Laura Patrick, B.HK.,MSc(PT), MCPA
Owner & Physiotherapist
Laura was born and raised in North Vancouver. A graduate of UBC’s Human Kinetics program, Laura also received her Masters in Physiotherapy from McMaster University in 2003.
Prior to starting Kids Physio in 2006, Laura spent three years with Vancouver Coastal Health as one of the physiotherapists on the Vancouver Regional Pediatric Team servicing school-aged children.
Laura has a very strong work ethic and is dedicated to Kids Physio and the kids’ well-being. In her downtime, she practices yoga, loves to hike (especially with Gallagher), and has been known to be an adventurous and passionate cook. Laura has a special place in her heart for Maui, her family & friends, and her husband, Darren.
Kate Norrish, BSc(KIN), MSc(PT), MCPA
Physiotherapist
Hailing from Waterloo, Ontario, Kate first developed an interest in pediatrics and neurological disorders while volunteering at an Ontario multidisciplinary rehabilitation centre for children and the Special Olympics Healthy Athletes Expo in 2008.
Kate completed her Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology from the University of Waterloo (2006), her Masters of Science degree in Physiotherapy from the University of Toronto in 2009 and her level I CME (Cuevas Medek Exercises) course in Ontario in 2010. Kate will be taking her level II CME in the Fall of 2011.
Kate moved to British Columbia in 2009 and prior to joining Kids Physio in early 2011, gained experience working at a private neurological clinic, treating both adults and children with neurological disorders. Kate also has experience working in pediatric rehabilitation settings as well as with amputee and stroke clients. She is also trained in Kinesio taping, soft tissue release, Bobath concepts and vestibular rehabilitation.
Outside of the clinic, Kate enjoys running, hiking and playing field hockey.
Andrea Mendoza, BSc, MPT, MCPA
Physiotherapist
Andrea joined Kids Physio Group in 2011 after completing the Masters of Physical Therapy program at the University of British Columbia. Andrea also received her Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology from the University of Northern BC in Prince George.
Born and raised in Kitimat, British Columbia, Andrea is passionate about working with children. Her love for her work grew out of several years of coaching recreational and competitive gymnastics. She has also gained considerable experience working with a wide variety of clinical populations; however, her most memorable and transformational was the time she spent in a small rural town in Southern India.
Andrea has completed Level 1 of the Advanced Orthopedic Manual and Manipulative Therapy Diploma. She is also a certified K-Taping® Therapist.
In her free time, Andrea enjoys travelling, playing the piano, attending CrossFit
classes, and creating new healthy recipes at home!
Nitin Ambardar, BPT, P.G. Dip, MCPA
Physiotherapist
Nitin was born and raised in New Delhi, India and has been a pediatric physiotherapy practitioner since 2002. Nitin brings a wealth of knowledge to the Kids Physiotherapy team with extensive training and experience from India, Scotland, London and Ireland.
Nitin completed his Bachelors degree in Physiotherapy from Mangalore University (India) in 1999 and moved to the U.K. shortly thereafter to complete a Post-Graduate Diploma in Pediatrics and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy in 2002 from Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh, Scotland. He also completed Post-Graduate and advanced studies in Pediatric NDT/Bobath from Bobath Centre in London (2006) for treatment of Cerebral Palsy and allied neurological conditions. Nitinwill be taking his level I CME in the Fall of 2011.
Prior to moving to British Columbia in 2009, Nitin worked in the U.K. for the National Health Service (Public Health Authority) as a community based senior pediatric physiotherapist for nearly five years treating children from birth to 19 years.
Nitin joined Kids Physio on a part-time basis in the first half of 2011. He also holds a position at Reach Child & Youth Development Society (formerly known as Delta CDC) as a Sole Incharge – Pediatric Physiotherapy.
When he’s not working, Nitin loves the outdoors and spending quality time with his wife Sheena and son, Darsh.
Tricia Lang, MA, OTR
Occupational Therapist
Tricia joined the Kids Physio Group in 2011. Tricia graduated in 1999 with a Masters of Arts in Occupational Therapy from the University of Southern California. While there, Tricia spent time working in sensory integration clinics and with various school districts. In 2003, Tricia moved back to Vancouver and started Lang Occupational Therapy Services while working for the Vancouver Regional Paediatric Team.
Tricia is a SIPT certified therapist, a Handwriting Specialist and has extra training in NDT, assistive technology and feeding. Her passion is ensuring that all students learn to write (print and/or manuscript) efficiently and feels that the physical components of writing should never impact a child’s education if the child has been taught handwriting correctly.
When not at the clinic, Tricia enjoys spending time with her husband and two kids, enjoying Vancouver’s sunny days, and trying to squeeze in a game of tennis when she can.
Zoë Raffard, OT
Occupational Therapist
Zoë joined the Kids Physio Group as an established pediatric Occupational Therapist (OT) in the Fall of 2011. A graduate of the Masters of OT program from the University of British Columbia (UBC) in 2008, Zoë has also received a Bachelor of Science degree (Biology & Psychology) from the University of Victoria and a diploma in Infant Development/Supported Child Care from UBC.
In the two years leading up to Zoë joining the Kids Physio Group, she was focussed on building her private practice – Play to Learn for Life: Pediatric OT Services. Prior to that, Zoë worked for an interdisciplinary children’s centre specializing in autism.
Zoë’s key area of study and professional practice has been children with autism and other developmental disabilities. As a strong believer in giving back to the community, Zoe has also lead day hikes and nature programs for kids with BC Parks, assisted children with therapeutic horseback riding lessons in Richmond, lead school field trips for the Vancouver Aquarium, and is a volunteer snowboarding instructor to individuals with disabilities in North Vancouver.
Emily Newton, BPHE (H), BA
Rehabilitation Assistant and Office Manager
** Emily is currently attending McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario and is enrolled in the Masters of Physiotherapy Program. She is scheduled to graduate in November 2013. We miss her!
Emily grew up in Vancouver and is excited to be back on the West coast after graduating from Queen’s University in Ontario with dual degrees from the School of Kinesiology and Health Studies as well as the Queen’s Film and Media Program.
Emily has an extensive background working with children and is delighted to have the opportunity to be a part of the highly skilled and energetic Kids Physio Group team. Before joining, Emily supervised and instructed at Pedalheads Bike Camp and St. George’s Summer Camp in Vancouver. She also gained experience athletic training at St. George’s Senior School in Vancouver. Emily is a Certified Personal Trainer with valid First Aid and CPR-C certifications.
In her free time Emily enjoys playing field hockey, running, travelling, making documentary films and cheering on the Vancouver Canucks.
Jacquie St.Martin, BA
Front Desk Reception
Jacquie grew up in Whitby,Ontario but has been exploring the West Coast since her move to Vancouver in 2010. Jacquie completed her schooling in Toronto where she attended George Brown College for Early Childhood Education and graduated from Ryerson University with her Bachelor of Arts Degree.
As a preschool teacher, planning and implementing individual program plans for children with special needs, and as a family support worker, Jacquie gained valuable experience working closely with children and families. She has had specialized training with the DIR/Floortime Model by Dr. Stanley Greenspan as well as the Learning Language and Loving It program. Jacquie is dedicated to working alongside families and is passionate to aid in the development of children to see them reach their full potential.
In her free time Jacquie enjoys getting outdoors, camping, enjoying the sunshine, yoga, and pilates. She also plans to tackle rock climbing and to finally master the snowboard!
Maegan Mak, BSc.
Front Desk Reception
Maegan grew up in Vancouver and is excited to be back in Vancouver after completing her Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Calgary. Maegan is currently completing her studies at the University of British Columbia in Human Kinetics.
Maegan is passionate about working with children and is a volunteer at the Vancouver Family Preservation and Reunification Center as a child minder and brings three years of experience as a physiotherapy assistant to the Kids Physio Group team.
In her free time, Maegan enjoys playing hockey (and watching the Canucks!), running, travelling, snowboarding and yoga.
Gallagher (“G-Dog”)
Gallagher, born in 2006, is a goldendoodle. Not just any goldendoodle, mind you – the Kids Physio Group goldendoodle!
With his floppy ears, big nose, huge feet, and permanent smile, Gallagher loves to greet and play with the kids.
He also loves treats, his yellow squeak bone, the orange ball, treats, and treats.