Johanna (pronounced “Yohanna”) Nicholson holds a Master’s of Physical Therapy from the University of Manitoba, and a Bachelor of Science from the University of Winnipeg. She loves getting clients back to their hobby, sport, job or regular day-to-day activities.

Johanna’s Approach

“I recognize that every injury and each person is very unique,” says Johanna. “So I like to provide a customized approach for each client that will fit with their lifestyle and schedule. I do this by partnering with my clients to meet their rehabilitation goals through a combination of education, hands-on therapy and therapeutic exercises.

“I believe it is important to get to the root of the problem and not only symptom management to help achieve optimal wellness.”

Unique Services

Johanna has a strong interest in relieving pain and stiffness from osteoarthritis, and in getting people back to their active lifestyles after joint replacement surgery. She leads our clinic’s hip & knee classes and our GLA:D classes.

Learn more about our clinic’s Arthritis Relief Program, here.

Advanced Training

On top of her university qualifications, Johanna has completed post-graduate training in:

• The latest evidence-based approaches for managing osteoarthritis (GLA:D Canada)

• Relieving jaw pain & dysfunction 

• Low level laser 

• Physical Literacy Enhanced Rehabilitation (Dr. Dean Kriellars, University of Manitoba)

• Custom orthotics

• Functional reconditioning programs

• Ergonomic Assessments

Read more about Johanna Nicholson on our website, here…

Johanna (pronounced “Yohanna”) Nicholson holds a Master’s of Physical Therapy from the University... Read More

Don Charbonneau, Physiotherapist, has been treating patients at River East Physiotherapy for nearly three decades. Don graduated in 1996 with a Bachelor’s of Medical Rehabilitation in Physical Therapy from the University of Manitoba. 

Don’s Approach

In the clinic, Don takes a hands-on approach to physiotherapy, customized to each client.  He uses manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, and education, so his clients understand how they can best help themselves on their path to recovery.  

Don also uses “modalities,” including acupuncture, dry needling, and low level laser to facilitate healing and restore normal biomechanics.

Don is skilled at providing physiotherapy via video call.  

Advanced Training

On top of his university qualifications, Don has completed the following post-graduate training:

• Advanced Orthopaedic Manual and Manipulative Physiotherapy (Levels 2 & 3, Upper & Lower Quadrant Diplomas, Canadian Physiotherapy Association)

• Acupuncture (Acupuncture Canada)

• Dry Needling (Gokavi Transverse Technique Program)

• Jaw / Temporomandibular (TMJ) dysfunction - Evaluation and Treatment.

• McKenzie Method for Treating Low Back Pain - Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (The Robin McKenzie Institute Canada, Levels A & B)

• Functional abilities program evaluations and reconditioning program

• Custom orthotics

• Low Level Laser

• Parkinson’s Disease - Exercise as Primary Treatment (Neurofit BC)

• Manual Therapy of the Thoracic and Pelvic Outlets

• Physical Literacy Enhanced Rehabilitation (Dr. Dean Kriellars)

Read more about Don here on our website…

Don Charbonneau, Physiotherapist, has been treating patients at River East Physiotherapy for near... Read More

Abby Jervis has over 20 years experience helping people get back to doing what they love, pain-free and with confidence.

Abby has a special passion and advanced training in hand physiotherapy. So for tricky or stubborn hand, arm and shoulder injuries, she’s your person.

Abby’s Approach

“I believe that great care starts with great listening,” says Abby. “I take the time to understand what each client is hoping to achieve — whether it’s returning to work, getting back on the hiking trail, or simply being able to lift a coffee mug without pain.

“Once we’ve clarified those goals, I provide a clear, realistic plan and timeline, so you know what to expect and how we’ll get there together.”

Unique Service Offerings

Abby likes to incorporate acupuncture and/or dry needling into her practice, allowing her to provide a more holistic approach to treatment.

She is also experienced in: - custom splinting, particularly finger splints and static hand splints, - performing ergonomic assessments, and - performing physical demands analyses.

Training & Qualifications

Abby Jervis holds a Bachelor of Medical Rehabilitation in Physical Therapy from the University of Manitoba. On top of her university qualifications, she is also trained in:

• Acupuncture (Acupuncture: The Art and Science)
• Dry Needling (Kinetacore: Functional Dry Needling)
• Functional Capacity Evaluations (WorkWell Systems Inc.)
• Advanced Orthopedic Manual and Manipulative Physiotherapy (Canadian Academy of Manipulative Therapies - Level 1; Level 2 Lower)
• Spine, shoulder, arm and hand mobilization (Mulligan Concept Mobilization – Spine and Upper Extremity Certificate)

Read more about Abby and her unique services here on our website…

Abby Jervis has over 20 years experience helping people get back to doing what they love, pain-fr... Read More

Training and Qualifications

Sabila (Salsabila) Gwadabe graduated with a Bachelors of Kinesiology from the University of Manitoba and a Master of Physical Therapy from the University of Western Ontario.  On top of her university qualifications, she is also trained in:

• Concussion Management (Concussion Rehab Works)

• The Physical Therapy Approach to Anyone Experiencing Urinary Incontinence (Pelvic Health Solutions)

Sabila’s Approach

Sabila believes optimal care is achieved when we combine a patient’s knowledge of their own body with the knowledge of a healthcare professional.

More about Sabila Gwadabe

Where are you from? What do you love about it?

“I moved to from Winnipeg from Lagos as a teenager to pursue my physical therapy career.

Lagos is by the coast and is full of beautiful beaches!”

What do you like about being a physiotherapist?

“I’d say the impact is the most important to me. Guiding people to empower themselves and take control of their health is the highlight of the job for me!”

Someone who knows you well would describe you as…

“A good conversationalist, and kinda funny… not to toot my own horn or anything.”

What’s your favourite book? Podcast? Movie? 

“I love to read classics like Ernest Hemingway and Harper Lee. But I’m even more obsessed with historic TV shows like Downtown Abbey and Bridgerton.”

What do you do for fun?

“I like high adrenaline activities like jet skiing and zip lining.”

About Exam Candidate Physiotherapists / Intern Physiotherapists

An “Exam Candidate” Physiotherapist is the current title for physiotherapists practicing under supervision in Manitoba, registered with the College of Physiotherapists of Manitoba.

This title is a misnomer, as these physiotherapists have successfully completed all their academic and licensing exams. They hold at least one university degree in physiotherapy, and have extensive experience in patient care. Upcoming regulatory changes in 2025 are expected change this title to “Physiotherapist Intern.”

Exam Candidates / Intern Physiotherapists practice under the supervision of a senior physiotherapist, to ensure a high quality of patient care.

All physiotherapists entering practice in Manitoba, be it from a university in another Canadian province or another country, are required to complete a minimum of six months under a Supervised Practice program in Manitoba. Read more about Supervised Practice for physiotherapists on the website of the College of Physiotherapists of Manitoba.

Training and Qualifications Sabila (Salsabila) Gwadabe graduated with a Bachelors of Kinesiology... Read More

Alexandra (Alex) de Vries’s physiotherapy practice focuses on vestibular, concussion and orthopedic rehabilitation. She has nearly 29 years experience, and is one of the most highly trained vestibular physiotherapists in Winnipeg.

Alex graduated with a bachelor’s degree in physiotherapy from the Industrial University of Santander, Colombia, in 1996. She came to Winnipeg in 1998 and completed a Master of Science in Rehabilitation at the University of Manitoba in 2002.

Alex’s Approach

“I believe there are important social and emotional matters associated with disability from an injury,” says Alex. “Understanding what is most important for a patient is the best way to help them.

“My role as a physiotherapist is to help people take their power back in their lives, by moving better and functioning better. It’s also important for me to advocate for patients – that means I make sure they get the support they need to reach their goals.”

Advanced Training

Alex de Vries has completed extensive post-graduate training.  Most of this training has been in acupuncture and rehabilitation for vestibular, concussion, bone & joint, and respiratory conditions. 

Here’s just a sample of the post-graduate courses Alex has completed:

• Vestibular Rehabilitation: A Competency-Based Course (Emory Conference Center, Atlanta, Georgia, 2017)
• Vestibular Assessment & Management certification (The American Institute of Balance, Florida, May 3-9 2019, with recertification in 2025, 2023 and 2021)
• Concussion management workshop (Concussion Rehab Works, Level 1 2016, Calgary, Level 2, Vancouver 2018)
• Concussion: What about the Neck? (Carol Kennedy, PT, Toronto, 2018)
• Physical Literacy Enhanced Rehabilitation (Dr. Dean Kriellars, 2024)
• Acupuncture certification (Acupuncture Canada, 2008)
• Respiratory Educator certification (Canadian Network for Respiratory Care, 2015). This certification allows her to provide education and treatment for patients with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD).

In the 23 years Alex has been a physiotherapist in Canada, she has worked in a multitude of physiotherapy environments in both private clinics and public practice. As such, Alex is uniquely positioned to care for patients with complex medical conditions.  

 Read more about Alex here on our website here…

Alexandra (Alex) de Vries’s physiotherapy practice focuses on vestibular, concussion and orthoped... Read More

Ryan Pang graduated from the University of Manitoba with a Bachelor of Science, and a Master of Physical Therapy through the faculty of Medical Rehabilitation. He is certified in acupuncture and dry needling, and is trained in performing functional abilities evaluations and reconditioning programs.

Ryan’s Approach

“I like to think of every injury as a problem that I need to solve. And no injury is ever exactly alike,” says Ryan. “My approach therefore tends to vary, depending on my patient’s injury, the acuteness of the injury and what type of treatment the patient is best responding to. I’m always modifying my approach to help get my patients better faster.”

Unique Service Offerings

On top of general physiotherapy services, Ryan offers dry needling, acupuncture, and custom orthotics. He’s also skilled at treating patients by video call.

As a professional mixed martial artist, Ryan has unique insight into preventing and treating injuries associated with martial arts and other high-level sports. He understands mental, physical, and performance demands facing athletes, and loves to customize his treatment to help them achieve their goals.

Training & Qualifications

Ryan Pang holds a Master’s of Physical Therapy and a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Manitoba’s faculty of Medical Rehabilitation. On top of his university qualifications, he is also trained in:

• Acupuncture (Acupuncture Canada)
• Dry Needling (Kineticore Functional Dry Needling Level 1)
• Physical Literacy Enhanced Rehabilitation (Dr. Dean Kriellars)
• Functional abilities evaluations and reconditioning programs
• Jaw / Temporomandibular (TMJ) dysfunction treatment
• Custom orthotics (Paris Orthotics Technical training)
• Parkinson’s Disease - Exercise as Primary Treatment (Neurofit BC)
• Ergonomic Assessments
• Low Level Laser

Read more about Ryan on our website, here…

Ryan Pang graduated from the University of Manitoba with a Bachelor of Science, and a Master of P... Read More

Kris Seo holds a Master’s of Physical Therapy from the University of Manitoba’s faculty of Medical Rehabilitation. He also holds a Bachelor of Kinesiology, with a minor in psychology.

Unique Service Offerings

Kris Seo is bilingual and can provide physiotherapy services in both English and Korean.

He also has extensive experience prescribing therapeutic exercise, drawing on his graduate-level training, his previous work as a personal trainer and his various roles leading group exercise sessions.

Kris’ Approach

“Clients get the best results when they feel empowered and are active participants in their treatment plan,” says Kris. “I do this by making sure my clients understand their injuries.

“I also like to focus on finding the cause of the injury, not just on treating the symptoms. Knowing the cause is crucial for preventing the injury from happening again, or for resolving long-standing injuries.”

Read more about Kris Seo here on our website…

Kris Seo holds a Master’s of Physical Therapy from the University of Manitoba’s faculty of Medica... Read More

Julia McDaniels has over a decade of experience treating patients at River East Physiotherapy. She leads our pelvic health physiotherapy practice.

Julia’s Approach

Julia takes a highly adaptable approach to treatment. “I like to really get to know my patients so I can determine which treatment approach will work best for that individual person,” says Julia. “Then I can tailor their treatment plan to meet their specific needs.

“I find some people need a very active-based approach, some require more hands-on treatment, and some just need high quality education,” says Julia. “I do a lot of work to prepare for my clients, and that helps me adapt quickly.”

Unique Service Offerings

Julia offers pelvic health / pelvic floor physiotherapy, acupuncture & dry needling, and assessment and treatment of running injuries. For pregnant or post-partum runners, she’s your person!

Julia is skilled at providing physiotherapy via video call, which can be a very comforting option for clients dealing with sensitive pelvic health issues.

She provides treatment in English or French.

Training & Qualifications

Julia is a graduate of the University of Manitoba’s Faculty of Medical Rehabilitation with a degree in Physical Therapy. On top of her university qualifications, she has completed training in:

• Pelvic Health Physiotherapy (Levels 1, 2 & 3, Pelvic Health Solutions)
• Advanced Orthopaedic Manual and Manipulative Physiotherapy (Level 1, Level 2 Upper Quadrant, Canadian Physiotherapy Association)
• Acupuncture (Acupuncture Canada)
• Integrated Dry Needling (Whitmore Physiotherapy)
• Myofascial Management of the Pelvic & Thoracic Outlets (Murray Machutchon)
• New trends in the Prevention of Running Injuries (The Running Clinic)
• Managing the Injured Runner (Kim Senechal, Pan Am Clinic)
• Knee rehabilitation (Foundation Rehabilitation Symposium)
• Advanced Exercise and Physical Literacy (Jean-Francois Berard, Pure Physiotherapy)
• Hand and wrist rehabilitation (Foundation Rehabilitation Symposium)
• Foot and ankle rehabilitation (Foundation Rehabilitation Symposium)
• Physiologic Yoga Certification (Leslee Watt, Physiologic Yoga)
• Physical Literacy Enhanced Rehabilitation (Dr. Dean Kriellars, University of Manitoba)
• Functional reconditioning programs
• TMJ assessment and treatment
• Custom orthotics

Read more about Julia on our website, here…

Julia McDaniels has over a decade of experience treating patients at River East Physiotherapy. S... Read More

Yulia Agarkov has a keen interest in massage therapy for rehabilitation. She has diverse experience and qualifications as a health care practitioner, including as a nurse and a health care aide.

Yulia graduated from the Wellington College of Remedial Massage Therapy in Winnipeg. Her approach focuses on delivering high quality, client-centered care. She is skilled in treating both acute and chronic conditions.

“For me, every client is a challenge,” says Yulia. “I do an assessment to determine what dysfunction my client has, and then find the best way to help them.

“I like to work as a team with other health professionals, including physiotherapists, chiropractors, acupuncturists, and athletic therapists. I think working as a health care team can help clients achieve their goals faster.”

Yulia is fluent in English, Russian and Hebrew, plus she understands Ukrianian quite well. She’s happy to provide service in these languages, to help make clients more comfortable.

Yulia has advanced training in fascial treatment - click here to learn the benefits of fascial treatment.

Given her unique background as a nurse as well as a massage therapist, Yulia is well equipped to treat patients with complex medical conditions.

Read more about Yulia…

Yulia Agarkov has a keen interest in massage therapy for rehabilitation. She has diverse experie... Read More

Karim Nweilati holds a Master’s Degree in Physical Therapy and a Bachelor of Science from the University of Manitoba. He has a keen interest in managing chronic back pain, and has completed post-graduate training in treating neck and spine conditions.

Karim’s Approach

“I prioritize understanding my patients’ concerns and needs,” says Karim. “This allows me to develop personalized recovery plans for each patient.

“My goal is to help patients return to their activities, whether it’s walking, sports, or something else. I strive to make physiotherapy enjoyable. And I like to take the time to explain the rationale behind each exercise and treatment technique – patients are often curious about this, and they deserve to know.”

Unique Services

Karim is bilingual and provides physiotherapy services in both English and Arabic.

Advanced Training

On top of his university qualifications, Karim has completed post-graduate training in:

• Relieving neck and upper back pain

• Improving recovery from surgery with Physical Literacy Enhanced Rehabilitation

• Low level laser

• Custom Orthotics

• Relieving jaw pain and dysfunction (TMJ issues)

• Ergonomic Assessments

Read more about Karim here on our website…

Karim Nweilati holds a Master’s Degree in Physical Therapy and a Bachelor of Science from the Uni... Read More

Liana Stecky has over 27 years of clinical experience as a Registered Massage Therapist.

Liana’s Approach

Liana is passionate about helping people. She is intuitive and works to create a comfortable and calm environment for her patients. She uses a blend of techniques to treat stress-related concerns, injuries, and acute and chronic pain.

Unique Service Offerings

Liana is a graduate of the Wellington College of Remedial Massage Therapy, and has completed extensive post-graduate training. This includes training in relaxation massage, deep tissue massage, cupping, Gua sha Technique, scar tissue massage, and lymphatic massage therapy.

Read more about Liana here, on our website…

Liana Stecky has over 27 years of clinical experience as a Registered Massage Therapist. Liana’s... Read More