PROPHYSIO CLINIC - Key Persons


Anke Smit

Job Titles:
  • Physiotherapist
Upon completion of her physiotherapy training in the Netherlands, Anke immigrated to Canada. After working in different areas of BC she settled in Penticton, opening Pro Physio Clinic in 1991. Over the years, Anke has spent much of her career attending different Orthopedic, Acupuncture and IMS courses as well as getting educated in concussion management and vestibular rehabilitation. This enables her to help clients reach their recovery goals. Anke has volunteered over the years in different sporting and community events. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends and has a passion for horseback riding, hiking, gardening and snowshoeing. Overall, Anke has a love of physiotherapy and enjoys aiding her clients in improving their mobility and recovering from injuries.

Darrel Hagel

Job Titles:
  • Physiotherapist
Darrel Hagel is a 2003 graduate of the University of Alberta, where he obtained his Bachelor of Science with distinction in Physical Therapy. In addition, Darrel obtained a Masters Degree in Rehabilitation Science from UBC in 2018. Darrel has worked in a variety of clinical settings including private practice, acute hospital rehab, cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation and with a variety of sports teams including hockey, baseball, basketball and ski teams. Darrel has advanced training in manual therapy, functional dry needling (IMS) and has his American College of Sports Medicine Clinical Exercise Physiologist designation. Darrel has previously worked in Edmonton, Sydney Australia and for the last 16 years in Penticton.

Erin Hvidston

Job Titles:
  • Physiotherapist
Erin is a graduate of both UBC and the University of Saskatchewan with Bachelor degrees in Human Kinetics and Education, and a Master of Physical Therapy. Erin has a passion for teaching, research and physiotherapy, and combines her skill set by practicing physiotherapy and teaching whenever the opportunity arises. Erin is trained in Functional Dry Needling and Concussion Management. She has her Level II Manual and Manipulative Therapy, and her FMSA/SFMA Certification. Erin was a TA for the Master of Physical Therapy program at UBC in the area of neuroanatomy and neurophysiology, and more recently was a Human Biology instructor for Thompson Rivers University. Erin further had a passion for running and athletics and competed at the national and intercollegiate level in track and field as an Academic and Athletic All Canadian. She currently is coaching track and field with the Penticton Athletics Track and Field Club, working towards her coaching certifications with BC Athletics. Erin's goal as a physiotherapist is to do her best to keep her clients healthy so that they can keep doing the activities they love. In her free time, she can be found enjoy the outdoors trail running, skiing, swimming, biking, and hiking.

Heather Adam

Job Titles:
  • Physiotherapist
Heather graduated in 2009 from the University of Alberta with a Masters of Science in Physical Therapy, in addition to a BSc in Kinesiology. She is certified by Kinetacore to perform Functional Dry Needling/IMS and has been an instructor for Kinetacore Functional Dry Needling for 2 years, during which time she developed a deeper understanding of dry needling application. She is also trained to perform acupuncture. Additionally, Heather has earned an Advanced Diploma of Manual and Manipulative Therapy in 2015 and is a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Manipulative Therapists (FCAMPT). Heather is a former competitive climber and an avid sport climber. Her presence in the competitive climbing community in both Edmonton and Calgary has earned her a strong reputation as a valuable resource regarding climbing injuries. She has also worked with a wide variety of recreational, competitive, and Olympic athletes and dedicates herself to helping these athletes achieve their goals.

Jackie Crnic-Paulson

Job Titles:
  • Administration

Kassidy Todd

Job Titles:
  • Massage Therapist
Kassidy has recently graduated from Okanagan Valley College of Massage Therapy with a Registered Massage Therapy diploma. She will be taking her registration exams to become a registered massage therapist (RMT) in the beginning of October. Before deciding to begin her path at OVCMT, she travelled around the world as a competitive Mogul skier. Being an athlete taught her how to push her body to its limits and how to keep it in the best shape possible to accomplish what had to be done in her sport. Kassidy is looking forward to helping you achieve your personal goals in health and wellness.

Kyla Winter

Job Titles:
  • Administration

Leah Smitham

Job Titles:
  • Administration

Scott Downey

Job Titles:
  • Physiotherapist
Scott graduated from Indiana University Physical Therapy School in 1998. He has practiced in Washington state, Hawaii and in Penticton since 2002. He has worked in acute care, inpatient rehabilitation, outpatient orthopedics, and home care. Scott is trained in Level II Orthopedic Manual Therapy, Dry Needling (IMS), Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA) and is certificated as a Clinical Exercise Specialist by the American College of Sports Medicine. In addition to his practice at Pro Physio, Scott also works in the Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program in Penticton. Scott enjoys outdoor activities including skiing, mountain biking, hiking, kayaking and surfing.

Thomas Cunningham

Thomas graduated from Simon Fraser University with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology as well as a Certificate in Health and Fitness studies and a Personal Training Certificate. Thomas believes in the power of movement and learning proper motor patterns to help recover from injuries and chronic pain, as well as prevent future injuries and pain. He likes to help his patients become self-sufficient in their recovery process. Thomas does his best to educate his patients on movements and exercises they can do in their day-to-day life that will improve their overall quality of life. When Thomas is not at work he trains with and helps coach the local Competitive Jump Rope team, the Black Widow Rope Spinners. He is a five-time National Jump Rope Champion and has competed and coached all over the world.

Tracey McQuair

Job Titles:
  • Physiotherapist
Graduated from the University of Victoria with a degree in Kinesiology (BSc) and then completed her degree in Physical Therapy (BSc) at the University of Alberta. Since, she has been inspired to do further training in order to improve the outcomes of her varied patient population. A new area of interest, Tracey has become Certified in treating Pelvic Health issues - in the hopes of keeping everyone doing what they love! Tracey is also a Certified Active Release Techniques Therapist and has found great success in treating both the high end athlete and the busy desk jockey. She has also become certified in the use of Acupuncture (AFCI) and Functional Dry Needling (IMS) for the treatment of musculoskeletal problems.

Trudy Phipps

Job Titles:
  • Administration Manager