Sally Stelling
Physiotherapist
Sally is working as a Physiotherapist for the Brain Wellness Program at UBC and the UBC Physical Therapy and Research Clinic.
Sally graduated with a degree in Physiotherapy from the University of Pretoria in 2000 and has since worked in South Africa, Scotland and Canada. She has worked in public health and private practice and has experience working in acute care, long-term rehabilitation and outpatient settings. She has worked in neurological rehabilitation, orthopaedics, paediatrics, women’s health, sports injuries and geriatrics. Sally has completed several post-graduate courses and certifications including Neurodevelopmental Therapy (NDT), Anatomical Acupuncture (AFCI), a certificate in Orthpaedic Medicine (OMI), Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation, Myofascial release, Allied Team Training in Parkinson’s (ATTP) and evidence-based Breast Cancer Rehabilitation.
Sally is passionate about helping people function to the best of their ability, facilitating and improving functional movement and assisting people in reaching their goals. The role of exercise in brain wellness, neuroplasticity and cancer recovery is of particular interest to Sally.
Gavin Tonkin
Physiotherapist
Gavin is a practicing physiotherapist, having recently graduated from the UBC Masters of Physical Therapy (MPT) Program. Before the MPT program, Gavin graduated with his bachelor’s and a postgraduate degree in exercise science from the Australian Catholic University in Melbourne. This original degree allowed Gavin to work as an exercise physiologist for several years. During this time, Gavin gained experience working in sub-acute care at a hospital in Melbourne and with high-level sports teams. Gavin has been in Vancouver for over 8 years during which time he worked as a kinesiologist at several private physiotherapy clinics predominantly seeing patients with orthopedic and neurological conditions.
During his time in the MPT program, Gavin developed an interest in how psychological and social factors contribute to an individual’s injury or illness. Gavin enjoys working with individuals to find out how we can best mitigate those factors to help clients reach their goals.
In his spare time, Gavin enjoys discovering what BC has to offer on pedal, foot, or rope and harness. He also enjoys spending time with his growing family and going on walks with his dog.
Charlie Chua
Physiotherapist
Charlie is a fully licenced physiotherapist who we are lucky to have returned to the PTRC! Before embarking on his Physical Therapy degree, Charlie completed his Bachelor’s in Kinesiology at UBC. During his undergraduate program, Charlie gained experience working with various clinical populations both as a fitness instructor at the UBC Bodyworks gym and as a volunteer at the Rocksteady Boxing program. He is also a certified Krav Maga Global self-defence instructor and currently teaches during his spare time.
Charlie is a lifelong athlete and enjoys playing a variety of different sports including rugby, hockey, soccer and combat sports. He also served 2-years in the Singapore Armed Forces as an officer in the military as part of his conscription duties. Throughout his journey in sports and in the military, Charlie has experienced many injuries and saw the importance of exceptional Physical Therapy and the impact it had on improving overall function and outlook. As a physical therapist, Charlie aims to empower his clients through exercise and movement to help them achieve their goals.
Ashley Jestin
Physiotherapist
Ashley is a physiotherapist with a passion for strength training, cycling, yoga, and outdoor adventures. Before doing her master’s degree in physiotherapy, she completed a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology. Ashley has been teaching trauma-informed meditation and yoga for nearly a decade which led her to engage with clients with a person-centred, biopsychosocial approach.
As a physiotherapist, Ashley offers a psychologically informed approach to treatment by drawing on my knowledge of pain science and emphasizing the role of the nervous system in rehabilitation. Ashley practices evidence-based physiotherapy services and is constantly advancing her knowledge by reading the latest research in the field. With an emphasis on active rehab, Ashley provides treatments that will help you get back to the activities you love.
Gursevak Powar
Physiotherapist
Gursevak graduated from Simon Fraser University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology, and a concentration in Active Health and Rehabilitation. While completing his undergraduate studies, he gained a passion for strength training and exercise, which eventually led him to complete the Master of Physical Therapy program at the University of British Columbia. Gursevak has obtained his Functional Movement Screen and Orthopaedic Division Level 1 certifications and is excited to bring his experience and expertise to the UBC Physical Therapy and Research Clinic.
Gursevak understands the importance of active and empathic listening and always takes the time to learn about a client’s specific injuries, preferences, and goals in order to support them through the rehabilitation process. He believes communicating effectively and building connections with clients is a fundamental part of being a physical therapist. Gursevak enjoys volunteering in his community and works with the New Westminster Hyacks football team where he assists with various on-field injuries. Gursevak is committed to pursuing an active lifestyle and can be found in weight training, hiking, or swimming in his spare time.
Current Students
Josh Toor
Student Physiotherapist
Josh is a first-year physical therapy student at UBC. Before entering the MPT program, Josh completed his Bachelor of Science in Integrated Sciences, integrating Physiology and Neurobiology at UBC.
Josh has a passion for movement and athletics. You can catch him playing any sport including but not limited to basketball, ultimate, tennis, golf, spike ball, soccer, football, volleyball, badminton, and pickleball. When he is not playing sports in his spare time, he is either weight lifting, catching up on sports, or reading up on all things related to physiotherapy.
Josh has extensive ties in the community through various volunteering opportunities such as with the BC Children’s Hospital for four years in the Child life department, with St. John Ambulance as a Medical First Responder, and as a youth basketball coach at the YMCA. These experiences have helped him foster a client-centred based approach to his practice. He is very excited to work at the PTRC and is dedicated to working with his clients to achieve the best results for them.
Rob Sullivan
Student Physiotherapist
My name is Rob Sullivan and I am in my first year of physiotherapy at UBC. I completed my undergraduate degree in Human Kinetics at UBC Okanagan. I have worked with a variety of individuals with different abilities. I have done various forms of strength coaching with youth that struggles with substance abuse and legal issues. I have also volunteered with an adaptive ski program helping youth with a variety of cognitive, social, and physical disabilities enjoy winter mountain sports.
My passion for physical therapy stemmed from playing rugby in high school and struggling with injury. I became passionate about resistance training following my competitive years of rugby. I currently enjoy many forms of exercise including hockey, golf, skiing, running, mountain biking, and occasionally spikeball. I currently am competing as a powerlifter and spend a lot of my free time in the gym.
I am a strong believer in physical therapy and in movement as the fundamental key to rehabilitation. I could not experience working with a physiotherapist through any of my injuries but seeing the impact I could have as a strength coach and ski instructor brought forth my passion for helping people. I care deeply about all those I am involved with but I am also a firm believer in motivating people to do their absolute best.
TheAnh Pham
Student Physiotherapist
TheAnh Pham is a 1st-year physical therapy student at UBC where he also completed his Bachelor of Kinesiology degree in 2021. Before starting the MPT program, he worked as an educational instructor for adults on the spectrum, teaching nutrition classes, group fitness, and vocational work skills.
TheAnh has also been involved in elite sports for 7 years as an athlete, coach, strength coach, and sports therapist in volleyball, soccer, and football. His own recent career highlights include a provincial and national collegiate volleyball championship.
TheAnh finds passion in helping people reach their full potential. He hopes to be involved in optimizing the quality of life of others through collaborative physical therapy.