffering from postural dysfunction and pain, young aspiring and professional athletes, weekend warriors, pre and post natal mamas, post injury rehabilitation, MVA issues, children, and plantar fasciitis. Samantha is committed to her clients wellbeing and delivering a productive and enjoyable treatment to anyone who walks through the door.
When she is not in the clinic, you can find her exploring all Burlington has to offer or close by to any body of water!
Please note that Sam is currently in the process of receiving her registered massage therapist license and any appointments made with her will not be eligible with your insurance company.
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
Rob Neyyar
Fascial Stretch Therapist
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.
Rob has been a personal trainer for over 10 years and a Fascial Stretch Therapist for 8. Having owned and operated his own gyms he has worked with all groups of people from young athletes to senior citizens. As a Movement and Performance Specialist Rob focuses on helping clients not only get rid of their pain and increase mobility, but to teach clients why the issues are happening and how to prevent the in the future. With over a decade of experience of helping resolve chronic pain issues Rob's approach produces long lasting results by empowering each client to take control of their health in a way that makes sense to them. Once clients can move better Rob helps his clients learn how to become stronger and healthier with practical solutions that are easy to implement. Rob is a life long athlete and die hard Raptors fan. He played basketball and soccer up to the collegiate level and considers himself a fitness nerd.
Steffi Ringelberg
Registered Physiotherapist Resident
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.
She has a great passion for travelling the world, learning new cultures and challenging herself with new languages. In her spare time, she enjoys playing sports, working out and going for daily runs.
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!).
ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF
Kate Reeds
Clinic Administrator
Jackie Maddalena
Clinic Administrator
Kate is a recent graduate of McMaster University with an Honours degree in English, Communications, and Political Science. Kate is passionate abut creative writing and marketing. She comes from the Hamilton area and enjoys working for local businesses and connecting with the community. She is excited to be a part of Burlington Physiotherapy and to provide you with a positive experience!
Kate loves to be involved in fun group sports like frisbee, and loves exploring new ways to be active in her everyday life! As a former pottery instructor, Kate loves being creative and active in her spare time. She also enjoys running, hiking, and dancing.
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 massage therapist.
Jacqueline is excited to work as an administrator for Burlington Physiotherapy while she completes her education in massage therapy.
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.