Staff

Michael White: Owner

Michael has been a physiotherapist since 1976. He has a Bachelors degree from Dalhousie University and a practical Masters in Medical Acupuncture from the University of Alberta. He practices in the area of Orthopedics, Sports, and Pain management. Michael has been a guest lecturer for the clinical experts program at the Physiotherapy Faculty at the University of British Columbia since 1998.

Darryl Gjernes : Associate

Darryl received a BSc in Rehabilitation Medicine from the University of British Columbia in 1976. He has worked as a licensed, registered physiotherapist specializing in orthopedics since his graduation. He has been an examiner for the physiotherapy licensing board of British Columbia, a board member and the Fee Negotiation Chairperson of the British Columbia Association of Physiotherapists in Private Practice(BCSAPPP), as well as the head of the Liaison Committee between the BCAPPP and MSP and WCB.
Personally, Darryl is an avid basketball player and general sports enthusiast.

Michelle Emison: Associate - Returning to Canopy Health 604-973-0210

Michelle graduated from the University of British Columbia with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy in 1997. She specializes in the areas of sports and orthopaedics, assessment and treatment of muscle imbalances, and intramuscular stimulation (IMS). She has also earned, with distinction, an advanced postgraduate diploma in spinal and peripheral manipulation.
When not at work, Michelle takes full advantage of our location by mountain biking, hiking, snowboarding, skiing, running and playing hockey.

Jennifer Keefer: Associate - Returned to Canopy Health 604-973-0210

Jen is a graduate of the University of British Columbia with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy (2000) and a Bachelor of Human Kinetics (1999). In 2004 she furthered her skills by becoming a Resident of the Canadian Academy of Manipulative Therapist and completing her training as a certified practitioner of Intramuscular Stimulation using the Gunn Needling Technique.
Jen is passionate about sport, a passion that has taken her to the pro-elite level of competition in mountain biking and running, while still having fun recreationally by snowboarding, cross-country skiing, and playing soccer.

Sarah Arscott: Associate

Sarah graduated from the University of British Columbia with a Bachelor's Degree in Human Kinetics and a Master's Degree in Physical Therapy.  Sarah has a special interest in orthopedics, pedeatrics and women's health.  She is a certified prenatal fitness instructor and has experience teaching prenatal fitness classes as well as co-instructing the "Fit to Deliver" prenatal fitness certification course.  Sarah is an avid soccer player, and in her spare time she enjoys curling up with a warm cup of tea while watching Grey's Anatomy.

Yasha Rabbani: Associate

 

Ruan Le Roux: Associate

Ruan graduated from Brunel University in London England in2006. He then moved to Namibia where he worked in private clinics along with being the physio for the Olympic team at the All Africa Games in 2007.In 2008 he was recruited to work with the Under 19 Cricket team which included a trip to Malaysia for the Cricket World Cup. Following this he worked for the Scottish cricket team for a tour in Africa. Upon returning to the UK he worked in a large teaching hospital in London treating mainly chronic conditions.

Searching for greener pastures, he moved to beautiful British Columbia where, in his spare time, he plays rugby at the Capilano Rugby club. Ruan also partakes in all the outdoor activities offered on the north shore including snowboarding,mountain biking and hiking.

Ryan Hill: Associate

Ryan's passion for physio began as a patient here at Village Physiotherapy many years ago!  He graduated from the University of British Columbia with a Bachelor of Human Kinetics in 2008 and with a Master of Physical Therapy in 2010. He has a keen interest in working with athletes, and has since pursued qualifications as a certified Sport Physiotherapist. He is also certified as an Exercise Physiologist and Personal Trainer.  Ryan is excited to have come back to Village as a staff member, and enjoys working with the people of the North Shore.

Julia Cowan: Associate

Julia is a trained manual therapist and a certified Level I Moksha Yoga teacher (Toronto, 2010).  She joined our clinic as a maternity locum, but we hope to see her around Village for much longer!  She has also recently opened a Moksha Yoga studio in Burnaby - www.burnaby.mokshayoga.ca.  A more detailed bio is soon to come.

Emily Evans-Galeski: Physio Assistant

Emily graduated from the Max Q-Schule fur Physiotherapie in Iserlohn,Germany with a degree in Physiotherapy and massage therapy in 2006. She is a "retired" dancer, and now enjoys filling her spare time with hot yoga. Emily also likes going on walks and exploring nature.

Alison Taylor: Business Manager

Ali started out managing Village Physio in 2004 and is passionate about working in the Health Care industry.  In 2009, she managed to give up some control here at Village, and became the Business Manager for Village and sister clinic Kinetic Rehabilitation Centre (www.kineticrehab.ca).  Most recently Ali helped develop and open a third clinic in Lynn Valley, Canopy Integrated Health (www.canopyhealth.ca) and is thrilled to be a part of this wonderful family of practices. She holds her B.A. in English from the University of British Columbia, and is qualified as a Level Two Gymnastics coach with the B.C.G.A. (British Columbia Gymnastics Association).

Jenny Cowell - Office Manager

After completing a Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics at UBC, Jenny went on to do a Bachelor of Education and is now pursuing a Masters in Counseling Psychology. Jenny joined the Village Physio team in the Fall of 2009 and began managing the clinic in 2011. She thoroughly enjoys working with the staff and clientele and looks forward each week to new and interesting situations. When she's not working, Jenny is outside, enjoying the beauty the North Shore has to offer, whether it's through hiking, jogging, walking or photography.

Blair Chesal - Front Office Staff

Blair is a new addition to the Village family, but the clinic has quickly become her home away from home.  She loves welcoming in the familiar faces of this busy location and catching up on the latest chit chat.  After 5 years working in the spa industry as an esthetician, Blair was looking for a new venture in which to share her love of people, health and well being.  When she is not in the office, look for Blair running along the Sea Wall or wandering around downtown sipping an americano.

Rachelle Rovner: Front Office Staff

Bio Coming Soon