KOKANEE PHYSIOTHERAPY - Key Persons
Anna has 12 years of experience as a physiotherapist and over 25 years of experience in orthopedic injury rehabilitation. She holds multiple degrees including a Bachelor in Kinesiology, a Master of Science in Physiology, a Master of Science in Physiotherapy, and a two year diploma in remedial massage therapy. She played on the varsity basketball teams for The University of Winnipeg and the University of Manitoba. Her University of Winnipeg team was inducted into the Canadian Basketball Hall of Fame, the Manitoba Basketball Hall of Fame, the Sport Manitoba Hall of Fame and the Canada West Hall of Fame. Anna has participated at the national and international level in Ultimate Frisbee, as well as downhill mountain bike racing in BC and Alberta.
Anna was a sole proprietor as a massage therapist for 10 years before completing her Master of Science in Physiotherapy at the University Of Alberta. Upon completion of her education Anna worked as a physiotherapist for 4 years at the University of Calgary. Here she gained experience working with Olympic level athletes, sport medicine physicians, orthopedic surgeons and participated in research studies relating to rehabilitation for osteoarthritis, concussion, and injury prevention.
Lara completed her BSc in Human Kinetics at the University of Guelph. After her degree, she moved to Nelson to live amongst the mountains that always felt like home. She is now a registered kinesiologist with the BC Association of Kinesiologists. With 10 years of experience in recreational facilities and private clinics, Lara recognized the universal importance of movement, in injury rehabilitation and overall health and well-being. Her passion has become working with people of all ages to get them moving effectively so that they can do what they love. She takes a balanced approach to address strength, endurance, muscle activation, body awareness and targeted relaxation. Whether it is injury recovery and prevention or strengthening for everyday life and sports, she wants you working smarter not harder. Lara also has experience in ergonomics, return to work programs, chronic pain and hydrotherapy. She has additional certifications in Custom Orthotic Therapy with The Orthotics Group, Older Adult Programming with the BCRPA and Weight Training Instructing with CFES. When she isn't working, she can be found downhill and cross-country skiing, hiking, mountain biking, whitewater paddling, or doing aerial silks.
Bria Bell is a born and raised Nelson local. She completed the Resort and Hospitality Management Program at Selkirk college in 2019. Since then she has gained experience in both Health Care and Tourism throughout BC and has supervisory experience. Bria acquires strong leadership and organizational skills. She is a great addition to the Kokanee Physio team. When she isn't working, she can be found camping, on adventures with her dog, kayaking and gardening.
Joe earned his Master of Physical Therapy degree from the University of British Columbia in 2011 after completing a Bachelor's degree in Human Kinetics. He has completed post-graduate certifications in anatomical acupuncture (CAFCI), orthopaedic manual therapy, and chronic pain management. Joe recently became a certified Gunn IMS (intramuscular stimulation) practitioner through the UBC Faculty of Medicine's Sports Medicine Division (CGIMS). He also provides custom knee bracing services.
Joe's treatment approach utilizes postural and movement re-training, dry needling, manual therapy, and pain science education to help patients achieve their unique therapy goals. When he's not in the clinic, Joe can usually be found spending time with his wife and son enjoying everything the beautiful surroundings of Nelson have to offer.
Kevin is a graduate of the University of Western Ontario where he received both his Honors Bachelor of Arts degree in Kinesiology and Honors Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Therapy. Kevin is now a member of the College of Physiotherapists of B.C as well as the Canadian and B.C Physiotherapy Associations.
Kevin recently moved from Kitchener-Waterloo where he has been a practicing physiotherapist since 2002. With extensive experience treating various injuries and conditions ranging from various sport related injuries, post orthopedic surgeries as well as pain resulting from motor vehicle collisions. Kevin understands the importance of a thorough initial assessment in order to understand and appropriately treat the condition at hand. He believes communication and education of the physical ailment with the patient is important in a timely recovery.
In his spare time, Kevin enjoys participating in Triathlons/ Ironmans, which has helped him develop a better understanding of care with the aging athlete. Kevin Is also an avid snowboarder, hiker and traveler.
Laurie has extended her postgraduate training in pelvic health to include; return to running postpartum, c-section rehabilitation, pushing in birth, pelvic floor health with weightlifting, and pelvic pain associated with pregnancy. She is currently taking courses on coccydynia (tailbone pain) and will complete her Dyspareunia (pain with intercourse) Vulvodynia? course in February 2024. She is always reading and listening to podcasts on the latest discoveries in research with regard to pelvic health and orthopedic conditions. In addition, she has completed her level 1 in management of running injuries with the Running Clinic.
Rochelle is a local, born and raised in Nelson. She has over 4 years experience as an office administrator, her administrative experience and love for sports makes her a great fit for the Kokanee team. In her free time she can be found, spending time with her husband, two children, practicing photography, downhill biking, camping, kayaking and hanging out with her many animals.