Bhav Dhaliwal
Rehabilitation Assistant
Bhav joined the Abilities team in 2022 with a Bachelor of Kinesiology specializing in exercise science from UFV. He has a passion for working with individuals with neurological challenges, and has years of experience providing movement repetition and active rehab for these individuals.
Outside of working with Abilities, Bhav is also a personal trainer, and enjoys weightlifting, reading, and traveling.
Brent Ellis
Rehabilitation Assistant
Brent's life experience, volunteer work in healthcare and completion of the physiotherapy/occupational therapy Rehabilitation Assistant Program led him to work at Abilities. He is thrilled to be part of this caring team of therapists who contribute so much to the physical, social and emotional well-being of their valued clients.
In his spare time Brent enjoys hanging out with friends or his three grown children, playing guitar and going for walks.
Emily Hik
Physiotherapist
Emily became interested in physiotherapy during years of volunteering at St. Vincent's Hospital, helping adults with physical and cognitive disabilities engage in recreational activities. She completed her Bachelor in Human Kinetics and her Master of Physical Therapy degrees at the University of British Columbia. She developed a passion for working with clients with neurological impairments and children with a variety of developmental conditions through her practicum work while completing her degree. Emily enjoys working with clients both in the clinic setting and in the pool.
Emily has taken courses in paediatric vestibular rehabilitation, reflex and sensory contributions to postural control and movement, decoding the autistic brain, Parkinson's disease exercise prescription and Bobath technique.
Outside of the clinic, Emily enjoys caring for her young son, cycling, traveling, camping, hiking, cooking, reading and gardening.
Erin Riley
Speech Language Pathologist
Erin is particularly interested in providing speech and language therapy to those who have sustained a traumatic brain injury or stroke, as well as school-aged children whose language is delay and children on the Autism Spectrum.
Erin is a recent graduate, having earned a Master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology from McGill University. She is certified by Speech-Language & Audiology Canada, and registered with the College of Speech and Hearing Health Professionals of BC.
In her spare time, Erin enjoy video-editing and exploring thrift stores.
Gosia Mikszan
Physiotherapist
Gosia is a Registered Physiotherapist in BC and a member of the Physiotherapy Association of BC and the Canadian Physiotherapy Association, Paediatric division.
Gosia graduated from UBC Physical Therapy School in 2002 and began her career at Surrey Memorial Hospital that year. She worked in general surgery, orthopedics, outpatient clinic and general rehab. Her biggest passion is paediatrics and for the last 11 years she has been predominantly working with children with a variety of neurological, neurodevelopmental and orthopedic conditions as well as oncology patients. She works extensively with children with torticollis, plagiocephaly, brachial plexus injury, brain tumors, peripheral neuropathy, CP, stroke, post Taylor Spatial Frame surgery, neurodevelopmental conditions.
Gosia has been involved in many health care and policy initiatives and the creation of patient education classes and pamphlets including Brachial Plexus, Developmental Activities and the Neurodevelopment of the Babies in NICU booklets. She is a co-chair of the Fraser Health Paediatric Professional Practice Committee.
Gosia continues to work part time within Fraser Health on the Inpatient and Outpatient Paediatrics, Paediatric Oncology and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.
Gosia strives to provide treatments that are patient/family centered and meaningful. She truly enjoys working with children, helping them to achieve their goals by providing just enough challenge, motivation and enjoyment.
When not working she likes spending time with her husband and three children often hiking and travelling. She likes heights so she has done some extreme zip lining, bungee jumping and now hoping to do paragliding.
Grace Antonio
Physiotherapist
We are delighted to have Grace working in our Chilliwack & Abbotsford locations! When she started with Abilities and our clients gave her rave reviews as she covered some vacation time. As a staff, we really enjoyed working with her and are so happy to keep her involved on our Abilities team.
Grace has over 20 years experience in hospitals and team-oriented rehabilitation centres specializing in neuro, orthopedics, geriatrics and pediatrics. She completed her Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy at the Emilio Aguinaldo College in the Phillipines in 1995. She has a passion for helping seniors, children and she shows great patience and care and demonstrates a strong work ethic.
Harjinder Dyal
Receptionist
Harjinder is a part-time receptionist in Abbotsford. She came to us with previous medical office experience and is doing great job at the front. Harjinder is from this area and is the mother of two lovely girls.
Harjinder's quiet efficiency and pleasant attitude are appreciated by everyone in the Abbotsford clinic. As a bonus to us, Harjinder is fluent in Punjabi, which is very helpful!
Jamie Geertsema
Speech Language Pathologist
Jamie enjoys helping people of all ages and profiles with their communication needs, especially those with speech sound and motor speech difficulties, as well as people with aphasia.
Jamie completed her undergraduate degree in Cognitive Science of Language at McMaster University, and graduated with a Masters of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of British Columbia in the spring of 2019. Jamie is registered with the College of Speech and Hearing Health Professionals of BC, as well as with Speech-Language & Audiology Canada.
Outside of work Jamie enjoys drawing, reading, and hiking in her spare time.
Janice Chan
Occupational Therapist
Janice joined the Abilities team in the fall of 2021 after completing her Master of Occupational Therapy at UBC.
Jance brings a lot of experience working with kids and adults, having been coaching figure skating for almost 10 years. She has taught kids from as young as 3 up to 15 as a Skate Canada Certified Regional Coach, and has also been coaching Special Olympics figure skaters, working with athletes from beginner to national competition level.
In her spare time she enjoys reading and spending time with dogs.
Meredith Smith
Occupational Therapist
Meredith has a passion for working with individuals with Autism, Acquired Brain Injuries, and Down Syndrome.
Meredith pursued her Masters of Occupational Therapy at UBC, obtaining her degree in 2018. After practicing for 3 years, she joined the Abilities team in 2021.
Outside of the clinic Meredith enjoys baking delicious treats, cycling and hiking with her husband, and hanging out with friends & family.
Mindi Lazeo
Receptionist
Mindi joined the Abilities team in 2021.
Sarah Dorsey
Physiotherapist
Sarah joined the Abilities team in 2020.
Stefanie Pemble
Rehabilitation Assistant
Stefanie was the very first employee at Abilities. She completed a diploma program as a Rehabilitation Assistant. Stefanie is a very competent and dedicated Rehabilitation Assistant. She is able to add fun to the work she does with our clients to keep them motivated. She is the mother of three lovely girls and enjoys being out in the great outdoors.
Kathy Cervo
Director of Client Experience
Originally from the Toronto area, Kathy lives in Abbotsford with her husband and 4 children. She loves it here! She ran a local preschool dance and fitness program called JitterBugs for 5 years and assists in Dance Classes at Abilities. She enjoys volunteering at her children's school and enjoys being active (especially Zumba classes!) and spending time with her family and friends.
Kathy does a great job "up front" at the Abbotsford Abilities and is appreciated for her super-positive-get-it-done attitude by both staff and clients. We know we can count on her every day!
Liz Ingram
Corporate Administrator
Liz joined the Abilities team in the spring of 2015. She has worked her way up from the Surrey admin desk, to being our Corporate Administrator. We appreciate her amazing technical skills, her organizational abilities and her keen business mind. She is a huge asset for our busy clinics!
Liz is from Ontario but once she moved to BC she didn't look back. She enjoys spending time with her family and travelling for vacations. She also likes to keep active in her spare time, curling and skiing in the winter and playing baseball in the summer.
Sharon Martin
Operations Manager
Sharon joined the Abilities management team in the fall of 2021. She brings with her 15 years of business management experience.
Having spent her entire life in the Surrey and Abbotsford area, she is now experiencing an 'almost empty nest' syndrome with her husband, as her 4 children have grown.
In her spare time, she enjoys walking, fitness, volunteering at church, traveling and spending time with friends (she uses her management skills to organize all of the friend gatherings).
Bailee Cuthbert
Rehabilitation Assistant
Bailee is working part-time in our Chillliwack and Abbotsford clinics. Clients enjoy her fun attitude and desire to help them achieve their goals.
Brent Ellis
Rehabilitation Assistant
Brent's life experience, volunteer work in healthcare and completion of the physiotherapy/occupational therapy Rehabilitation Assistant Program led him to work at Abilities. He is thrilled to be part of this caring team of therapists who contribute so much to the physical, social and emotional well-being of their valued clients.
In his spare time Brent enjoys hanging out with friends or his three grown children, playing guitar and going for walks.
Diane Lima
Occupational Therapist
Diane joined the Abilities Team in 2021, and brings with her years of experience. She received her degree in Occupational Science & Occupational Therapy from the Univeristy of Toronto in 2009.
In her career as an Occupational Therapist, Diane has continued her education in areas that she is passionate about. Including Sensory Integration CE Certfication, CogMed Working Memory training, Yoga Therpay certification; Sensorimotor Psychotherapy Professional Training Program, and more.
Outside of the clinic, Diane enjoys Qigong, Yoga, hiking, art, and cooking new things.
Grace Antonio
Physiotherapist
We are delighted to have Grace working in our Chilliwack & Abbotsford locations! When she started with Abilities and our clients gave her rave reviews as she covered some vacation time. As a staff, we really enjoyed working with her and are so happy to keep her involved on our Abilities team.
Grace has over 20 years experience in hospitals and team-oriented rehabilitation centres specializing in neuro, orthopedics, geriatrics and pediatrics. She completed her Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy at the Emilio Aguinaldo College in the Phillipines in 1995. She has a passion for helping seniors, children and she shows great patience and care and demonstrates a strong work ethic.
Hayley Milburn
Experience Coordinator / Admin
Hayley currently lives in Abbotsford and is attending the University of the Fraser Valley to complete her bachelor's degree in Kinesiology. She loves the outdoors and whenever she is not working or doing schoolwork, she is likely hiking, mountain biking, or camping with her friends or family. She has previous office administration experience and loves helping people through her work. Her goal is to positively influence the lives of all our clients!
Jenn Williams
Speech Language Pathologist
Jenn is passionate about early language intervention, providing education and support to caregivers so they can best help their child, and supporting communication post-stroke or other brain injuries.
Jenn received her Bachelor of Science in Linguistics and Psychology, before pursuing and earning a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology, as well as her Certificate of Speech Sciences.
Jenn is the busy mom of a daughter and son. She loves to spend their time together playing games, reading, having adventures, and exploring outdoors. When she gets a free moment, Jenn enjoys reading and hiking.
Jessica Gutiw
Speech Language Pathologist
Jessica is passionate about working with Speech sound disorders and aphasia. She also enjoys working with individuals with heraing loss.
Jessica completed her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at the University of Regina, before obtaining her Masters of Science in Speech Language Pathology from Dalhousie Univeristy in Halifax.
Outside of the clinic, Jessica enjoys hiking, playing squash, doing yoga, cooking and baking, and kayaking.
Kathy Cervo
Director of Client Experience
Originally from the Toronto area, Kathy lives in Abbotsford with her husband and 4 children. She loves it here! She ran a local preschool dance and fitness program called JitterBugs for 5 years and assists in Dance Classes at Abilities. She enjoys volunteering at her children's school and enjoys being active (especially Zumba classes!) and spending time with her family and friends.
Kathy does a great job "up front" at the Abbotsford Abilities and is appreciated for her super-positive-get-it-done attitude by both staff and clients. We know we can count on her every day!
Katie Marochi
Language Pathologist
Katie received her BA from UBC and then completed a Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology at Western Washington University. She has worked as a Child and Youth Care worker, respite care provider and foster care relief support worker for children with Special Needs.
Katie enjoys all aspects of Speech Pathology from pediatric speech sound disorders to stroke rehabilitation and swallowing disorders. She believes in providing services for families both within and outside the home.
Speech therapy is a unique process, with no two clients being the same. Katie loves getting to know her clients and families and finding out what treatment approach works best for them. She also has a younger brother on the Autism Spectrum which has provided her with some experience that can only be gained at home.
Katie loves to spend time with her family at the cabin in the interior whenever she is not working. She is super happy to be able to be back working in her home town of Chilliwack.
Matt Snyder
Occupational Therapist
Education: Master of Science in Occupational Therapy 2015
Bachelor of Kinesiology 2013
Certificates: POPARD Introduction to Autism and Related Disorders (30 hours); Safe & Sound, Protocol Training and ILS Systems Training: Motivating Change – Strategies for Approaching
Resistance: Grant Writing
Years in Practice: 4
Personal Interests: I enjoy playing golf and basketball, travelling and camping with my girlfriend, dreaming of being a film critic and hanging out with my two dogs, Jax & Sadie.
Matthew So
Occupational Therapist
Matthew joined the Abilities team in the fall of 2021, after receiving his Master of Occupational Therapy from UBC. He is passionate about pediatrics and providing treatment to children with Autism, Developmental Coordination Disorder, and Cerebral Palsy. Matthew especially enjoys his role in supporting and collaborating with families to work towards achieving their goals.
Outside of work, Matthew enjoys trail running, ultimate frisbee, yoga, and spending time with friends and family. He is also an avid fan of the Vancouver Canucks and Toronto Raptors.
Nicole Chalmers
Experience Manager
Nicole has lived in Chilliwack for 13 years and feels privileged to enjoy the beautiful outdoors in this area of BC. Her favourite aspect of her position as Experience Manager at the Chilliwack clinic is documenting the success stories of clients as they reach their individual goals. Nicole’s aim is to ensure that every client and family feel confident in the services they are receiving and are well supported to become the successful heroes of their own stories.
Outside the office Nicole enjoys playing volleyball on a women’s league team, playing fiddle/violin and volunteering her time at a local soup kitchen.
Stefanie Pemble
Rehabilitation Assistant
Stefanie was the very first employee at Abilities. She completed a diploma program as a Rehabilitation Assistant. Stefanie is a very competent and dedicated Rehabilitation Assistant. She is able to add fun to the work she does with our clients to keep them motivated. She is the mother of three lovely girls and enjoys being out in the great outdoors.
Vrushali Khot
Physiotherapist
Vrushali enjoys neurorehabilitation and has particularly enjoyed working in the areas of spinal injury and multiple sclerosis. In recent years, she has become more interested in paediatrics and is now trying to pursue this interest further. Vrushali has also had the opportunity to work with assistive mobility devices and enjoyed immensely the problem solving involved and using it to optimise outcomes for clients.
Vrushali has a Bachelor of Physiotherapy, with a Masters of Public Health & a Masters of Health Management.
Outside of the clinic, Vrushali enjoys hiking, campng, reading and learning about nature and wildlife. She also loves gardneing and growing their own food.
Veronika Vlckova
Physiotherapist
Veronika graduated in 2012 with a Master of Science in Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy, in Leuven, Belgium, with a major in adults with neurological disorders. She is a member of the Physiotherapy Association of BC and the Canadian Physiotherapy Association, Neurosciences division. Over the years she has gained hospital, community, and clinical experience, having treated a variety of conditions. Her passion is working with adults in the field of neurorehabilitation, particularly with those diagnosed with stroke, MS, and Parkinson’s disease, and has a growing interest in the area of vestibular rehab.
While developing her career in BC, Veronika has completed certificates in the Bobath concept, aimed at the treatment of neurological impairments, in the management of persistent post-concussion symptoms, and in vestibular rehabilitation. She believes in the principle of continuing education in the ever-evolving domain of physiotherapy.
Veronika fosters a strong therapeutic relationship, and provides individualized treatment in partnership with her clients. She is dedicated to empowering lives by helping individuals realize their potential when working towards achieving their goals and meaningful activities.
In her spare time Veronika enjoys spending time with her family and dog, hiking up the beautiful local mountains of BC, fitness, and traveling.
Liz Ingram
Corporate Administrator
Liz joined the Abilities team in the spring of 2015. She has worked her way up from the Surrey admin desk, to being our Corporate Administrator. We appreciate her amazing technical skills, her organizational abilities and her keen business mind. She is a huge asset for our busy clinics!
Liz is from Ontario but once she moved to BC she didn't look back. She enjoys spending time with her family and travelling for vacations. She also likes to keep active in her spare time, curling and skiing in the winter and playing baseball in the summer.
Sharon Martin
Operations Manager
Sharon joined the Abilities management team in the fall of 2021. She brings with her 15 years of business management experience.
Having spent her entire life in the Surrey and Abbotsford area, she is now experiencing an 'almost empty nest' syndrome with her husband, as her 4 children have grown. In her spare time, she enjoys walking, fitness, volunteering at church, traveling and spending time with friends (she uses her management skills to organize all of the friend gatherings).
Adel Alabd
Physiotherapist
Adel joined the Abilities team in 2020.
Karen Wong
Occupational Therapist
Karen graduated with a Masters in Occupational Therapy from UBC in 2007. As an occupational therapist, Karen has worked with kids, adults and older adults with neurological issues, in acute, residential and community settings, including seating, assistive technology, and specialized individual intervention. In addition, Karen has worked in the area of mental health, facilitating groups, helping individuals gain independent living skills and achieve functional goals. Apart from Abilities, Karen also works as a community occupational therapist in the Tri-Cities area. Karen's interests outside the clinic include performing with several local groups as a musician, gardening, spending time outdoors and finding creative ways to engage and entertain an active 5 year old.
Kathy Cervo
Director of Client Experience
Originally from the Toronto area, Kathy lives in Abbotsford with her husband and 4 children. She loves it here! She ran a local preschool dance and fitness program called JitterBugs for 5 years and assists in Dance Classes at Abilities. She enjoys volunteering at her children's school and enjoys being active (especially Zumba classes!) and spending time with her family and friends.
Kathy does a great job "up front" at the Abbotsford Abilities and is appreciated for her super-positive-get-it-done attitude by both staff and clients. We know we can count on her every day!
Kristyna Becker
Speech Language Pathologist
As a Speech-Language Pathologist, Kristyna has worked with people of all ages, although she especially enjoys working with the preschool and school-age populations. She has a special interest in working with autistic individuals to support their speech and language development. She also enjoys working with children who have speech sound disorders, language disorders, and apraxia.
Kristyna joined Abilities in the spring of 2021, shortly after graduating from the University of Alberta with her Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology. Since graduating, Kristyna has completed further education focusing on gestalt language learning, early intervention, play-based therapy, and childhood apraxia of speech.
In her spare time, Kristyna enjoys hiking, reading, spending time with her cat (Luna), and traveling.
Liz Ingram
Corporate Administrator
Liz joined the Abilities team in the spring of 2015. She has worked her way up from the Surrey admin desk, to being our Corporate Administrator. We appreciate her amazing technical skills, her organizational abilities and her keen business mind. She is a huge asset for our busy clinics!
Liz is from Ontario but once she moved to BC she didn't look back. She enjoys spending time with her family and travelling for vacations. She also likes to keep active in her spare time, curling and skiing in the winter and playing baseball in the summer.
Lucy Bartlett
Occupational Therapist
Lucy joined the Abilities team in the Fall of 2021. She brings 3 years of diverse hospital- and rehabilitation- based clinical experience with VCH and Providence Health Care.
Lucy has a special interest in Stroke rehabilittaion for functional hand and arm use, Cognitive Skills for all ages, and Long Covid rehabilitation addressing the well being, fatigue, and brain fog that can occur post recovery.
In her free time, Lucy enjoys cooking new recipes (usually curry), getting outside for a hike or bike ride, and spending quality time with friends and family.
Prachi Jajoo
Physiotherapist
Prachi joined the Abilities team in 2022. She has her Masters in Neuro Phsyiotherapy from Maharashtra University of Health Sciences in India, as well as a Certificate in Autism and Behavioural Sciences from Mohawk College in Hamilton, Ontario.
She has special interest in working with individuals with Cerebral Palsy, Neuromotor Developmental Delays, Autism (ASD), Concussions, Neuromuscular Disorders, Genetic Disorders, Strokes, Parkinsons Disease, or Spinal Cord Injuries.
When not working, Prachi enjoys hiking, running, reading, and Spoken Word Poetry.
Sharon Martin
Operations Manager
Sharon joined the Abilities management team in the fall of 2021. She brings with her 15 years of business management experience.
Having spent her entire life in the Surrey and Abbotsford area, she is now experiencing an 'almost empty nest' syndrome with her husband, as her 4 children have grown. In her spare time, she enjoys walking, fitness, volunteering at church, traveling and spending time with friends (she uses her management skills to organize all of the friend gatherings).
Sophie Hopkins
Occupational Therapist
As an Occupational Therapist, Sophie has worked with children and adults with neurological challenges, helping them to reach their full potential. She is especially passionate about working with individuals on the Autism Spectrum, as well as with Downs Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Brain Injury, and post-Stroke.
Sophie graduated with a Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy, and joined Abilities in 2019. She has taken a number of continuing education courses including Handwriting without Tears instruction, and Foundations of Praxis for children with ASD.
In her spare time, Sophie enjoys reading, baking, trying out new restaurants, outdoor activities like hiking, and traveling (She's traveled to 5 continents!).
Suzanne Duhamel
Receiptionist
Suzanne joined the Abilities team in 2022. She brings with her many years of experience in Business Amdinistration and receiption.
When not working, Suzanne enjoys gardening, taking walks, Diamon Art, reading, listening to music, watching NFL, and spending time with her family. She especially enjoys spoiling her grandsons.
Alexis Gagne
Rehabilitation Assistant
Alexis joined the Abilities Team in September 2020, after completing her Bachelor's degree in Kinesiology from UFV. She has years of experience working with children with neurological challenges doing movement therpay and behaviour Intervention.
Outside of work, Alexis enjoys bieng outside with her dogs Puck and Ellie, exploring beautiful BC.
Avni Sharma
Receptionist
Avni joined the Abilities team in the spring of 2021. She has a great interest in following her purpose to empower diversity and inclusion in her community. She is currently purusing a degree in Criminology from the University of the Fraser Valley.
When not working or studying for her degree, Avni dedicates her time volunteering with community-organized events, and participating in leadership programs. apart from volunteering, Avni is also a professional dancer with 8 years of experience. She teaches and learns dance in her spare time.
Bruna Santos
Receiptionist
Bruna is passionate about people and leraning more about them. This is what has made her an exceptional team member, since joining Abilities in the summer of 2020. She enjoys being usefull and helping other in any way she can.
Originally from Brazil, she moved to Canada with her two beautiful daughters, her husband, and their sweet little dog, all of which keep her very busy outside of work. Bruna loves to spend time with her family and friends, enjoys music, outdoor activities and traveling to new places.
Cindy Gilray
Physiotherapist
Cindy graduated from the University of Alberta with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy in 2000. She has worked in a variety of settings since that time including Hospital, Private Practice Orthopedics, Early Intervention Pediatrics and Pediatric home visits.
She has taken many courses since graduating to enhance her knowledge in these areas of Physiotherapy. She has completed her Manual Therapy Orthopedic Level 3 and is certified in Acupuncture through AFCI.
Cindy has always had a desire to work in Pediatrics and began doing so in 2007 after coming off maternity leave with her second child. She worked at the Centre for Child Development in Surrey from 2007-2009 in Early Intervention. From 2009 to present she has been working in Private practice orthopedic setting working with adults and children. She has also continued to see neurological pediatric clients for home visits during this time.
Cindy is excited to join the team at Abilities and work with Children and their families. Her focus is to help them achieve their functional goals, and enhance their mobility and independence through Physiotherapy treatments.
When not at work Cindy enjoys watching her children’s sports and school activities, camping, travel and singing in choir.
Emma Pederson
Rehabilitation Assistant
Emma joined the Abilities team in 2020 after receiving her Bachelor of Human Kinetics degree from UBC Okanagan.
Oustide of the clinic, Emma enjoys cooking, running, and traveling.
Jessica Chow
Physiotherapist
Jessica enjoys working with kids who are trying to learn a new skill or achieve a new motor goal. She also loves disguising challenging therapeutic activities as fun games! She enjoys working with clients with acquired neurological conditions quite soon after their injury as well.
Jessica joined the Abilities team in 2020 after graduating with a Masters of Phsyical Therapy from the University of Western Ontario, and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from UBC.
Jessica's favourite way to spend her free time is staying active through hiking, biking, swimming and sports - including volleyball and badminton. She also enjoys thrifting, traveling, and reading about skin care ingredients, and eating out (bubble tea, noodle soup and sushi in particular)!
Karen Wong
Occupational Therapist
Karen graduated with a Masters in Occupational Therapy from UBC in 2007. As an occupational therapist, Karen has worked with kids, adults and older adults with neurological issues, in acute, residential and community settings, including seating, assistive technology, and specialized individual intervention. In addition, Karen has worked in the area of mental health, facilitating groups, helping individuals gain independent living skills and achieve functional goals. Apart from Abilities, Karen also works as a community occupational therapist in the Tri-Cities area. Karen's interests outside the clinic include performing with several local groups as a musician, gardening, spending time outdoors and finding creative ways to engage and entertain an active 5 year old.
Kathy Cervo
Director of Client Experience
Originally from the Toronto area, Kathy lives in Abbotsford with her husband and 4 children. She loves it here! She ran a local preschool dance and fitness program called JitterBugs for 5 years and assists in Dance Classes at Abilities. She enjoys volunteering at her children's school and enjoys being active (especially Zumba classes!) and spending time with her family and friends.
Kathy does a great job "up front" at the Abbotsford Abilities and is appreciated for her super-positive-get-it-done attitude by both staff and clients. We know we can count on her every day!
Kavleen Purewal
Rehab / Speech Assistant
Kavleen returned to the Abilities team in 2022, after taking a break to pursue her education. She is currently completing her Masters Degree in Speech Pathology at the University of Queensland (Australia), after obtaining her Bachelor in Behavioural Neuroscience with a minor in Linguistics from SFU in 2019.
When not working or studying, Kavleen enjoys cooking, reading, and Hiking.
Liz Ingram
Corporate Administrator
Liz joined the Abilities team in the spring of 2015. She has worked her way up from the Surrey admin desk, to being our Corporate Administrator. We appreciate her amazing technical skills, her organizational abilities and her keen business mind. She is a huge asset for our busy clinics!
Liz is from Ontario but once she moved to BC she didn't look back. She enjoys spending time with her family and travelling for vacations. She also likes to keep active in her spare time, curling and skiing in the winter and playing baseball in the summer.
Nancy Wang
Physiotherapist
Nancy joined the Abilities team in the Fall of 2021. She received her Masters of Physiotherapy from UBC, and has a passion for working with individulas that have had a Stroke, Spinal Cord Injury, or been diagnosed with Parkinson's.
In her free time, Nancy enjoys rock climbing, crossfit, golf, painting, and running the trails with her dog!
Melanie Regier
Speech Language Pathologist
Melanie joined the Ablities team in 2021, with a M.Sc. in Speech Language Pathology, and background in Psychology, Criminology, and Linguistics.
She has a special interest in working with individuals with Motor Speech Disorders or Autism, and areas such as Pediatric Feeding therpay, Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy, and Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) needs.
When not working, Melanie enjoys crocheting and knitting, reading, going for walks. Most especially, spending quality time with her husband and their son.
Rachael Zhang
Rehabilitation Assistant
Rachael joined the Abilities team in the spring of 2021. She enjoys working 1-on-1 with individulas, challenging them with new skills.
In her free time, Rachael enjoys playing badminton, piano, and watching shows with friends.
Sabrina Hamilton
Occupational Therapist
Sabrina joined the Abilities team in the Fall of 2021, after moving to BC from Alberta where she obtained her MSc in Occupational Therapy fro the University of Alberta.
She is interested in enabling independence in all populations and ages experiencing neurological differences.
Sabrina brings a lot of experience working with Traumatic Brain Injures, Stroke, Spinal Cord injuries, and brain tumor management. Most recently she was working with Traumatic Brian Injury management, and return to work planning in a post concussion management program. Prior to which she worked with kids at the Centre for Autism Services in Edmonton, AB.
As Sabrina is new to BC, she is enjoyoing exploring our surrounding natural playground. She loves hiking, kayaking, swimming, and playing disc golf. Anyting to get outside.
She also enjoys curling up with a good book or trying a new bread making recipe on the chillier rainy days too.
Sharon Martin
Operations Manager
Sharon joined the Abilities management team in the fall of 2021. She brings with her 15 years of business management experience.
Having spent her entire life in the Surrey and Abbotsford area, she is now experiencing an 'almost empty nest' syndrome with her husband, as her 4 children have grown. In her spare time, she enjoys walking, fitness, volunteering at church, traveling and spending time with friends (she uses her management skills to organize all of the friend gatherings).
Alexis Gagne
Rehabilitation Assistant
Alexis joined the Abilities Team in September 2020, after completing her Bachelor's degree in Kinesiology from UFV. She has years of experience working with children with neurological challenges doing movement therpay and behaviour Intervention.
Outside of work, Alexis enjoys bieng outside with her dogs Puck and Ellie, exploring beautiful BC.
Alicia Narwal
Receiptionist
Alicia joined the Abilities team in the spring of 2021, when we opened our 5th location in Langley. She is currently working towards her Bachelors of Business Administration & Accounting at Kwontlen Polytechnic University.
When she is not working or studying, Alicia enjoys spending time with her family and lifitng heavy in the gym.
Baneet Sra
Occupational Therapist
Baneet completed her undergraduate degree in Health Sciences at Simon Fraser University, and graduated with a Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy from Brunel University London. Baneet has been a part of the Abilities Team since 2020.
Outside the clinic, Baneet enjoys spending time with her family and friends, watching movies/TV shows and physical activities.
Erin Reeds
Physiotherapist
Erin pursued her Masters of Science degree in Physiotherapy at UBC in 2007 after completing her Bachelor of Science in Psychology at the University of Victoria in 2005. After graduating, Erin worked at Royal Columbian Hospital for a year where she developed a passion for neurological rehabilitation. After gaining experience in the acute setting, Erin started working for a private neurological clinic in Vancouver BC. During this time, she took numerous courses to enhance her knowledge and expertise in the area of neurological rehabilitation, including a 3 week Bobath course that focused on treatment specifically for neurological impairments. In September 2009, Erin began working with adults at the Abilities Surrey location.
Her passion for rehabilitation and the desire for her clients to achieve their goals energizes Erin to challenge her clients in a functional, goal directed manner. Erin has completed numerous NDT, vestibular rehabilitation and concussion management courses. She also holds certification in acupuncture with AFCI. Erin has completed several courses in Parkinson’s rehabilitation including the LSVT BIG Certification and PWR! Therapist course. Erin is a certified yoga instructor and enjoys teaching weekly adapted yoga courses to her clients at the Surrey Abilities location.
Outside of the clinic, Erin enjoys spending time with her dog Bruce as well as exploring local trails.
Harmene Dhillon
Speech Language Pathologist
Harmene joined the Abilities team in 2022. She has her Masters of Clinical Scienses in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Western Ontario, and her BA in Linguistics & Psychology with a certificate in Speech Sciences from SFU.
Harmene has a passion for working with adults with communication difficulties as a result of brain injury or neurological diseas (such as dementia, Parkinsons, or dysarthria). She also enjoys working with children, and has experience in speech sound disorders and early language intervention. Harmene enjoys educating and empowering fmailies with communcation and swallowing difficulties.
When not working, Harmene enjoys swimming, spending time with her family, and traveling.
Kathy Cervo
Director of Client Experience
Originally from the Toronto area, Kathy lives in Abbotsford with her husband and 4 children. She loves it here! She ran a local preschool dance and fitness program called JitterBugs for 5 years and assists in Dance Classes at Abilities. She enjoys volunteering at her children's school and enjoys being active (especially Zumba classes!) and spending time with her family and friends.
Kathy does a great job "up front" at the Abbotsford Abilities and is appreciated for her super-positive-get-it-done attitude by both staff and clients. We know we can count on her every day!
Kristyna Becker
Speech Language Pathologist
As a Speech-Language Pathologist, Kristyna has worked with people of all ages, although she especially enjoys working with the preschool and school-age populations. She has a special interest in working with autistic individuals to support their speech and language development. She also enjoys working with children who have speech sound disorders, language disorders, and apraxia.
Kristyna joined Abilities in the spring of 2021, shortly after graduating from the University of Alberta with her Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology. Since graduating, Kristyna has completed further education focusing on gestalt language learning, early intervention, play-based therapy, and childhood apraxia of speech.
In her spare time, Kristyna enjoys hiking, reading, spending time with her cat (Luna), and traveling.
Liz Ingram
Corporate Administrator
Liz joined the Abilities team in the spring of 2015. She has worked her way up from the Surrey admin desk, to being our Corporate Administrator. We appreciate her amazing technical skills, her organizational abilities and her keen business mind. She is a huge asset for our busy clinics!
Liz is from Ontario but once she moved to BC she didn't look back. She enjoys spending time with her family and travelling for vacations. She also likes to keep active in her spare time, curling and skiing in the winter and playing baseball in the summer.
Meredith Smith
Occupational Therapist
Meredith has a passion for working with individuals with Autism, Acquired Brain Injuries, and Down Syndrome.
Meredith pursued her Masters of Occupational Therapy at UBC, obtaining her degree in 2018. After practicing for 3 years, she joined the Abilities team in 2021.
Outside of the clinic Meredith enjoys baking delicious treats, cycling and hiking with her husband, and hanging out with friends & family.
Prachi Jajoo
Physiotherapist
Prachi joined the Abilities team in 2022. She has her Masters in Neuro Phsyiotherapy from Maharashtra University of Health Sciences in India, as well as a Certificate in Autism and Behavioural Sciences from Mohawk College in Hamilton, Ontario.
She has special interest in working with individuals with Cerebral Palsy, Neuromotor Developmental Delays, Autism (ASD), Concussions, Neuromuscular Disorders, Genetic Disorders, Strokes, Parkinsons Disease, or Spinal Cord Injuries.
When not working, Prachi enjoys hiking, running, reading, and Spoken Word Poetry.
Samantha Edwards
Physiotherapist
Samantha Edwards Physiotherapist Samantha completed her Master of Physical Therapy at the University of British Columbia. Prior to her physiotherapy degree, Samantha completed her Bachelors of Science Degree in Physics and Biology. Samantha found her passion for physiotherapy working as a physical therapy assistant here at Abilities while she pursued her undergraduate degree. Inspired by her patients, she then furthered her education with a focus on Kinesiology and Psychology. Samantha has experience and is comfortable working with all ages, with a variety of adult and pediatric neurological conditions. She has taken courses on FES devices, pediatric gait abnormalities, idiopathic toe walking and an integrated approach to shoulder treatment. Samantha is also certified in MyndMove training, a functional stimulation device for stroke and SCI patients and Sports Physiotherapy Canada First Responder. She enjoys using creative and functional based treatment programs in a collaborative approach that are patient centered and makes physio fun! She believes in treating the body as a whole, using a combination of manual therapy, pool therapy, modalities, active rehabilitation, patient education and home exercise to return you to the activities you love!
Sharon Martin
Operations Manager
Sharon joined the Abilities management team in the fall of 2021. She brings with her 15 years of business management experience.
Having spent her entire life in the Surrey and Abbotsford area, she is now experiencing an 'almost empty nest' syndrome with her husband, as her 4 children have grown. In her spare time, she enjoys walking, fitness, volunteering at church, traveling and spending time with friends (she uses her management skills to organize all of the friend gatherings).
