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.

MARK RUGGIERO, BScPT
Registered Physiotherapist

Mark graduated from McMaster University in 2000 with a Honours Kinesiology, Minor Psychology Degree. He continued his studies at University of Toronto in Human Sciences. Mark went on to graduate in 2006, from D’Youville College, Buffalo, New York with his Masters of Physiotherapy.

Upon completion of his physiotherapy degree, Mark moved to Naples, Florida and worked in a hospital treating a variety of conditions, including neurological, acute care and orthopaedic patients. He returned home in 2009 and began work at River Ridge Physiotherapy in Milton.

Mark is a huge hockey fan. He has played competitive hockey ‘AAA’ and ‘AA’ in Mississauga and Toronto. He continues to coach hockey. He is also an avid golfer and mountain biker. It is not surprising that Mark has a strong interest in sports therapy, as well as orthopaedics and manual therapy. He is currently taking his manual therapy levels with the orthopaedic division of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association.

AGNES SOSTARIC, BScPT, HBSc, MCPA
Registered Physiotherapist

Agnes is a graduate from Queen's University in 2003 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Therapy. She also has an undergraduate honours degree from Brock University with a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience. In addition, Agnes has taken extensive training in mechanical diagnosis and therapy of the spine, manual therapy and acupuncture from institutions including The Robin McKenzie Institute of Canada, Advanced Physical Therapy Education Institute and the Acupuncture Foundation of Canada.

A ten year resident of Halton Region, Agnes spent the first years of her career working for Halton Healthcare Services at both Milton and Oakville hospitals where she gained a broad range of experience in orthopaedics – specializing in the treatment of sports injuries, motor vehicle accidents, work related injuries and pre and post surgical rehabilitation.

Agnes joined the River Ridge team in 2010 continuing her dedication to the physiotherapy profession. Agnes' clients can look forward to an energetic and friendly approach to patient care.

STEFANY KAWKA, MScOT
Registered Occupational Therapist

Stefany graduated from McMaster University in 2009, with her Masters in Occupational Therapy. She previously earned her Honours Kinesiology Degree from McMaster University in 2007. Upon completion of her degrees, she has worked within four LifeMark Health clinics in the Milton and Cambridge areas.

Stefany specializes in the physical, functional and psychosocial evaluation of individuals who are experiencing difficulties performing their essential tasks of daily living due to illness and/or injury. Stefany has had the privilege to work with a variety of individuals involved in motor vehicle accidents, WSIB or LTD claims, and completes in-home and/or job site assessments and interventions such as education and provision of assistive devices. Through continual postgraduate training, she has become highly skilled in the assessment and treatment of psycho-social barriers as she is certified as a Progressive Goal Attainment Program (PGAP) and a Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) provider.

In 2010, Stefany reunited herself with the Occupational Therapy Program at McMaster and began participating as a Tutor Facilitator within their unique program of problem-based learning. Her ongoing participation has established her as a Professional Associate within the McMaster School of Rehabilitation Sciences.

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.

RAY VICKERS
Registered Massage Therapist

Ray graduated from the Canadian College of Massage and Hydrotherapy in 2007. He also holds an undergraduate degree from the University of Waterloo in Applied Health Science and is a certified member of the Ontario Kinesiology Association (OKA). Before starting his career as a massage therapist, Ray worked as a Personal Trainer for 5 years.

Ray has an extensive background in exercise testing, prescription, rehabilitation, and performance exercise. His experience varies from: Candidate Physical Ability Testing (CPAT) for firefighters, Moto-Cross fitness testing and exercise prescription, to Cancer Rehabilitation for individuals undergoing chemo, radiation, or hormonal therapy treatment, to name a few. Ray’s knowledge in massage therapy varies in assessment and treatment on: varsity and endurance athletes, motor vehicle accidents, individuals diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, those suffering from headaches/migraine and the geriatric population.

Ray is passionate about every individual that he has the opportunity to treat. His goal is to remain current in his field and continue his education in order to appease his clientele with relaxation techniques and treatment of soft tissue dysfunctions. He looks forward to treating you and thanks you in advance for allowing him to be a part of your health care team.

MELISSA SAVAGE, CAT(C), CK

Melissa graduated from the University of Western Ontario in 2005 with an Honours Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology. She continued her studies at Sheridan College where she completed a Bachelor of Applied Health Sciences in Athletic Therapy, graduating with High Honours in 2008. She is currently a Certified Athletic Therapist and Certified Kinesiologist. She has expanded her knowledge through several postgraduate courses including Lumbar and Cervical Mobilization courses, and Stuart McGill's "Building the Ultimate Back". She is trained in using a variety of modalities as well as manual therapy techniques in addition to individualized exercise prescription.

She began her experience in the field of Sports Medicine with the Women's Varsity Hockey team at UWO and has since worked with high school rugby, football, hockey, and wrestling, Jr. lacrosse, McMaster's Nationally ranked Basketball team and National level Figure Skaters. She has taught Injury Prevention Workshops for runners of all levels as well as to industrial workers. She is a Certified First Responder and has experience covering emergency care at high volume events including marathons, triathlons, hockey, and soccer tournaments.

In her spare time, Melissa enjoys running and general fitness, hockey, skating, cooking, and spending time outdoors. She is always looking for new ideas and innovative ways to incorporate exercise and healthy living into her lifestyle as well as teaching it to others. Her strengths lie in perfecting form while designing safe and specialized individual exercise programs for people of all fitness levels and those with pre-existing medical conditions. She believes everyone can be active in some way and that it is never too late to make a change in life.