・North & West Vancouver ・
New Westminster・Burnaby ・ Coquitlam
604.773.6715
Victoria Area
250.419.6855
Twyla Pitman
Registered Physiotherapist
North Shore Vancouver (North & West Vancouver)
Twyla has been practicing physiotherapy for 25 years. Her experience has spanned a wide variety of rehabilitation areas. She has both a Bachelor of Physical Education (Athletic Therapy, University of Alberta) as well as a Bachelor of Health Sciences in Physiotherapy (McMaster University).
Twyla began her career working at several outpatient orthopaedic clinics as well as working in a moderately-sized regional hospital in Calgary. She then took a position at the University of Calgary Sports Medicine Centre and found herself working amongst some of the top health care professionals in the region including Orthopedic Surgeons, Sports Physicians, Dietitians, Nurses as well as some of the most highy-educated physiotherapists in Canada. After gaining much experience in this position, Twyla chose to take a giant leap in another direction and decided to run away as a traveling physiotherapist for Cirque du Soleil. For 5 years Twyla toured Europe, Japan, New Zealand and Australia providing both daily rehabilitation treatments as well as on-stage emergency care to the performing artists. Once leaving Cirque du Soleil Twyla found herself living in Australia. It was while she was in Australia that she began working frequently with a senior population; she found her passion for this clientele by discovering what a difference she could make in their lives.
Among Twyla's other interesting physiotherapy pursuits she has provided care to the Australian cast of Wicked (the musical), provided care to the performing arts crew on a cruise ship, and has provided physiotherapy care at multiple sporting events including sports such as volleyball, seniors games, the Australian Football League (AFL), figure skating, track and field and speed skating events. She has also mentored numerous students during their physiotherapy placements in both Canada and Australia.
Twyla prides herself on her ability to make a sincere connection with her clients and add immediate value with her practical physiotherapy advice and effective treatment.
John Shaver
Registered Physiotherapist
Victoria Area
John was unaware of physiotherapy as a profession when he first completed his Bachelor of Science in Psychology (University of Alberta). While John worked towards his second degree (Bachelor of Physical Education in Athletic Therapy) he experienced a gymnastics injury that required treatment; it was then that he had his first experience with physiotherapy and learned some of what the profession could offer. That experience ultimately led John to a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy (1996) from the University of Alberta.
John began his physiotherapy career at two large multi-disciplinary orthopaedic clinics in Calgary, Alberta, where he gained valuable experience working with fantastic teams of physiotherapists, orthopaedic surgeons, sports medicine physicians, nurses, massage therapists, and kinesiologists. When John finally realized not all of Canada had to endure such a lengthy winter deep-freeze, he moved West, ending up in Victoria. In Victoria, John was fortunate to be part of the newly opening RebalanceMD, a new-concept orthopaedic clinic which saw a team of multi-disciplinary specialists all coming together under one roof. Being an integral part of this team, John was fortunate to learn from several of the best medical minds around.
In addition to providing care for all types of musculoskeletal injuries at RebalanceMD, John had the opportunity to further specialize in the treatment of joint replacement therapy. As the founding physiotherapist in the new Postoperative Joint Replacement Program, John helped develop and then lead the program from its inception through its first eight years of operation. Working directly with nurse navigators and orthopaedic surgeons, John led the team of kinesiologists and physiotherapists to treat far greater than ten-thousand postoperative patients who had undergone hip, knee, shoulder, and ankle replacements.
In addition to providing his vast expertise to Rehab In The Home clients John is also working in the hospital setting in Victoria, allowing him to further his experience and knowledge in treating patients in an acute care setting.
Interestingly, John's passion for lifelong and continued learning led him at one stage to attend Royal Roads University where he completed the graduate program in Certified Executive Coaching. John enjoys utilizing these unique coaching skills within his physiotherapy treatments in order to help clients firstly determine lifestyle goals that personally inspire them, and then actively work towards attaining them.
Respect, Family, and Making a Difference are John's top three values in life
Sara Avni
Registered Physiotherapist
North Shore Vancouver (North & West Vancouver)
Sara is a compassionate and experienced physiotherapist dedicated to helping her clients move better and feel stronger within the comfort of their own homes. Her journey into physiotherapy
began with her own experience navigating multiple injuries and surgeries, which gave her a deep, personal appreciation for the rehabilitation process.
With a career spanning over ten years, Sara has worked in a number of settings, including orthopedic, neurology and chronic pain clinics. She has extensive experience with post-surgical care, particularly joint replacements, where she has supported people both in the acute hospital setting and in their follow-up rehabilitation. She also has a special interest in fall prevention and enjoys getting to help clients understand their bodies and build confidence in movement. She believes that physiotherapy should translate to real life, and her goal is to help people find realistic, sustainable ways to maintain their independence.
Sara’s greatest strengths lie in providing individualized patient education and fostering authentic personal connections. Outside of her clinical work, Sara is kept busy by her two young boys. She enjoys hiking, beach days, and playing in Lynn Canyon with her family.
Heather Zygun
Registered Physiotherapist
(New Westminster, Burnaby & Coquitlam)
Heather graduated from the University of Toronto with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy and brings 30 years of physiotherapy experience to her practice. Over the course of her career, she has worked in Toronto, Calgary, Edmonton, and now the Metro Vancouver area, gaining experience in a wide variety of settings including ICU and acute care hospitals, rehabilitation hospitals, and home care. Heather has specialized expertise in working with people who have neurological impairments, balance and mobility challenges. She also enjoys working with those who are deconditioned following hospitalization, have a lack of confidence with movement, or a fear of falling . Heather’s approach is holistic, looking at the whole person rather than simply focusing on an injury or diagnosis. She places a strong emphasis on patient education and therapeutic exercise, while using evidence-based treatment tailored to each individual's needs and goals. She enjoys working with clients in their own homes, using the equipment and resources they already have available and helping them discover that staying active is a key part of overall health and well-being.
Heather believes that meaningful, functional goals are at the heart of successful physiotherapy. By understanding what matters most to each client, she can guide treatment, maintain engagement, and help clients recognize and measure their progress.
Heather's aim is to empower her clients with the knowledge, confidence, and practical tools they need to move better, participate in the activities that matter to them, and achieve their goals.
Outside of physiotherapy, you can find Heather exploring the hiking and biking trails with her husband in the Tri-Cities area.
