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.
Natalie Marshall
Physiotherapist
Natalie Marshall is a licensed physiotherapist. Before entering her Master’s program, Natalie completed her undergraduate degree in Kinesiology at the University of Western Ontario and then worked as a kinesiologist at two outpatient physiotherapy clinics.
Natalie grew up on the North Shore playing soccer and volleyball competitively and was first introduced to the physiotherapy profession in high school when she experienced a series of ankle and knee injuries and sought out a physio to return to sport. Nowadays, she enjoys cycling, skiing, running and hiking – anything to be outside!
Natalie’s experience as a kinesiologist in an outpatient orthopedic and neuro setting has given her a unique ability to cater exercises to the patient in front of her. Her previous placements have been a mix of inpatient acute and outpatient settings, working with a variety of populations including acquired brain injury, critical care, acute orthopedic, and outpatient musculoskeletal injuries.
She is passionate about delivering patient-centred care and making her assessment and treatment meaningful to the patient. She is keen to help patients get back to doing what they love.
Claire Chappel
Physiotherapist
Claire grew up outside of Calgary, Alberta, then travelled to Australia to begin her undergrad in Entrepreneurial Management, which she completed at Royal Roads University in Victoria, BC. She went on to help open and manage a climbing gym before pursuing her career in Physical Therapy. Claire has experience volunteering in both a private physical therapy setting and in neurological rehab and is looking forward to expanding her knowledge and experience during her time at the Physical Therapy Research Clinic.
When she is not in the clinic, you can find her rock climbing with friends, going on runs with her dog Luna, or cooking delicious food! Having grown up as a competitive dancer and later shifted her focus to rock climbing, her personal experiences with injury rehabilitation and injury prevention are what led her to pursue a career in physical therapy. Claire is excited to share her passion for movement and exercise-based rehabilitation with her clients and is looking forward to helping them achieve their goals.
Claire Compagna
Physiotherapist
Claire is a licensed physiotherapist who recently graduated from UBC’s Master of Physical Therapy program. Growing up on the North Shore, she later moved to Kelowna to earn her undergraduate degree in Human Kinetics at UBC Okanagan. While there, a practicum at a physiotherapy clinic solidified her decision to return to Vancouver to pursue her Master’s degree.
During the pandemic, Claire worked with the Canadian COVID-19 Emergency Department Rapid Response Network, which deepened her appreciation for research and its vital role in advancing healthcare. Her work with the UBC Centre for Accessibility and the Stroke Recovery Association of BC also ignited a passion for advocacy and accessibility in healthcare.
Claire has gained physiotherapy experience in a variety of settings, including acute care, pediatrics, orthopedics, and chronic disease management. Her background as a competitive gymnast has fostered a lifelong enthusiasm for human movement and physical fitness, inspiring her to help others achieve their goals and improve their quality of life through physiotherapy.
Outside of work, Claire enjoys running, rock climbing, and exploring local coffee shops, always seeking new adventures and connections in her community.
Taylor Jones
Physiotherapist
Taylor graduated from the University of Alberta in 2019 with a Masters of Science in Physical Therapy degree. Prior to that, he studied kinesiology at the University of Calgary. He also completed a Bachelor of Music degree in Jazz Studies from Vancouver Island University in 2014. Since beginning his career in 2019, he has sought to expand his knowledge in the field of physiotherapy by completing more than 20 continuing education courses, participating in journal clubs, and staying up-to-date with the most recent and relevant rehabilitation medicine science.
He also has a passion for teaching and passing on knowledge with activities such as supervising students on clinical placement, as a Clinical Skills Assistant for physiotherapy courses at UBC, and delivering webinars and info sessions to both colleagues and the general public. Taylor enjoys being involved in the rehabilitation of a wide range of clientele, and has vast experience with treating various injuries (both his own and other people’s), including sports injuries and over-use injuries.
He is currently involved in research as a physiotherapist, delivering chair-based exercise programs via telehealth to individuals who have experienced strokes. He also regularly volunteers with a local theatre group, the Arts Club Theatre Company, offering physiotherapy services to cast and crew members.
In addition to his designations as a physiotherapist, Taylor also holds a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist designation from the National Strength and Conditioning Association. Outside of work, Taylor enjoys walking on trails with his dogs, reading as many books as possible, watching films, and exploring new (and old) vegan recipes and restaurants.