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 weight training, hiking, or swimming in his spare time.
Current Students
Jordan Worsfold
Student Physiotherapist
Jordy is a driven and outgoing individual in his final year of the physiotherapy program at the University of British Columbia. He has a solid educational background, having completed his bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology from the Okanagan Valley. His passion for pursuing a career in physiotherapy stems from his love for the outdoors and sports.
As an avid addict of the beauties of BC, Jordy spends his free time at the beach and on the trails exploring. Whether it’s going on long hikes, impromptu spike-ball games, or swimming, Jordy always finds ways to stay active and engaged. Furthermore, he has a strong desire to help others and contribute positively to those around him which led him to choose a career in physiotherapy.
With his strong academic record and passion for the field, Jordy is well-positioned to excel in his chosen career path and make a meaningful impact in the lives of his patients. Jordy has a special interest in patient-centred care and evidence-informed practice. He believes in taking a personalized approach to treatment through empathetic listening and treatment. This approach allows him to better understand each patient’s unique needs, concerns, and circumstances, and tailor treatment plans that are specific to them.
By incorporating evidence-informed practice, Jordy ensures that his patients receive the most up-to-date and effective treatments available. Additionally, he believes in the importance of ongoing education and staying current with the latest research and developments in his field to provide his patients with the highest quality care possible.
Valerie Lang
Student Physiotherapist
Valerie is in her final year of the physiotherapy program at UBC. Prior to pursuing physiotherapy, Valerie completed a Human Kinetics Diploma at Capilano University and transferred to UBC to complete her Bachelor of Kinesiology. Valerie was dedicated to teaching exercise in her community throughout her undergraduate degree. She taught swimming lessons to children and aquafit classes for adults/seniors.
On campus, Valerie instructed Changing Aging Fitness classes at UBC BodyWorks. After graduating, Valerie became the BodyWorks Outreach Coordinator and spearheaded a partnership program with the BC Psychosis Program at UBC hospital. Patients learned how to exercise safely to support their mental health. Alongside this position, Valerie volunteered with an aquatic-based exercise program for individuals recovering from a stroke.
As a retired artistic swimmer of 10 years, Valerie was introduced to the benefits of physiotherapy from a young age. She has also navigated persistent health challenges, leading to a deeper understanding of how injury or illness can impact all facets of life. Valerie’s philosophy of treatment is evidence-based, and client-centred and incorporates pain science education to empower clients to build resilience to persistent pain conditions.
Valerie looks forward to working with clients at the PTRC. When not in the clinic or school, Valerie enjoys swimming, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
Judy Chiu
Student Physiotherapist
Judy is in her final year of the UBC physiotherapy program. She also has a Master of Public Health and a Bachelor in Medical Laboratory Science with over 10 years of experience in health research.
Her interest in physiotherapy was inspired during her own recovery after a motor vehicle accident. While many healthcare professionals were part of her care team, her physiotherapist used evidence-based practice and an individualized treatment approach to help her understand her condition and recovery process and increase her confidence in managing her condition through movement re-education and corrective exercises. Judy strives to empower her patients to reach their rehabilitation goals in the same way.
Judy has experience working with people with orthopaedic, neurological, and complex medical conditions. She has also guided patients in their return-to-work programs and has experience creating custom hand splints.
Judy’s interests include volleyball, running, hiking, tennis, skiing, and most recently, pickleball. She also enjoys baking, and spending time with her niece and nephews, and is an avid volunteer at Canuck Place Children’s Hospice. She is fluent in English, Cantonese, and Mandarin and is conversational in French.