About Us

Lyndal Solomons – Chair
Lyndal graduated from the University of Sydney with a Bachelor of Applied Science in Physiotherapy and from the University of Western Australia with a Master of Manual Therapy. Lyndal has also completed a PhD in Rehabilitation Sciences at the University of British Columbia. Her research focusses on the neurophysiological characteristics of chronic pain and its management with Gunn IMS. She works clinically as a physiotherapist at UBC Sport and Exercise Medicine Clinic in Vancouver. She currently also serves as Chair of the Acupuncture and Dry Needling Division of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association.

Susan Massitti – Secretary
Susan is an International Sport Physiotherapist, FCAMPT, a movement educator (Pilates and Performance Conditioning), a lifelong “student of movement” and she facilitates Pilates and performance conditioning sessions for Olympic and recreational athletes to influence the mind body connection and minimize threats perceived by our nervous system.

Susan is an Olympic athlete (1998 Nagano Winter Olympics- long track speed skating), and has been privileged to support many athletes at multiple Olympic Games and international and World Championships.

Susan has a Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy and a Bachelor of Physical Education from the University of Alberta and a Master of Manipulative Physiotherapy from the University of Queensland, Australia. Susan works clinically in Canmore at Susan Massitti Physio Pilates and in Calgary at Evidence Sport and Spinal North. She is an instructor with UBC Gunn Intramuscular Stimulation (www.ubcgunnims.com). Susan obtained her Diploma of Manual and Manipulative Therapy from the Canadian Physiotherapy Orthopaedic Division, a Diploma in Sports Physiotherapy from Sports Physiotherapy Canada, a Certificate of Medical Acupuncture from the University of Alberta. She is a Registered International Sport Physiotherapist, Senior Sport Scientist Canada, and a Classical Pilates Teacher.

Susan is an International Sport Physiotherapist, FCAMPT, a movement educator (Pilates and Performance Conditioning), a lifelong “student of movement” and she facilitates Pilates and performance conditioning sessions for Olympic and recreational athletes to influence the mind body connection and minimize threats perceived by our nervous system.

Susan is an Olympic athlete (1998 Nagano Winter Olympics- long track speed skating), and has been privileged to support many athletes at multiple Olympic Games and international and World Championships.

Susan has a Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy and a Bachelor of Physical Education from the University of Alberta and a Master of Manipulative Physiotherapy from the University of Queensland, Australia. Susan works clinically in Canmore at Susan Massitti Physio Pilates and in Calgary at Evidence Sport and Spinal North. She is an instructor with UBC Gunn Intramuscular Stimulation (www.ubcgunnims.com). Susan obtained her Diploma of Manual and Manipulative Therapy from the Canadian Physiotherapy Orthopaedic Division, a Diploma in Sports Physiotherapy from Sports Physiotherapy Canada, a Certificate of Medical Acupuncture from the University of Alberta. She is a Registered International Sport Physiotherapist, Senior Sport Scientist Canada, and a Classical Pilates Teacher.

Karim Hanna PT – Web representative
Karim is a registered physiotherapist with advanced training in acupuncture and dry needling, with a strong clinical emphasis on neurofunctional and advanced neurofunctional approaches to pain and movement. He earned his degree from the European School of Physiotherapy in Amsterdam and has pursued extensive post-graduate education, including Neurofunctional Acupuncture, Advanced Neurofunctional Acupuncture, and Gunn IMS Dry Needling.

His clinical practice integrates these approaches with movement-based assessment, manual therapy, and individualized exercise programming to address the underlying neurophysiological drivers of pain.

As a member of the Board of Executives for the Acupuncture and Dry Needling Physiotherapy Division of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association, Karim serves as the Online/Web Ambassador, supporting digital education, professional engagement, and knowledge dissemination across Canada.

Jason Taddeo PT – Education representative
Jason is an Assistant Professor and Senator at NOSM University, with advanced expertise in concussion and vestibular rehabilitation, pain management, and dry needling. He holds a Doctor of Health Sciences and dual Master’s degrees from McMaster University, along with extensive postgraduate training in manual therapy, GunnIMS, and dry needling.

Jason has designed and delivered interprofessional health curricula across Northern Ontario and was the invited speaker for the 2024 UBC Chan Gunn Lecture. He serves in multiple national leadership roles, including Education Lead for the Acupuncture & Dry Needling Division of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association and Canadian Subject Matter Expert for the International Dry Needling Education & Training Advisory Group.

Clinically, Jason is a senior physiotherapist and national mentor in advanced orthopaedic manual therapy, with a practice focused on concussion, vestibular care, and pain management. He has provided in-person and telehealth services to Northern Ontario communities since 2020.

Shirley Luong – Communication representative.
Shirley completed her undergraduate degree in Kinesiology at the University of Calgary before earning her Masters of Science in Physical Therapy from the University of Toronto in 2020. She began her career in private practice, where she developed a strong interest in acupuncture and dry needling as part of her treatment approach. After gaining valuable clinical experience and mentorship, Shirley returned to Calgary and continues to integrate needling into her treatments. In addition to needling, Shirley has a passion for geriatrics and is dedicated to helping older adults regain functional independence, build functional strength, and improve overall quality of life.

Gopika Athithan, MPT, MClSc-SEM – Treasure
Gopika is a Registered Physiotherapist and Advanced Health Care Practitioner in Sport and Exercise Medicine with over 12 years of clinical experience. She holds a Master of Clinical Science in Sport and Exercise Medicine from Western University and a Master of Physiotherapy from the University of Queensland.

Gopika practices an evidence-informed, patient-centred approach with a strong belief that movement is medicine. Her clinical expertise includes neurofunctional acupuncture, dry needling, manual therapy, sports and post-surgical rehabilitation, and pain management across diverse populations.

She is committed to advancing physiotherapy practice through education and leadership. Gopika currently serves as Treasurer of the CPA Acupuncture & Dry Needling Division and is a Clinical Instructor with the McMaster Contemporary Acupuncture Program.