Lea has a Master of Science degree in Physiotherapy and a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology. She pursued additional training in pelvic health physiotherapy with a special interest in pregnancy and paediatrics. Lea has worked in a variety of paediatric settings including McMaster Children’s Hospital and Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital and was the recipient CanChild’s Paediatric Research Award in 2017.
Lea’s training in pelvic floor dysfunction (in adults and pediatrics) has included courses to assess and treat urinary incontinence, complex pelvic pain, sexual pain, gastro-intestinal disorders, pelvic organ prolapse, and perinatal care. Most importantly, she is committed to empower her patients on their active recovery, to improve their health, well-being and quality of life. She has always had a special interest in women’s and pediatric health, and uses a biopsychosocial approach with all of her clients.
Lea is a strong advocate of pelvic health and holds a Public Relations subcommittee position with the Women’s Health Division. She is also holds an executive position with Ontario Physiotherapy Association’s Westgate District and has been a member of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association since 2015.
In her spare time, Lea enjoys dancing, exercising and spending time with family & friends. In recent years, she has developed an appreciation for meditation and yoga as adjuncts to healing and wellness.
Relevant Certifications:
Level 1: The Physical Therapy Approach to Female and Male Urinary Incontinence, Pelvic Health Solutions, 2017
Pediatric Incontinence and Pelvic Floor Dysfunction, Pelvic Health Solutions, 2018
Level 2/3: Female and Male Pelvic Pain, Pelvic Health Solutions, 2019
Explain Pain, Neuro Orthopaedic Institute Group, 2019
Cuevas Medek Exercises (CME) Level I Course, Simona DeMarchi, 2019
Dynamic Core for Kids, Shelley Mannell & Julie W. Wiebe, 2019
Maximize Neuroplasticity and Minimize Maladaptive habits in Children and Teenagers with Cerebral Palsy: The Key to CP systematic, intensive treatment model, Pia Stampe, 2020
Conservative Management of Diastasis Recti Abdominis - Level 1, BIA, 2020
Yoga for Pelvic Health: ERYT 500, Pelvic Health Professionals, 2020
Mentorship: Pregnancy Related-Diastasis Rectus Abdominis and Pelvic Girdle Pain, Sinead Dufour, 2019-2021
Comprehensive Approach to the Management of Cerebral Palsy: 3-12 Years, Shirley Ryan Ability Lab, 2021
The Female Athlete, Anthony Lo, 2023
Gait: Observation and Individualized Intervention with Ankle-Foot Orthoses Part 1 & 2: Kyra Kane, 2023
Conservative Management for Diastasis Recti Abdominis - Level 2, BIA, currently completing (2023)
Kaz is a highly qualified movement educator dedicated to helping clients achieve optimal physical function and well-being. With nearly a decade of experience, Kaz is a Clinical Somatics Instructor, a certified Postpartum Corrective Exercise Specialist, and a yoga & movement teacher.
Drawing on her personal experiences as a mother, belly dancer, and potter, Kaz is passionate about helping patients connect to their centers and achieve greater physical balance. She strongly believes in the power of movement as preventative medicine.
At Raise the Bar Physiotherapy, Kaz uses a whole-body approach combining restorative yoga, somatics and novel exercises to create lasting change at the level of the nervous system, to move better and foster resilience. Kaz is passionate about complementing her patients’ physiotherapy sessions and helping them achieve optimal pelvic health and overall physical well-being.
Relevant Certifications:
- Hatha Yoga Instructor (300 hours), 2013
- Restorative Yoga Instructor, 2015
- Postpartum Corrective Exercise Specialist Certification, 2017
- Clinical Somatics Instructor, 2021
- Essential Somatics Instructor, 2022
Emma is a highly educated and experienced fitness professional who has pursued continuing education throughout her career. She has earned multiple certifications in various areas of fitness including: Personal Training, Holistic Nutrition, Pre- and Postnatal Fitness, Pelvic Floor Health, Power Yoga, Run Coaching, Indoor Cycling, and Sports Nutrition. Emma’s diverse skill set and knowledge base make her a valuable resource for individuals looking to improve their overall health and fitness, particularly for endurance athletes.
Emma has worked with many clients with different fitness levels and restrictions. She has helped clients with injuries, post-surgical and postpartum recovery, including rebuilding core strength and the pelvic floor. She values each client and accommodates all ages, genders, and fitness levels. She is passionate about community and believes that being strong and active improves your quality of life, mental strength and whole body health.
Relevant Certifications:
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Personal Training Specialist, CanFitPro 2008
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Holistic Nutritionist, Canadian School of Natural Nutrition, 2014
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Pre & Postnatal Specialist, Fit4Two, 2014
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Yoga Teacher, Power Yoga Canada, 2015
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Running Coach, UESCA (United Sports Coaching Academy), 2021
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The Female Athlete, Anthony Lo, 2023
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Indoor Cycling Instructor, Schwinn Education, 2023
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Sports Nutrition Coach, UESCA (United Sports Coaching Academy), 2023
