Lei is originally a Bluenoser growing up his entire life in Halifax. He completed his honours BSc at Dalhousie University in 1994 and immediately switched into the physiotherapy program which he completed in 1997. Lei has worked in a variety of locals throughout the Maritimes as well as overseas, however, he and his wife decided to relocate to Thunder Bay to enjoy a Northern slice of Canada. Fortunately, for us, he fell in love with his new surroundings and has no intention of ever leaving, although he tells us the ‘Call of the Sea’ often calls him back home for frequent vacations.

Lei has worked in a variety of public and privately run clinics in Thunder Bay but decided to open Northern Physiotherapy in 1999 to offer Thunder Bay a premier service Physiotherapy Clinic. The rest they say is history … Northern Physiotherapy is now Thunder Bay’s largest rehabilitation facility with 6 associate physiotherapists.

On a clinical note, Lei has completed an extensive list of orthopedic manual courses including Mechanical Assessment and Treatment of the Spine, Manual Therapy for Treatment of the Spine/Extremity Conditions, Anatomical Acupuncture, Sahrmann Method, Mulligan Techniques, Myofascial Release, and Orthotic Prescription and Fabrication.

On a professional level, Lei is a member in good standing of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association, The Ontario Physiotherapy Association, The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario and the Acupuncture Foundation of Canada Institute. Lei has led the physiotherapy community in the north as the past President of The Northwestern District of the Ontario Physiotherapy Association and has also served as a representative in the Provincial WSIB Advisory Committee. Currently Lei is a peer assessor for the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario’s Quality Management Program.

In what little spare time remains, Lei enjoys quiet time with his wife and three young children. He also enjoys rock climbing, mountain biking, wakeboarding, running, cross country skiing and snowboarding.

Email Lei: lei@northernphysiotherapy.com

Lei Chisholm
Owner
Physiotherapist

Bruno Lacaria is a native of Thunder Bay. He graduated from the University of Toronto in 1993 with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy. Since graduation, Bruno has practiced physiotherapy in Thunder Bay at a number of clinics focusing on the assessment and treatment of musculoskeletal conditions.

Bruno has completed many post-graduate courses including McKenzie Mechanical Assessment/Treatment of the Spine (part A,B,C,D), Manual Therapy and Mulligan techniques for the spine/extremities, Anatomical Acupuncture (Level 1 Part 1, 2A/3A), ergonomics workshop, and muscle energy techniques for the spine.

He has a keen interest in evidence-based practice which combined with experience and knowledge results in higher quality/cost-effective treatment. Presently he is studying to become a credentialed McKenzie Therapist (specializing in the diagnosis/treatment of mechanical spine conditions).

He always enjoys music, movies and sports. His remaining free time is spent with his wife (another local physiotherapist) and daughter.

Bruno is a member of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association and is registered with the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario.

Email Bruno: bruno@northernphysiotherapy.com

Bruno Lacaria
Physiotherapist

Shana graduated with distinction from the University of Western Ontario in London with a Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy in 2000. Previously she had obtained a Bachelor of Science in Biology first class standing from Lakehead University.

Shana has post graduate training in Mulligan techniques, McKenzie Treatment/Assessment, Sahrmann method, Pilates, manual therapy, acupuncture, osteoporosis and chronic pain. She is a past secretary of the Northwestern District of the Ontario Physiotherapy Association. Shana is a member of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association and is registered with the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario. In her free time, Shana enjoys golfing, paddling, skiing, biking, and crafts.

Email Shana: shana@northernphysiotherapy.com

Shana Magee
Physiotherapist

Jaime Obergh is a registered Physiotherapist and member of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association. She graduated in the year 2000, from the University of Western Ontario.

Jaime began her career at the Nipigon District Memorial Hospital providing physiotherapy services to the Long Term Care residents, Acute Care and Outpatient areas. She has since focused her continued professional development in the realm of Orthopaedics at Northern Physiotherapy, since 2001.

Jamie has completed several post-graduate courses including Mulligan manual therapy techniques, and has begun training in McKenzie Assessment and Treatment of the Spine. She has a strong commitment to life-long learning and evidence-based practice, thus continues to devote time towards further educational courses and activities.

On a personal note, Jaime was born and raised in Thunder Bay. She has an extensive background in the Performing Arts, including ballet, tap, jazz and modern dance. This experience has given her a unique insight into and awareness of the human body and movement. Other interests include golf, tennis, kayaking, and enjoying the outdoors.

Email Jaime: jaime@northernphysiotherapy.com

Jaime Obergh
Physiotherapist

Erik Schmidt comes to us all the way from London, Ontario – or “the south” by Thunder Bay standards! Erik has lived and worked in all corners of our beautiful province but seems to have a real affinity for the north - we just think he can't get enough of the fishing!

Erik completed his Masters of Science in Physiotherapy in 2006 at Queen’s University and is in good standing with the College of Physiotherapy of Ontario. Additionally, Erik holds Honours degrees in Kinesiology and Psychology from the University of Western Ontario and has studied several postgraduate curriculums including Mulligan, Mackenzie, Manual Therapy, Sport Specific Rehabilitation and Specialized Bike Fitting for triathletes, road and mountain bikers alike.

Erik’s academics have led him to work in private practice, long term care facilities, and unique opportunities with sports teams both nationally and abroad. Prior to physiotherapy, Erik spent time as an athletic therapist with various sports teams including the Ontario Women’s Rugby Squad and Western’s Men’s Varsity Basketball Team. Erik’s adventurous side has also taken him to the U.S. and as far as Capetown, South Africa where he had the opportunity to work with national caliber athletes competing in the Pan Am Games.

Never one to be caught sitting still, Erik fills his time easily when not at the office. His interests include soccer, volleyball, and disc golf, spending most of his time outdoors fishing, climbing, and coaching youth skiing and competitive soccer teams. And oh yes, if you want to talk to Erik about his favourite topic, ask him about the next trip he’s planning; it’s likely to be to another exotic corner of the world.

Email Erik: erik@northernphysiotherapy.com

Erik Schmidt
Physiotherapist

Michelle relocated to Thunder Bay from Newfoundland where she was born and raised. Michelle completed her BSc Kinesiology from Dalhousie University then went on to complete her MSc Physical Therapy from the University of Toronto. Prior to completing her Masters in Physical Therapy Michelle worked as a Personal Trainer and Fitness Instructor in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
 
Michelle has worked in both hospital and rehabilitation settings prior to joining the team at Northern Physiotherapy.
 
Michelle has completed several post graduate training courses including Acupuncture (Level 1 Part 1), Soft Tissue Release, and Therapeutic Taping. Michelle is scheduled to complete a theory and practical course on the Temporal Mandibular Joint from Professor Dr Mariano Rocabado.
 
Michelle spends her free time enjoying the outdoors, hiking, camping and canoeing. She also enjoys trying to stay fit by running, practicing yoga, and attending fitness classes.

Email Erik: michelle@northernphysiotherapy.com

Michelle
Physiotherapist

Hi, my name is Shane Pattyson, volunteer student at Northern Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Clinic. I started at the clinic on a summer placement through the summer jobs for youth program at YES Employment. Interested in becoming a physiotherapist myself, I will continue to volunteer on a part-time basis until I have completed the Kinesiology program at Lakehead University. Following this I will focus on obtaining my Masters degree in Physiotherapy with the inevitable goal of practicing sports physiotherapy. In my spare time I enjoy running, weightlifting, and hockey as well as spending time at the family cottage. I look forward to seeing you at the clinic.

Email Shane: student@northernphysiotherapy.com

Shane Pattyson
Volunteer Student

Hi my name is Kelly and I am one of the Administrative Assistants that will greet you when you walk through the door at Northern Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Clinic. I have only been a part of the team since August 2008 but I can say with confidence that any one of our Physiotherapists will also make you feel as welcomed as they have made me feel. I look forward to seeing you at the clinic and assisting you any way that I can. When I am not working at the clinic I am busy planning my upcoming wedding that is taking place summer of 2009.

Email Kelly: kelly@northernphysiotherapy.com

Kelly
Administrative Assistant

Hi, my name is Kay Walker, Administrative Assistant at Northern Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Clinic. I am originally from Scotland, but over the past twenty years I have been working in an office environment in Thunder Bay. In my spare time I enjoy gardening and taking my Golden Retriever for long walks. I am looking forward to being of assistance to you.

Email Kay: kay@northernphysiotherapy.com

Kay Walker
Administrative Assistant