Natalie is a licensed physiotherapist here at the PTRC. Prior to completing her Masters of Physical Therapy at UBC, Natalie worked as a kinesiologist at outpatient clinics specializing in both musculoskeletal and neurological populations.  

Natalie grew up on the North Shore playing soccer and volleyball competitively, and was first introduced to the physiotherapist profression in highschool when she experienced a series of ankle and knee injuries and saught out a physio in order to return to sport. Nowadays, she enjoys cycling, skiing, running and hiking – anything to be outside!  

As a therapist, she believes in the combination of manual therapy, education and targeted exercise prescription to help patients manage their symptoms and get back to doing what they love. Natalie is passionate about building a strong connection with her patients so that they can be an active participant in their care and achieving their goals.  

Natalie has experience working with a wide range of populations including post operative patients, individuals with osteoarthritis, neurological conditions, or acute sport related injuries. Since graduating, she has taken continuing education courses in IMS/Dry Needling, the treatment and assessment of running injuries, running assessments, bike fits, and concussion 

Toni is a UK-trained, BC-licensed physiotherapist and reformer Pilates instructor with experience supporting clients across musculoskeletal,  

orthopedic and neurological rehabilitation settings.  

She is passionate about empowering individuals to build confidence, strength and resilience through compassionate, individualized care that evolves with each client’s needs. Toni strives to create a supportive, accessible environment where clients feel heard and are actively involved in creating meaningful, shared goals. Using clear education, exercise and Pilates-inspired principles, Toni works collaboratively with clients to improve everyday function and support lasting independence in the activities that matter most to them. 

 Outside the clinic, Toni enjoys pilates, hiking and snowboarding in the local mountains. 

Current Students

Kristen is a second-year student in the Master of Physical Therapy (MPT) program at the University of British Columbia. Prior to the MPT program, she completed her Bachelor of Arts in Kinesiology at the University of Western Ontario (UWO).

While completing her degree at UWO, Kristen worked as a trainer for the London Jr. Devilettes, a junior ice hockey team, and completed the Athletic Injuries Practicum, working with Western’s Women’s Hockey Team.

Kristen’s passion for physiotherapy stems from her lifelong love of sports. In her free time, Kristen can be found playing golf, tennis, pickleball, soccer, skiing, hiking, running, or swimming. Throughout participation in sports, Kristen has experienced many injuries and has seen firsthand the importance of physical therapy.

Kristen is excited to join the PTRC team and hopes to empower her clients to get back to doing what they love through exercise and movement!

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Shakiba is a second-year student in the Master of Physical Therapy (MPT) program at the University of British Columbia. Prior to entering the program, she completed her Bachelor of Kinesiology at the University of Toronto, where she developed a strong interest in human movement, exercise, and helping people recover from injury.

Throughout her training and clinical placement, Shakiba has gained experience in hospital, neurological rehabilitation, and private clinic setting. She has worked with a wide range of patients, from children to older adults, with different conditions including neurological, musculoskeletal, and post-surgical concerns.

These experiences have strengthened her belief that every person’s recovery journey is unique and that care should be tailored to each individual’s goals and needs. Shakiba enjoys getting to know her patients and values creating a welcoming and supportive environment where people feel heard, comfortable asking questions, and involved in their care.

Outside of physiotherapy, Shakiba enjoys staying active by going to the gym, hiking, and playing volleyball with friends. She is also involved in student leadership as the Neuro Club Representative in the UBC Physical Therapy program, where she helps organize learning opportunities related to neurological rehabilitation.

Shakiba speaks both English and Farsi and is happy to communicate with Farsi-speaking patients when helpful.

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Rio is a second-year student in the Master of Physical Therapy program at the University of British Columbia (UBC). Prior to entering the program, he completed a Bachelor of Kinesiology at UBC. He has also worked as an ACE-certified personal trainer and a sports medicine and rehabilitation assistant in a clinical setting.

Rio has experience treating a wide range of client populations, from young children to older adults. During his most recent clinical placement, he helped athletes return to sport and further developed his skills in exercise prescription and rehabilitation.
Rio is passionate about movement and exercise, and believes physical activity is a lifelong journey.

His own experiences recovering from injuries through physiotherapy have shaped his patient-centred approach to care and reinforced the importance of building meaningful connections in the clinic. He emphasizes education in his practice and strives to empower clients to better understand their bodies and take an active role in their recovery.

Outside of the clinic, Rio enjoys golfing, volleyball, weightlifting, and long walks with his dog, Butter. He also loves exploring new food spots and is always open to recommendations.

Mackenzie is a second-year student in the University of British Columbia Master of Physical Therapy (MPT) program. She previously completed a Bachelor of Science in Biology at UBC, where she also worked with the School of Population and Public Health on research involving stroke and surgical populations.

This experience provided her with a strong understanding of the complexities of the healthcare system and sparked a passion for delivering patient-centred care while advocating for individual needs. Mackenzie’s previous clinical placements have given her experience in inpatient and outpatient services, at hospitals and private clinics in BC. She has worked with individuals of all ages, supporting a wide range of orthopaedic, neurological, and cardiorespiratory conditions.

Outside of the clinic, Mackenzie enjoys spending time in nature, particularly near the ocean. She stays active through yoga, dance, running, hiking, surfing, and group exercise classes. Having grown up as a dancer, she recognizes the importance of movement for overall health and well-being and is dedicated to helping her patients achieve their meaningful functional goals.