Our interdisciplinary Health Care Team is comprised of a local regulated healthcare providers and a certified sports medicine physician. Together we strive to help you accomplish your goals and achieve your potential through focused health care that meets your needs.
PATIENT EXPERIENCE MANAGER(S)
Tara Pieczko - Mountdale Clinic
Terri Zeleny - West Arthur Place Clinic
PHYSIOTHERAPISTS
Michael Poling PT, MScPT, MSc, HBK, CAFCI, Cert. MDT, Adv. Practice PT (Spine)
Matthew Beda PT, MSc, BSc, Cert. IDN, CAFCI, MScPT
Andrew Hubbard PT, HBA, ACCDN, MCISs Adv. Practice CMP, FCAMPT
Hasan Rahman PT, BScPT, DPT(c), NASM-CPT, CES. Cert. Ortho Medicine, Cert. MDN
Nathan Di Franco PT Res., MScPT, HBK
Leigh Jeffries PT Res., MScPT, MSc, HBK
REGISTERED MASSAGE THERAPISTS
Kelly Catton RMT
SPORTS MEDICINE PHYSICIAN (CERTIFIED)
Dr. Sheryl Wark CCFP (SEM), Dip. Sport Med, HBK, BSc
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST
Jory Spring OT Reg. (Ont), MScOT,
SOCIAL WORK & COUNSELLING
Kaitlyn Ciddio MSW
SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST
Chad Clower Reg. CASLPO, MSc
REGISTERED DIETICIAN
Saara Rizzo RD, MSc, Dip. Culinary Arts
PATIENT EXPERIENCE MANAGER(S)
Tara Pieczko - Mountdale Clinic
Terri Zeleny - West Arthur Place Clinic
PHYSIOTHERAPISTS
Michael Poling PT, MScPT, MSc, HBK, CAFCI, Cert. MDT, Adv. Practice PT (Spine)
Matthew Beda PT, MSc, BSc, Cert. IDN, CAFCI, MScPT
Andrew Hubbard PT, HBA, ACCDN, MCISs Adv. Practice CMP, FCAMPT
Hasan Rahman PT, BScPT, DPT(c), NASM-CPT, CES. Cert. Ortho Medicine, Cert. MDN
Nathan Di Franco PT Res., MScPT, HBK
Leigh Jeffries PT Res., MScPT, MSc, HBK
REGISTERED MASSAGE THERAPISTS
Kelly Catton RMT
SPORTS MEDICINE PHYSICIAN (CERTIFIED)
Dr. Sheryl Wark CCFP (SEM), Dip. Sport Med, HBK, BSc
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST
Jory Spring OT Reg. (Ont), MScOT,
SOCIAL WORK & COUNSELLING
Kaitlyn Ciddio MSW
SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST
Chad Clower Reg. CASLPO, MSc
REGISTERED DIETICIAN
Saara Rizzo RD, MSc, Dip. Culinary Arts
Staff Biographies
Tara Pieczko, Patient Experience Manager - Mountdale Clinic
(bio pending)
Terri Zeleny, Clinic Supervisor - West Arthur Place Clinic
(bio pending)
(bio pending)
Terri Zeleny, Clinic Supervisor - West Arthur Place Clinic
(bio pending)
Michael Poling, Physiotherapist
Mike Poling has been a long member of the healthcare community in Thunder Bay since beginning to work with patients as a Kinesiologist in the early 1990’s, completing a research Master’s degree in Applied Sports Science and Coaching after his undergraduate degree. In 2002, he returned to academics to complete a second Master’s degree in Physiotherapy.
Since starting his journey in treating patients, he has taken over 150 post-graduate courses, from manual therapy with the Orthopaedic Division of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association to being fully credentialed with the McKenzie Institute International. He has completed neurodynamic courses from David Butler, Lorimar Mosley and Michael Shacklock, Acupuncture certification from Acupuncture Canada (formerly AFCI), Mulligan training in movement based manual therapy from Jack Miller and certifications in spinal care, gait analysis, functional capacity evaluation and ergonomic evaluation and prescription.
With a special interest in lower extremity and spinal conditions, Mike help to pioneer protocols for the Canadian Back Institutes across Canada, The Saskatchewan and Alberta WCB, SGI and the Alberta and Saskatchewan Ministries of Health and has been asked to consult with numerous professional athletes and teams on spinal and lower extremity injuries. More recently, in Ontario, he was involved in the development and research for the ISAEC (Interprofessional Spine Assessment and Education Clinics) program running in Thunder Bay, Toronto, and Hamilton as an Advanced Practice Physiotherapist in Spinal Care. He is now involved with the Spinal Care Network, a provincial and federal group of healthcare professionals standardizing and improving spinal care in Canada by working with specialty surgeons, physiotherapists, chiropractors and many other healthcare professionals to undertake research and advancements in assessment and treatment procedures.
Mike is also an Assistant Professor of Clinical Science at the Northern Ontario School of Medicine and has been there since the school opened, sharing his passion for many aspects of medicine with students and faculty. He has been nominated several times for providing outstanding education.
As a Practice Assessor for the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario, Mike is also responsible for traveling throughout Ontario to evaluate the practice of physiotherapists and offer them advice and oversight on their practice. He is passionate about improving the effectiveness and skills of physiotherapists across Canada.
When not working, Mike enjoys his time with his family and his home on the big lake. His young children keep him busy and entertained, while his wife keeps him grounded, organized and sane.
Mike Poling has been a long member of the healthcare community in Thunder Bay since beginning to work with patients as a Kinesiologist in the early 1990’s, completing a research Master’s degree in Applied Sports Science and Coaching after his undergraduate degree. In 2002, he returned to academics to complete a second Master’s degree in Physiotherapy.
Since starting his journey in treating patients, he has taken over 150 post-graduate courses, from manual therapy with the Orthopaedic Division of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association to being fully credentialed with the McKenzie Institute International. He has completed neurodynamic courses from David Butler, Lorimar Mosley and Michael Shacklock, Acupuncture certification from Acupuncture Canada (formerly AFCI), Mulligan training in movement based manual therapy from Jack Miller and certifications in spinal care, gait analysis, functional capacity evaluation and ergonomic evaluation and prescription.
With a special interest in lower extremity and spinal conditions, Mike help to pioneer protocols for the Canadian Back Institutes across Canada, The Saskatchewan and Alberta WCB, SGI and the Alberta and Saskatchewan Ministries of Health and has been asked to consult with numerous professional athletes and teams on spinal and lower extremity injuries. More recently, in Ontario, he was involved in the development and research for the ISAEC (Interprofessional Spine Assessment and Education Clinics) program running in Thunder Bay, Toronto, and Hamilton as an Advanced Practice Physiotherapist in Spinal Care. He is now involved with the Spinal Care Network, a provincial and federal group of healthcare professionals standardizing and improving spinal care in Canada by working with specialty surgeons, physiotherapists, chiropractors and many other healthcare professionals to undertake research and advancements in assessment and treatment procedures.
Mike is also an Assistant Professor of Clinical Science at the Northern Ontario School of Medicine and has been there since the school opened, sharing his passion for many aspects of medicine with students and faculty. He has been nominated several times for providing outstanding education.
As a Practice Assessor for the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario, Mike is also responsible for traveling throughout Ontario to evaluate the practice of physiotherapists and offer them advice and oversight on their practice. He is passionate about improving the effectiveness and skills of physiotherapists across Canada.
When not working, Mike enjoys his time with his family and his home on the big lake. His young children keep him busy and entertained, while his wife keeps him grounded, organized and sane.
Andrew Hubbard, Physiotherapist (Associate)
Andrew graduated from Wilfrid Laurier University in 2014 with his Honours BA in Kinesiology & Physical Education. He completed his Master of Physical Therapy degree in 2016 at Western University. Andrew is originally from the small town of Hanover, ON and is a familiar face returning to Thunder Bay, having worked previously with the team at the Hand and Upper Limb Clinic. In 2020, Andrew moved back to southern Ontario, returning to Western University and completing a Master of Clinical Science degree in the Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy field of their Advanced Health Care Practice program. He is a Fellow with the Canadian Academy of Manipulative Physiotherapists (FCAMPT). CAMPT-certified physiotherapists have advanced training and clinical abilities in orthopaedic assessment and have attained internationally recognized qualifications in hands-on manipulative therapy. Andrew is also trained in acupuncture and is certified through Acupuncture Canada in dry needling. He combines these skills with evidence informed and individualized education and exercise prescription to assist you with an active recovery toward symptom management, improved function and quality of life!
In his spare time, Andrew enjoys exercising, playing golf and a variety of recreational sports, playing guitar and spending time with friends and family.
Andrew graduated from Wilfrid Laurier University in 2014 with his Honours BA in Kinesiology & Physical Education. He completed his Master of Physical Therapy degree in 2016 at Western University. Andrew is originally from the small town of Hanover, ON and is a familiar face returning to Thunder Bay, having worked previously with the team at the Hand and Upper Limb Clinic. In 2020, Andrew moved back to southern Ontario, returning to Western University and completing a Master of Clinical Science degree in the Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy field of their Advanced Health Care Practice program. He is a Fellow with the Canadian Academy of Manipulative Physiotherapists (FCAMPT). CAMPT-certified physiotherapists have advanced training and clinical abilities in orthopaedic assessment and have attained internationally recognized qualifications in hands-on manipulative therapy. Andrew is also trained in acupuncture and is certified through Acupuncture Canada in dry needling. He combines these skills with evidence informed and individualized education and exercise prescription to assist you with an active recovery toward symptom management, improved function and quality of life!
In his spare time, Andrew enjoys exercising, playing golf and a variety of recreational sports, playing guitar and spending time with friends and family.
Matthew Beda, Physiotherapist (Associate)
Graduating with both honours degrees in Biology and Psychology from Lakehead University, Matthew had an interest in human anatomy which led him to to pursue a position as lab coordinator for Lakehead’s Nursing and Kinesiology Anatomy programs. In conjunction, Matthew was working for the Northern Ontario School of Medicine as the Learning Activities Coordinator before pursing his Master’s of Physical Therapy from the University of British Columbia.
An avid outdoor enthusiast and traveller, Matthew enjoyed his time on the West Coast fishing for Steelhead and doing placements at some of the most northern and remote parts of the province, with an interest in advance orthopedics. With family rooted in Thunder Bay, Matthew has since returned to work as an independent contractor with the Fairway team and continues to take advantage of the outdoor activities that come with life in Northwestern Ontario.
With a strong interest in human anatomy, Matthew has continued pursuing advance manual therapy through the Canadian Physical Association Orthopedic Division, and has become CAFCI acupuncture certified. Other personal and professional areas of interest are sports physical therapy, gym athletics and weightlifting and also taking courses to become certified in kinesio K-taping.
Graduating with both honours degrees in Biology and Psychology from Lakehead University, Matthew had an interest in human anatomy which led him to to pursue a position as lab coordinator for Lakehead’s Nursing and Kinesiology Anatomy programs. In conjunction, Matthew was working for the Northern Ontario School of Medicine as the Learning Activities Coordinator before pursing his Master’s of Physical Therapy from the University of British Columbia.
An avid outdoor enthusiast and traveller, Matthew enjoyed his time on the West Coast fishing for Steelhead and doing placements at some of the most northern and remote parts of the province, with an interest in advance orthopedics. With family rooted in Thunder Bay, Matthew has since returned to work as an independent contractor with the Fairway team and continues to take advantage of the outdoor activities that come with life in Northwestern Ontario.
With a strong interest in human anatomy, Matthew has continued pursuing advance manual therapy through the Canadian Physical Association Orthopedic Division, and has become CAFCI acupuncture certified. Other personal and professional areas of interest are sports physical therapy, gym athletics and weightlifting and also taking courses to become certified in kinesio K-taping.
Nathan Di Franco, Resident Physiotherapist
Born and raised in Thunder Bay, Nathan has a strong commitment to serving the residents of Northwestern Ontario as an active member within the healthcare community. Nathan obtained a Master of Physical Therapy from the University of Toronto in 2020. Prior to this, he completed a Honours Bachelor in Kinesiology from Lakehead University in 2016. Nathan is a registered physiotherapist resident in good standing with the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario and is a member of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association. His integrative assessment and treatment approach focuses on manual therapy, soft tissue work, exercise prescription and client education. Nathan has a keen desire to pursue post-graduate education in order to continue to develop and provide exceptional care to his clients. He has completed courses in kinesio-taping and has begun the process of completing his manual therapy levels through the Orthopaedic Division. In his spare time, he enjoys weightlifting, recreational sports, and hiking.
Hasan Rahman, Physiotherapist
Hasan has been a resident in Thunder Bay for the last seven years. He is a lifelong learner, was originally born and raised in Bangladesh. He has extensive experience working as a clinician for more than 15 years in many different work settings such as private practice, public hospitals, long-term care homes. He also likes to teach, therefore, he involves himself as a clinical lecturer in the Clinical Science at the Northern Ontario School of Medicine (https://www.nosm.ca). At present, he is almost at the end of his Doctor of Physical therapy (DPT) degree program from the A. T. Still University, Arizona, USA. Hasan also completed his certification as a personal trainer (CPT), and Corrective Exercise Specialization (CES) from the National Academy of Sports Medicine (https://www.nasm.org) . He also completed his Sports performance specialization training from the American Council of Exercise (https://www.acefitness.org). Hasan has a special interest in pain education. He completed different coursework to manage chronic pain patients. He has great enthusiasm to incorporate medical acupuncture and exercise medicine to give his patients the best care. Hasan has previous experience working as a resident physiotherapist in Australia and took many courses in orthopedics and sports physiotherapy accredited by the Australian Physiotherapy Association (https://australian.physio/). Hasan has also completed his certification in Orthopaedic medicine (Cert. OM) from the ETGOM Cyriax ( https://cyriax.eu), and Certification in Spinal Manual therapy (CSMT) from the Manual Concepts (https://www.manualconcepts.com). He is currently pursuing the Certificate of Competency in Vestibular Rehabilitation (CCVR) Course from the 360 Neurohealth, USA ( https://www.360neurohealth.com) to get an in-depth knowledge in the management of the dizzy, concussive patient population.
Hasan likes to explore nature. This has given him a great passion for watercolour painting. When not working, Hasan enjoys his time being with his wife and three children!
Born and raised in Thunder Bay, Nathan has a strong commitment to serving the residents of Northwestern Ontario as an active member within the healthcare community. Nathan obtained a Master of Physical Therapy from the University of Toronto in 2020. Prior to this, he completed a Honours Bachelor in Kinesiology from Lakehead University in 2016. Nathan is a registered physiotherapist resident in good standing with the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario and is a member of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association. His integrative assessment and treatment approach focuses on manual therapy, soft tissue work, exercise prescription and client education. Nathan has a keen desire to pursue post-graduate education in order to continue to develop and provide exceptional care to his clients. He has completed courses in kinesio-taping and has begun the process of completing his manual therapy levels through the Orthopaedic Division. In his spare time, he enjoys weightlifting, recreational sports, and hiking.
Hasan Rahman, Physiotherapist
Hasan has been a resident in Thunder Bay for the last seven years. He is a lifelong learner, was originally born and raised in Bangladesh. He has extensive experience working as a clinician for more than 15 years in many different work settings such as private practice, public hospitals, long-term care homes. He also likes to teach, therefore, he involves himself as a clinical lecturer in the Clinical Science at the Northern Ontario School of Medicine (https://www.nosm.ca). At present, he is almost at the end of his Doctor of Physical therapy (DPT) degree program from the A. T. Still University, Arizona, USA. Hasan also completed his certification as a personal trainer (CPT), and Corrective Exercise Specialization (CES) from the National Academy of Sports Medicine (https://www.nasm.org) . He also completed his Sports performance specialization training from the American Council of Exercise (https://www.acefitness.org). Hasan has a special interest in pain education. He completed different coursework to manage chronic pain patients. He has great enthusiasm to incorporate medical acupuncture and exercise medicine to give his patients the best care. Hasan has previous experience working as a resident physiotherapist in Australia and took many courses in orthopedics and sports physiotherapy accredited by the Australian Physiotherapy Association (https://australian.physio/). Hasan has also completed his certification in Orthopaedic medicine (Cert. OM) from the ETGOM Cyriax ( https://cyriax.eu), and Certification in Spinal Manual therapy (CSMT) from the Manual Concepts (https://www.manualconcepts.com). He is currently pursuing the Certificate of Competency in Vestibular Rehabilitation (CCVR) Course from the 360 Neurohealth, USA ( https://www.360neurohealth.com) to get an in-depth knowledge in the management of the dizzy, concussive patient population.
Hasan likes to explore nature. This has given him a great passion for watercolour painting. When not working, Hasan enjoys his time being with his wife and three children!
Kelly Catton, Registered Massage Therapist (Associate)
Kelly was born and raised in Thunder Bay. She graduated from Lakehead University with an Honors Degree in Fine Arts and obtained a diploma in Textile Design from Capilano University in North Vancouver. She was working in the film industry in Vancouver when she decided she needed a career change. She graduated and registered with the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario in 2013 and she has been practicing since. She incorporates Swedish Massage, myofacial release, trigger point therapy and relaxation to reduce stress and tension. She has experience treating a range of conditions from chronic pain, headaches, fibromyalgia, whiplash, repetitive strains work related muscle tension and pregnancy. Kelly enjoys the outdoors and spends time hiking and camping. She loves her pets and has 2 cats named Ziggy and Lulu and a scruffy dog named Finn. She enjoys training Finn in tricks, scent work and dog parkour. Check out my website! kellycattonmassage.com.
Kelly was born and raised in Thunder Bay. She graduated from Lakehead University with an Honors Degree in Fine Arts and obtained a diploma in Textile Design from Capilano University in North Vancouver. She was working in the film industry in Vancouver when she decided she needed a career change. She graduated and registered with the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario in 2013 and she has been practicing since. She incorporates Swedish Massage, myofacial release, trigger point therapy and relaxation to reduce stress and tension. She has experience treating a range of conditions from chronic pain, headaches, fibromyalgia, whiplash, repetitive strains work related muscle tension and pregnancy. Kelly enjoys the outdoors and spends time hiking and camping. She loves her pets and has 2 cats named Ziggy and Lulu and a scruffy dog named Finn. She enjoys training Finn in tricks, scent work and dog parkour. Check out my website! kellycattonmassage.com.
Jory Spring, Occupational Therapist (Associate)
Jory is a Thunder Bay local who completed his Honors Bachelor of Kinesiology at Lakehead University in 2012. He then went on to complete his Master of Science in Occupational Therapy at Queen’s University in 2014. Since that time, he has worked in both the public and private sector offering a variety of OT services including pediatric OT assessment and treatment, home safety assessments, mobility devices assessment, motor vehicle accident rehabilitation, ergonomic assessments, and assessment of home/vehicle modification needs. Jory spent time specializing in providing clinical services to children at the George Jeffrey Children’s Centre where he worked and assisted in developing the home and vehicle modification program. Jory also assisted Canadian veterans as a Field Occupational Therapy Services Officer with Veteran Affairs Canada. Jory is an authorized Assistive Devices Program (ADP) provider and can assess and prescribe walkers, manual wheelchairs, and power mobility.
Jory started his career in hand therapy rehabilitation through the Hand and Upper Limb Clinic in 2018. He has worked with a large variety of hand, elbow, and shoulder conditions including tendon repairs, tendonitis, nerve compression, amputations, and post-operative care. Jory is currently studying to complete his certified hand therapist (CHT) designation as he is extremely passionate in the field of upper extremity rehabilitation.
Jory draws experience from his previous work to help serve his active clients in their rehabilitation to promote total independence. Jory is an active member of the community and enjoys playing golf, hockey, and hiking with his dog Bear.
Kaitlyn Ciddio, Social Worker
(bio pending)
Saara Rizzo, Registered Dietician (Associate)
Saara Rizzo is a Registered Dietitian licensed by the College of Dietitians of Ontario. Born and raised in Thunder Bay, Saara graduated from Lakehead University in 2012 with an Honours Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Bio-Molecular Science, before relocating to complete a Professional Diploma in Culinary Arts at the Northwest Culinary Academy of Vancouver, followed by a Master of Science in Human Nutrition at the University of Alabama. In 2017, Saara was very excited to enrol in the dietetic internship program at the Northern Ontario School of Medicine in her hometown.
In summer 2018, Saara began her private practice, You + Food, in Thunder Bay. You + Food is defined as a holistic, functional, and asset-based approach to exploring, understanding, and developing our personal relationship with food. Through her work, Saara is committed to helping individuals gain the confidence and competence they need to set and achieve their personal health and wellness goals. Saara’s focus is on creating practical, sustainable, and positive life changes that work for individuals, their families, and their lifestyles.
Saara offers several programs which are fully customizable to meet your needs, including nutrition counselling, cooking classes, and grocery store tours. She is flexible and offers support onsite at her office, as well as by phone, email, texting, and video chat. She is also able to visit you at home for counselling or cooking sessions, or meet up for a chat while walking outdoors or at the gym. Please visit youplusfoodtbay.com and facebook.com/youplusfoodtbay for more information and booking.
Saara brings a specialized interest and training in sports nutrition to the team at Fairway Physiotherapy, including nutrition support for injury, illness, and rehabilitation. She can help you utilize food to optimize and expedite your recovery, improve your strength, and fuel your performance. Saara also has a keen interest in nutrition for mental health, including how food affects our emotions and, conversely, how our mood affects our eating behaviour. By understanding the link between food and mood, we can further improve our health, function, and wellbeing.
Jory is a Thunder Bay local who completed his Honors Bachelor of Kinesiology at Lakehead University in 2012. He then went on to complete his Master of Science in Occupational Therapy at Queen’s University in 2014. Since that time, he has worked in both the public and private sector offering a variety of OT services including pediatric OT assessment and treatment, home safety assessments, mobility devices assessment, motor vehicle accident rehabilitation, ergonomic assessments, and assessment of home/vehicle modification needs. Jory spent time specializing in providing clinical services to children at the George Jeffrey Children’s Centre where he worked and assisted in developing the home and vehicle modification program. Jory also assisted Canadian veterans as a Field Occupational Therapy Services Officer with Veteran Affairs Canada. Jory is an authorized Assistive Devices Program (ADP) provider and can assess and prescribe walkers, manual wheelchairs, and power mobility.
Jory started his career in hand therapy rehabilitation through the Hand and Upper Limb Clinic in 2018. He has worked with a large variety of hand, elbow, and shoulder conditions including tendon repairs, tendonitis, nerve compression, amputations, and post-operative care. Jory is currently studying to complete his certified hand therapist (CHT) designation as he is extremely passionate in the field of upper extremity rehabilitation.
Jory draws experience from his previous work to help serve his active clients in their rehabilitation to promote total independence. Jory is an active member of the community and enjoys playing golf, hockey, and hiking with his dog Bear.
Kaitlyn Ciddio, Social Worker
(bio pending)
Saara Rizzo, Registered Dietician (Associate)
Saara Rizzo is a Registered Dietitian licensed by the College of Dietitians of Ontario. Born and raised in Thunder Bay, Saara graduated from Lakehead University in 2012 with an Honours Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Bio-Molecular Science, before relocating to complete a Professional Diploma in Culinary Arts at the Northwest Culinary Academy of Vancouver, followed by a Master of Science in Human Nutrition at the University of Alabama. In 2017, Saara was very excited to enrol in the dietetic internship program at the Northern Ontario School of Medicine in her hometown.
In summer 2018, Saara began her private practice, You + Food, in Thunder Bay. You + Food is defined as a holistic, functional, and asset-based approach to exploring, understanding, and developing our personal relationship with food. Through her work, Saara is committed to helping individuals gain the confidence and competence they need to set and achieve their personal health and wellness goals. Saara’s focus is on creating practical, sustainable, and positive life changes that work for individuals, their families, and their lifestyles.
Saara offers several programs which are fully customizable to meet your needs, including nutrition counselling, cooking classes, and grocery store tours. She is flexible and offers support onsite at her office, as well as by phone, email, texting, and video chat. She is also able to visit you at home for counselling or cooking sessions, or meet up for a chat while walking outdoors or at the gym. Please visit youplusfoodtbay.com and facebook.com/youplusfoodtbay for more information and booking.
Saara brings a specialized interest and training in sports nutrition to the team at Fairway Physiotherapy, including nutrition support for injury, illness, and rehabilitation. She can help you utilize food to optimize and expedite your recovery, improve your strength, and fuel your performance. Saara also has a keen interest in nutrition for mental health, including how food affects our emotions and, conversely, how our mood affects our eating behaviour. By understanding the link between food and mood, we can further improve our health, function, and wellbeing.
Dr. Sheryl Wark, Family & Sports Medicine Physician (Associate)
Dr. Wark is a certified Sport Medicine Physician who is from Thunder Bay. She completed her Kinesiology and Psychology at Lakehead University and worked as a personal trainer/Kinesiologist while continuing her education in Diagnostics. After completing her BSc in Radiation Sciences and Nuclear Medicine Diploma through the University of Toronto/Michener Institute program, she worked as a Nuclear Medicine Technologist in Winnipeg and Thunder Bay. She then entered medical school at the Northern Ontario School of Medicine (NOSM) and went on to complete her Family Medicine Residency with NOSM as well. She then completed her Fellowship in Sport and Exercise Medicine through the University of Manitoba/Pan Am Clinic program. During her fellowship, she worked at the Minor Injury Clinic at the Pan Am Clinic managing acute/subacute injuries such as sprains/strains and fractures. She also trained at the Pan Am Concussion Program dealing with concussion, return to learn, and return to play management. In regards to team sports, she spent time with the Winnipeg Jets and was the Chief Doping Control Officer for the FIFA Women’s World Cup (Manitoba site). She also covered the Rifle’s Football games and volunteered at the PGA McKenzie Tour. She has continued to volunteer her time after returning home, with international events such as the Can-Am Police-Fire Games 2016.
Her current qualifications are her CCFP(SEM) -College of Family Physicians of Canada with a Certificate of Added Competence in Sport and Exercise Medicine & a Diploma in Sport and Exercise Medicine through CASEM (Canadian Academy of Sport and Exercise Medicine).
Dr. Wark is a certified Sport Medicine Physician who is from Thunder Bay. She completed her Kinesiology and Psychology at Lakehead University and worked as a personal trainer/Kinesiologist while continuing her education in Diagnostics. After completing her BSc in Radiation Sciences and Nuclear Medicine Diploma through the University of Toronto/Michener Institute program, she worked as a Nuclear Medicine Technologist in Winnipeg and Thunder Bay. She then entered medical school at the Northern Ontario School of Medicine (NOSM) and went on to complete her Family Medicine Residency with NOSM as well. She then completed her Fellowship in Sport and Exercise Medicine through the University of Manitoba/Pan Am Clinic program. During her fellowship, she worked at the Minor Injury Clinic at the Pan Am Clinic managing acute/subacute injuries such as sprains/strains and fractures. She also trained at the Pan Am Concussion Program dealing with concussion, return to learn, and return to play management. In regards to team sports, she spent time with the Winnipeg Jets and was the Chief Doping Control Officer for the FIFA Women’s World Cup (Manitoba site). She also covered the Rifle’s Football games and volunteered at the PGA McKenzie Tour. She has continued to volunteer her time after returning home, with international events such as the Can-Am Police-Fire Games 2016.
Her current qualifications are her CCFP(SEM) -College of Family Physicians of Canada with a Certificate of Added Competence in Sport and Exercise Medicine & a Diploma in Sport and Exercise Medicine through CASEM (Canadian Academy of Sport and Exercise Medicine).
Chad Clower, Speech-Language Pathologist (Associate)
Chad is a registered Speech-Language Pathologist (S-LP) with the College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Ontario (CASLPO) and a member of the Ontario Association of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists (OSLA). He has a Master of Science degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Minnesota State University-Mankato and is originally from British Columbia but has called Thunder Bay home since 2009. Chad has worked as an S-LP since 2008 and began his career as a school board S-LP where he provided speech and language services for children aged 4-21 (kindergarten to grade 12). Chad has experience working in the special needs classroom and working with Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices. Most recently, Chad worked at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Thunder Bay, Ontario as part of the Acquired Brain Injury Program interdisciplinary team from 2009-2016. He has extensive knowledge providing assessment and treatment of speech, language and dysphagia disorders for people living with neurological deficits including acquired brain injury, stroke, neurodegenerative disease and concussion. Chad is currently the Clinical Learning Liaison (CLL), as well as holds the title as Faculty Member: Lecturer with the Northern Ontario School of Medicine (NOSM). He is committed to supporting the next generation of professionals having been involved in numerous NOSM learning placements as role of Preceptor/Clinical Educator, as well as engaging in multiple CASLPO mentorship agreements as role of Mentor. Chad is the owner of two local speech and language companies: Neuro Rehab North, Speech & Language Services and Speech & Language Services Thunder Bay dedicated to providing IN HOME, IN COMMUNITY speech and language services for people aged 4-99+. Chad has also teamed up with Michelle Cohen & Associates Speech-Language Pathology out of Toronto and will be providing speech and language services for people living with communication deficits as a result of a Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) in Thunder Bay and area. Chad prides himself on providing a unique and individualized, 1-on-1 and face-to-face comprehensive assessment and treatment experience. Away from the office, Chad continues to give back to our community as a coach with the IP1 hockey program for Norwest hockey. He has a passion for sports and the outdoors and enjoys family time, hockey, golf and engaging in outdoor activities. Chad is a father of two beautiful young and active boys and a husband to his wonderful wife of 8 years. Please visit either neurorehabnorth.wixsite.com/slpservices or chadclowerslp.wixsite.com/slpservicestbay for more information.
Chad is a registered Speech-Language Pathologist (S-LP) with the College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Ontario (CASLPO) and a member of the Ontario Association of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists (OSLA). He has a Master of Science degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Minnesota State University-Mankato and is originally from British Columbia but has called Thunder Bay home since 2009. Chad has worked as an S-LP since 2008 and began his career as a school board S-LP where he provided speech and language services for children aged 4-21 (kindergarten to grade 12). Chad has experience working in the special needs classroom and working with Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices. Most recently, Chad worked at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Thunder Bay, Ontario as part of the Acquired Brain Injury Program interdisciplinary team from 2009-2016. He has extensive knowledge providing assessment and treatment of speech, language and dysphagia disorders for people living with neurological deficits including acquired brain injury, stroke, neurodegenerative disease and concussion. Chad is currently the Clinical Learning Liaison (CLL), as well as holds the title as Faculty Member: Lecturer with the Northern Ontario School of Medicine (NOSM). He is committed to supporting the next generation of professionals having been involved in numerous NOSM learning placements as role of Preceptor/Clinical Educator, as well as engaging in multiple CASLPO mentorship agreements as role of Mentor. Chad is the owner of two local speech and language companies: Neuro Rehab North, Speech & Language Services and Speech & Language Services Thunder Bay dedicated to providing IN HOME, IN COMMUNITY speech and language services for people aged 4-99+. Chad has also teamed up with Michelle Cohen & Associates Speech-Language Pathology out of Toronto and will be providing speech and language services for people living with communication deficits as a result of a Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) in Thunder Bay and area. Chad prides himself on providing a unique and individualized, 1-on-1 and face-to-face comprehensive assessment and treatment experience. Away from the office, Chad continues to give back to our community as a coach with the IP1 hockey program for Norwest hockey. He has a passion for sports and the outdoors and enjoys family time, hockey, golf and engaging in outdoor activities. Chad is a father of two beautiful young and active boys and a husband to his wonderful wife of 8 years. Please visit either neurorehabnorth.wixsite.com/slpservices or chadclowerslp.wixsite.com/slpservicestbay for more information.