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Leah Bima Physiotherapist, Certified Hand Therapist, Acupuncture Provider, BMR (PT), BA, CHT
Following her years as a competitive volleyball player, Leah knew she wanted to become a Physiotherapist. Having received therapy for shoulder and elbow injuries, Leah experienced first-hand the role that Physiotherapy plays in reducing pain and restoring function. Leah has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to advancing her clinical skills throughout her career.
Leah’s training at a glance: >•Bachelor of Arts in Physical Activity & Sports Studies: University of Winnipeg (2002). Awarded the Gold Medal for highest academic achievement.
>•Bachelor of Medical Rehabilitation in Physiotherapy: University of Manitoba (2005)
>•Acupuncture (2006)
>•Low Intensity Laser Therapy (2012)
>•Certified Hand Therapist: Hand Therapy Certification Commission (2016)
Leah’s professionalism and enthusiasm are unmatched. Her strength lies in her unwavering commitment to the needs of her patients. She has the ability to use her exemplary communication skills to really listen to her patients, set attainable goals and inspire individuals to reach their maximum potential. Leah’s favorite conditions to treat include shoulder impingement, rotator cuff repairs, wrist fractures and tendonitis.
Following her years as a competitive volleyball player, Leah knew she wanted to become a Physioth... Read More
Christopher Caron
Chris is a dedicated Physiotherapist with over seven years of experience helping individuals improve mobility, function, and quality of life through evidence-based rehabilitation. His experience in rural healthcare has provided broad clinical exposure across private practice, home care, long-term care, hospital, and school settings. Inspired by his own rehabilitation from sports-related injuries in high school, Chris developed a passion for helping others restore function and improve their well-being through physiotherapy.
He has completed extensive post-graduate training in musculoskeletal physiotherapy, dry needling, and acupuncture. Chris is committed to ongoing professional development and is actively working toward his Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) designation.
• Master of Physical Therapy (MPT): University of Manitoba (2018)
• Certified Gunn Intramuscular Stimulation (CGIMS): University of British Columbia (2025)
• Advanced Dry Needling Techniques – Level 3 (2025)
• Advanced MSK Physiotherapy (AIM) Program – Level 1 (2024)
• Acupuncture Canada Certification in Dry Needling – Levels 1 & 2 (2022)
• Acupuncture Canada Certification – Level 1 (2022)
• The Pain Truth Program: Certified Health Care Provider (2024)
• Currently a Certified Hand Therapist candidate
Chris has a special interest in treating orthopedic and sports-related conditions, particularly shoulder injuries and persistent pain conditions. He is passionate about helping individuals return to meaningful activity and improve confidence in movement. With his clear commitment to professional growth, Chris is on an excellent path toward achieving the Certified Hand Therapist designation.
Chris is a dedicated Physiotherapist with over seven years of experience helping individuals impr... Read More
Keiko Kobayakawa Physiotherapist, Acupuncture Provider, MPT, BA
Keiko is an enthusiastic and dedicated Physiotherapist with a keen interest in hand and upper extremity treatment. Her interest in physiotherapy developed from working closely with Physiotherapists after sustaining injuries during her competitive basketball career. Keiko was fortunate enough to play university basketball in Japan, Winnipeg (Wesmen), and Halifax (Dalhousie Tigers). Without the help of Physiotherapists she would not have been able to continue her basketball career. Keiko has pursued advanced training in hand therapy and upper extremity rehabilitation and is actively working toward the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) designation. Her experience and dedication allow her to provide high-quality care for hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder injuries.
• Master’s of Physical Therapy. University of Manitoba (2019)
• Bachelor of Science: Athletic Therapy (in progress) (2015-2016)
• Bachelor of Arts: Kinesiology. University of Winnipeg (2014)
• Bachelor of Science: Kinesiology. Dalhousie University (2011-2012).
• Acupuncture (2022)
• Cupping (2025)
• Advanced Integrative Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy: Level 2 upper and lower extremities (2025, 2023)
• Currently a Certified Hand Therapist candidate
With her focused training, growing expertise, and clear dedication to hand therapy, Keiko is well positioned to support patients with upper extremity concerns. Her favourite conditions to treat include: shoulder injuries and fractures. Given Keiko’s strong interest and demonstrated commitment to hand therapy, she is well on track to successfully completing the Certified Hand Therapist recognition process.
Keiko is an enthusiastic and dedicated Physiotherapist with a keen interest in hand and upper ext... Read More
Krista Paulson
(She/Her/Hers)
Physiotherapist, Certified Hand Therapist, Acupuncture Provider, BMR (PT), BSc, MSc, CHT
Education, experience and enthusiasm set Krista apart. From her first encounter with a physiotherapist as a pediatric burn patient, Krista realized the importance of the role of rehabilitation in health care. Her lifelong interest in Physiotherapy is apparent by her ongoing commitment to professional development throughout her career.
Krista’s training at a glance:
>•Bachelor of Science degree: University of Winnipeg (1999). Graduated with highest academic distinction.
>•Bachelor of Medical Rehabilitation in Physiotherapy: University of Manitoba (2005). Dean’s Honour List.
>•Acupuncture (2007)
>•Master’s of Science in Rehabilitation: University of Manitoba (2011). Dean’s Honor List.
>•Certified Hand Therapist: Hand Therapy Certification Commission (2013).
Due to her strong academic and clinical skills, Krista was awarded a prestigious Physiotherapy clinical placement at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden in 2004. In recognition of her professionalism and mentorship qualities, Krista was the 2012 recipient of the Manitoba Physiotherapy Association Leonore Saunders Award for acting as a role model and inspiration to her colleagues. Her passion for Hand & Upper Extremity Physiotherapy is obvious to colleagues and patients alike. Krista’s favorite conditions to treat include upper extremity fractures, wrist sprains, trigger finger and finger dislocations.
Education, experience and enthusiasm set Krista apart. From her first encounter with a physiothe... Read More
Julaine (Julie) Scarlett Physiotherapist, Certified Hand Therapist, BSc (PT), CHT
Julie is a dedicated clinician who has worked internationally in the United States and Australia. From observing surgeries, to formulating rehabilitation protocols, to wound care, to expertly crafted custom splints, Julie has done it all.
Julie became interested in Physiotherapy as a child growing up around a hospital where her mom worked as a medical records technician. Later, she experienced a number of injuries while competing as a University volleyball athlete. Her interest in the medical field became more focused toward rehabilitation and training athletes as a result.
Julie’s training at a glance: •Bachelor of Science (Physiotherapy) degree: University of Alberta (1993) •Certified Hand Therapist: Hand Therapy Certification Commission (2010) Julie has been invited as an expert speaker and professional mentor with: •University of Manitoba Orthopedic Symposium •Pan Am Clinic Foundation •Red River College Speech and Language •Dental Hygiene Annual Symposium •University of Manitoba Physiotherapy (2010-2017) •Mentor for Hand Therapy Certification Applicant (2015-2018)
She is an active member of the athletic community including: •Dakota High School Junior Varsity Girls Volleyball Coach •Assistant Team Manitoba Volleyball Coach •University of Winnipeg Jr. Wesmen Club Volleyball Coach •Dental Hygiene Annual Symposium •St. Boniface Flames Female Soccer Coach (2006) •St. Boniface Stars and Saints Hockey Coach (2012-2016) Julie is known for her individualized treatment approach to help her clients maximize their recovery and function. She has a demonstrated commitment to staying on top of current practices and sharing her knowledge as a presenter and mentor to other Physiotherapists.
Her favorite conditions to treat include wrist injuries, overhead athletic shoulders, and thumb conditions.
Julie is a dedicated clinician who has worked internationally in the United States and Australia.... Read More
Matthew Thiessen Physiotherapist, Certified Hand Therapist, Acupuncture Provider, BMR (PT), BA, CHT
Matthew became interested in Physiotherapy when volunteering in the rehabilitation department at the Health Sciences Centre. He observed how even a seemingly small intervention could make a monumental difference in an individual’s quality of life. Matthew has pursued his career as a Physiotherapist with unwavering enthusiasm.
Matthew’s training at a glance:
>•Bachelor of Arts in Psychology: University of Manitoba (2001). Graduated with honors.
>•Bachelor of Medical Rehabilitation in Physiotherapy: University of Manitoba (2005)
>•Acupuncture (2006)
>•Currently a Certified Hand Therapist candidate
Matthew has a special interest in working with pediatric patients and is a passionate advocate for Pediatric Hemophilia and Cancer awareness. He cycled across Canada in the Sears National Kids Cancer Ride in 2010 and traveled to India in 2011 and 2012 to educate local Physiotherapists and Physicians regarding orthopedic management and complications of Hemophilia. Matthew’s favorite conditions to treat include hand fractures, tendon repairs and elbow injuries.
Matthew became interested in Physiotherapy when volunteering in the rehabilitation department at ... Read More
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