Michèle has completed her Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology at Acadia University in Nova Scotia, followed
by her Master of Science in Physical Therapy at Queens University in Kingston Ontario. Originally from
Ottawa, Michèle is thrilled to be in her hometown as part of the Play On Team team to serve the members of
her community.
Michèle has been working as a physiotherapist with specialized pediatric interest for over 5 years treating kids as young as 2 weeks old, to athletes in their late teens. Her treatment philosophy places an emphasis on empowering kids and their parents to achieve their mobility goals through a comfortable and collaborative experience. She uses a combination of hands-on manual therapy, exercise, and education to get her clients moving optimally.
Michèle has completed her Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology at Acadia University in Nova Scotia, f...
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Dr. Jen Forristal BSc ND is a Naturopathic Doctor and author with a primary focus on pediatrics and pediatric mental health, parenting and parent well-being and the founder and CEO of the Umbrella Project, a positive coping curriculum used internationally by thousands of parents, students and educators. She has worked extensively with clinics, schools, researchers and organizations to implement solutions that benefit the long-term health and performance of the next generation.
Her work is published in the Canadian Journal of School Psychology and she was awarded the Health Promotion Canada Award for her contribution to children’s mental health. Dr. Jen is the author of The Umbrella Effect: Your guide to raising strong, adaptable kids in a stressful world.
In her clinical practice, Dr. Jen specializes in pediatrics and pediatric mental health and loves to focus on the synergy of total family health and wellbeing, working with caregivers and their children to achieve happy, harmonious and healthy homes.
Dr. Jen Forristal BSc ND is a Naturopathic Doctor and author with a primary focus on pediatrics a...
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Sam completed her Bachelor’s degree in Child Health at Brock University in St. Catharines, Ontario before going on to complete her Master’s of Science in Physiotherapy at University College Cork in Cork, Ireland. She grew up competing in figure skating and rugby in Kingston, Ontario and has continued to coach skating at the Canskate and Star levels regionally. Sam always enjoyed teaching children the fun of skating through helping them master new skills at their own time and pace. While at Brock University she had the opportunity to shadow under a pediatric physiotherapist and volunteer as a coach for the Skateable program, Canada’s adaptive skating program for children with disabilities. Through these experiences she realized she could combine her passion for working with children, with her passion for physiotherapy. During her Master’s, Sam had the opportunity to develop individualized Aquatic therapy plans with both adults and children, becoming one of her major passions. For her final placement of her Master’s, she arranged to return to Canada to complete 8 weeks in pediatrics at On the Ball Pediatrics here in Ottawa, ON. As research in the world of physiotherapy is ever evolving, Sam believes there are always new skills and techniques to be learned. Whether from pediatric physiotherapists, research, or from continued education courses, further learning helps to improve holistic individualized care plans for every child and she is committed to this ongoing process.
Sam completed her Bachelor’s degree in Child Health at Brock University in St. Catharines, Ontari...
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Katie has completed her Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario and her Master’s of Science in Physical Therapy at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario. Katie grew up in Ottawa and is excited to have recently moved back to join the Play On Team to help families reach their goals!
Katie has completed her Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology at McMaster University in Hamilton, Onta...
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Paige completed her Bachelor’s of Science undergraduate degree in Kinesiology at Western University. During her final year at Western she was the trainer for Western’s varsity Women’s soccer team. Paige then completed her Master of Science in Physical Therapy at Queen’s University.
Before becoming a Physical Therapist, Paige always enjoyed interacting with children by spending many years working with youth soccer teams. During her Master’s degree, Paige had the opportunity to complete one of her placements in a pediatric setting, which solidified that this was the place for her. Paige is passionate about working with children and their families in a fun and collaborative way to help them achieve their unique goals.
Paige completed her Bachelor’s of Science undergraduate degree in Kinesiology at Western Universi...
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Michelle graduated from the University of Ottawa with a Master’s of Health Science (Physiotherapy) in 2011. She also has a Bachelor of Education from Nipissing University (2004) and a Bachelor of Science (Honours Kinesiology) from the University of Western Ontario (2001). She is fluently bilingual and is a former elementary school teacher (French Immersion). Since she began practicing physiotherapy, she also has been trained in the following:
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K-Taping Pro
Integrative Dry Needling
Myofascial-Pelvis, and Pediatric Myofascial Release (John F Barnes Institute)
McKenzie Part A: The Lumbar Spine Mechanical Diagnosis & Therapy
APTEI: Articular Dysfunctions of the Cervical Spine
Infantile Torticollis and Plagiocephaly
Dynamic Core for Kids
Brain Highways February
Degrees of Freedom Myofascial Release
Introduction to Neuro-Developmental Therapy
Rhythmic Movement Training International (Parts 1, 2, and SChool Readiness)
DC4K: Continence for Kids with Challenges
Physiopedia: Cerebral Palsy
Developmental Orthopedics of the Trunk and Lower Extremity (The Learning Workshop)
Every Motor Event is a Sensory Event First: Anxiety, Self-regulation and Postural Control
Academy of Pediatric Physical Therapy Annual Conference 2017
Medbridge: various courses
Physical Therapy.com: various courses
APTEI: Chronic Pain
Introduction to Pediatric Vestibular Rehabilitation
Dynamic Movement Intervention (Intro levels A and B)
​Michelle uses a holistic and individualized approach during one-on-one sessions in order to help your child reach his/her full potential.
She is the mother of 2 young children, plays Ultimate Frisbee competitively, and enjoys spending time outdoors.
Michelle graduated from the University of Ottawa with a Master’s of Health Science (Physiotherapy...
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