Shelley has more than 25 years experience treating babies, children and adolescents with physical challenges and gross motor delays. Shelley has been a registered Physiotherapist with the College of Physiotherapy of Ontario since graduating from McMaster University. She is a member of the Neuro-Developmental Treatment Association (C/NDT) and is a regular contributor to various newsletters and online forums.
Shelley began her career in pediatrics at the Niagara Children’s Centre. During her time at the centre she served children in the schools and as outpatients, was coordinator of Orthotic Clinic and served as a founding member of the Early Intervention Team. In 1997 she created HeartSpace Physical Therapy for Children in order to balance her career as a Physical Therapist with her role as a mother.
Shelley has extensive post-graduate study. She is certified in pediatric Neuro-Developmental Treatment (C/NDT) and has completed all her pediatric NDT advanced courses. In addition she has extensive training in Myofascial Release, Craniosacral Therapy, developmental biomechanics and sensory processing intervention as well as attachment theory and treatment. Shelley is also a certified children’s yoga teacher and meditation facilitator and has developed the HeartSpace Yoga and Meditation programme which offers yoga and meditation for children with sensory and motor challenges. Most recently Shelley has co-created the Dynamic Core for Kids approach for the treatment of core stability in children with Julie Wiebe PT.
In addition to her clinical work, Shelley has been active in clinical research and served as a clinical faculty member at McMaster University for 10 years. Shelley has a strong commitment to continuing education and now enjoys writing the HeartSpace blog combining research and clinical practice. She also teaches live continuing education courses internationally as well as providing online courses and professional mentoring.
Shelley combines her theoretical knowledge base and clinical skills in a problem-solving approach to treatment. This allows her to offer a unique blend of different treatment approaches to provide unique therapy and support for each child and family.
For a copy of Shelley’s CV, click here.
Michelle Duncanson has been practicing as a registered Physiotherapist since graduating from McGill University in 1993. For more than 20 years, she has worked in the rehabilitation field as both a clinician and an educator. As a clinician, Michelle has focussed her career on working with children and youth as well as their caregivers. Her professional pathway has provided opportunities for her to gain experience in a variety of settings focused in pediatrics, ranging from inpatient services in specialized pediatric hospitals, community based children’s treatment centers, to private practice.
Michelle has a passion for lifelong learning and has participated in wide-ranging post-graduate study in a variety of clinical treatment areas as well as research. In addition to working as a clinician, Michelle is a PhD candidate in Rehabilitation Science at University of Toronto. Her research is focussed on exploring transitions to adulthood for youth with disabilities to inform the development of transition programs.
In treatment, Michelle uses her knowledge of best practice evidence along with her wide range of clinical experience to develop individualized treatment plans, with the goal to assist each child to function at their best.
Kristyn graduated with her Masters of Science in Physiotherapy from the University of Alberta in 2008. Upon graduation, she moved to B.C. to pursue her longstanding passion for neurological rehabilitation & pediatrics working in the community, schools and private clinics. After this, Kristyn moved to Alberta to work as the only pediatric physiotherapist serving Fort McMurray’s regional hospital. She then spent time working in the schools and as part of the children’s homecare team, serving children with complex medical needs and their families.
Kristyn is dedicated to furthering her clinical education and she has post-graduate training in sensory processing, vestibular rehabilitation & concussion, myofascial release, acupuncture and NDT. Her language skills include English, French & Spanish.
When Kristyn is not working as a physiotherapist or running after her toddler, she loves being active, in particular through the practice of yoga, pilates, swimming and also enjoys spending time outdoors.
At this time, Kristyn is pleased to be offering services in the Ancaster, Brantford, Dundas and Hamilton regions.