Executive Team

Chris Farley

Role: Chair
Location: Hamilton, ON
Areas of interest within the physiotherapy scope: critical care, acute care, pulmonary rehab
What sorts of activities do you like to do in your spare time? Chase around my two kids
What do you value most as a physiotherapist when working with your clients? Creating a safe environment where the patient feels comfortable challenging themselves and sharing their concerns.

Caitlin Williams
Role: Past chair
Location: Vancouver, BC.
Areas of interest within the physiotherapy scope:
Clinical education, early mobility in critical care, breathing pattern disorders
What sorts of activities do you like to do in your spare time?
Running, yoga, and skiing!
What do you value most as a physiotherapist when working with your clients?
Being able to support clients in achieving their health goals.

Simone Gruenig

Role: International Confederation of Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapists (ICCrPT) Rep
Location: University of British Columbia
Areas of interest within the physiotherapy scope:
I must admit that I love our whole scope, but I am very partial to cardioresp and community care.
What sorts of activities do you like to do in your spare time?
I love to travel, especially bike trips, I am a lover of yoga and swimming. But I am happiest when I am doing outdoor activities with my family in Vancouver.
What do you value most as a physiotherapist when working with your clients?
Empowering clients to guide them through their rehabilitation journeys and ensuring their induvial quality of life needs are being addressed.

Andrea Civitarese

Role: Communications
Location: Vancouver, BC
Areas of interest within the physiotherapy scope: Acute Care, Primary and Community Care, Cardiorespiratory Care, Intensive/Critical Care, Spinal Cord Injury, Pulmonary Rehab
What sorts of activities do you like to do in your spare time? Hiking, Running, Reading, Pottery, using my typewriter.
What do you value most as a physiotherapist when working with your clients? Patient interaction – seeing patients achieve something new or discover a strategy for self-management that empowers them and adds to their quality of life

Shannon Chou

Role: Treasurer
Location: Vancouver, BC
Areas of interest within the physiotherapy scope: critical care, spinal cord injury, pulmonary rehab
What sorts of activities do you like to do in your spare time? Travelling, hiking, pilates, exploring new cafes and restaurants
What do you value most as a physiotherapist when working with your clients? Empowerment through education – teaching clients how to self manage their chronic conditions and how to advocate for themselves to live life to the fullest.

Anastasia Newman

Role: Secretary
Location: Hamilton, ON
Areas of interest within the physiotherapy scope: critical care, pulmonary rehabilitation
What sorts of activities do you like to do in your spare time? Running, hiking, traveling, but mostly spending time with my husband and two young girls!
What do you value most as a physiotherapist when working with your clients? Creating a trusting relationship with patients and their families; implementing interventions at the bedside that are supported by relevant and up to date research.

Maddie Thompson

Role: Student Rep
Location: Vancouver, BC
Areas of interest within physiotherapy scope: cardiorespiratory rehab, geriatric care, and return to sport/concussion rehab in athletes
What sorts of activities do you like to do in your spare time: Running, hiking, kayaking and coaching soccer
What drew you to become a physiotherapist: My interest in physiotherapy comes from a love of sport and movement, and the opportunity to support recovery, performance, and quality of life across the lifespan.

Gurpal Deol

Role: Education
Location: Mississauga, ON
Areas of interest within the physiotherapy scope: Acute care, critical care, chronic respiratory disease management, chest physiotherapy
What sorts of activities do you like to do in your spare time? Soccer, biking, tennis, board game nights with friends and trying out new restaurants
What do you value most as a physiotherapist when working with your clients? Being the consistent and friendly face that patient’s feel safe to share their concerns which can then be advocated for; Empowering patients to realize their own strength and potential through evidence based interventions