Meet Our Staff

Sharmila Kulkarni, PT, Director, Co-Owner

Sharmila joined her parents in the Upper Ottawa Physiotherapy family clinic as a registered physiotherapist in 1999 and took on the Director's position in 2005. She started her career in health and wellness as a fitness instructor working first in Hamilton, then in Montreal and Amsterdam. She earned her Bachelors of Arts from McGill University in History and Italian Literature (1994). She went on to earn her Bachelors of Health Science Physiotherapy from the renowned McMaster University School of Rehabilitation Science in 1999 and the same year became a Certified Anatomical Acupuncturist.

Since then, she has gained extensive experience in outpatient and inpatient orthopedic physiotherapy. She is a Certified Pilates Instructor and developed the Pilates Fit Studio Rehabilitation Pilates program offered exclusively at UOP.

In 2010, Sharmila embarked on a new path and began her Master's in Osteopathic Manipulative Science, a classical Osteopathic education at the Canadian Academy of Osteopathy & Holistic Health Sciences. With the vigor and enthusiasm that comes with new knowledge, she now uses the principles of Osteopathy in all her treatments.

Sharmila balances her commitment to her career with her dedication to her family and her own personal growth. She is a mom and married to Co-Owner & Hand Therapist, Michael Vallely. In her spare moments she enjoys traveling, reading, hot yoga and spending time with friends.

Michael Vallely, PT, Director of Hand Clinic, Co-Owner

Mike is and dedicated and creative therapist with a reputation for excellence in his field of Hand Therapy. He completed his undergraduate degree at McGill University in 1990 and worked for 7 years as a musician and painter in his home city of Montreal. After a move to Hamilton, he was introduced to the world of healthcare and worked alongside clinic founder, Kiki Kulkarni, until he began his Bachelor's of Health Science Physiotherapy at McMaster University. Mike graduated in 2000 and immediately began his apprenticeship in Hand Therapy under the tutelage of industry pioneer, Mohini Ahuja.

With over 10 000 hours experience in hand therapy, Mike became the Director of the Hand Clinic in 2005. Mike is a Professional Associate of the McMaster University School of Physiotherapy and a frequent instructor in the school's Clinical Skills program. He is a member of the Ithaca Hand Therapy Think Tank and the MacHand Group both of which are dedicated to research and excellence in hand therapy.

Mike is a Certified Medical Acupuncturist and certified in Active Release Technique® for the upper extremity. He is considered an expert in splinting techniques for the hand and forearm.

Outside of work, Mike is a dedicated parent and volunteer. He is the convener of the Kirkendall Recreation Association and can be found coaching soccer and hockey throughout the year.

Mia Dang - Registered Physiotherapist

Mia is a registered Physiotherapist with a Master's of Science in Physical Therapy from McMaster University (2009). Shehas completed the Level I Manual Therapy course from the Canadian Orthopedic Division. Prior to attending physiotherapy school, Mia worked for 5 years as a Certified Pilates instructor at a multi-disciplinary rehabilitation clinic in Toronto. She also has an undergraduate degree in Systems Design Engineering from the University of Waterloo (1996).

Mia's goal in rehabilitation is to combine conventional and alternative healing practices. In addition to her scientific training, Mia has taken courses in massage therapy, Reiki and mindfulness. In her spare time, Mia practices meditation & Tai Chi, draws, dances and plays with her little Corgi.

Judy Rochwerg-Registered Physiotherapist

Judy Rochwerg graduated from the University of Toronto with a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Therapy. She was previously employed in Toronto at both Wellesley and Scarborough General Hospitals, where she worked on a variety of in-patient wards. Following a move to Hamilton, Judy worked at St. Joseph's Healthcare in the outpatient physiotherapy department. Her interest and expertise is in an orthopedic setting where she encourages involvement with her patients through an active approach to rehabilitation. She enjoys working in a team environment with other health care professionals. Judy has taken many orthopedics courses to enhance her clinical practice.

Judy is an active volunteer in her community. She enjoys spending time with her husband and two sons, keeping fit, travelling and reading.

Dr. Angela Hunt, BSc, ND

Angela earned a Bachelor of Science, with a double major in Biology and Psychology at the University of Western Ontario before going on to the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM) for four-years of full time study. During her years at CCNM she was part of a volunteer medical team in Nicaragua and a member of a birth assistants group providing pregnancy and labour support for mothers in need. Angela was also an intern at Anishnawbe Health Toronto, a centre that focuses on the unique health concerns in First Nations communities. She completed a 12-month placement at the Robert Schad Naturopathic Clinic, where she treated many conditions, such as insomnia, eczema, irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, and infertililty. She also saw patients for such conditions as addiction, depression, anxiety and diabetes and has a special focus in Paediatrics.

Angela is an active member of the Canadian Association Naturopathic Doctors, Ontario Association of Naturopathic Doctors and licensed under the BDDT-N (Ontario licensing board of Ontario).

In her spare time, Angela does yoga and loves hiking. She is currently taking New Patients and offers complimentary 15-minute consultations to discuss how natural therapies can benefit your future health.

Maura Bommer - Certified Pilates Instructor

Maura attended Cabrillo College and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Alternative Energy Technologies. She began her career in fitness in 1995 becoming an aerobics instructor in Colorado. After moving with her husband to Ontario, she became certified in group fitness, personal training and indoor cycling and, in 1999, she became certified to teach Pilates.

Since 2006, Maura has focused her work in post rehabilitation, working with various local health care professionals such as Chiropractors, Physical Therapists, Osteopaths, and local GPs. She has been successfully helping clients with acute injuries as well clients with chronic symptoms, ranging from rotator cuff tears, knee replacements and disc injuries, to diabetes, bursitis, and fibromyalgia.

Maura has extensive post-certification training in Therapeutic Pilates, Post Rehab Work for Personal Trainers, Injury Assessment , Integrative Manual Therapy Protocols and Soft Tissue Release Technique.

She has remained committed to preserving the environment using her original education in alternative energy to improve her new home, which she shares with her husband on the Niagara escarpment, and to tend to her extensive organic garden. She also enjoys on and off road cycling, Latin music and dance and attending various workshops in and around the peninsula.

Kathy Callaghan - Certified Pilates Instructor

After spending many years raising her family Kathy returned to her love of fitness and swimming. The rigorous training of swimming and other fitness pursuits lead Kathy to follow her natural sense of precision to discover the satisfaction of strength building through Pilates. Shortly after she started practicing Pilates in 2000 she began her teacher training programs receiving certifications from Stott Pilates in Mat and Reformer, Body Harmonics Mat and extensive training on theCadillac, Chair and Barrel from Stott Pilates. Kathy is a warm and inspiring instructor with a positive andmotivating style of teaching. Her mission is to help her clients attain their personal goals of health, fitness and well being partiallythrough the Stott Pilates style of training. Kathy creates a fun, safe and exciting experience incorporating a natural flow and variety to her Pilates instruction. She hopes you will join her to explore all aspects of Pilates.

Theresa Gallo - Certified STOTTPILATES® Instructor

Theresa's love and appreciation for body movement began at an early age. As a gymnast, coach, fitness instructor and trainer she has been involved in health and wellness for many years. Theresa received her Bachelor of Arts in 1994 and went on to study Pilates. She became a fully Certified STOTTPILATES® Instructor in 1999 and immediately began her practice in Rehabilitation Pilates.

During a trip to Thailand she studied Traditional Thai Massage, which she integrates to help her clients with pain and limited flexibility. Theresa was an integral part of the team that developed and implemented the innovative Pilates Fit Studio Rehabilitation Pilates program. Ongoing learning is important to Theresa. She attends courses and workshops to stay current and be aware of the latest research in Rehabilitation Pilates. Theresa enjoys helping her clients realize their goals, educating them on the benefits of Rehabilitation Pilates and encouraging them to lead a safe, active lifestyle.

When she's not teaching, Theresa can be found doing yoga, kayaking, traveling and enjoying time with her family.

Debra

Margaret

Jacquie

Shirlee

Renata

Teresa

Lisa Marie Foreman, Registered Massage Therapist, Certified Medical Acupuncturist

Lisa completed a Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Guelph. She then went on to complete her diploma in Massage Therapy from Sutherland-Chan in Toronto and upgraded to an Honours Sciences degree in Psychology. She has worked as a board examiner for the College of Massage Therapists of British Columbia and has operated her own clinic in North Vancouver.

As a life-long learner, Lisa has taken many postgraduate courses to add to her tool bag, including Muscle Energy Techniques and Cranio-Sacral Therapy. Recently, she completed the Contemporary Medical Acupuncture program at McMaster University and has incorporated this new modality into her therapeutic practice. Lisa is currently working on her Masters of Osteopathic Medicine.

Lisa is a recreational sports enthusiast and enjoys working with people of all athletic abilities. As a Psychology major, Lisa has a keen interest the effects of stress on wellness and healing and has expanded her Acupuncture training to include Stress Related Disorders.