River Ridge Physiotherapy - Take Control of Your Health! 2 convenient locations to serve you.

JASON VAN DE SANDE, BScPT, FCAMT
Registered Manual & Manipulative Physiotherapist

Jason graduated from the Queen’s University Physiotherapy program in 1995. He has lived and worked in Milton for over 10 years including time at the Milton District Hospital and Milton Physiotherapy prior to opening River Ridge Physiotherapy in 2002.

Through continual postgraduate training, he has become highly specialized in the assessment and treatment of orthopaedic conditions. He became a Fellow in the Canadian Academy of Manipulative Therapists after successfully attaining his diploma in Advanced Manual and Manipulative Physiotherapy in 2003.

Clinically Jason treats many orthopaedic conditions using a combination of different techniques. His expertise is in manual therapy, which includes joint mobilization and manipulation, as well as exercise programs, and acupuncture. In addition he provides mentoring opportunities for other physiotherapists and provides consultation on difficult cases.

LAURA DIENESCH, MScPT
Registered Physiotherapist

After obtaining an honours degree in Biology from the University of Western Ontario in 1999, Laura went on to complete her Clinical Master’s of Physical Therapy at McMaster University in 2002. She worked at Bridgepoint Health in Toronto Ontario for three years before joining River Ridge Physiotherapy early in 2005. She is currently working on her orthopaedic manual therapy courses through the Orthopaedic Division of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association. She also has experience with acupuncture, treatment of conditions involving movement impairment or muscle imbalance, and neurological rehabilitation.

DAVID ROSS
Registered Physiotherapist

Dave graduated from McMaster University in 2003 with an Honors degree in Biology and again in 2004 with an Arts degree in Health Studies. After 5 years in Hamilton, David headed east to Queen’s University to complete a Masters degree of Physiotherapy in 2006. After graduation he worked at Progressive Rehabilitation in Mississauga for just over a year before joining the River Ridge team in 2007.

As a member of the Orthopedic division and the Sports Physiotherapy division Dave has a strong focus on manual therapy interventions and sports injury rehabilitation. He has volunteered with Tennis Canada, Skate Canada and the North Mississauga Soccer club for on field physiotherapy coverage. His personal sporting activities include mountain biking, kayaking, ultimate Frisbee and triathlons.

MEAGHAN SHEARER
Physiotherapist Resident

Meaghan graduated from Queen's University in 2006 with an Honours degree in Life Science, and then went on to get her Masters of Physiotherapy in 2008. She has had experience providing physiotherapy care in both hospitals and private clinics, and enjoys working with patients of all ages. She is interested in orthopedic and sports injuries, and has worked with children who have cerebral palsy and torticollis.

In the past, Meaghan has worked as a running coach and private swimming instructor. She has competed in triathalons and has studies Pilates. She enjoys running, mountain biking, skiing, and relaxing with family and friends. She believes that focused, controlled exercise, in combination with manual therapies will help clients get back to feeling their best.

MARK TAYLOR, BPHE, RMT, DrAc
Registered Massage Therapist, Acupuncturist

Mark Taylor graduated from Laurentian University in 1993 with a Bachelor of Physical and Health Education. He went on to study at the Sutherland-Chan Massage Therapy School, graduating in 1997. Since becoming an RMT, Mark has continued his education by traveling overseas to learn and become certified in Traditional Chinese Acupuncture.

Mark has been working in the Milton community for the last 9 years.

ANNA WANTUCH, RMT
Registered Massage Therapist

Anna began her post-secondary education at the University of Waterloo in 1997, where she achieved a Bachelor of Arts Degree, including successful completion of numerous Kinesiology and Health courses. In 2001 she continued her studies at Sutherland Chan School and Teaching Clinic in Toronto where she earned her Massage Therapy Diploma. Following registration with the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario in 2003, she began practicing massage therapy in Stoney Creek.

Anna became a part of the River Ridge Physiotherapy team in May 2004 on a part time basis. She has practical experience working with the special needs of prenatal patients, athletes and seniors.

Anna is involved in the community through various volunteer activities, including a membership with Big Brothers Big Sisters Association. She is currently continuing her education through part time study at the University of Waterloo.

CHERYL ALDERDICE
Certified Kinesiologist

Cheryl graduated from the University of Western Ontario in 2008 with an Honours Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology. Cheryl is a certified member of the Ontario Kinesiology Association (OKA).

She is also certified with CanFitPro as a Personal Trainer Specialist (PTS), and holds a Resist-a-Ball C.O.R.E Level One certification. She has a very strong interest in exercise prescription.

Cheryl has been involved in dealing with injuries in both clinical and field settings. She spent two years at the University of Western Ontario volunteering with the Physio department at the Fowler Kennedy Sports Medicine Clinic. She was also the Team Trainer for two Ontario Youth Soccer League (OYSL) Girls' Teams. Cheryl was involved in sprint kayaking with the Burloak Canoe Club for 8 years. During her time there, she helped coach the Elementary and Novice Masters groups.

PAM SHABAGA
Certified Pedorthist, Physiotherapist

Pam Shabaga graduated with distinction in 1983 with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy. She has worked as a physiotherapist in the fields of respiratory, orthopedics, rheumatology and in a hospital burn unit. She has also had experience working in a neurological rehabilitation ward, as well as doing home care physiotherapy. Pam has continuously taken post-graduate courses to stay current and expand her knowledge to include many specialties within the rehabilitation field.

In 2001, Pam entered the field of pedorthotics upon moving to Ontario, and began to do work for Milton Physiotherapy and River Ridge Physiotherapy patients. Pam uses a precise 3-dimensional digital cast to fabricate all of her custom-made orthotics. Working now as a Certified Pedorthist, her experience in physiotherapy gives her tremendous insight into patient’s conditions and proves valuable in understanding their orthotic needs.