STRIVE HEALTH AND PERFORMANCE - Key Persons
Alexandra is a friendly, warm, compassionate individual who believes that everyone is deserving of support and a safe space to grow. Through genuine human connection, Alexandra views counseling as a collaboration. Knowing full well she may never be able to walk inside another's shoes, she aims to walk alongside clients in their healing journey and their journey toward self-discovery. In doing so, Alexandra believes in a holistic and strengths-based framework to support those gravitating toward their journeys of change and growth.
Alexandra has been part of the Strive family for 3 years now and after 7 years of education, training, and practice in the psychology field, she has transitioned into the counsellor role. Alexandra is also presently completing her Master's in Counselling degree from City University of Seattle. She has an undergraduate degree in Psychology and Sociology from Simon Fraser University along with a certificate in one of her greatest passions, Social Justice.
Offering a warm, healing, and compassionate presence, Alexandra aspires to provide clients with a brave space to navigate their inner and outer worlds through approaches that encompass the mind, body, and soul. She believes that fostering this brave space with clients' can be done through empowerment and non-judgment in order to allow clients the opportunity to step out of their realm of comfort and step toward areas of growth.
Growing up Ali participated in a variety of sports including competitive soccer, squash, rafting, and volleyball. He was also a personal trainer and kinesiologist for 3 years during his undergraduate studies at UBC. He has worked with a variety of clients from professional athletes to older individuals recovering from neurological conditions. Ali also worked for 2 years as a student trainer and student physio with UNBC men's and women's soccer teams. Through these athletic endeavors and his own personal injury experience, Ali has appreciated the value of proper injury prevention and rehabilitation, which led him to pursue a career in physical therapy.
Ali completed a Bachelor of Kinesiology and his Master of Physical Therapy at UBC. Since graduating, Ali has completed Level 1 courses with the Canadian Division of Orthopaedic Manual and Manipulative Therapy and Level 1 course for Non-Surgical management of ACL injuries by the Global physiotherapy clinic in Australia.
Ali enjoys working with clients of all ages and abilities, integrating soft tissue and manual therapy techniques with therapeutic exercise and education to help clients with their rehabilitation journey and help them to reach their individual goals.
In his spare time, Ali enjoys recreational sports such as soccer and squash, weightlifting, Biking, camping, hiking, and traveling.
Job Titles:
- Patient Experience Coordinator
Annika is happy to have joined the Strive team. She is looking forward to creating a positive experience for all clients.
Annika always loves learning new things and exploring new places. She enjoys spending time cooking and baking, walking her dog and spending time with her friends and family. Currently, she is working on prerequisites in college to work towards a career in the medical field.
Job Titles:
- Physiotherapist
- Registered Physiotherapist
Brendan was born and raised in Burnaby, but studied Physiotherapy at the University of Sydney where he graduated in 2019.
Brendan is passionate about all sports as well as meeting and learning about new people, which makes him a great fit for our team!
Job Titles:
- Physiotherapist
- Registered Physiotherapist
Carly studied at SFU where she earned her Bachelor's of Science degree in Kinesiology in 2010. She worked as a kinesiologist for 3 years, gaining experience in many areas including athletic training for the Intermediate B Coquitlam Adanacs, Movement Therapy at Club Aviva, and prescribing exercise therapy, hydrotherapy, Active Rehab, and therapeutic modalities in local physiotherapy clinics.
Finally, she pursued her dreams and obtained her Master's of Science in Physiotherapy, with distinction, in 2015 at Oxford Brookes University, in Oxford, England. Currently, she has completed courses in Dynamic Taping and K-Tape, and Lyn Watson Shoulder Level 1. She enjoys treating patients of all ages with a primary focus on manual therapy and exercise therapy treatments.
In her spare time, Carly enjoys hiking, knitting, and curling, but most of all spending time with her husband, daughter, and their dog.
Job Titles:
- Massage Therapist
- Registered Massage Therapist
Cassy is a recent graduate from West Coast College of Massage Therapy.
Playing a wide variety of sports growing up, she recognizes the vital role that manual therapy plays in physical and mental health both on and off the field. Through school, Cassy has had the opportunity to work with a wide range of conditions from acute injuries to chronic pain. She has a passion for how the body works and takes pride in working together to find a treatment and approach that is the best fit for each individual that walks through her door.
Job Titles:
- Patient Experience Coordinator
Born and raised in Coquitlam, i moved to Vancouver Island for 5.5 and absolutely fell in love and hope to retire their one day! I have a strong desire to spread kindness and a calming nature which makes working in the medical field ideal! Being a patient for many years,going through life changing surgeries myself, i strive to make every guest feel calm and confident through their injuries. When i'm not working, i love to be in the sunshine and being by the ocean, taking long drives bumping country music with the sunroof open in the jeep with my best friend and spending as much time as possible with my niece and nephews!
After graduating from SFU with a degree in Health Sciences, Dr. Gagan Lally attended the University of Western States in Portland to complete the Chiropractic program. She completed the program in September 2019 and graduated near the top of her class with Magna Cum Laude status. Dr. Lally uses an evidence-based approach to help guide treatments for spinal and extremity injuries using a combination of adjusting techniques, soft tissue and rehabilitation programs. Dr. Lally enjoys working with patients of all ages and prides herself in helping them reach their goals of a healthier, pain-free lifestyle.
Dr.Lee is a native here in Vancouver. After attending Pinetree Secondary School in Coquitlam, he went to finish his Kinesiology major with Active Health and Rehabilitation Certificate at Simon Fraser University. He started his chiropractic journey in San Jose, California at Palmer College of Chiropractic.
While attending school, he was heavily involved in clubs and attended many outside seminars to sharpen his skillset. While in school he was able to complete training in Motion Palpation Institute (MPI), Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS), and various soft tissue techniques (fascial, active release, trigger point massage).
His approach to care involves assessing and treating each individual as a whole and creating treatment plans tailored to each individual's health care goals. His specialty interests are in extremity injuries such as shoulder, elbow, hip, knee, ankle, and more.
When he isn't working you can find Joseph hiking, playing soccer, and playing board games with friends.
Dr. Lea Petursson was born and raised in Calgary, AB and first moved to the Lower Mainland to complete her BSc. in Kinesiology at Simon Fraser University. She then moved to Portland to attend the University of Western States where she received her Doctor of Chiropractic and Master of Science in Sports Medicine, graduating Summa cum Laude.
Dr. Petursson is an evidence-based chiropractor who utilizes adjustments, soft tissue techniques, and active rehab to ensure patients receive targeted care to help them achieve their goals. She is no stranger to what it feels like to be stuck on the sidelines and wants to help her patients get back to their optimal lifestyle as quickly and effectively as possible.
Dr. Petursson played many different sports growing up including soccer, volleyball, and rugby, and continued to play varsity soccer at SFU. She enjoys running and weightlifting to stay active and has completed three half marathons to date. When not at work, you will often find her on the many hiking trails, beaches, or bodies of water around Vancouver.
While completing her academic degrees, Dr. Petursson has had the opportunity to work with various athletes, teams, and events including Burnaby Lakers Intermediate and Junior lacrosse, Burnaby Bantam football, Sledge Hockey Canada, SportAbility BC, Canby Rodeo (Oregon), Beaverton Youth Soccer Tournament (Oregon), and David Douglas High School (Portland, OR).
Job Titles:
- Chiropractor
- Doctor of Chiropractic, Northwestern Chiropractic College
Doctor of Chiropractic, Northwestern Chiropractic College - Master of Health Administration, University of British Columbia - Board Member -- Canadian Chiropractic Examining Board
Dr. Moe Baloo (BSc, DC, MHA) obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in human biology from the University of Winnipeg and a Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Northwestern Chiropractic College in Minneapolis, Minnesota. In 2011, he completed a Master's Degree in Health Administration from the University of British Columbia, School of Population and Public Health. In addition, Dr. Baloo worked as a project lead at St. Paul's hospital in downtown Vancouver and is currently a Board Member -- Canadian Chiropractic Examining Board.
Dr. Moe has a special interest in sports injuries and has worked with a number of athletes and teams from the Douglas College Athletics Department in New Westminster.
Outside of work, Moe enjoys volunteering for a variety of local charities and organizations such as the World Partnership Walk, the Canadian College of Health Leaders, and Alumni UBC.
Since 1998 Dr. Kassam has developed an expertise in chronic disease management and prevention and has been a part of the Burnaby community where she has established a successful practice in naturopathic medicine.
Dr. Kassam acquired her Bachelor of Science degree in Nutritional Sciences at the University of British Columbia and then attended the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine in Ontario where she completed the Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine program. She is a licensed Naturopathic Physician in BC and is board certified in Acupuncture, and Chelation.
Areas of focus include allergy testing and treatment, Children's health, hormone balancing, Diabetes, IBS, Crohn's, Colitis, Arthritic conditions, Eczema and other skin ailments and muscle injuries. Dr. Kassam enjoys providing educational health seminars to corporate and private groups, and has a particular interest in children's health.
Patients have benefited from her empathetic care and skill in various modalities including clinical nutrition, herbal medicine, homeopathy, and coaching in lifestyle choices for prevention of illness. Dr. Kassam develops positive and lasting relationships that facilitate the progress of her patients' health.
Emily Smith graduated from the West Coast College of Massage Therapy in 2015. Since then she has furthered her education in lumbospelvic pain, assessment and treatment. She also has experience and a special interest in treatment of pre/postnatal women and kids, especially since becoming a mom herself.
Through her time as a massage therapist, Emily has become familiar with treatment of whiplash, headaches, muscle tension, and postural dysfunction. Emily uses a variety of techniques including myofascial release, joint play, Swedish massage, trigger point therapy, muscle stripping, and stretching. She will be sure to give you tools to continue care at home such as remedial exercises, hydrotherapy tips, or various stretches. During downtime, Emily enjoys relaxing with family, exercising, and doing hot yoga.
Imaan Shivji was born and raised in Burnaby, BC, but ventured out East to pursue her undergraduate degree in Kinesiology at McMaster University. After working with individuals who faced neurological conditions at a local rehabilitation centre, Imaan began to foster her passion for enhancing quality of life through movement. Imaan went on to complete her Master of Physical Therapy degree through UBC, and was part of the Northern cohort in Prince George. She recently obtained her Canadian Orthopaedic Division Advanced Integrated Musculoskeletal (AIM) Level 1 certification. Imaan has experience working with a wide variety of populations, including pediatric patients, older adults, and individuals with arthritis.
Imaan is passionate about promoting movement as medicine. Her goal is to empower clients to take charge of their health, regain function and return to activities they enjoy. She strives to help provide her clients with the necessary tools to create long term health benefits. Imaan is a firm believer in ensuring that clients are active participants in their care plan and appreciates that each rehabilitation journey is unique. She utilizes an evidence-based approach including exercise therapy combined with manual therapy and education to help clients achieve their goals.
Imaan loves to stay active by spending time outdoors, going to the gym, hopping on her spin bike and swimming. Outside of her passion for health and fitness, Imaan enjoys singing and playing guitar, trying new foods, and spending time with family and friends.
Julianna graduated from the West Coast College of Massage Therapy. She studied science and kinesiology at the University of the Fraser Valley. She also has a passion for martial arts and contemporary dance. Her interest for athletic rehabilitation and biomechanics led to her pursue a career in massage therapy.
Julianna's massage treatment incorporates a variety of modalities to help reduce pain and promote relaxation and functional movement. She has experience working with patients with a wide variety of injuries and conditions including neurological disorders and postural dysfunction.
The focus in the treatment room is to help educate patients to make active changes to their lifestyle and empower them to take control of their own health through movement. Julianna wishes to inspire as many people as she can to live a healthy, happy, and functional life.
Job Titles:
- Patient Experience Coordinator
- Patient Experience Coordinator / Hershey
Jyoti is excited to have joined the Strive Team; she is all about creating a positive environment and loves getting to know and be of help to all patients. An avid hiker, she loves checking out new trails and exploring more of Vancouver Island! Some of her hobbies include reading, spending time with her friends and family, and watching a good movie!
Kelsey was born and raised in the Lower Mainland, but moved to Ontario and completed her Bachelor of Science in Honours Kinesiology with a Minor in Rehabilitation Sciences at the University of Waterloo. She returned to British Columbia and completed her Master's of Physical Therapy at UBC's north program in Prince George. Kelsey has completed Level 1 courses with the Canadian Division of Orthopaedic Manual and Manipulative Therapy.
One of the highlights of her university career was working hands-on with varsity athletes as a student athletic therapist. She worked closely with ice hockey, soccer, basketball, and track and field teams.
Kelsey is a former competitive dancer and played ultimate frisbee on University of Waterloo women's team. In her spare time, you can find Kelsey going on adventures with her dog, Wookie, who looks uncannily like a polar bear.
Job Titles:
- Physiotherapist
- Registered Physiotherapist
Marlon Wong Uy, PT, a BC registered physiotherapist since 2011, has worked in the field for over 12 years in several countries (Canada, UK, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Turks and Caicos Islands and the Philippines). A BSc graduate in Physical therapy from Southern, Philippines, has worked in a variety of settings from hospital-based wards, out-patient departments, rehabilitation centres to private clinics. He believes in the eclectic and evidence-based approach to treatment to achieve good outcomes. His friendly attitude, empathy and cultural competency endear him to clients.
Currently, he is affiliated with two BC local health authorities.
Mason graduated in 2018 from the School of Kinesiology at UBC. During his undergrad, he worked as a Strength and Conditioning coach at Saltus Athletics and eventually landed an internship at Fortis Sport and Health, working as a Strength and Conditioning intern and a Sports Science intern. Mason got the opportunity to work with a variety of clients, which ranged from recreational athletes to pro-am athletes, and the general population to weekend warriors.
Mason completed his massage therapy education at the Vancouver College of Massage Therapy (Spring 2020). During his school, he worked at several outreach locations including HIV-positive clinics, senior care facilities, and the sports massage clinic at SFU. These outreaches taught Mason how to utilize a wide range of techniques such as Swedish massage, myofascial release, joint mobilizations, hydrotherapy, neuromuscular techniques, and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) stretching.
Mason recently completed Clinical Pilates and has broadened his knowledge with a variety of rehab exercise programs.
On his off days, Mason enjoys competing in volleyball, playing a casual game of basketball, and lifting weights in the gym to stay active.
Dr. Aaron Binstock obtained his Bachelor of Arts (Honors Kinesiology) at the University of Western Ontario, where he was a member of the varsity lacrosse team. He then attended the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College where he obtained his Doctorate of Chiropractic and graduated with clinic honours. Dr. Binstock is a certified Active Release Techniques (ART) provider.
Dr. Binstock is very familiar with an active lifestyle and competitive sports. He grew up playing many sports at a competitive level, including hockey, baseball, volleyball and lacrosse. In addition, he was the coach and trainer for the Markham Junior B lacrosse team. Since moving to Vancouver from Toronto, Dr. Binstock has been very involved with the sports community, which involves treating and being a member of the medical staff for:
Canada's 2012 Men's Olympic Beach Volleyball team
Port Moody Panthers Jr. B hockey club
2012 Canadian National beach volleyball championships
2011-2014 Vancouver open - Professional beach volleyball tournament
BC Ride To Conquer Cancer 2011: Volunteer Medical Team
Surrey Classic Gymnastics Invitational/BC Qualifiers 2011
Tri-City Bandits Sr. B lacrosse team trainer 2013-2014