Anita Venugopal, Owner, Registered Physiotherapist, HBSc, BScPT, FCAMPT, CAFCI, CIDN, Yoga & Pilates

Anita has been a physiotherapist since 1999, graduating from The University of Western Ontario. In her 15-plus-years career, she has taken extensive continuing education courses to improve her skills and help her practice.

Anita has achieved internationally recognized qualifications in hands-on manual and manipulative therapy by becoming a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Manipulative Physiotherapy (FCAMPT). She has participated in extensive post-graduate education in the area of orthopaedics. 

Anita has obtained her acupuncture certification through the Acupuncture Foundation of Canada, and completed the Integrated Dry Needling Program. Training in both types of acupuncture allows her to be selective in what would benefit her clients the most.

Anita is also a Stott trained Pilates Instructor and enjoys challenging her clients on both the mat and the Reformer. She believes a strong core is the foundation to a home or relationship; without it, everything crumbles. Understanding that a healthy body requires both strength and flexibility, Anita became a 200RYT Yoga instructor. Having certifications in both Yoga and Pilates, Anita is able to tailor individual programs to patients of all abilities. She enjoys working one on one with clients, teaching them to safely move through different poses, and without injury.

Jessica Pollice, Registered Physiotherapist, MSc. PT, HBSc. HK

Jessica completed her Masters of Science, Physiotherapy program in 2016 at McMaster University, and a Honours Bachelor of Science in Human Kinetics, minor in Nutrition at the University of Guelph in 2013.

Since graduating, Jessica has furthered her Physiotherapy education by completing post-graduate courses, which include Manual Therapy Levels 1-3, Certification in Soft Tissue Release, Acupuncture Therapy, Concussion Management and Mulligan’s Mobilization with movement manual therapy techniques.

Jessica is a Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist and has obtained her Pelvic Health Certification through the Pelvic Health Solutions Program. Education and training has focused on treating patients with pelvic pain, urinary incontinence and prolapse (Level 1, 2 and 3 courses). In addition, she has completed courses focusing on pregnancy related pain, such as treating pelvic girdle pain, postpartum recovery, correcting a rectus diastasis abdominis, rehabilitation after a cesarean section, treating urinary leakage in runners, and integrating yoga for treatment of pelvic pain.

She has also taken a course on how Physiotherapy can help with breast cancer rehabilitation. This course focused on education, manual therapy techniques and exercises for women recovering from breast cancer surgery.

Jessica's clinical interests include shoulder injuries, low back pain, pelvic floor conditions, knee pain, running injuries, post-surgical rehabilitation, and sport injury rehabilitation. Her Physiotherapy treatment approach combines techniques in manual therapy, acupuncture, mobilization with movement, soft tissue release and specialized exercises.

Her personal interests include playing soccer, running, working out, hiking with her dog, and cheering on her favourite sports team.

Chiropractic Care

Dr. Alison Richards, DC

Dr. Alison Richards completed her undergraduate education at the University of Windsor, earning a Bachelor of Human Kinetics, and then graduated from the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College as a Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) in 2009.  

She is a duly licensed chiropractor in the province of Ontario.

In addition to her chiropractic training, Dr. Richards is also fully certified in acupuncture. 

She is a member of both the Ontario Chiropractic Association (OCA) and the Canadian Chiropractic Association (CCA).  

Traditional Chinese Medicine

Yuanhua Liu, PhD, MS, MD(TCM), R. TCMP, R. Ac

Yuanhua Liu received his Bachelor of Medicine from Hubei University of Chinese Medicine; his Masters and Ph.D. from Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese medicine. He was an Associate Professor at Chengdu University of TCM, and an associate Chief Physician in the field of acupuncture and Tuina therapy at Sichuan Provincial Hospital of TCM.

He has been teaching undergraduate and graduate TCM students for over 15 years. He has also treated over 60,000 patients since 2007, and has served as an expert consultant in thousands of clinic cases for his residential students and colleagues. He is proficient in treating health conditions of musculoskeletal, nervous, respiratory, digestive system, etc.

Yuanhua is a member of Pediatric Tuina Committee of China Association Acupuncture-Moxibustion; Tuina Committee of China Association of Chinese medicine; Tuina Committee of Sichuan Association Acupuncture-Moxibustion, and vice chairman of Pediatric Tuina Committee of Chengdu Association Acupuncture-Moxibustion.

He is also one of the editors of several current national textbooks for TCM undergraduate students in China, for example, Tuina 1st to 3rd editions, and Pediatric Tuina 1st to 2nd editions. He offers TCM herbal therapy and acupuncture, tuina therapy (Chinese style massage), acupressure, cupping, and more.

Daniela Iliescu, RMT

Daniela is a graduate of the massage therapy program at Medix College and has been a member of the CMTO and RMTAO since 2013.

Over the years, Daniela has worked in clinics in the Kitchener-Waterloo area that had different specialities. This has given her valuable experience working with different types of clients – from athletes and body builders to office workers, children and pre/post-natal patients. Because of this, her style of massage varies depending on her clients and their needs.

She uses a therapeutic approach and enjoys performing deep tissue massage when tolerated, but can also treat with light and moderate pressure using general Swedish massage techniques for relaxation massage.

Some of her skills also include treating musculoskeletal conditions and concerns like sciatica, carpal tunnel syndrome, piriformis syndrome, facet joint irritation, TMJ issues, headaches, migraines and general muscle tension. She also has her cupping certificate.

Daniela likes helping people and takes pride in her career. She finds it very rewarding as she sees the impact and benefits of massage therapy and how much it can improve an individual's well-being.

In her spare time, Daniela loves to read, listen to podcasts, meditate, go camping and spend time with her boyfriend, family and friends.

Iysha Nobes, RMT and Acupuncture Provider

As a healthcare professional with a unique outlook on therapeutics, Iysha provides quality rehabilitative care to her patients through acupuncture/dry needling, soft tissue release and manual therapy, therapeutic ultrasound, and yoga therapy. With 7 years of experience in the field, Iysha takes an evidence-based and anatomical approach to her work. Iysha is a member of the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (CMTO) and a graduate from the McMaster University Contemporary Medical Acupuncture Program. 

*Please note this treatment will be provided by Iysha Nobes, RMT. 

The use of Acupuncture in conjunction with other manual therapy/massage techniques is considered to be part of the Scope of Practice of an RMT under the rules and regulations set by the CMTO. For this reason, this treatment is billable under extended health insurance as "Massage Therapy".

Natasha Opperman-Verlegh, RMT

Natasha is passionate about massage therapy and the benefits it can render for all ages, health and fitness levels. She has been practicing for over 8 years since receiving an Advanced Diploma in Massage Therapy from Centennial College. 

Natasha's holistic philosophy of care guides her approach, working with you towards your individual goals and outcomes through a combination of massage and manual therapy techniques. Appointments can includes massage and myofascial techniques, joint play/manipulation, basic neuromuscular integration & structural alignment, pre-/post-natal massage, remedial exercise guidance, thai yoga massage techniques, and more.

Years of practice within fitness-based clinics has driven her passion for movement as a key part of our daily and long-term health. Natasha believes pain does not always mean we need to stop moving but that we must _start moving differently. She enjoys spending time within your therapy plan on identifying daily movements that can help or hinder your posture, energy, and overall well-being.

"I want to help you live your healthy life, past the aches & pains, not just today but for your future."

Osteopathic Manual Therapy

Stefan Rogalla, M.OMSc., B.Sc. Kin, CSCS

Stefan began his journey of the human body through exploring sports and exercise from an early age. After participating in gymnastics and martial arts in his youth and rugby into adulthood, he was inspired to learn more about exercise and human performance. Beginning with Fitness and Health Promotion at Conestoga College, Stefan continued his studies in Kinesiology at Guelph-Humber University before finishing four years of Osteopathic Manipulative Sciences at the Canadian Academy of Osteopathy. His value for health grew with his understanding of the body over those years and he continues self-directed education in broad areas relating to human health.

There are many factors that play a part in injuries and recovery; understanding the pieces that are necessary for success in rehabilitation is something that Stefan strives to achieve with all of his patients as each path to recovery is unique. He deeply values education and enjoys teaching patients about the possible mechanisms behind their problems to help them be informed on their journey and take control of their healthcare.

Outside of his professional interests, Stefan enjoys learning about nature, its many forces and how they relate and reflect in our own bodies. Asking questions and diving deeper into the, systems, patterns, and possibilities of these relationships keeps his mind curious and open to new ideas.