Meet The pHYSIOTHERAPISTS
Rabi Guha
PT, BSc.P.T., Cert.M.D.T.,
CAFCI, Dip. Manip. PT, FCAMPT, CGIMS, LJLCA
Rabi graduated from the University of Toronto in 1996 with the Canadian Physiotherapy Association (CPA) Award for Clinical and Academic Excellence and one of the original partners at Back Works. He has practiced in a variety of clinical settings but has been based in orthopaedic private practice since 2000. He has a special focus on sports-related injuries as the physiotherapist of the OHL’s Kitchener Rangers since 2001. He received a Certification in Mechanical Diagnosis and Treatment of the Spine from the McKenzie Institute International in 2000 and became a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Manipulative Physiotherapy (CAMPT) upon completion of the Diploma of Advanced Manual and Manipulative Therapy from the Orthopaedic Division of the CPA in 2004. Rabi successfully completed the Certification examination of the Acupuncture Foundation of Canada Institute in 2009 and is also a certified Gunn Intra-Muscular Stimulation (UBC Gunn IMS) practitioner through the University of British Columbia.
In 2012, Rabi attended the Discover Physio Series instructed by Diane Lee and Dr. Linda-Joy (LJ) Lee. It was a pivotal time in his career because he was asked to be an assistant lab instructor teaching the Thoracic Ring Approach™ (LJ Lee) and the Integrated Systems Model for Disability & Pain (Lee and Lee) in Toronto and Montreal. When LJ launched her new education company Dr. Linda-Joy Lee International (LJLI) in 2015, she asked him to challenge the skills and material in the inaugural group of Certified Practitioners (LJLCP). Rabi completed this certification that same year, is now a Certified Assistant Instructor (LJLCA) teaching the Thoracic Ring Approach and Connect Therapy™ (LJ Lee) in Canada, the United States and England and working to the completion of his Certified Mentor designation.
Rabi holds a Diploma in Goalkeeping from the Ontario Soccer Association and has been an assistant coach with Waterloo United since its inauguration in 2017 to the Ontario Player Development League. He has his C License and is challenging the Youth License – Goalkeeping with Canada Soccer. As a former Montrealer, he is an amateur hockey historian, passionate Montreal Canadiens fan and memorabilia collector and fluent in French.
Rabi Guha
Lisa Streib
PT, HBK, MPT, Dip. Manip. PT, FCAMPT, CGIMS
Lisa started her career as a kinesiologist in 1999 and was inspired to return to school to become a physiotherapist after working in a physiotherapy clinic for a few years. In 2004 she received a Master of Physical Therapy degree from the University of Western Ontario and quickly returned the orthopaedic environment in her new role as physiotherapist. She has focused her whole career in the musculoskeletal setting, treating a variety of populations, ages and injuries and conditions. She is a strong believer in continuing education and has completed the Diploma of Advanced Manual and Manipulative Therapy in 2011 and is a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Manipulative Physiotherapy (CAMPT) and has her certification in Gunn Intra-muscular Stimulation (Gunn IMS) and Concussion Diagnosis and Management. She has also expanded her skill set to include treating the Pelvic Floor to address issues such as incontinence, urgency and pelvic pain. Other courses have focused on acupuncture, exercise therapy and mechanical diagnosis and treatment. Most recently she completed the Connect Therapy Series TM including the Thoracic Ring Approach. This has changed how she assesses and treats the body as a whole unit. Since completing the series, she has enjoyed assisting on courses to share her passion for the approach to other physiotherapists.
Lisa enjoys spending her time away from the clinic with her family and being active with yoga and ringette.
Lisa Streib
Stephanie DaSilva
PT, B.Kin, MPT, Dip. Manip. PT, FCAMPT, CGIMS
Stephanie graduated from the University of Western Ontario in 2008 with a Master of Physical Therapy degree and was the recipient of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association Orthopaedic Award. Prior to completing the physiotherapy program, she graduated from Brock University with a Bachelor of Kinesiology honours degree. She has practiced physiotherapy in the orthopaedic environment since the beginning of her career and is a partner in Back Works. Steph has her Advanced Diploma of Manual and Manipulative Physiotherapy and is a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Manipulative Physiotherapy (FCAMPT) . This is an internationally-recognized qualification in hands-on therapy and represents the highest level of manual skills and knowledge in physiotherapy orthopaedics in Canada. She has her level 3 acupuncture from the AFCI and is a certified Gunn IMS practitioner. Steph has completed Linda-Joy Lee's Connect Therapy Series™ including the Thoracic Ring Approach, and was an Assistant Instructor to Linda-Joy Lee and Rabi Guha on the 2019/2020 Connect Therapy Series™. Connect Therapy™ utilizes a whole body approach to assessment and treatment for neuro-muscular conditions. Steph has a diverse skillset and enjoys treating a variety of conditions with an individualized treatment approach.
When not at the clinic, Steph spends her time trying to keep up with her two young children and energetic puppy.
Stephanie DaSilva
PT, B.Kin, MPT, CGIMS
PT, B.Kin, MPT, CGIMS
PT, B.Kin, MPT, CGIMS
Eoghan Landy
Eoghan graduated from McGill University in 2012 with a Masters of Science degree in Physiotherapy following a three year Master of Science degree in Kinesiology specializing in the Biomechanics of Gait and Posture from the University of Waterloo. Prior to this, he graduated from the University of Waterloo with a Bachelor of Science Honours Kinesiology in 2007. Eoghan has completed postgraduate work in acupuncture and is currently working on completing his postgraduate course work in Manual Therapy. In May of 2018 he completed Dr. Linda Joy Lee's Connect Therapy™ series including the Thoracic Ring Approach. More recently, Eoghan completed his certification in Integrated Dry Needling. He also has a special interest and advanced skills in gait/running assessment and analysis to help patients with issues while walking and/or running and Bike Fitting to optimize the comfort and enjoyment of cycling.
In his spare time, Eoghan keeps fit by chasing after his two boys and dog, as well as participating in triathlons.
Eoghan Landy
PT, M.Sc.(Kin), M.ScA.(PT), CIDN
Derek Brown
PT, BA Kin (Hons), MPT, CGIMS
Derek graduated from the University of Western Ontario in 2003 with an Honors degree in Kinesiology with Psychology and returned to graduate from UWO with a Masters in Physical Therapy in 2005. Since then, he has worked in both private practice as well as publicly funded areas of physiotherapy in both Ontario and British Columbia. During these experiences, Derek has gained knowledge in and appreciation for a number of areas of rehabilitation. Specifically, Derek has gained experience in the area of stroke and neurological rehabilitation and has some training using the Neurodevelopmental Treatment approach (NDT). He is also an authorizer for the Assistive Devices Program (ADP) through the Ministry of Health and Long Term care for mobility aides, which allows him to assess, prescribe and facilitate the process of receiving government funding for walkers when needed. A big area of special interest for Derek is Concussion Management. He not only believes that early detection and proper management of concussion is essential, he also feels that physiotherapy along with a multidisciplinary approach is imperative for a healthy recovery. Derek has trained with Shift Concussion Management, Complete Concussion Management, and R2P Concussion Management, and annually completes a massive open online course on concussion offered by Université Laval. Up to date information from these courses combined with clinical experience helps facilitate better outcomes for his patients. Derek’s general approach to treatment is an active one with a focus on exercise, sleep hygiene, and general health promotion. However, other training includes dry needling (Gunn Intramuscular Stimulation [Gunn IMS] - University of British Columbia), manual therapy (Intermediate Exam completed through the Orthopaedic Manual and Manipulative Physiotherapy Curriculum), acupuncture, and Connect Therapy/Thoracic Ring Approach through Dr. L.J. Lee's Connect Therapy SeriesTM.
Currently, Derek resides in Guelph with his wife and two children. He enjoys playing soccer, guitar, camping, household projects, his vegetable garden and most importantly spending time with his family.
Derek Brown
PT, B.Kin, MPT, CGIMS
PT, B.Kin, MPT, CGIMS
PT, B.Kin, MPT, CGIMS
Jonathan Godfrey
Jonathan has always had a passion for sport and wellness which lead him to pursue a career in physiotherapy. Jonathan completed his Bachelor of Human Kinetics (Honours) at the University of Windsor followed by completing his Master’s of Physical Therapy at Western University. Most recently, Jonathan has become an Advanced Health Care Practice Physiotherapist having completed his Master’s of Clinical Science in Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy at Western University. Jonathan is an active FCAMPT (Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Manipulative Physiotherapy), has completed training in Dr. L.J. Lee’s Connect Therapy™ Institute for Physiotherapy and Movement including the Connect Therapy™ Series as well as Connect Therapy™ Part 4 which includes The Thoracic Ring Approach, and has been certified in Dry Needling through Acupuncture Canada. Jonathan prides himself in staying up to date on the most recent physiotherapy literature and uses the evidence, clinical expertise and patient preferences to provide the most comprehensive care that he can to his patients.
In his spare-time he likes to kick back and watch the Raptors or lace up his sneakers to play some pick-up basketball. Jonathan enjoys helping his clients to become aware of and unlock their own untapped potential through physiotherapy.
Jonathan Godfrey
PT, BHK(Hon), MPT
Karen Guha
PT, BScPT, C/NDT, CIDN,
NDTA Coordinator/Instructor
Karen graduated from the University of Toronto in 1996 with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy. She worked in the United States for 3 ½ years treating individuals with neurological diagnoses in both the inpatient and outpatient settings. Karen developed a passion for helping individuals with neurological injuries recover and assisting them to achieve their functional goals. When Karen returned to Canada in 2000, she began working at Grand River Hospital (GRH). Karen worked on a variety of inpatient units at the Freeport Site of GRH, but has worked primarily in the outpatient Neuro Rehabilitation Clinic (NRC) for almost 20 years. Karen works four days a week in the NRC treating individuals who suffer from a recent stroke, acquired brain injury, spinal cord injury or other neurological diagnoses. In addition, Karen provides occasional weekend coverage on the inpatient rehabilitation unit. Once a week, Karen works at Back Works treating individuals who suffer neurological injuries. These individuals pursue private therapy for a variety of reasons; to continue in their recovery or to address new issues with the aim of improving their functioning.
Karen has extensive training in Neuro Developmental Treatment (NDT) which is a treatment approach to treat individuals with stroke or acquired brain injury. Karen successfully completed the NDT/Bobath Certificate Course in the Management and Treatment of Adults with Hemiplegia (NDTA™ Approved Course) in 1999, and attended many NDT/Bobath Approved Advanced Courses between 2000-2005. She began her training to become a NDTA™ Instructor in 2002 and earned the title NDTA™ PT Instructor in 2007. Karen became a NDTA™ Coordinator Instructor in 2011, and achieved NDTA™ Advanced Course Instructor status in 2014. Karen is only one of five NDTA™ instructors in Canada. She has taught courses to registered therapists in Canada, United States and internationally including such countries as Singapore, Estonia, Columbia and Ireland. Back Works hosts many of Karen’s post-graduate courses both in-person and virtually. More recently, Karen completed her certification in Integrated Dry Needling and finds this treatment to be an important adjunct in her therapy sessions. Karen is also the co-author of a research case report published in the textbook Neuro-Developmental Treatment: A Guide to NDT Clinical Practice (2016). During her free-time Karen enjoys running, walking their dogs and spending time with her family.
Karen Guha
AMANDA MILLER
MPT, Physiotherapist
Amanda obtained her Masters of Physical Therapy from the University of Western Ontario in 2005 after completing an Honours Degree in Kinesiology and Physical Education at Wilfrid Laurier University. She focuses her practice on manual therapy and exercise prescription and uses acupuncture in an effort to assist her clients in reaching their maximum potential. A strong background in sport and dance herself, Amanda enjoys working with athletes and artists of all varieties and skill to help them return to the sport or activity they love.
Amanda has completed her Orthopaedic Manual and Manipulative Physiotherapy Level 3 courses and exams and is trained in Acupuncture through the Acupuncture Foundation of Canada Institute. Other post graduate training includes courses in pelvic health through Pelvic Health Solutions, shoulder rehabilitation, latest research in therapeutic exercise and gait analysis. She regularly takes part in continuing education courses and activities in an effort to stay current in the latest research and be able to apply it to her practice.
Amanda has 20+ years of training, competing and instructing dance. She is passionate about treating dancers and can work with them to improve their muscle strength, balance, and flexibility to subsequently improve performance.
She has previously worked as a personal trainer as well as physiotherapist and finds combining her knowledge and skills of both to be extremely beneficial in athlete recovery and future injury prevention.
When Amanda is not working with clients she is either being active herself or caring for her 3 young boys. She is currently active in Peloton cycling, weight training, yoga, golf, tennis and soccer and has a new found love for road cycling. She is a busy hockey and baseball mom and loves any time spent with her family.
AMANDA MILLER
Meet The
Speech Language Pathologist
Laurie MacDonald
B.Sc., B.Sc. (CD)
Laurie graduated from Dalhousie University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. She went on to the University of Western Ontario where she completed her degree in Speech Pathology in 1988. She is a registered member of the College of Audiologists and Speech Language Pathologists of Ontario (CASLPO) and Speech-Language and Audiology Canada (SAC). Laurie has over 25 years experience working with pre-schoolers, school-aged children and adults in school, community and private settings.
Laurie is currently offering private service in articulation and language therapy for pre-schoolers and articulation therapy for school aged children. Appointments can be made by calling 519-746-8172 or by email at reception@backworksphysiotherapy.ca
Laurie MacDonald
Meet The YOGA INSTRUCTOR
AMANDA BROWN
After years of dedicated practice, Amanda began teaching yoga in 2016. Her teaching style creatively layers different forms of yoga, philosophy, and lessons from modern life to encourage her students to grow their practice from the inside out. She enjoys exploring the many paths of yoga in the search for the balance between effort and ease.
Tuesday 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. & Saturday 9:00 – 10:00 a.m.
Tuesday 7:30 – 8:30 p.m.
AMANDA BROWN
Meet The
Administrative Staff
PT, B.Kin, MPT, CGIMS
PT, B.Kin, MPT, CGIMS
PT, B.Kin, MPT, CGIMS
Dianne green
Dianne joined our Administrative Team in Feb 2016. Her positive energy is an asset to the clinic and she is happy and eager to assist you with many of your needs. In addition to being on the front lines of patient care, Dianne does a lot of work behind the scenes to help keep the clinic running smoothly. A “retired” massage therapist, she is happy to still be working in the healthcare field at Back Works.
An avid triathlete since the late ‘80s, Dianne and her husband Rick have recently added golf to their activities. When they’re done swimming, biking, running or golfing they enjoy chillaxin' with their cats.
Since Covid-19 hit in March of 2020, Dianne also discovered a penchant for cleaning up local neighbourhoods and parks….garbage yoga, so to speak!
DIANNE GREEN
PT, B.Kin, MPT, CGIMS
PT, B.Kin, MPT, CGIMS
PT, B.Kin, MPT, CGIMS
DEBBIE PURVES
Debbie became a member of our Administrative Team in June of 2018. Prior to relocating to the Waterloo Region, Debbie resided in the Ottawa Valley where she spent several years honing her business and administrative skills. Debbie’s cheerful attitude and warm smile will be one of the first to welcome you to the clinic. Her dedication and enthusiastic approach to patient care is exceptional. She is delighted to be part of the Back Works team!
Debbie has a background in dance, studying at the Ontario School of Ballet and Related Arts in Toronto. Her interests include dancing, Zumba, yoga, swimming, kayaking, cycling and tennis, but top of the list is spending time with her family.
Debbie Purves
PT, B.Kin, MPT, CGIMS
PT, B.Kin, MPT, CGIMS
PT, B.Kin, MPT, CGIMS
eRIKA sAGLE
Erika is one of the Administrative Assistants on the Back Works team. She actually began her career at the clinic as a teenager, working part-time. She has extensive experience in customer service which has proven to be an asset to the clinic. Erika went to school at the Ontario College of Art and Design University in Toronto for photography.
In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her children, running, travelling, and has recently taken up Tae Kwon Do.
Erika sagle
PT, B.Kin, MPT, CGIMS
PT, B.Kin, MPT, CGIMS
PT, B.Kin, MPT, CGIMS
Cassidy Guha
Cassidy joined our Back Works team as a volunteer in 2017, and then as an employee in 2020. Cassidy is a high school student at St. David’s Catholic Secondary School and will graduate in 2023. She is passionate about learning and has a keen interest in math, science and computer technology. Cassidy plans to attend university either in Canada or the United States. She also loves to play soccer, basketball, running and spend time with her dogs and family. In addition, she loves to cheer on the Toronto Raptors. Cassidy joins our front desk staff, performing clerical activities as well as behind the scenes work on the website, virtual workshops, web-based questionnaires, and Instagram.
Cassidy Guha
