About us

Dhara graduated with a Master’s degree of Physiotherapy in Neurological and Psychosomatic Disorders in 2014. Along with completion of the Masters program with honours, she has also published an article on stroke rehabilitation in International Journal. She is a Registered Physical Therapist in good standing with the College of Physiotherapists of British Columbia. Dhara is a strong believer in lifelong education and using evidence-based approaches in her practice. Having completed an array of clinical placements from private sports clinics to spinal cord rehab, Dhara understands the value in unique, patient-centered treatment. She uses a multi-modal, hands-on approach to help her patients reach their goals She brings with her a cumulative experience of 9+ years treating patients of all ages with diverse Musculoskeletal, Neurological as well as Cardiovascular conditions. She is an IMS/ Dry needling certified and wishes to pursue various certifications in her field. Apart from work, Dhara enjoys Zumba, Music and hiking.

Donna received a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from the University of Saskatchewan.

With over 30 years of experience, she developed expertise in a variety of clinical areas while working at Vancouver General Hospital, BC Children’s Hospital, private sports and orthopedic clinics, and Nanaimo Regional General Hospital. She has been a clinical therapy leader at NRGH for over 10 years including start up Coordinator of the Intensive Outpatient Rehabilitation Program for strokes and amputees and most recently the Acute Therapy Lead.

Post graduate training includes: Level 2 Canadian Orthopedic Division manual therapy, Osteopathic approach Muscle Energy Techniques- Dr. Rex of Ursa Institute, Medical Exercise Therapy of Holten Institute Norway, Movement Impairment Systems diagnosis and treatment – Shirley Sahrmann, Amputee Gait Rehabilitation- Bob Gailey, NIH stroke certification, Vestibular and Stroke rehabilitation. Level 2 Cardiorespiratory training. Part 2 of Dry Needling certification with Acupuncture Canada completion- Feb 2021. She is a 2019 graduate of the Integrated System Model Series (ISM) learning with Diane Lee.

Donna enjoys helping all types of patients develop better movement strategies, reduce pain, and improve performance.

She became interested in Physiotherapy while a member of the U of S Huskiette Volleyball team which were five time inductees into the sports hall of fame after winning 3 consecutive CIAU titles.

Outside of the clinic, Donna enjoys seasonal activities in beautiful BC – hiking, golfing, cycling, skiing, as well as pilates, sailing, reading, and travelling.

I studied for my Bachelors of Kinesiology at the University of Victoria from 2009-2014 before working as a Kinesiologist for a year. Working alongside Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists helped me realized that I loved being a part of the rehabilitation of someone’s journey - I enjoyed being able to build and develop meaningful relationships with clients who were overcoming sometimes significant events or traumatic accidents in their lives. I knew I wanted to expand my skills and knowledge further in this direction, so I decided to apply for my Masters in Physical Therapy. I attended McGill University in Montreal.

Since my return to Nanaimo 5 years ago, I have worked as a Physiotherapist in private orthopedic and neuro-based clinics including CBI and Symphony. One of my passions is working with geriatrics and the neurological population who don’t always have accessibility to a clinic, I began my own mobile Physiotherapy business last year as well as working in the hospital in the acute setting. I have certifications in IMS, Levels 1-3 Pelvic Floor dysfunctions and Levels 1-2 Concussion management.

Over the course of my studies, I had the opportunity to learn and work alongside many wonderful supervisors and therapists who I continue to look up to every day. This includes experiences within geriatric, post-surgical and general Orthopedics in both in-patient and out-patient settings, as well as ICU and acute rehabilitation. There was one supervisor in particular during my studies, Marla Rapoport, who taught me the importance of client-centered care. To her, a patient was not just a number or a time slot to fill. She valued the importance of developing a rapport with her patients so that they felt comfortable and trusting towards her. She understood that being an exceptional Physiotherapist extended beyond just the physical and functional components of one’s rehab process. It involved guiding and supporting the patient through the emotional and psychological turmoil that can be associated with an injury or life-changing trauma/ accident. Under her direction, I witnessed first-hand the benefits of individualizing care and working in a collaborative setting with the patient to achieve their functional and personal goals during recovery. I was drawn to working with the Lantzville and South Wellness Centre for these reasons and believe the clinic follows the same philosophy. With her in mind, my goal every day is to portray these same qualities and characteristics with every patient I encounter. I want to work with patients to target the root of their problems and to provide them with the education to correct, manage or prevent injuries from reoccurring. I believe that active rehab, specifically exercise, is an enormous component of any successful rehab process and should be an essential adjunct to passive treatment provided in the clinic.

Elizabeth moved to Vancouver Island to be closer to family. She made her way across the country, from Toronto, Ontario, where she became a Registered Canadian Reflexology Therapist (RCRT). She is the President of the Reflexology Association of Canada’s British Columbia Chapter (RAC BC Chapter). Becoming a Licensed Canadian Reflexology Teacher has helped spread her love and knowledge of Reflexology to others.

Elizabeth specializes in feet, hand, face, and ear reflexology. Her treatments are tailored to each client’s specific needs. She also incorporates elements of Aromatherapy, Therapeutic Touch, and Sound Healing to facilitate homeostasis, the body’s natural state of being.

Helping individuals with neurological disorders such as fibromyalgia, ADD/ADHD, dementia, epilepsy, and peripheral neuropathy, just to name a few, is Elizabeth’s current focus.

She also has a passion for women’s health from preconception (fertility) to pregnancy (2nd and 3rd trimesters), and post-partum. She is a personal trainer who works with people of all ages with a focus on pre/post natal women and individuals of 55+ years.

In her free time, you’ll either find her hiking some trails, at the gym or reading and learning about natural medicine and alternative therapies that can help heal the body, mind, and soul.

My experience as a physiotherapist has been a wonderful journey. Nothing gives me greater happiness than watching my patients getting better and transitioning back to their normal life. I have a special interest in women’s health and manual therapy. I am continuing to acquire more knowledge and skills to meet the needs of my patients. My continuing education in chronic pain has helped me to understand the intricacies in pain management. I am dedicated and determined to learn more and serve my community well. Looking forward to helping you all with pain management and functional rehabilitation.

Sahil Tanna has always been passionate about the health industry and he selected physiotherapy as his profession to accomplish his priority goal in life of helping people in pain.

He was drawn to that career especially after he personally benefitted greatly from it at one point in his life.

“After being in a motorbike accident and getting help from another physiotherapist, I was already in a state of mind to consider this as my career in the health care field,” he said.

He achieved his Bachelor of Physiotherapy degree in India followed by his Exercise and Wellness Diploma in Victoria, B.C.

Sahil really enjoys the clinical side of being a physiotherapist and never wanted to just sit at a desk.

Today he says there are so many advances in his field that it keeps him on his toes to find new information and stay up-to-date.

He does that capably with an impressive continual learning program.

Already he has acquired certifications in IMS, Vestibular Assessment and Management, Functional Capacity Evaluation and Part A Lumbar Spine: Mckenzie Institute of Canada.

Currently he is also working on certification with the Fellow of Canadian Academy of Manipulative Physiotherapy – FCAMPT Level 1.

Besides his knowledge and his experience in a broad range of physiotherapy, he has interest in vestibular therapy and falls prevention.

When Sahil is not working, he loves to play competitive cricket and recreational soccer. He also loves spending quality time with his toddler.

He also dedicates time to guide international physiotherapists like himself to have a better career in Canada.