One to One Care
This is just one of the things that differentiates RISE physio from other clinics in the Shelburne, Ontario area. Your initial assessment, and each subsequent visit is spent 1 to 1 with your physio - whether receiving hands on care, practicing and learning therapeutic exercises, or receiving a needling treatment.
At RISE, we believe physiotherapy should be individualized and focused. This involves a thorough assessment, followed by the development of a tailored treatment plan. We believe in involving each client in the development of their treatment goals, and that clients must be active in their rehabilitation to ensure progress.
Meet the RISE Physio & Wellness Team
Kathy Thompson
Registered Physiotherapist
FCAMPT, CIDN
Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist
Clinic Owner
Kathy is a caring and skilled Physiotherapist. She is the founder of RISE Physio.
Kathy graduated with her Kinesiology degree from the University of Western Ontario. Upon graduation, she attended The University of Toronto's Physiotherapy program. Since graduation, she has worked at three of the leading physiotherapy clinics in the communities she has lived in. A recent move after the birth of her son brought her to the town of Orangeville, where she now resides with her family. Her decision to open a clinic in Shelburne, Ontario was driven by her desire to provide 1 to 1 physiotherapy services to residents in a growing community.
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Since graduation, Kathy has completed a number of post-graduate courses. In 2015 she achieved her Advanced Diploma in Manipulative Therapy, and in 2016 became a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Manipulative Physical Therapy. In 2017, she achieved her Certification in Integrated Dry Needling. Most recently, Kathy has completed training in Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy.
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Kathy is a registered Mentor and Instructor of other physiotherapists in the Canadian Physiotherapy Association's Orthopaedic Division manual therapy diploma program.
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Kathy enjoys leading an active lifestyle. She has completed a number of endurance races including Ironman Triathlons, and The Boston Marathon. Her favourite past time and way to stay active, however, is hanging out with and chasing after her son Bryce, and daughter Gabriela.
Michelle Vanderpol
Registered Physiotherapist
FCAMPT
Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist
Clinic Owner
Michelle is an experienced and highly qualified Orthopaedic and Pelvic Health Physiotherapist. With a passion for learning, her vast portfolio of continuing education courses reflects her highly skilled Assessment and Treatment practices. Michelle’s ongoing mantra- Treat the whole person.
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Michelle graduated from Queens University with a Masters degree in Physiotherapy in 2012.
Michelle’s passion for education led her down two paths simultaneously. She recognized a need for improved assessment and treatment of various pelvic health disorders for both men and women. As a result, she immersed herself in numerous courses to ensure clients are met with the highest standard of care for individuals with Pelvic Health Concerns. She is now also an instructor for Pelvic Health Solutions, a company dedicated to the education of health care practitioners in the area of Pelvic Health.
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Furthermore, Michelle also streamlined into a higher level of training in Orthopaedics. In 2017, after numerous courses, she attained her Diploma of Advanced Manual and Manipulative Therapy. She is now a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Manipulative Physical Therapy.
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Whether your concerns are pelvic health in nature, chronic low back pain, ongoing knee instability, or anything in between; Michelle is highly qualified to meet your needs and always up to the task.
When Michelle isn’t working she is often enjoying the great outdoors alongside her favourite people- her husband Ross, daughter Leonie and son Lennon.
Alexandra Caramete
Registered Physiotherapist
FCAMPT, CIDN
Vestibular Rehabilitation
Clinic Owner
Alexandra is a compassionate, and greatly experienced Physiotherapist. Alex’s health care journey began at York university where she completed her Honours Bachelor Degree in Kinesiology. She later graduated from the University of Toronto with a Masters of Science Degree in Physical Therapy in 2012.
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Alexandra’s unending thirst for knowledge drove her towards post graduate courses. She completed the McMaster University Medical Acupuncture Program in 2013. Striving to differentiate herself as a practitioner and help a specialized population, Alex pursued advanced training in managing Dizziness related issues through Vestibular Rehabilitation. She has significant experience in the diagnosis and treatment of Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), vestibular hypo function and post concussion management. Alex has successfully completed her Diploma of Advanced Manual and Manipulative Physiotherapy through the Orthopaedic Division of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association in 2018 and is a CAMPT Certified Physiotherapist. In 2019 she also became certified in integrated dry needling.
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Alex’s philosophy is an integrated, patient specific approach to treatment. She loves to combine the various modalities in her toolkit! Her treatments marry the use of hands-on manual and manipulative therapy, acupuncture/dry needling, cupping, and targeted active exercise programs to successfully treat the spine, vertigo, dizziness and concussions as well as peripheral orthopaedic conditions.
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Outside of work, Alex is a proud die hard Raptors fan! She’s always ready to chat sports. She loves to keep active with weight training. Alex currently resides in Tottenham with her hubby, golden-doodle fur child Maggie and daughters Amelia and Bianca.
Miranda Thomas
Registered Physiotherapist
Miranda is a passionate and dedicated orthopaedic physiotherapist. She graduated from the University of Toronto’s Master of Science in Physical Therapy program in 2018 after completing her undergraduate degree in Kinesiology at Brock University, where she received the distinguished student award for the highest academic average. Since then, she has completed courses in soft tissue release and K-taping. Miranda is in the process of obtaining her diploma of
advanced manual and manipulative therapy.
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Miranda provides a thorough physiotherapy assessment, and that attention to detail allows her to create an individualized treatment program that focuses on deceasing pain, gaining mobility and increasing strength. Miranda’s top priority is helping you to meet your functional goals. She uses a combination of manual therapy techniques, personalized exercise prescription and education to help you understand your body and enable active participation in your healing.
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Miranda was a National level Irish Dancer for 15 years which has fuelled her passion for orthopaedics and manual therapy. Outside of the clinic you will find her exercising, cooking, camping or skiing. But what Miranda enjoys most is talking about healthcare with her husband (who is a paramedic) and hanging out with her toddler and preschooler!
Raylanna Rowntree
Physiotherapy Resident
​Raylanna is a passionate physiotherapist who graduated from Queen’s University in 2024 with a Master of Science in Physical Therapy. She previously earned an Honours Specialization in Clinical Kinesiology and a French Studies Major with distinction from the University of Western Ontario in 2022.
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Raylanna is eager to advance her skills in pelvic floor therapy, dry needling, Gunn IMS, advanced manual therapy, and potentially canine rehabilitation. She is dedicated to providing patient-centered care through evidence-based practice and compassion, helping her clients achieve their mobility, strength, and activity goals.
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Her journey into physiotherapy began as a competitive soccer player, where she experienced firsthand the benefits of physiotherapy. This experience inspired her to pursue a career where she could support others in their healing process.
Outside of the clinic, Raylanna enjoys outdoor activities such as golfing, camping, and hiking, along with cooking, weightlifting, and learning new skills. She is also working towards running a half marathon in the coming year.
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Vanessa (Ness) Natareno
Physiotherapy Resident
Ness is a recent graduate from the University of Toronto’s MScPT program, having previously graduated from McMaster University with a degree in Arts & Science combined in Psychology, Neuroscience and Behaviour. Ness is super excited to begin her professional life with Rise PT!
Ness became interested in a career in physiotherapy when volunteering for a mental health service whilst completing her undergraduate degree. This experience opened her eyes to how physical health is intrinsically linked with mental well-being, and inspired her to pursue this profession. Ness is interested in a multitude of specialties within the field, and is taking her FCAMPT level I this September. She looks forward to continuing her education via courses on dry needling, pelvic health, vestibular, and more!
Having grown up in the neighbouring town of Erin, Ness looks forward to providing services to a similarly growing community. In her spare time, Ness is a big fan of music, and enjoys playing pop culture songs on her piano. To keep active, Ness likes going to the gym, bouldering, pilates, hiking, and jogging.​​
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Nina Ronczka
Registered Massage Therapist
Nina is a lifetime resident of Dufferin county. Growing up, Nina worked as a lifeguard and swimming instructor at the local recreation centre. It was this experience which sparked her passion for human movement.
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Nina is a graduate of the Humber College School of Massage Therapy and has experience with Sweedish and deep tissue massage in both spa and clinic settings.
Nina has completed extra training in acupuncture as well as hot/cold stone techniques and loves to integrate these into her massage approach to attain holistic wellness sessions. Be sure to inquire about these services when booking!
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She is very excited to be part of the team at RISE and offer her services in her own community!
Theo Parusis
Registered Massage Therapist
Theo is a master of his craft, graduating from Sutherland-Chan Teaching School of Massage Therapy in 1998. With 25 years of experience, he prides himself on helping clients regain and retain function in work, play, and rest. His massages are both therapeutic and relaxing by combining deep tissue and specific massage techniques along with relaxing techniques to target pain and injury and help return clients to optimal health. He has extensive experience working with back and neck pain, sciatica, work-related tension, headaches, repetitive strain, chronic stress and a variety of other conditions and maladies. Theo uses Swedish massage, deep tissue, trigger point therapy, joint mobilizations, and hydrotherapy. He also enjoys implementing a home care program of stretching that will ensure clients continued progress.
Theo has 10 years experience in all aspects of running and working at a multidisciplinary environment. He has taught Massage Therapy for over 2 years, also running a student clinic in that time.
Theo has worked with the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario for 7 years. In that time he was with Quality Assurance as a Peer Assessor, on the Inquiries, Complaints and Reports Committee (ICRC) and the Discipline committee.
Theo looks forward to being your RMT!
Alex Toop
Registered Massage Therapist
Alex Toop has always been passionate about helping others, which inspired a career in health and wellness with a focus on natural, therapeutic approaches. This passion led Alex to pursue massage therapy, graduating from Fanshawe College in 2019.
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With experience treating a diverse range of clients, Alex developed a strong interest in working within a multidisciplinary setting, aiming to create personalized treatment plans that address the root causes of discomfort. Alex incorporates a variety of techniques, including deep tissue massage, relaxation massage, trigger point therapy, and active release therapy, to support clients in achieving their wellness goals.
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Outside of work, Alex enjoys spending time with family and friends, attending concerts and festivals, and expressing creativity through painting. Committed to helping clients feel their best, Alex looks forward to supporting their journey to optimal health and well-being.
Amanda Zoltek
Registered Social Worker
Psychotherapist
*ON MATERNITY LEAVE*
Sarah Kaulback
Registered Social Worker
Psychotherapist
Monica Noy
(She, Her, Hers)
Osteopathic Manual Practitioner
Amanda (she/her) is a Registered Social Worker, having received a Master of Social Work degree from Wilfrid Laurier University. She, prior to becoming a Social Worker, received a Master of Education degree – specializing in Social Justice Education – and an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, from Lakehead University. Amanda has also completed her 200hr Yoga Teacher Training. She is excited to integrate these professional and personal experience(s) into her Social Work practice at RISE!
Amanda’s therapeutic practice is informed by Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). Her personal approach to therapy is trauma-informed, strength-based, and client-centered. She will work collaboratively with each client to discover how to best achieve the growth and change that they are seeking, while guiding them toward resilience, independence, and self-sufficiency. Amanda is passionate about creating a warm, empathetic, and non-judgmental space in which every client will feel valued, heard, and safe to share and process their emotional experience(s).
Sarah received her Bachelor of Social Work from Dalhousie University and Master of Social Work from Windsor University. Sarah is a registered social worker with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Services Workers.
She has been working in the field of social work for 20+ years. She started her career in England and moved back to Canada in 2008.
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As a Registered Social Worker, Sarah specializes in trauma, anxiety, depression, PTSD, sexual abuse (recent and childhood) and adult conflict; practicing from a genuine, compassionate and culturally sensitive approach. Her theoretical approaches are based on client needs and include trauma focused, EDMR Therapy, CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy), DBT (Dialectic Behavioural Therapy), Solution-Focused Therapy and non- judgmental forms of therapy tailored to help you. Sarah works with people of all ages and offers one on one, couples and family (3+ individuals) sessions. Sarah will work with you to ensure counselling sessions can accommodate your schedule and are mutually convenient.
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Regardless of the struggles/trauma/stress/life experiences – we all deserve to have emotional health and well-being.
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Monica is an experienced, and empathetic Osteopathic Manual Practitioner. She has personal experience with chronic pain and has channelled that into her treatment focus, as well as into creating evidence-based curriculum for MSK therapists, teaching, and research.
Monica graduated from McMaster University with a Masters in Rehabilitation in 2019 after converting her Canadian osteopathic training into a Bachelor of Science with the British College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2013.
Osteopathy is a unique form of hands-on therapy that can complement other types of therapy or can be a stand-alone treatment. Monica integrates best practices with a person’s unique treatment goals and needs. Goals that can be achieved include pain relief, improved function, quicker recovery and rehabilitation, symptom management, and effective self-management.
Monica understands how challenging it can be to find solutions for ongoing pain and considers every person seeking treatment to be the expert in their experience. She works collaboratively with you and your team and can provide hands-on treatment, information, resources, advocacy, and goal planning to enable you to better manage your condition.
Advocating for high standards of education and patient care in the profession in Ontario and Canada is Monica’s other passion. She’s a member of several Boards and committees in Ontario, Canada, and Internationally.
Downtime sees her caring for her aging cats, and a lot of gardening.
Patricia Scornavacca
Office Manager
Patricia is a highly skilled Medical Administrator with over 17 years experience in the industry, where she has always been a key player in helping to keep clinic spaces running smoothly. She has been the Office Manager of RISE Physio & Wellness since 2022 and is always one step ahead of everyone’s needs.
Patricia is a bright and friendly face as you enter the clinic and you might find her catching up with clients, snuggling babies of Pelvic Floor Physio mamas; as she multi-tasks around the office with precision. Patricia is fluent in both English and Spanish, and always happy to converse in the latter.
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Patricia offers a wealth of experience in navigating direct billing for your insurance needs, and is a booking wizard. Ensuring smooth operations in the clinic is her forte, and when she is not doing that; she is cheering on her boys on the soccer pitch or videoing them on a snowboard. She is the ultimate mom.
For more information on what it means to be CAMPT Certified -​ Click Here
Physiotherapy Services
Manual Therapy
The use of joint mobilization and manipulation, as well as soft tissue massage and release to aide in the restoration of mobility and tissue health.
Focussed, and individualized treatment of a surgical procedure, with or without the direction of a specific surgical protocol.
For example:Rotator Cuff Repair, Total Joint
Dry Needling
A skilled intervention used to penetrate the skin and stimulate underlying myfofascial trigger points (aka. "muscle knots"), muscular, and connective tissues for the management of pain and movement impairments.
Specialized physiotherapy used as a first line treatment in the management of incontinence and pelvic pain. Involves internal and external assessment and treatment.
The insertion of needles into specific anatomical points (acupuncture points) to encourage natural healing, and stimulation of the release of endorphins; the body's feel-good / pain relieving hormones.
The use of a multi-modal treatment plan including any of the above techniques in order to appropriately treat athletes of every level of participation.
119 Adeline Street
(Behind OLD Service Ontario Building)
Shelburne, Ontario
Tel: 1-519-306-1655
Fax: 1-548-775-0111
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Please call, e-mail, OR see online booking tab for availability.
RISE:​
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To move from a lower position to a higher one
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To find the strength or ability to respond adequately to (a challenging situation)
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To succeed in not being limited or constrained