Physiotherapist

Courtney is a Vancouver native, where she grew up dancing (mostly ballet and jazz)—thus began her love of movement. Courtney completed her Bachelor of Kinesiology degree at the University of British Columbia in 2017, after which she worked alongside physiotherapists as a kinesiologist guiding patients through post-injury rehabilitation.

Courtney’s work in active rehabilitation inspired her to continue to grow as a therapist, and she then went on to complete her Master of Physiotherapy degree at the University of Sydney. Upon graduating, Courtney started treating as a physiotherapist at a private musculoskeletal clinic in Australia using techniques from the ConnectTherapy™ model and integrating it with clinical Pilates. She also taught a variety of small group Pilates classes and private clinical pilates sessions, where she enjoyed coaching clients how to move in new ways. Courtney finds that the best part of combining ConnectTherapy and clinical Pilates is getting that “ah-ha!” moment from her patients when they get in tune with their bodies.

Since relocating to Vancouver, Courtney is currently a Registered Physiotherapist. Her training in Pilates, Kinesiology, and Physiotherapy enables her to provide a unique level of skill in her sessions. She’ll be teaching our Monday and Wednesday evening group ConnectPilates classes, and offering one-on-one and semi-private sessions as well.

In her free time, Courtney loves to go for hikes and walk around the seawall, as well as trying a variety of different workout classes. In the winter, she loves to ski and play curling.

Physiotherapist Courtney is a Vancouver native, where she grew up dancing (mostly ballet and jaz... Read More

Physiotherapist

Education: MSc Physiotherapy

Jonathan qualified as a physiotherapist in 2018 with an MSc. from Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen Scotland. He is a STOTT PILATES® certified instructor in matwork and reformer pilates and has been leading both clinical and fitness-focused pilates classes since 2017. He has served as the lead physiotherapist for a Scottish Rugby National League side and comes to physiotherapy following a 15 year career as a professional dancer. Jonathan uses a practical, hands-on approach to rehabilitation that combines his training in manual therapy with his extensive experience in movement and pilates. He believes that ConnectTherapy™ and the Thoracic Ring Approach™ open unique and powerful opportunities for movement and rehabilitation and incorporates their principles into his assessment and treatment as both physiotherapist and pilates instructor.

“The body and its movements have been my interest and life for more than twenty years now. It began with my discovery of dance at university, which led to a 15 year career as a professional dancer and many adventures touring and performing around the world. As I transitioned away from the stage, I wanted to find a career that would allow me to help others while drawing on my understanding of how the body moves. Physiotherapy and Pilates were a perfect fit, and I am thrilled by the daily challenges or positive outcomes it provides. Whether recovering from injury, or looking to improve your performance, I would be happy to help you achieve your goals.”

Life outside work: Jonathan is always looking for a new adventure and that now includes raising twin boys. He’s passionate about gardening, disc golf, hiking, and camping. Jonathan’s partner is a dancer and choreographer, so free time is often spent supporting her company, Éowyn Emerald & Dancers, and prepping for the next tour or performances.

Physiotherapist Education: MSc Physiotherapy Jonathan qualified as a physiotherapist in 2018 wi... Read More

As the founder of Synergy Physio + Pilates, “LJ” has a passion for helping people explore and realize their potential.

Dr. Linda-Joy (LJ) Lee is an internationally renowned clinician, author, educator and researcher known for her skills in movement and performance analysis to restore total body function. LJ’s innovative methods include integrating skilled hands-on techniques with functional movement assessment and training, and creating a diagnostic algorithm to determine where in the body treatment will make the most effective and efficient change in patient symptoms and function. These are part of LJ’s whole person frameworks, ConnectTherapy™ , the Thoracic Ring Approach™ and ConnectPilates™.

A physiotherapy graduate from the University of British Columbia, Canada, and UBC Wesbrook Scholar (1996), LJ became a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Manual and Manipulative Therapists (FCAMT) in 1999 with distinction and completed her certification in Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS) in 2001. A life-long learner with an ever-questioning mind, LJ pursued a research degree part-time and remotely at the University of Queensland over many years while working clinically, mentoring her Synergy Team, and teaching internationally. In 2013 she was awarded her PhD, which focused on Motor Control & Kinematics of the Thorax, based on researching the innovative clinical ideas from her Thoracic Ring Approach™ model.

LJ teaches her assessment and treatment models to physiotherapists around the world through her teaching company, Dr. Linda-Joy Lee International Institute for Physiotherapy & Movement (www.ljlee.ca). Synergy Physio + Pilates is LJ’s home base where she she patients and mentors & trains the Synergy Team.

The key constructs of LJ’s models serve the overarching aims of helping people reach their movement & functional goals.

“It is all about movement – increasing movement options, increasing variability in movement patterns, enhancing patient confidence in their body’s ability to move and creating an environment of movement exploration and optimism.” LJ Lee

LJ is an associate editor for the British Journal of Sports Medicine, an associate member of the Centre for Hip Health and Mobility in Vancouver, Canada, a professional associate at the School of Rehabilitation Sciences at McMaster University in Ontario, Canada and a Clinical Associate Professor, at Swinburne University, Melbourne, AUS. She has consulted for professional sports organizations, such Manchester City Football Club.

LJ’s passions are not limited to physiotherapy. She loves the outdoors and can often be found running, cycling, skiing, snowshoeing, and hiking. A UBC Varsity Ice Hockey alumni, LJ loves to try new sports and is working on her golf game these days. She’s an avid learner and enjoys reading books on numerous topics, and her greatest strength is seeing the connectedness between ideas, concepts and people.

To inquire about booking with LJ, please call 604 986 2777 or email appointment@synergyphysiopilates.com or magda@synergyphysiopilates.com. Please note that due to high demand, LJ’s waitlist is long, resulting in appointment waiting times of a few months.

As the founder of Synergy Physio + Pilates, “LJ” has a passion for helping people explore and rea... Read More

Erin is an enthusiastic and energetic physiotherapist with over 18 years of experience working with clients of all ages, abilities and goals. Her aim is to help people keep active and healthy by connecting with each person to better understand their personal needs.

Her treatment focuses on a “hands on, whole-person approach” with manual therapy, dry needling, education and specific exercise prescription. She is certified in Vestibular Rehabilitation, as well as Concussion assessment and treatment,  as part of her many areas of expertise.

Erin grew up in Ontario before moving to beautiful British Columbia to attend University. She currently lives with her husband and two young sons on the North Shore. Erin is passionate about working and living in the close-knit North Shore community. When she’s not working, Erin is an avid runner who has also completed the Boston Marathon. When she’s not running in marathons you can find her trying to keep up with her two boys at home.

Erin is excited to combine her years of experience with the ConnectTherapy™ and Thoracic Ring Approach models here at Synergy Physio + Pilates.

Erin is an enthusiastic and energetic physiotherapist with over 18 years of experience working wi... Read More

Mark graduated with his Master’s of Science in Physical Therapy at the University of Alberta and has since obtained his Level 1 & Level 2 (Lower) Orthopaedic Manual Therapy Certifications, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist Certification, and successfully completed the ConnectTherapy™ & The Thorax course.

Mark enjoyed playing sports growing up, including basketball, volleyball, hockey, and later played one season of football for the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds.

Mark developed a passion for fitness early in life and has 6+ years of experience working as a personal trainer/strength and conditioning coach. He believes in the complementary nature of physiotherapy and strength and conditioning and emphasizes both in promoting optimal physical performance.

Through his personal experience with injuries during his teenage years while playing and training for sports, Mark has developed a special interest in working with youth athletes, basketball and volleyball players, and individuals engaged in strength training.

The ConnectTherapy whole body approach to assessment and treatment was the impetus behind Mark becoming a Physio and he is excited to now be working at the home of ConnectTherapy™ and the Thoracic Ring Approach™ models. Mark believes in giving clients the strategies they need to achieve their goals.

Mark graduated with his Master’s of Science in Physical Therapy at the University of Alberta and ... Read More

I believe that being active is essential to being healthy. As we age, being active can be harder to achieve.  As a physio,  I enjoy problem solving and helping people get to the basis of their movement issues and then helping them find ways to keep being as active as they would like to be.

Through my own injuries as well as my 25+ years of physiotherapy experience I have realized that often an integrated approach to movement is the key to success.  I have trained with LJ Lee in the ConnectTherapy™ and Thoracic Ring Approach™  and believe in  this holistic approach to restoring optimal movement.

Over the years I have helped people with neurological conditions as well as sports and orthopaedic issues achieve their movement goals.   I started a community based NeuroFit program in Squamish and continue to be involved with this and a weekly hydrotherapy program

I like to begin with a  functional whole body movement assessment.  My treatment approach is to use hands-on manual therapy techniques to  help your body restore movement along with  self management techniques  and individualized targeted exercises  to help you build the strength and coordination that  you will need to achieve your movement goals.

Outside of work, I am busy with family and enjoying local outdoor recreation pursuits; Skiing, riding, hiking and running.  When not outside I can be found at the local pool swimming, playing with my grandchildren  or teaching hydrotherapy

I believe that being active is essential to being healthy. As we age, being active can be harder ... Read More

Welcome! I’m Magda, the Clinic Manager at Synergy Physio+Pilates. I’m excited to introduce you to one of the newest service we offer - Infrared Sauna. Book a session today and enjoy a quiet relaxation and comfort of our Infrared Sauna, offered in our Connect Pilates Studio. Our lovely staff will be happy to help you book and show you around the sauna.

Welcome! I’m Magda, the Clinic Manager at Synergy Physio+Pilates. I’m excited to introduce you to... Read More

Education: BSc(bus.), Certified Classical Pilates Instructor

Vera is trained in Classical Pilates and is a graduate of the Advanced Teacher Training Program from The Pilates Center at Boulder, Colorado.

Vera’s Pilates journey took its roots in injury recovery but has since grown alongside her – the Pilates Method, in particular, allowed her to flourish both pre- and postnatally. More importantly, her exposure to different styles of Pilates in her learning brought her to Classical Pilates, a sequential method designed to move the body through a full range of movement.

Classical Pilates utilizes all apparatus, from the reformer to the mat. Vera hopes to share her understanding of integrated body movements, and at its core, the inseparable nature of the mind and the body.

As a Pilates teacher, Vera finds the most gratification in watching clients learn–just as she once did–to motivate positive changes in their own minds and bodies. She is looking forward to helping her clients improve their body functionality through self-focus and awareness.

Education: BSc(bus.), Certified Classical Pilates Instructor Vera is trained in Classical Pilate... Read More

Rachel is a Registered Physiotherapist and Certified Strength and Conditioning Coach with over 12 years of experience in the health and fitness industry. With a background as a Kinesiologist and a Strength and Conditioning Graduate Assistant at the University of British Columbia, she has developed a passion for addressing musculoskeletal injuries and assisting clients in returning to the life and activities they love.

Her practice as a physiotherapist has been shaped by a dedication to bridging the gap between traditional physiotherapy and strength and conditioning. Furthering her interest in under- represented groups in scientific medical academia, Rachel pursued a Master’s in Kinesiology, exploring the effects of the menstrual cycle and hormonal fluctuations on resistance training.

Whether individuals are recovering from an ankle sprain, contemplating a new fitness routine, or requiring pre/postnatal care, Rachel is committed to tailoring their sessions to their specific needs and lives. Her holistic approach prioritizes understanding the root causes of issues rather than just addressing symptoms.

She utilizes a range of manual therapy techniques and personalized exercises to ensure that treatment aligns with individual needs. Outside the clinic, you’ll find Rachel at the gym honing her Olympic weightlifting skills, on the Pilates reformer, or exploring Vancouver’s vibrant food scene.

Rachel is a Registered Physiotherapist and Certified Strength and Conditioning Coach with over 12... Read More

Nelly has a Master’s Degree in physiotherapy (with honors) from Université Laval and in 2014 she began her physiotherapy career in Quebec City.

At the beginning of her career, Nelly was primarily exposed to a clientele with persistent pain and complex musculoskeletal disorders. She began to seek a global vision of movement and to take a greater interest in the links between the regions of the body.

In 2017, that curiosity led her to enrol in, and complete the ConnectTherapy™ Series. Dr. Linda-Joy Lee’s ideas and vision of physiotherapy has transformed her career into a real passion. In 2018, Nelly decided to establish her clinical practice in Montreal, in order to further improve her skills in the ConnectTherapy™ & Thoracic Ring Approach™ Models with her mentor, Certified ConnectTherapy Practitioner Eléonore T. Fournier. In 2019, she co-founded the Physio Psycho Petite Patrie clinic in Montreal.

Over the years, Nelly has worked with people with a variety of musculoskeletal problems, particularly with dancers, in which she has developed a greater interest since she is herself a former figure skater. Nelly is involved with dance schools, and she works hand-in-hand with teachers to promote beneficial movement strategies and cueing, in order to prevent injuries.

With the aim of pursuing further learning with Dr. LJ Lee, she moved to Vancouver. As an avid and curious learner, Nelly is motivated to help people reach their movement goals and go back to their favourite activities. Within the ConnectTherapy™ & Thoracic Rign Approach™ models, Nelly uses her manual therapy, dry needling and pelvic health expertises. Education is also a crucial part of her approach, as she loves providing her patients with knowledge about their situation. She also assists Dr. LJ Lee on her courses and loves helping other physiotherapists learn and grow.

Outside of the clinic, Nelly enjoys staying active. Besides running, biking, and hiking, she is an ice-canoe athlete. She has also been a musician from an early age and has performed and represented Canadian traditional music at festivals abroad.

Nelly has a Master’s Degree in physiotherapy (with honors) from Université Laval and in 2014 she... Read More