About Neuro Core Physiotherapy & Pilates

 

NEURO CORE is a product of the experiences of its co-founders.

Carole Chebaro is a Physiotherapist and Certified Pilates Instructor and Richard VanderWal is a  Recreational Therapist who is a full-time wheelchair user and an international athlete.   

Their combined life and professional experience of over 20 years allowed them to   create a professional environment that is warm, inclusive and modern.  

In addition, an interdisciplinary team of  professionals with a common vision and diverse skills supported the creation of  NEURO CORE resulting in this unique therapeutic environment.    

 

NEURO CORE's goal is to create an integrative therapeutic environment unlike any other where individuals with  neurological and  orthopaedic conditions can feel supported in the pursuit of their own goals in a shared space.

At Neuro Core our facility is completely barrier free and our equipment has been selected to suit a  wide range of physical abilities.  We bring an experienced interdisciplinary team to the community and an integrative philosophy which encourages clients of all ages and abilities to reach their full potential and then courageously go and live it!

Meet our Staff -Our staff have a special interest in the treatment of individuals with neurological conditions and orthopaedic conditions. Our university trained health professionals are have participated extensively in post graduate courses in neurotherapy.

CAROLE CHEBARO B. Kin., B.Ed., MSc(P.T.), Cert. Pilates Instructor

Carole is the co-owner of Neuro Core Physiotherapy & Pilates along with her husband, Richard Vander Wal, who sustained a traumatic Spinal Cord Injury over 17 years ago. She has learned through first hand experience the potential adverse encounters, challenges and frustration persons with neurological conditions may experience on a day to day basis.

Carole’s primary goal is to ensure Neuro Core offers exceptional health services, in an inclusive and comfortable environment that is fully accessible for all persons, regardless of their physical level or form of mobility.


Carole holds an Honour’s Bachelor of Kinesiology degree from York University, a Bachelor of Education from the University of Toronto (Ontario Institute for Studies in Education) and a Master’s of Clinical Health Science in Physiotherapy from McMaster University. She is also a Certified Stott Pilates Instructor and an ADP (Assistive Devices Program) Authorizer. Carole is fluent in Arabic.

Carole has worked in a variety of clinical settings, providing her with diverse knowledge and clinical skills. She began her career working at Erinoak as a School Care Physiotherapist and then at St. Joseph’s Health Care Centre in the Orthopaedic department. Her interest in working with persons with neurological conditions dates back to when she was in high school after a school trip to the Lyndhurst Centre. This lead to her pursuit in working at Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, in the Spinal Cord Rehab Program at Lyndhurst Centre, in both inpatients and outpatients. Her involvements at Lyndhurst included redeveloping the hydrotherapy program and wheelchair skills program with an interdisciplinary team, and acting as a reference for therapists and patients who wish to explore Pilates as part of their rehab.

Carole has acted as a Clinical Instructor for University of Toronto Physiotherapy students and as a Supervising PT for Physiotherapy/Occupational Therapy Assistant students from Humber College. Carole has also participated as a Small Group Facilitator for U of T students during the Neurology unit and recently received a recognition award for this role. She recently presented two posters at the 3rd National Spinal Cord Injury Conference: Hydrotherapy Pilot Program at the Lyndhurst Centre and the Pilates Reformer for Clients with Neurological conditions.

In addition to working with individuals with neurological conditions in a hospital and community setting, Carole has also worked at Balance Personal Training, Fitness & Rehab in Toronto as a Physiotherapist, as well as a group and one-on-one Pilates Instructor.

Carole’s clinical practice, commitment to ongoing learning and evidence-based practice is reflected by the courses she has taken which include: Level 1/2A/3A Acupuncture (AFCI- Acupuncture Foundation of Canada Institute), Bobath Basic Concept, Sahrmann- Level 1, Mulligan Concept, McKenzie, Manual Therapy- Level 1, APTEI- The Knee Complex I, APTEI- Therapeutic Taping, as well attending lecture & clinical sessions such as Paul Hodges “Lumbopelvic motor control: Clinical techniques in motor control training for lumopelvic pain”.

Carole continues to participate in the community service through her volunteer work for organizations such as the Canadian Paraplegic Association and Ontario Wheelchair Sports Association.

She is a member of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association- Orthopaedic, Sports Injury, Neuroscience and Women’s Health divisions and the Acupuncture Foundation of Canada Institute. Carole is also a member of the Ontario College of Teachers.  

She has a special interest in utilizing Pilates for conditioning and rehab and has several years of experience teaching persons of various physical backgrounds in both one-on-one and group formats. Carole’s Pilates instruction originates from the Stott Pilates method and is also complimented by learning and evidence gained on courses such as the Bobath Concept, Shirley Sahrmann and Paul Hodges. Carole frequently teaches Pilates classes at Lululemon promoting proper exercise technique, physical fitness and health. She also teaches group classes and one-on-one Pilates sessions for clients with and without neurological conditions at Neurocore.

Carole’s goals include research involving postural control changes in orthopaedic & neurological conditions. She has a healthy respect for movement specificity. There’s no such thing as a crunch… (back to top)

Richard Vander Wal, B.R.L.S., TR

The Person

What can one say about Rich…He can’t sit still. Whether it’s his professional pursuits, personal achievements in sport or volunteer commitments as a way to give back, he does it all. After speaking with Rich, you may ask him “What don’t you do?” and he can only think of one thing.

Having experienced a traumatic Spinal Cord Injury resulting in complete T4 Paraplegia more than 17 years ago, Rich Vander Wal brings a wealth of personal life experiences to individuals living with a neurological condition and the challenges that may accompany this life change.

Rich’s lifestyle prior to his accident involved outdoor travel, athletics and sports and he was registered to pursue a career in architectural design. He continued to pursue all of these on both a professional and personal level. While attending Brock University, Rich teamed with friends who asked to use high-end custom wheelchairs he had already designed and built to compete against the best in Canada at the 11th annual National Queen's Entrepreneurs Competition. They won the prestigious Price Waterhouse Coopers Gold Medal for Entrepreneurial Excellence in 1998. Rich Vander Wal completed his Bachelor’s of Recreation & Leisure Studies at Brock University and went on to attain an Honour’s post-graduate certificate in Therapeutic Recreation from Georgian College.

The Professional

Choosing TRI’s Lyndhurst Centre for his final student placement was a good decision for Rich, his multidisciplinary rehab team and the clients he was soon to serve. In his 5 years as a Therapeutic Recreationist at LC, he re-established the “Outdoor Adventure Cottage Program”, lead the “Community Integration” Program and created a new “Get Outside” program to allow clients the opportunity to develop skills and increased confidence when using their new mobility aids. Always encouraging others to try and hopefully adopt a personal recreation activity, Rich was successful in creating Toronto’s first wheelchair tennis program each Monday night at nearby tennis courts. In addition to this Rich had an active role on the patient education committee.

Upon leaving LC Rich sought other ways to assist those individuals with life changing conditions. This search lead him to sales at Medichair where he continued to gain experience and knowledge about seating assessment and prescriptions for clients with various neurological conditions in both in/out patient and community setting.

Rich’s dual interest for providing education and acting as a resource customized seating and competitive sports encouraged him to seek a position at Motion Specialties and for over 2 years has worked under the title of Rehab Consultant. In this role, Rich continues to work with clients & professionals in various setting on issues such as: Home modifications, accessibility, community integration, vehicle modification and access, life skills and day to day living. Rich’s specialized knowledge for wheelchair set-up and negotiating one’s environment has allowed him to teach Wheelchair skills at the Lyndhurst Centre for inpatients and outpatients on an ongoing basis.

Rich’s unique teaching ability and life experience is an inspiration to anyone who attends his presentation. He has been pivotal in providing education series and acting as a resource for individuals with neurological conditions, therapists of various disciplines and students of various age groups. Topics he covers include: Customized seating, wheelchair set-up & mobility, recreational and competitive sports equipment, and sexuality & relationships.

In addition to collaborating with clients and therapists, Rich acts as a keynote presenter at the Invacare Seating Rounds, Canadian Seating & Mobility Conference (CSMC), Bloorview Kids Rehab, Chedoke rehab, and for students at the University of Toronto, Seneca and Georgian College. Rich is currently a part of a new education initiative role at Motion Specialties where he will be providing provincial and national product education seminars.

Rich also acts as a Rehab Advisor to Gluckstein & Associates LLP on a part-time basis to assist with client relations and provide expertise in lifestyle issues and concerns on one to one basis and at team meetings.

The Ambassador

Everyone has to find purpose in life. Richs mission is about creating awareness and education to assist in others transition back to a life with an adequate level of quality and involvement.

His knowledge and expertise was sought internationally as he has traveled to Bermuda to assist with adapted sports camps and introduced wheelchair tennis for children, and to Trinidad to assist with integration and awareness for a community not familiar with the needs for patrons with a traumatic spinal cord injury.

In Canada rich has networked and currently plays an active role in volunteering with the following groups.

The Athlete / Adventurer.

Rich’s involvement in various sport heavily defines his values and goals.

Rich certainly brings a unique approach to Neuro Core as he designed and built much of the space to reflect a calming, non-traditional atmosphere where someone with a neurological condition will have the opportunity to exercise in an accessible, warm and friendly environment.

So what’s the one thing Rich doesn’t do and has never done? It’s usually the first thing everyone expects him to. He does NOT play basketball.
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KRISTINA GUY BSc., BSc(PT)

Kristina completed her Bachelor’s of Science in Human Kinetics at the University of Guelph and her Bachelor’s of Science in Physiotherapy from Queen’s University. She is currently pursuing a Master’s in Rehabilitation Science at the University of Toronto. Kristina began her Physiotherapy career in acute care in Newmarket, and worked in a variety of settings including Medicine, Cardiology, inpatient and outpatient orthopaedics. Since 2002, Kristina has been working at the Toronto Rehabilitation Centre, Lyndhurst Centre, in the Spinal Cord Rehab Program. She worked in an inpatient setting for 5 years and has been in the outpatient therapeutic day program for the past 2 years. In her role at Lyndhurst Centre, Kristina has been instrumental in mentoring new staff to theoretical and clinical practice when working with clients with complex neurological conditions.

Kristina participated as a lab TA (Teaching Assistant) for 2 years at the University of Toronto and has assisted with lectures presentation for the Spinal Cord Injury week for the past 3 years. She has acted as a mentor and supervised Physiotherapy students during their clinical placements from a variety of universities including University of Western Ontario, Queen’s University, the University of Toronto as well as international students from Switzerland.

In addition to pursuing her Master’s of Rehabilitation Science, Kristina participates in additional research and recently presented two posters at the 3rd National Spinal Cord Injury Conference: Hydrotherapy Pilot Program at the Lyndhurst Centre and the Pilates Reformer for clients with Neurological conditions.

Kristina continues to enhance her professional development by taking courses such as the Advanced training in the Bobath Concept, Level 1 Acupuncture – AFCI, Mackenzie Part A, Sahrmann- Level I, APTEI- Cervical Spine course, and the Dalhousie Wheelchair Skills Training Program. She is also a member of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association- Neurosciences division. Kristina has also been an ADP authorizer for over 5 years.

Kristina is fascinated by the human nervous system and its ability to adapt and change. Her goals include become a skilled “neuroplastician” (a term coined by Norman Doidge, author of The Brain that Changes Itself). Her exceptional teaching skills have been recognized by her students and co-workers. She is very interested in continuing and expanding opportunities to be involved in Physiotherapy student education and in exploring international approaches to the treatment of patients with neurological disorders. On a personal note, she loves office supplies! (back to top)

JOANNE SMITH B.A., BRT Dip., CNP

Joanne is a graduate of the Institute of Holistic Nutrition in Toronto. She also obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from York University, as well as a diploma in radio & television broadcasting from Seneca College.

As a Certified Nutritional Practitioner, Joanne specializes in providing optimal nutritional health for people with disabilities. Her expertise in the disability community comes from her personal experience of living with a spinal cord injury for over twenty years, her role as a disability consultant for both the Toronto Board of Education & Air Canada, as well as her years as a Gemini award winning broadcaster who focused on telling in-depth stories about Canadians with disabilities.

Joanne’s passion for assisting others with special needs has also been demonstrated through her years as a dedicated mentor and volunteer for the Canadian Paraplegic Association, Lyndhurst Rehabilitation Centre, Canadian Spinal Research Organization, Easter Seals and numerous other disability organizations across the country. Joanne fully understands the unique needs of people with disabilities and her nutritional consulting helps others live to their maximum potential.

Joanne’s commitment to raising awareness and improving the lives of Canadians with disabilities led to her receipt of the King Clancy Award in 2006, induction into Terry Fox Hall of Fame in 2007 and acceptance of the Gabriel Humanitarian Award in 2008.
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GRANT MURRAY, PTA/OTA Dip., PTN, 3rd Dan Black Belt

Grant Murray is a graduate of Humber College where he received the Physiotherapy / Occupational Therapy Assistant (PTA/OTA) diploma. Grant has worked at Lyndhurst Centre, the Spinal Cord Rehab Program at the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute since 2005 where he has gained extensive experience working with clients with neurological conditions. Grant has experience providing hydrotherapy, teaching wheelchair skills and implementing strength training programs in an inpatient and outpatient setting amongst an interdisciplinary team. He also has taken on PTA/OTA students from Humber College as a Clinical Mentor.

In addition to his experience as a PTA/OTA, Grant presently holds a 3rd Dan black belt in Taekwondo as well as his Taekwondo Instructor Certification. He has over years of 12 years of experience in Taekwondo instruction in large class format, small groups and individual training for children and adults of various physical levels.

Grant’s Taekwondo instruction and pursuit of his PTA/OTA diploma was inspired by his background as a Certified Personal Trainer through the Certified Professional Trainers Network. He continues to provide both one-on-one and semi-private personal training sessions.

Through continuing education, Grant has completed courses to compliment his practice. This includes, the Introduction to Bobath concept for the Healthcare Worker, the wheelchair skills training program and the post rehabilitation upper body course for Personal Trainers.

Grant is a member of the Ontario Taekwondo Association and the Canadian Personal Trainers Network. His professional development presently includes working towards completing the NCCP (National Canadian Coaching Program) Taekwondo Canada Assistant Instructor Program.

Grant compliments the Neuro Core team with his particular interest in adapting and integrating self-defense techniques for clients of all ages and physical levels. He teaches private and group seated and standing self-defense classes at Neuro Core and looks forward to working with you! (back to top)

HEATHER DENSMORE, PTA/OTA Dip., CPT (CPTN)

Heather is a graduate of the College of the North Atlantic’s Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy Assistant program. Heather has worked at Lyndhurst Centre, the Spinal Cord Rehab Program at the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute since 2003 where she has gained extensive experience working with clients with complex neurological conditions in inpatient and outpatient settings. Heather’s experience includes developing an upper and lower extremity strengthening class, working closely with Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists to assist in restoring clients’ normal movement and function. She has a wealth of knowledge and significant experience teaching basic and advanced wheelchair skills, demonstrating and assisting clients with returning to swimming and applying exercises using hydrotherapy. In addition to her clinical practice, she acts as a Clinical Mentor for PTA/OTA students from Humber College.

Heather is also a Certified Personal Trainer and applies her training working with clients of various physical levels in their homes and in community gyms. She values the benefit of exercise and the impact it has on one’s mental and physical health.

In addition to being a PTA/OTA and a Certified Personal Trainer, Heather has obtained her Level 1 Coaching through the NCCP (National Coaching Certification Program) and coached men’s wheelchair rugby for 2 years.

Her clinical practice is enhanced by taking ongoing education courses such as the Introduction to Bobath concept for the Healthcare worker, Post Rehabilitation Functional Training for the Upper and Lower body as well as Taping and Sports Injury Prevention and Care.

Heather values community service and sharing her skills as a volunteer with athletes who are wheelchair users for organizations such as Paralympics Ontario and the Canadian Paraplegic Association. She is a member of the Certified Professional Trainers Network and CALA (Canadian Aquafitness Leaders Alliance Inc.). She continues to expand her professional skills by working towards becoming a Certified Healing Waters Therapist.

Heather compliments the Neuro Core team with her understanding and appreciation for the importance of learning wheelchair skills, exploring adapted sports and promoting exercise. (back to top)

Darlene Buan-Basit

As a full time Chiropractic Doctor, Dr. Darlene focuses on people with injuries or in pain by examining and diagnosing the root causes of their problem.  She is experienced in treating many sports injuries in addition to working with people with scoliosis, disc herniations, arthritis, strains/sprains and many other chronic conditions.  Pre and post natal care is another area where Dr. Darlene combines the therapeutic benefits of chiropractic care and strengthening of Pilates.

After a painful car accident in 1992, Dr. Darlene discovered how chiropractic can help. With a mission to help those living with pain, Dr. Darlene left a career in Health and Safety/Human Resource and returned to school: the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College (CMCC). Dr. Darlene graduated in 2003.  Dr. Darlene is trained and experienced in the following additional techniques:

ACUPUNCTURE

MYOFASCIAL TECHNIQUES

 ORTHOTICS

COMPRESSION THERAPY

PILATES

Darlene has been a certified fitness instructor (CanFit Pro) for over 15 years, teaching step, spinning, kickboxing, yoga and muscle conditioning classes for fitness clubs.  Recently she was an ambassador for Lululemon Yonge/Briar Hill   where she teaches classes and promotes healthy lifestyles. Darlene has also trained as a yoga instructor under Susan Dias. Since discovering yoga and pilates, she has developed an inner strength by balancing the body, mind and spirit. She now teaches pilates to help as many people to achieve strong, flexible bodies.  Her classes include mat and reformer, incorporating many of the pilates small equipment.  She designs the classes to be challenging and safe for all levels, providing modifications for injuries/limitations, and assisting people as needed. No class is ever the same, people leave feeling stronger and refreshed.

Prior to become a chiropractor/pilates instructor, Darlene has worked in the manufacturing industry as a Human Resources and Health and Safety Manager developing and administering programs designed to reduce the risk of accidents in the workplace. She has worked with and presented for the Ontario Chiropractic Association, Industrial Accident Prevention Association, and Education Safety Association of Ontario.

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Melanie Alappat BHSc., MSc.(PT)

Melanie is currently working for CUSO-VSO in The Republic of the Gambia. She is working to improve services to people with disabilities living in the Central and Upper River Regions of the country, specifically to improve service delivery at the Physiotherapy Unit at the Bansang Hospital. She will be returning to Canada and to Neurocore in October of 2010.

Masters of Clinical Science in Physical Therapy (MScPT) from University of Toronto 2005 Registered for Independent Practice with the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario since January 2006 Honours Bachelor of Health Sciences (HBHSc) from University of Western Ontario 2002 (back to top)

Heather Imrie, BKin, MPT

Heather completed her Honours Bachelor of Kinesiology at Brock University in 2007.  During her fourth year internship at the University’s Athletic Therapy Clinic, she grew a strong interest in physiotherapy and made the decision to pursue a Masters degree in the field.  She is currently completing her final weeks of her Masters of Physical Therapy at the University of Western Ontario. She was intrigued by the vast opportunities that physiotherapy offered and quickly was drawn to working in a rehabilitation setting. Her clinical placements include working with two experienced Bobath Clinicians, and a FCAMT Therapist. She has worked in a variety of settings, which include private outpatient, community, and the Palliative Care unit at London’s Victoria Hospital. Upon gradation she will have completed her AFCI Level 1 Acupuncture Certificate and Level 1 Manual Therapy.

Heather has represented her profession and peers on a variety of occasions. As a UWO student, she participated in several Interprofessional Health and Education workshops. She was a conference ambassador at the 2009 OPA Conference in London, Ontario.  Other volunteer work includes London’s Forest City Road Race and Toronto’s Ride for Heart.  Heather holds a strong interest in fitness, is an active hiker, and a Certified Spin Instructor.

Heather is excited to begin her career and develop her clinical skills as part of the Neuro Core team. She has particular interest in working with children with neurological conditions such as Cerebral Palsy. As a part of her Master’s program, Heather was involved in a Qualitative Research study that explored Parents of grown children with CP retrospective reflections and advice to future parents and health care professionals. She understands the complexity and challenges that a person with this type of injury goes through on a daily basis and is eager to work with clients to help them find solutions.

In the near future, she plans to further her education in acupuncture and Bobath courses. She also looks forward to learning Pilates and applying these skills in treatment for clients with neurological conditions.

Phyllis Saadon, BFA, MA, Certified Pilates Instructor

PilatesPhyllis was born and raised in Vancouver, BC. Her movement background has been diverse, having studied modern dance, ballet, folk dance, Tai Chi, Feldenkrais and yoga. She has also studied extensively with The San Francisco Dancer's Workshop. Prior to her Pilates training, she received her MA in Dance/Movement Therapy and worked in Los Angeles for a few years. From this varied background, she brings a wealth of movement understanding to her clients.

She has been teaching Pilates since 1997; at various community centres, dance studios, and from her home.

In her Pilates classes, she takes time to show you each exercise with precision and attention to posture. She also explains the breathing in detail. There is a focus on the breath, as it is truly what sets Pilates apart from other fitness techniques. The breath engages and strengthens your core muscles, giving you more stability and balance.
Whatever level you begin at, Phyllis encourages you to always listen to your body. So much can be gained from simple body awareness. Without pushing too hard, you can progress without injuries, work with any imbalances that you may have, and achieve a deep understanding of the work.

She is currently studying a new technique related to her MA degree called Sensorimotor Psychotherapy. This is a somatic or body based psychotherapy technique primarily for the treatment of trauma.

Phyllis continues her commitment to Pilates by attending local and international conferences.

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