We’ll make it work!!

Our experienced and friendly team strive to have you feeling like yourself again in no time.

Staff Bios

 

Founder & Owner

 

Penny Whitehouse PT, MCPA, MCPO


Penny started the Physiotherapy Centre in 1967, together with her husband Michael. Although he retired in 1999, Penny continues to be active at the clinic, and can still be found there as many as three days a week!

Penny loves interacting with seniors, who respond well to her empathy, not to mention her sweet and caring nature. “Being a senior myself, I can relate easily to many of the older patients, having experienced some of the same challenges,” she affirms.

When she’s not at the clinic, Penny enjoys spending time at home with her dogs. Although she’s also been bitten by the travel bug in the last few years.

 

 

Physiotherapists

 

Vineet Bhardwaj PT

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Alanna Smith PT, MSc, CAFCI


Alanna is a Registered Physiotherapist with degrees from the University of Western Ontario (Honours Specialization in Health Sciences and Masters in Physical Therapy). She has worked in a variety of settings, encompassing sports medicine, pediatrics and orthopedic surgery through Cambridge Memorial Hospital.

Alanna is particularly interested in manual therapy and acupuncture. She is certified by the Acupuncture Foundation of Canada Institute and has also been trained in advanced manual therapy courses. She is currently completing the McKenzie Technique program for the treatment of neck and back pain.

When asked why she chose her current profession, Alanna replied, “I enjoy helping people of all ages suffering from injury, illness or disability, through exercise, manual therapy, education and advice. If I can have an impact on a person’s overall health, happiness and ability to live their life to the fullest then I am truly satisfied.”

Outside of work, Alanna indulges in such activities as swimming, hiking, reading, writing and spending time with friends and family. In the summer, she particularly enjoys spending time at her cottage.

 

Thao Thai PT, MSc, BScPT, CAFCI

 

Thao is a Registered Physiotherapist with degrees from both from McGill University (Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy, 1998) and the University of Western Ontario (Master of Science, 2001). She has worked in a variety of settings, encompassing clinical, teaching and research. Her previous posts include research consultant at the University of Western Ontario and educator in the Health Sciences department of Conestoga College.

Thao is particularly interested in orthopaedics and acupuncture. She is certified in acupuncture by the Acupuncture Foundation of Canada Institute and also trained in manual therapy, wound management and McKenzie based techniques.

“I love interacting with people of all ages, from children to older adults,” Thao declares. “I particularly enjoy helping people progress through their rehabilitation and recovery.”

In her spare time, Thao enjoys activities such as swimming and walking, as well as reading and spending time with her family and friends.

 

 

Vipul Delvadiya BPT

 

 

 

 

 

Physiotherapy Assistants (PTAs)

 

Robin Elliott - Team Lead


Robin graduated as a kinesiologist from the University of Waterloo in 2004 and has been a part of the Advantage Physiotherapy / Physiotherapy Centre family since 2008.

“Health is our greatest resource and not one to be taken for granted,” feels Robin. She looks forward to applying her years of health care experience in working with you to help you achieve your personal goals of health and wellness. “Whether you’re troubled by a traumatic injury or chronic condition, working together we can help,” she says.

At home, Robin enjoys knitting and relaxing with her cats.

 

Crimson Bustamante

Alex Dimbu

 

Alex earned his OTA/PTA diploma at Connestoga College in 2018.

In his spare time he enjoys reading and listening to audio books. Alex also enjoys music and making tea.

Ibrahim (Iggy) Eblan BSc.

 

Iggy was born and raised in Jordan, where he earned a Bachelor of Science from the Paramedical Institute. He moved to Canada in 1994, and has been a fixture of the Physiotherapy Centre as a Rehabilitation Coordinator since 1996.

 
 

 

 

Office

Lisa Prack

 

Lisa is usually the first cheerful voice or happy smile you encounter when you call or visit Advantage Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation or the Physiotherapy Centre.

Lisa has been part of our family since 1988. For almost twenty years she worked as a physiotherapist assistant, but moved to front office administration in 2007.

When not at work Lisa enjoys spending time with her family and friends and also with her dogs.  She loves cooking, reading, fishing and going to the cottage.

 

 

Sue Whitehouse-Meyrick BA

 

As the daughter of the two physiotherapists that started the business back in 1967, Sue has been working at the Physiotherapy Centre / Advantage Physiotherapy, in one capacity or another, since she was 10 years old. Now the Business Manager, she strives to keep the two clinics running smoothly.

While she takes the businesses and the services they provide very seriously, Sue’s great sense of humour and positive attitude means that the atmosphere remains friendly and fun. “Ensuring everyone feels welcome and relaxed is very important,” she insists. “We aim to provide an incredibly warm and healing environment. After all, laughter is the best medicine!”

Sue has three lovely dogs at home, and enjoys traveling the world with her husband, Rich, and Jaspa!

 

Rich Meyrick PhD

 

Born in Wales, Rich developed a fascination in geography, history and the environment at an early age, interests which culminated in a PhD from the University of Cambridge (UK) and a post-doc at the University of Waterloo. After subsequently working four years as an environmental scientist in Weimar, Germany, Rich married Sue and returned to Waterloo, this time permanently.

 

In 2004, Rich began writing his Jaspa’s Journey travel adventure novels for strong middle grade readers. The first four (The Great Migration, The Pride of London, Jaspa's Waterloo and The Hermit of Kennecott) are now available in both paperback and ebook formats from Amazon and other good online bookstores.

 

A Canadian citizen since 2009, when not actually travelling, Rich divides his time between helping Sue run our clinics and continuing to write Jaspa’s Journey. It’s a Journey he hopes will continue for many years to come.

 

Check out Jaspa’s website and blog to learn more.