Our team consists of highly qualified professionals dedicated to providing exceptional care and support across various disciplines. Our Clinical Manager leads a team of registered Occupational Therapists, each bringing a wealth of experience and expertise to their practice. They are registered with the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario and are active members of relevant professional associations, ensuring they stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in their field.
Our registered Occupational Therapists have diverse educational backgrounds, including degrees in Kinesiology, Human Kinetics, and Occupational Therapy from esteemed institutions. They possess extensive experience in areas such as chronic pain management, mental health, traumatic brain injury, orthopaedics, workplace accommodation, and medico-legal consulting.
Clinical Manager Registered/Occupational Therapist
Ms. Alexa Yegendorf is an Occupational Therapist, registered with the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario and a member of the Ontario Society of Occupational Therapists and the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists. She is qualified and registered to practice in the province of Ontario.
She graduated from McGill University with a double major in Biology and Humanities. She continued her education at University of Ottawa where she completed her Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy. She has extensive clinical experience in the assessment and treatment of individuals with physical, neurological, psychological and cognitive impairments. Alexa has gained valuable experience providing in-home/community-based assessment and intervention within the medical legal sector and has testified at legal proceedings.
She has experience working in hospital-based and community setting. She has clinical experience working in pediatrics, working for a school board as well as various hospital programs. She has attended conferences and seminars on insurance policy and litigation, cognitive assessment and intervention. She has attended workshops on concussion management and pediatric acquired brain injury intervention. She regularly attends annual brain injury conferences and has completed courses through the Ontario Brain Injury Association.
Alexa has completed training in catastrophic assessment and has successfully
completed the C-CAT Certification Examination offered through the Canadian Society of Medical Evaluators and the Canadian Academy of Psychologists in Disability Assessment. She holds the designation of C-CAT (FO).
Registered Psychotherapist
Anthea is a Registered Occupational Therapist with the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario. She obtained her bachelor’s degree in Biology/Psychology from Queen’s University and went on to complete her Master’s of Science in Occupational Therapy at the University of Toronto. Anthea has experience with the assessment and treatment of individuals with physical, cognitive, and emotional impairments and she has worked with adults and children. She believes in a client-centered approach to ensure treatment matches each individual’s unique needs. She values collaboration and creativity in the therapeutic process and believes the best outcomes come from successful teamwork. Outside of her professional life, Anthea enjoys travelling, outdoor activities, running, learning new languages, and reading.
Registered Occupational Therapist
Laura is a registered Occupational Therapist with the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario. She has obtained her bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology from Dalhousie University in Halifax and her master’s degree in Occupational Therapy (MHScOT) from the University of Ottawa. Laura has experience working with a variety of populations, including experience in hospital settings, mental health, and outpatient rehabilitation.
Her diverse experiences provided her with the skills and education to provide holistic, client-centred care and support to her clients. Laura has a passion for helping her clients achieve their physical, affective, cognitive, and spiritual goals as well as for creating a safe, nonjudgmental space for her clients. Outside of work, Laura enjoys keeping active, beekeeping, as well as spending time with her pets, friends, and her family.
Ms. Alexa Yegendorf is an Occupational Therapist, registered with the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario and a member of the Ontario Society of Occupational Therapists and the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists. She is qualified and registered to practice in the province of Ontario.
She graduated from McGill University with a double major in Biology and Humanities. She continued her education at University of Ottawa where she completed her Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy. She has extensive clinical experience in the assessment and treatment of individuals with physical, neurological, psychological and cognitive impairments. Alexa has gained valuable experience providing in-home/community-based assessment and intervention within the medical legal sector and has testified at legal proceedings.
She has experience working in hospital-based and community setting. She has clinical experience working in pediatrics, working for a school board as well as various hospital programs. She has attended conferences and seminars on insurance policy and litigation, cognitive assessment and intervention. She has attended workshops on concussion management and pediatric acquired brain injury intervention. She regularly attends annual brain injury conferences and has completed courses through the Ontario Brain Injury Association.
Alexa has completed training in catastrophic assessment and has successfully completed the C-CAT Certification Examination offered through the Canadian Society of Medical Evaluators and the Canadian Academy of Psychologists in Disability Assessment. She holds the designation of C-CAT (FO).
Anthea is a Registered Occupational Therapist with the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario. She obtained her bachelor’s degree in Biology/Psychology from Queen’s University and went on to complete her Master’s of Science in Occupational Therapy at the University of Toronto. Anthea has experience with the assessment and treatment of individuals with physical, cognitive, and emotional impairments and she has worked with adults and children. She believes in a client-centred approach to ensure treatment matches each individual’s unique needs. She values collaboration and creativity in the therapeutic process and believes the best outcomes come from successful teamwork. Outside of her professional life, Anthea enjoys travelling, outdoor activities, running, learning new languages, and reading.
Laura is a registered Occupational Therapist with the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario. She has obtained her bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology from Dalhousie University in Halifax and her master’s degree in Occupational Therapy (MHScOT) from the University of Ottawa. Laura has experience working with a variety of populations, including experience in hospital settings, mental health, and outpatient rehabilitation.
[readmore] Her diverse experiences provided her with the skills and education to provide holistic, client-centred care and support to her clients. Laura has a passion for helping her clients achieve their physical, affective, cognitive, and spiritual goals as well as for creating a safe, nonjudgmental space for her clients. Outside of work, Laura enjoys keeping active, beekeeping, as well as spending time with her pets, friends, and her family.[/readmore]
Tricia Pataunia is a Registered Occupational Therapist with the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario. She earned her Bachelor’s of Science degree in Human Kinetics from the University of Ottawa and her Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy (MScOT) from the University of Alberta. Tricia has clinical experience working with clients in mental health facilities, traumatic brain injury care, school settings, disability and return to work management, and outpatient rehabilitation centres.[readmore] She is deeply dedicated to advocating for client needs and ensuring they receive comprehensive client-focused care. Beyond her professional life, Tricia enjoys an active lifestyle, finds joy in painting, film, music, and spending quality time with her friends and family.[/readmore]
Caryn is a registered Occupational Therapist with the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario and a member of the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists. She earned her Bachelor’s of Science degree from McMaster University in Hamilton and her Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of Ottawa. [readmore] Caryn’s passion is collaborating with her clients to live full and meaningful lives through holistic care. She has experience working in cognitive and physical rehabilitation, and mental health. Within the Vitality team, she uses this experience to lead the interdisciplinary Chronic Pain program. She is trained to offer services in English and in French. In her free time, Caryn is a competitive powerlifter and enjoys learning new languages.[/readmore]
Chris is a bilingual Social Worker and member of the College of Social Workers of Ontario. He grew up and studied in Montreal earning a post-Grad degree in Social Work at McGill (with an undergrad degree in Economics and Philosophy) and has over 20 years’ experience working and journeying with children and youth who have experienced trauma (both physical and emotional).[readmore] Related to this has been work with clients dealing with mental health challenges through therapies which seek connection(s) to nature and sources of meaning or purpose. Many of his clients have suffered from ABI or TBI. Nature, Athletics and Animals gives him pleasure and peace as does working with individuals who become more fully alive.[/readmore]
Bill joined the Vitality Rehabilitation Group in early 2021, focusing on the management of chronic pain. His rich academic background includes a Master’s of Science in Nursing and a Primary Healthcare Nurse Practitioner Diploma, with a specific interest in pediatric post-operative pain management.At Vitality, Bill has quickly become an indispensable member of our team, leading our chronic pain assessments. [readmore]He diagnoses conditions, prescribes appropriate treatments, and uses a blend of pharmacologic, physiologic, and psychological interventions to offer customized care to each patient.In addition to his robust experience in chronic pain management, Bill brings a significant understanding of pediatric health from his research and prior experience. His extensive studies and publications in the field have deepened his insights into pain management for children and adolescents, making him an invaluable resource for families seeking support for their young ones.A bilingual professional, Bill can effectively communicate in both English and French. Beyond his clinical work, he has dedicated time to volunteering at the Wabano Centre for Aboriginal Health, working to promote cultural inclusivity and health awareness.We are proud to have Bill as part of the Vitality Rehabilitation Group, where his skills, experience, and compassionate approach greatly enhance the quality of care we provide to our patients.[/readmore]
Erika is a bilingual (French and English) Registered Kinesiologist with the College of Kinesiologist of Ontario and a member of the Ontario Kinesiologist Association. She completed her Bachelor of Health Science degree in Human Kinetics in French Immersion at the University of Ottawa. Erika has experience working in exercise prescription and physical rehabilitation. [readmore] She has also helped clients with different musculoskeletal issues and goals through her years working as a Personal Trainer and Group Fitness Instructor. She is passionate about educating her clients on how to live pain-free and live life to the fullest while achieving their goals. In her free time, Erika enjoys working out, spending time with family and friends, and spending time outdoors.[/readmore]
Celina is dedicated to practicing mindfulness and presence in her daily life as a Therapeutic Yoga Instructor. Celina offers personalized, one-on-one therapeutic care to her clients, in the comfort of their home or in the office. Celina’s wisdom is supported by a Bachelor of Science in Human Kinetics, two decades of Personal Training and Group Fitness Instruction, and is a Registered Yoga Teacher offering group classes to students of all levels of experience. [readmore] She is a mother; she has real life experience co-regulating other humans’ nervous systems during challenges. She provides holistic support for those facing or have faced a variety of life’s challenges – including grief, trauma, birth, and injury. Celina has significant experience working with bodies of varying limitations and special needs. She seeks to connect with people on a personal, meaningful level. Offering trauma-informed communication and presence, to comfort and reassure those in a vulnerable position in life. Celina seeks to empower individuals to progress towards improved health and well-being, using the practical daily application of Yoga in everyday life. [/readmore]
Nataliya Kyrylenko is passionate about mental health and helping others. Throughout her career, Nataliya has ongoing interest in continuing her medical and psychological education. She organizes and coordinates office administration and procedures, in order to ensure organizational effectiveness, efficiency, and safety. She is fluent in English, Russian and Polish. Outside of work Nataliya enjoys soccer, skiing, learning new languages, camping, and travelling.
Prudence Oreggio, MSW, RSW, I am a registered Clinical Social Worker, licensed through the College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers of Ontario in good standing with the OCSWSSW. I have acquired my master’s and bachelor’s degree in social work from McGill university with honours and my Social Service Worker diploma from Sheridan college where I received the scholar award for outstanding academic achievement.[readmore] I am an advanced clinician with over 20 years of social work experience and have practiced within the areas of mental health that includes psychiatry, conducting telephone and walk-in counselling, crisis support, individual, couples and family therapy, and clinical case management for military veterans and individuals that have suffered an MVA. In the health care field, I have experience in rehabilitation, oncology, nephrology (dialysis, transplant, and Preventive Renal Insufficiency Clinic, palliative care, EOL care planning and support including being the first social worker involved in the onset of MAID (medical assistance in dying) and putting forth recommendations regarding this program. My skill set includes mediation, resource allocation and referrals, advocacy, program development and evaluation, and clinical care management for clients with complex care needs. I have significant experience within the domain of violence against women, senior/child/youth abuse, and support and advocacy work for person with developmental and/or physical disability. My clinical assessments and interventions are conducted within a trauma informed, anti-oppressive, anti-racist, and culturally competent lens that is person centered and strength based. I utilize an eclectic therapeutic style that is holistic, trauma informed, DBT informed and entails the following modalities: Cognitive behavioral therapy Solution focused Acceptance and commitment therapy Exposure therapy Existential therapy Emotion focused therapy Attachment therapy Family systems Motivational interviewing Mindfulness-based therapy[/readmore]
Virginia (Ginny) is fully registered with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). She is also a Registered Canadian Art Therapist (RCAT), and professional member of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA). Her approach to psychotherapy with clients is trauma-informed, relational and person-centred, meaning she treats her clients holistically and brings an authentic presence to her work with them. She specializes in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), complex grief and loss issues, and chronic pain and illness. [readmore] Ginny received her BA from the University of Ottawa, and a Master’s level postgraduate diploma from the Kutenai Art Therapy Institute in BC, as well as post-secondary education in other fields. Her training includes Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Internal Family Systems, Non-Violent Communication, Polyvagal Theory, Somatic Therapies, Attachment Theory, Positive Psychology and Transpersonal Therapies. Her rich life experience and wide array of interests, such as martial arts, yoga, nature study, poetry writing, oil painting and piano performance, mean she recognizes the strength of the human spirit to overcome obstacles, and the uniqueness and yet interconnectedness of all people. Ginny is passionate about guiding her clients to recognize their own creative strengths and healing powers, and about helping them build and maintain circles of support in their lives.[/readmore]
Magdi Sidahmed is a seasoned Counsellor and Psychotherapist with over 30 years of experience, offering a wealth of knowledge in supporting individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds, ethnicities, and life paths. Holding an objective and evidence-based approach to therapy, Magdi is dedicated to helping clients navigate through distress, sadness, and negative emotions that hinder their ability to realize their full potential and lead fulfilling lives. [readmore] In Magdi’s view, therapy is a collaborative journey where the client takes the lead, setting priorities and goals while working closely with the therapist to explore alternatives and track progress. He believes that a successful therapeutic relationship requires mutual commitment and adherence to the set goals of therapy.
Magdi’s extensive experience includes working with adults, children (10+), couples, and families facing various challenges. He is driven by the belief that, no matter how hopeless a situation may seem, with the right professional support, people can overcome negative experiences and move toward a brighter future. [/readmore]