Kyle Kortegaard, MScPT, BScHK, Dip. AIM, FCAMPT, CGIMS

Owner and Registered Physical Therapist

Kyle is a physical therapist registered with the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario.

BACKGROUND

Originally from Nelson, British Columbia, Kyle enjoyed playing a variety of competitive sports growing up. He was first introduced to physiotherapy in high school after an ankle injury at the beginning of the basketball season. Kyle was devastated to be sidelined. Thanks to the help of his amazing physiotherapist, he was able to return to the court one month later, stronger than before. Kyle will never forget the feeling of being able to return to the court!

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Kyle graduated from St. Francis Xavier University in 2010 with a Bachelor of Science in Human Kinetics (first class honours) and then continued his studies, completing his Master of Science in Physical Therapy at the University of Alberta in 2013.

Kyle began his career in Edmonton, Alberta, where he worked in acute care and the outpatient clinic at the Misericordia Community Hospital.

In 2016, Kyle and his family moved to Bruce County, where he continues to work in an outpatient setting at the Ripley Physical Therapy and Wellness and the South Bruce Grey Health Centre in Kincardine.

Kyle has a keen interest in orthopaedics and musculoskeletal injuries, new or old, related to sport or everyday life. He also enjoys helping patients who deal with chronic pain and other complex conditions.

Kyle is dedicated to upholding a high standard of practice. He’s committed to continual learning and professional development to better serve his patients.

Post-graduate Courses and Certifications:

• Diploma in Advanced Integrated Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy (Orthopedic Division - Canadian Physiotherapy Association)

• Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Manipulative Physiotherapy (CAMPT)

• Certification in Gunn Intramuscular Stimulation (Gunn IMS)

• Anatomical Acupuncture (AA1) from the Acupuncture Foundation of Canada

• Muscle Mobilization and soft tissue techniques

• Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA)

• Vestibular Rehabilitation

AFTER CLINIC HOURS

Outside of work, Kyle loves spending time with his family. He’s a proud father to two wonderful kids, Oscar and Stella. Kyle leads an active lifestyle and enjoys running, cycling and continues to play basketball and soccer. He believes that downtime is equally as important, allowing for self-reflection, personal growth and overall well-being.

PUBLICATIONS

MacKenzie, S., Kortegaard, K., LeVangie, M., Barro, B. (2012). Evaluation of two methods of the jump float serve in volleyball. Journal of Applied Biomechanics, 28, 579-586.

Heather Vander Hoek, MScPT, BScHK

Registered Physical Therapist

Heather is a physical therapist registered with the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario.

BACKGROUND

Originally from Teeswater, Ontario, Heather enjoyed doing a lot of different activities when growing up. As a child, she played baseball and soccer throughout the summer as well as Cross-Country, Nordic Skiing and Rugby while in school. She was first introduced to Physiotherapy in her last year of high school when she volunteered at the Wingham and District Hospital in the Physiotherapy department. This opportunity allowed her to work with many different patients, both inpatient and outpatient on a volunteer basis. It was this volunteering experience that led her down the path to becoming a Physiotherapist.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

In 1999, Heather attended Conestoga College for a year, where she received her certificate in the Occupational Therapy/Physiotherapy Assistant program.  From there, Heather went on to further her education at the University of Windsor in the Human Kinetics program. 

In Windsor, Heather had the opportunity to do various co-operative placements, in physiotherapy, ergonomics and athletic therapy.  For the last 2 years of her undergraduate degree, she also worked as an athletic trainer at St. Clair College in Windsor for the various varsity teams.  After graduation from Windsor, Heather took a break from school and worked as a PTA/Kinesiologist at LHSC in London on the Acute Neurology floor.  It was there that her heart grew to really love the profession. After working for two years, she applied to Queen’s University and after two years, received her Master’s of Science in Physical Therapy. 

After completing her Master’s in Physical Therapy, she returned to the Kincardine area to begin her career.  Since returning to the area, she has had the opportunity to work in a variety of different practice settings including hospital inpatient care, private practice and home care. 

Heather has always enjoyed working in orthopaedics and musculoskeletal injuries.  She has also taken a special interest in neck, jaw and facial pain. 

Post-graduate Courses and Certifications:

• Dry Needling Program - Level 1 and 2

• Anatomical Acupuncture (AA1) from the Acupuncture foundation of Canada 

• The Art and Science of TMJ Assessment and Treatment

• Mulligan Upper and Lower extremity Concepts

• Soft Tissue Release Training

• Advanced Physical Therapy Lumbo-pelvic Complex Certification Program

• Women’s Health 101: pregnancy and beyond

• Vestibular Rehabilitation

AFTER CLINIC HOURS

Outside of work, Heather loves spending time with her family.  She is a proud mother of three boys, who keep her busy with sports and other activities.  She also enjoys being active, particularly outdoors, reading, music, and down-time with family and friends.

Kara Kortegaard, MScOT, BScKin, DOMP Candidate

Owner

Passionate about holistic health, Kara has reduced her role as clinic manager as she is training to become an osteopath and also works as a registered occupational therapist with the Kincardine Family Health Team.

BACKGROUND

Growing up on a dairy farm on Concession 4 of Huron-Kinloss showed Kara the value of small-town community and hard work, one of the many reasons she is lovingly involved as a business owner, parent and volunteer in the Ripley and surrounding communities.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Kara graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology Honours Co-op from the University of Waterloo in 2007 and continued her studies at the University of Alberta, completing her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy in 2010.

From an early age, Kara was taught about spiritual and holistic health through her parents and teachers. Her interests led to occupational therapy, where an occupation is considered any activity you do or participate in each day, with spirituality at its core.

Kara’s passion for mental health began during her placements for her undergraduate and graduate degrees. After the unexpected death of her father in 2013, Kara experienced challenges associated with grief and loss. She found yoga through a friend and in 2017, completed 200 hours of yoga teacher training at Heaven on Earth and Integrated Health. Additionally, Kara has completed education in vestibular rehabilitation, concussion, memory clinic, mindfulness, meditation, grief relief, brain injury, cognitive rehabilitation and mental health.

In 2018, Kara, her husband, Kyle, and their two children moved to Ripley — Kara’s hometown. Kara is excited to partner with Kyle and grow their passion of helping people to live their best lives.

AFTER CLINIC HOURS

In her spare time, Kara focuses on caring for her two young children, self-care and love for all living beings. Kara volunteers with the Bruce Botanical Food Gardens, Summer Sports, and her local church.

Kara enjoys spending time with family and friends, and exercising regularly. An avid athlete, Kara enjoys walking, yoga, skating, playing soccer and volleyball, cycling and skiing. Kara’s interests include gardening, reading, and spending time in nature.

Leeah Caslick, PTA

Physiotherapy Assistant, Clinical Manager

Leeah is a Physiotherapy Assistant.

BACKGROUND

Growing up on the outskirts of Kincardine on her family's dairy farm, Leeah has always had a love for animals and the outdoors. She participated in various sports including soccer, basketball and baseball growing up. Leeah has always enjoyed exercising and being active.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

In 2010, she graduated from Conestoga College with a diploma in Occupational Therapy Assistant/Physiotherapy Assistant. Since graduating she has worked in hospital settings, Long Term Care facilities, with the majority of her career in private clinics.

AFTER CLINIC HOURS

Outside of work, Leeah enjoys spending time with her husband and two boys. She also loves running, reading and spending time with friends and family.