MEET OUR TEAM
Jennifer Lee-Cowan, MPT, BHK, CAFCI
Registered Physiotherapist Certified in Acupuncture & Intramuscular Stimulation Master of Physical Therapy Bachelor of Human Kinetics Certificate of the Acupuncture Foundation of Canada Institute Member of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association |
Special Interests:
Sports injuries (chronic) Osteoarthritis management Spinal conditions TMJ dysfunctions * Jennifer is currently on maternity leave and will be returning July 2023.
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Jennifer graduated from the University of British Columbia with a Bachelor of Human Kinetics followed by a Master of Physical Therapy in 2011. She has been working full-time in private clinics around the lower mainland ever since, and has developed a special clinical interest in orthopaedics, manual, and sports physiotherapy. Jennifer enjoys treating clients of all ages and activity levels. She combines different hands-on manual therapy techniques, exercises, and patient education to optimize her clients’ ultimate rehabilitation and performance abilities.
Since graduation, Jennifer has continually upgraded her clinical skills in manual therapy and is certified as a selective functional movement assessment (SFMA) provider to readily assess movement dysfunctions. She is also qualified to practice anatomical acupuncture (through AFCI) and IMS/functional dry needling (through Kinetacore).
Outside the clinic, Jennifer is a competitive club Ultimate Frisbee player. She is also an active member, mentor, and coach in the Vancouver Ultimate League. You will find her running around in her cleats on grass or turf fields, rain-or-shine year-round. Jennifer is also fluent in Mandarin Chinese.
Since graduation, Jennifer has continually upgraded her clinical skills in manual therapy and is certified as a selective functional movement assessment (SFMA) provider to readily assess movement dysfunctions. She is also qualified to practice anatomical acupuncture (through AFCI) and IMS/functional dry needling (through Kinetacore).
Outside the clinic, Jennifer is a competitive club Ultimate Frisbee player. She is also an active member, mentor, and coach in the Vancouver Ultimate League. You will find her running around in her cleats on grass or turf fields, rain-or-shine year-round. Jennifer is also fluent in Mandarin Chinese.
Kimberly Vu, MPT, BHSc
Registered Physiotherapist Master of Physical Therapy Bachelor of Health Science |
Special Interests:
Sports injuries Postsurgical rehabilitation Spinal injuries Pelvic health |
Kim completed her Masters of Physical Therapy at Western University. Born in BC, but raised in Ontario, she is happy to call Vancouver her home again. Kim is passionate about educating her clients on their injury and how the body works so that they can go forward confidently in their recovery. She continues to educate herself with post-graduate courses and has completed special training in pelvic health physiotherapy and is certified to provide internal pelvic examinations.
Whether you are a high-level athlete, novice runner, or desk worker, she wants to help you care for yourself. She especially enjoys working with runners, climbers, and weight-lifters. Her sessions include manual therapy alongside targeted exercises to get you feeling better and back to doing the things you love.
Outside of the clinic, you can find Kim winding down in a yoga class, bouldering, and hiking in the North Shore mountains.
Whether you are a high-level athlete, novice runner, or desk worker, she wants to help you care for yourself. She especially enjoys working with runners, climbers, and weight-lifters. Her sessions include manual therapy alongside targeted exercises to get you feeling better and back to doing the things you love.
Outside of the clinic, you can find Kim winding down in a yoga class, bouldering, and hiking in the North Shore mountains.
Linda Maedel, BScPT, FCAMT, CHT, CGIMS
Registered Physiotherapist Certified Hand Therapist Certified Gunn Intramuscular Stimulation practitioner Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Manual & Manipulative Therapists Member of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association Member of the Canadian Society of Hand Therapists |
Special Interests:
Sports injuries (acute & chronic) Hand therapy Custom splinting Muscle imbalances |
Linda Maedel graduated as a Physiotherapist from the University of British Columbia, Canada in 1995 (Class President). Since graduation, she has taken numerous musculoskeletal courses and completed the highest orthopaedic level (FCAMT) within physiotherapy to become a respected and skilled hands-on clinician. Linda is a Certified Gunn Intramuscular Stimulation Practitioner (CGIMS), which gives her an added advantage in treating chronic and recurring injuries. She has also attained Certification in Hand Therapy (CHT) demonstrating her expertise in treating the upper extremity. This has added wound care and custom splinting to her skill set. Linda has served the Richmond community for over 20 years in both the private and public sectors. She worked for over 10 years at a sports physiotherapy clinic and for over 15 years with the plastic surgeons at the Richmond Hospital's Hand Clinic. Her extensive knowledge of both the spine and the extremities allows her to provide a more complete service.
Teaching what she practises is another passion of Linda's. She has given many inservices, talks and presentations from informal settings to national conferences. Linda has been teaching at UBC's Department of Physical Therapy since 2007 as a Clinical Assistant Professor, Clinical Instructor, Guest Lecturer, Tutor and Clinical Skills Assistant.
Linda enjoys her off work time with her husband and two energetic children who empower her to keep an active, balanced lifestyle. In her rare spare time, Linda loves to be outdoors running, hiking, skiing or playing tennis.
Teaching what she practises is another passion of Linda's. She has given many inservices, talks and presentations from informal settings to national conferences. Linda has been teaching at UBC's Department of Physical Therapy since 2007 as a Clinical Assistant Professor, Clinical Instructor, Guest Lecturer, Tutor and Clinical Skills Assistant.
Linda enjoys her off work time with her husband and two energetic children who empower her to keep an active, balanced lifestyle. In her rare spare time, Linda loves to be outdoors running, hiking, skiing or playing tennis.
Maritess Tolentino, BScOT, CHT
Registered Occupational Therapist Certified Hand Therapist Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy Member of the Canadian Society of Hand Therapists |
Special Interests:
Hand therapy Custom splinting Hand Osteoarthritis Repetitive strain injuries |
Maritess graduated as an Occupational Therapist from Dalhousie University in 1996 and has been a Certified Hand Therapist since 2003. She has over 18 years of experience working in both the private and public settings treating all types of upper extremity injuries, including repetitive strain, arthritis, and acute trauma.
Maritess’ work experience has also included working within various multidisciplinary treatment programs, WorksafeBC, ICBC, athletes of all levels, as well as working as a consultant Occupational Therapist. She is highly skilled at making custom splints, functional hand rehabilitation, pain re-education and job coaching.
Outside of work, Maritess is kept busy with three children and all their activities! She stays fit by cycling, running, swimming and skiing.
Maritess’ work experience has also included working within various multidisciplinary treatment programs, WorksafeBC, ICBC, athletes of all levels, as well as working as a consultant Occupational Therapist. She is highly skilled at making custom splints, functional hand rehabilitation, pain re-education and job coaching.
Outside of work, Maritess is kept busy with three children and all their activities! She stays fit by cycling, running, swimming and skiing.
Melanie Ailey, MScPT, BKin, CHT
Registered Physiotherapist Certified Hand Therapist Certified Intramuscular Stimulation practitioner Master of Science in Physiotherapy Bachelor of Kinesiology Member of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association Member of the Canadian Society of Hand Therapists |
Special Interests:
Hand therapy Custom splinting Upper limb injuries Hand Osteoarthritis |
Melanie graduated as a physiotherapist from McMaster University in 2003 after completing a Bachelor in Kinesiology. She’s worked in various orthopaedic settings but specialized in the upper limb since 2005. In the West Coast, she’s worked closely with the plastic surgeons in the Hand Clinic at Richmond Hospital and at Westside Physiotherapy and Hand Clinic, treating postoperative and acute traumatic hand injuries.
Working as a physiotherapist for over 18 years and as a Certified Hand Therapist for 10 of those years, Melanie has extensive experience in treating conditions of the upper extremity from the fingertips to the neck. She is skilled in wound care, custom splinting and intramuscular stimulation (IMS)/dry needling. Her area of expertise includes traumatic and postsurgical hand, wrist and elbow injuries, repetitive strain injuries, carpal tunnel syndrome, Osteoarthritis, and orthopaedic conditions involving the shoulder and neck.
Melanie spends her free time exploring the great outdoors – road biking, hiking and swimming. These days she is busy being a new mom!
Working as a physiotherapist for over 18 years and as a Certified Hand Therapist for 10 of those years, Melanie has extensive experience in treating conditions of the upper extremity from the fingertips to the neck. She is skilled in wound care, custom splinting and intramuscular stimulation (IMS)/dry needling. Her area of expertise includes traumatic and postsurgical hand, wrist and elbow injuries, repetitive strain injuries, carpal tunnel syndrome, Osteoarthritis, and orthopaedic conditions involving the shoulder and neck.
Melanie spends her free time exploring the great outdoors – road biking, hiking and swimming. These days she is busy being a new mom!
Michael Cong, BKin
Registered Kinesiologist ACE Certified Personal Trainer ACE Fitness Nutrition Specialist ACE Youth Fitness Specialist Bachelor of Kinesiology Member of BC Association of Kinesiologists |
Special Interests:
Injury & postsurgical rehabilitation Active rehab for ICBC Strength training |
Michael is a graduate from the University of British Columbia with a Bachelors of Kinesiology. Prior to his studies, Michael had certified and was working as a Certified Personal Trainer through the American Council on Exercise (ACE) since 2016.
Michael’s previous personal experiences playing basketball and weightlifting encouraged him to become a personal trainer to learn more about proper training techniques and human physiology. Through the Kinesiology program at UBC, Michael learned how to advocate for and educate others on the importance of a healthy and active lifestyle. While studying and working, Michael further developed his exercise knowledge through certified courses such as TRX and Kettlebell certification.
Michael has also helped spinal cord injury participants at ICORD, a UBC spinal cord research facility, with their rehabilitation and exercise interventions for the past 5 years. This experience has enabled him to help individuals overcome their barriers to live a fulfilling life and engage in meaningful activities of daily living.
Michael is registered and an ongoing member of the British Columbia Association of Kinesiologists (BCAK). He works closely with the physiotherapists at Empower Physiotherapy and aims to provide individualized solutions to meet clients’ needs and ultimately achieve an optimal state of well-being.
Michael enjoys playing organized basketball and weightlifting. He also enjoys travelling with his family and friends. Currently he is in UBC’s Master of Physical Therapy program!
Michael’s previous personal experiences playing basketball and weightlifting encouraged him to become a personal trainer to learn more about proper training techniques and human physiology. Through the Kinesiology program at UBC, Michael learned how to advocate for and educate others on the importance of a healthy and active lifestyle. While studying and working, Michael further developed his exercise knowledge through certified courses such as TRX and Kettlebell certification.
Michael has also helped spinal cord injury participants at ICORD, a UBC spinal cord research facility, with their rehabilitation and exercise interventions for the past 5 years. This experience has enabled him to help individuals overcome their barriers to live a fulfilling life and engage in meaningful activities of daily living.
Michael is registered and an ongoing member of the British Columbia Association of Kinesiologists (BCAK). He works closely with the physiotherapists at Empower Physiotherapy and aims to provide individualized solutions to meet clients’ needs and ultimately achieve an optimal state of well-being.
Michael enjoys playing organized basketball and weightlifting. He also enjoys travelling with his family and friends. Currently he is in UBC’s Master of Physical Therapy program!
Adam Schwartz, BScPT, MScHKin, BKin
Registered Physiotherapist Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy Master of Science in Human Kinetics Bachelor of Arts in Kinesiology Member of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association |
Special Interests:
Sports injuries Lower back rehabilitation Foot and ankle injuries Pre & postoperative rehabilitation |
Adam graduated from the University of British Columbia in 2004 with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy. Prior to his Physical therapy training, Adam completed a Masters of Science with a focus on human body composition at UBC (2003), and a Bachelors of Arts in Kinesiology at the University of Western Ontario (1998).
Following the completion of his Physical Therapy degree, Adam worked for 16 years in Langley British Columbia at a private practice sports and orthopaedics clinic. In his time there, he had the opportunity to gain a vast amount of experience working with people of all ages who have experienced injuries related to motor vehicle accidents, sports, work, and the physical demands of everyday life. With a keen interest in sports, Adam has had the opportunity to work with many high-level athletes from a broad range of sports. Adam’s treatments combine a focused assessment of the injury along with manual therapy techniques and exercise prescription. He believes that physiotherapy is a partnership between therapist and patient with a common focus of moving better, feeling better, and living better.
When Adam is away from the clinic he spends the majority of his time with his family who is heavily involved in sports and dance locally in Richmond. He has a passion for photography, with a focus on sports and portrait photography. Adam has enjoyed coaching youth baseball in Richmond BC for the last 7 years and plans to continue this involvement for years to come. Adam has lived in the Steveston neighbourhood for the last 15 years and enjoys leading a very active lifestyle that includes lifting weights, as well as playing hockey, baseball, and basketball.
Following the completion of his Physical Therapy degree, Adam worked for 16 years in Langley British Columbia at a private practice sports and orthopaedics clinic. In his time there, he had the opportunity to gain a vast amount of experience working with people of all ages who have experienced injuries related to motor vehicle accidents, sports, work, and the physical demands of everyday life. With a keen interest in sports, Adam has had the opportunity to work with many high-level athletes from a broad range of sports. Adam’s treatments combine a focused assessment of the injury along with manual therapy techniques and exercise prescription. He believes that physiotherapy is a partnership between therapist and patient with a common focus of moving better, feeling better, and living better.
When Adam is away from the clinic he spends the majority of his time with his family who is heavily involved in sports and dance locally in Richmond. He has a passion for photography, with a focus on sports and portrait photography. Adam has enjoyed coaching youth baseball in Richmond BC for the last 7 years and plans to continue this involvement for years to come. Adam has lived in the Steveston neighbourhood for the last 15 years and enjoys leading a very active lifestyle that includes lifting weights, as well as playing hockey, baseball, and basketball.
Anant Chilimbi, MScPT, BPT, CAFCI
Registered Physiotherapist Certified in Acupuncture & Intramuscular Stimulation Master of Science in Physiotherapy Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy Member of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association |
Special Interests:
Chronic pain Vestibular rehabilitation Concussion management Neurological conditions |
Anant completed his physiotherapy training in 2004, graduating from Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences with a Bachelor's in Physiotherapy. He worked as a physiotherapist seeing a varied caseload and then decided to further his education within physiotherapy. Anant traveled to Sheffield, United Kingdom and attained his Master in Physiotherapy specializing in Musculoskeletal and Cardio-respiratory Physiotherapy in 2006.
Following the completion of his Master's, Anant gained wide experience as a physiotherapist in India, Toronto and then Kamloops, where he worked mostly with sports, musculoskeletal and motor vehicle related injuries including concussion management. He also has experience with neurological conditions such as Parkinson's, Multiple Sclerosis, stroke and spinal cord injury both in the hospital and private clinic setting.
Anant continues to upgrade his education by completing various courses to ensure he maintains the most effective care for his patients. In addition to his exceptional hands on skills, Anant is certified in both acupuncture and intramuscular stimulation (IMS).
Anant and his wife moved from Kamloops to the Lower Mainland in 2016. They have been enjoying the biking, the beaches and being outdoors ever since.
Following the completion of his Master's, Anant gained wide experience as a physiotherapist in India, Toronto and then Kamloops, where he worked mostly with sports, musculoskeletal and motor vehicle related injuries including concussion management. He also has experience with neurological conditions such as Parkinson's, Multiple Sclerosis, stroke and spinal cord injury both in the hospital and private clinic setting.
Anant continues to upgrade his education by completing various courses to ensure he maintains the most effective care for his patients. In addition to his exceptional hands on skills, Anant is certified in both acupuncture and intramuscular stimulation (IMS).
Anant and his wife moved from Kamloops to the Lower Mainland in 2016. They have been enjoying the biking, the beaches and being outdoors ever since.
Angie Hill, BScPT, BSc, CHT
Registered Physiotherapist Certified Hand Therapist Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy Bachelor of Science in Honours Biochemistry Member of the Canadian Society of Hand Therapists |
Special Interests:
Hand therapy Custom splinting Upper limb injuries Hand Osteoarthritis |
Angie Hill is a graduate of the University of British Columbia and is a seasoned Physiotherapist and Certified Hand Therapist. Born and raised in Richmond, Angie initially earned her BSc in Honors Biochemistry in 1994 and worked in genetic testing before returning to UBC to obtain her physiotherapy degree in 2000.
Angie has over 20 years' experience working in orthopaedics at the Richmond Hospital and Vancouver Coastal Health. She has spent that time working closely with Richmond’s orthopedic surgeons in Cast Clinic as well as in the general outpatient department treating clients with a variety of traumatic and postsurgical conditions. Once attaining her Hand Therapy Certification, she moved over to the Hand Therapy department to work with Richmond’s plastic surgeons. Her area of expertise includes traumatic and postsurgical hand, wrist and elbow injuries, repetitive strain injuries, carpal tunnel syndrome, Osteoarthritis, and orthopaedic conditions involving the shoulder.
Growing up as a multi-sport athlete, she spent over a decade working with youth community sports as a coach, official and board member. She uses her coaching background to provide education to clients that fit their learning style. In Angie’s free time, you may find her spending time with friends and family.
Angie has over 20 years' experience working in orthopaedics at the Richmond Hospital and Vancouver Coastal Health. She has spent that time working closely with Richmond’s orthopedic surgeons in Cast Clinic as well as in the general outpatient department treating clients with a variety of traumatic and postsurgical conditions. Once attaining her Hand Therapy Certification, she moved over to the Hand Therapy department to work with Richmond’s plastic surgeons. Her area of expertise includes traumatic and postsurgical hand, wrist and elbow injuries, repetitive strain injuries, carpal tunnel syndrome, Osteoarthritis, and orthopaedic conditions involving the shoulder.
Growing up as a multi-sport athlete, she spent over a decade working with youth community sports as a coach, official and board member. She uses her coaching background to provide education to clients that fit their learning style. In Angie’s free time, you may find her spending time with friends and family.
Bryce Jay, MPT, BSc
Registered Physiotherapist Master of Physical Therapy Bachelor of Science in Integrated Sciences |
Special Interests:
Sports injuries Vestibular rehabilitation Orthopaedics MVA injuries |
Bryce completed his Master of Physical Therapy at the University of Western Ontario (UWO) after completing a Bachelor of Sciences at the University of British Columbia (UBC). He has experience working with joint replacement rehabilitation (pre & postsurgical procedures), sports related injuries, MVA injuries, chronic muscle and joint related pain, and work-related injuries.
Bryce utilizes a holistic approach during his assessments and treatments to build strong therapeutic relationships with his clients. Everyone has different beliefs, values, and experiences, and this makes everyone’s treatment program different. Using his extensive knowledge and experience, he is able to build individualized treatment programs for his clients, optimizing the client’s performance and rehabilitation.
During his time away from work, Bryce is a competitive ultimate player with 10+ years of experience. He has played for the UBC and UWO varsity ultimate teams competing against teams in Canada and the United States. He also enjoys biking around the city, hiking and camping, and exploring the city in route of finding the best places to eat sushi.
Bryce utilizes a holistic approach during his assessments and treatments to build strong therapeutic relationships with his clients. Everyone has different beliefs, values, and experiences, and this makes everyone’s treatment program different. Using his extensive knowledge and experience, he is able to build individualized treatment programs for his clients, optimizing the client’s performance and rehabilitation.
During his time away from work, Bryce is a competitive ultimate player with 10+ years of experience. He has played for the UBC and UWO varsity ultimate teams competing against teams in Canada and the United States. He also enjoys biking around the city, hiking and camping, and exploring the city in route of finding the best places to eat sushi.