Our Incredible Staff

Karen San Andres, Reg. PT, lovingly founded ellephysio on the premise that a client’s success comes from finding confidence from within. Her welcoming clinic in Oakville recognizes the growing demand for physiotherapy that caters to the unique needs of women.

Since 2005, Karen has been skillfully helping patients get stronger, improve balance, and heal from injury. She enjoys working with people of all ages and abilities, seeing treatment as a partnership with her patients. Karen has helped seniors restore their strength and freedom, partner with pregnant people to an empowered birth, and preteens improve athletic performance. She is especially interested in activity, exercise, training and health coaching in the pregnant and post-natal population, and the unique considerations in the peri and post-menopausal phase of life.

Karen holds Bachelor degrees in both Psychology and Life Sciences from Queen’s University and a Masters in Physiotherapy from the University of Queensland in Brisbane, Australia. In December 2012, Karen completed and successfully challenged the exams given by the Canadian Academy of Manipulative Physiotherapy (CAMPT). Her six-year journey to completion of this coursework and Fellowship, included being mentored by some of Canada’s leaders in manual (hands-on) therapy. Karen now serves as a mentor to those following the same training path. Her lust for learning includes the Discover Physio series with Diane Lee and LJ Lee, designed to hone physiotherapists’ skills in clinical problem-solving. This led to a role as a teaching assistant to Diane Lee whenever the Discovery Series came to Ontario, as well as adventure to South Africa with Diane in 2015.

Karen has been practicing pelvic health since 2009, and is now a teaching assistant for courses focused on treating pelvic health concerns for men and women through Pelvic Health Solutions. In 2016, Karen completed her certificate in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, completed her certification in Women’s Health Coaching through the Integrative Women’s Health Institute in 2021 and became a Spinning Babies Aware Practitioner (SpBAP) in 2023. Most recently, Karen has included the role of birth doula to her list of services, helping pregnant people and their partners make it to the finish line of labour and delivery with confidence, empowerment, comfort measures and coaching.

The ellephysio clinic truly reflects Karen’s warmth and desire to help and empower others. The space, the team, and the culture are an extension of her personal dedication to treating men, women and their families in an environment they can feel comfortable in. For Karen, ellephysio is more than a clinic; it’s the realization of a dream, bringing providers and patients together on a journey toward healing and health.

Leah Vacca, Reg PT, truly enjoys working with patients of all ages and abilities. Her drive to help others, coupled with her passion for sports and athletics has built the foundation of her career as a physiotherapist.

Leah has experience playing sports at leisure and highly competitive levels, including soccer, basketball, and volleyball. She continued to pursue volleyball as a member of the women’s varsity team at Queen’s University while completing her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology. She then trained with the school’s Athletic Therapy department and became the women’s volleyball team’s student athletic trainer. Experiencing sport from both a personal and clinical perspective helped Leah understand how critical it is to prevent and properly manage injury.

Since obtaining her Master of Science in Physiotherapy from McMaster University in 2014, Leah has been treating patients with a wide range of injuries and conditions, of both acute and chronic nature. Her additional training in pelvic health, concussion management, and vestibular rehabilitation have provided her with the knowledge and skills to assess and treat pelvic girdle pain, post-concussion symptoms, headaches, dizziness, and vertigo, just to name a few! Her treatment plans incorporate hands-on and manual therapy techniques, exercise prescription, taping, and acupuncture, with the goal of reducing pain and optimizing function. Leah finds that educating her patients is crucial in rehabilitation, including understanding the nature of your injury or pain, and ways to modify your lifestyle to accelerate recovery.

Leah believes that her patients’ needs and goals are equally important to her own knowledge and skills as a physiotherapist. Her mission is to build a treatment plan that reflects your unique lifestyle, and maximizes your recovery to return to your favourite sport, hobby, or work — whatever you love to do!

Leah is currently on maternity leave and is expected back to the clinic in June 2024.

Ivanka Videc, Reg. PT., brings passion, energy and experience to her sessions to help you truly achieve ‘confidence from within’ to conquer your goals. Her career has been grounded in sport medicine and rehabilitation, making her an exceptional addition to the ellephysio team.

Ivanka holds a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and a Bachelor of Arts in Gerontology. After graduating from McMaster University in 2010 with her Master of Science in Physiotherapy, Ivanka completed the rigorous post-graduate Diploma of Advanced Manual and Manipulative Physiotherapist and is a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Manipulative Physiotherapy (FCAMPT), Canada’s member organization of the International Federation of Manipulative Physiotherapists (IFOMPT).

While studying at McMaster, Ivanka was an athlete on the varsity women’s soccer team. Her love for team sports has led to positions as team and lead physiotherapist for the Barrie Soccer Club, Barrie Men’s Hockey Association, the Ontario Summer and Winter Games and the Pan American Games. Ivanka is a certified Gunn IMS practitioner and acupuncture provider, holds concussion management and vestibular rehabilitation training and is an examiner with the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario. Her experience both as an athlete and a clinician, help to shape her assessment and treatment for maximal recovery and injury prevention.

Outside of work, Ivanka is an avid runner and enjoys volunteering for the SCPA and Big Brothers/Big Sisters Organizations, as well as coaching soccer. You might see her around town running with her sister or out for a walk with her sidekick, her Boston Terrier, Bruno.

Joelle Li, Reg PT, obtained her Bachelor of Science at McMaster University in the Honours Life Sciences program, followed by her Master of Science in Physical Therapy at Queen’s University. After having first-hand experience with physiotherapy in her youth, she developed a passion and appreciation for the field of rehab. Joelle is very focused on promoting patient/family-centred care, patient education and is using her knowledge and experiences to enhance the quality of life of others.

She is actively participating in the Canadian Physiotherapy Association’s Orthopaedic Division Advanced Integrated Musculoskeletal (AIM) physiotherapy program. Joelle has also taken courses in McKenzie Method of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy, Soft Tissue Release and Taping; as well as a variety of Pelvic Health courses in the fields of Pregnancy, Endometriosis, Oncology, Adult and Paediatric Incontinence, Pelvic Organ Prolapse, and Pelvic Pain. Joelle is an avid life-long learner with plans to take more post-graduate courses to implement new techniques into her treatment approach.

Allison Fulton, Reg PT, is a seasoned physiotherapist and proud mom of two, that became interested in the field of pelvic health through her own personal journey after the birth of her first child. Her curiosity led her to her first course in pelvic health and from then on, she was hooked, completing the education that enable her to add this special skillset to her already sizable toolbox. Specifically seeking out ellephysio as the place where she wanted to practice, Allison is committed to the clinic’s core values in patient-centred care and being a part of the collaborative team.

Allison has been practicing physiotherapy since 2012. She obtained her Bachelor of Kinesiology from Acadia University and Master of Science in Physiotherapy from McMaster University. Her extensive background in community health and the assessment and treatment of neurological conditions, lends itself to a great crossover into pelvic health. She is passionate about restoring strength and confidence from within for all her patients. When you are working with Allison, you are part of the team, your goals are what help to shape and guide your treatment plan.

When not in the clinic, you will likely find Allison enjoying the outdoors kayaking, hiking, snowboarding, or skiing. She also enjoys playing competitive soccer, photography, and baking.

Nancy Fallico, Reg PT, is a practised physiotherapist and Pilates instructor who feels deeply rewarded when guiding a patient’s recovery and journey to healthy active living. As a practitioner at ellephysio, she says she gets to be part of delivering the ultimate patient experience – one that includes quality care and a number of disciplines working together in a complementary way.

Nancy’s education includes a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Therapy from the University of Western Ontario. She has recently completed her Stott Rehabilitation Pilates training and is excited to incorporate this valuable exercise practice into her treatment programs.

When Nancy was approaching 10 years in practice, and with a solid career as a physiotherapist already in hand, she began to choose roles in clinic management, business development, and marketing and sales and developed some serious business savvy. She also spent time researching, developing, and implementing a customized program for a child with learning challenges.

Nancy returned to hands-on physio with a renewed dedication to empowering patients with knowledge and engaging them to participate in their own treatment. She has completed many courses focused on pelvic health, while at the same time she is currently working towards completing her degree in osteopathy. Together with her patients, and often with other ellephysio practitioners, she creates the best whole-body plan to not only address a patient’s immediate health needs, but also enhance daily living after rehabilitation.

Registered massage therapist Erin Chaisson enjoys helping others move better, feel better, and live the fullest life possible. She loves teaching people about their bodies so they can achieve quality of life without restriction and pain.

Erin earned an Honours Bachelor of Science at the University of Guelph, then went on to study massage therapy and sports injury therapy at Canadian Therapeutic College. Her background in kinesiology and massage, along with her CanFit Pro certification as a personal trainer, gives her a unique and well rounded perspective when planning and implementing treatment. At ellephysio, she sees herself as the soft tissue expert piece of the rehab puzzle, complementing the work of other practitioners to help clients recover and return to sport, work, and life.

Erin’s massage therapy career has seen her providing therapeutic and relaxation style massage treatments to a variety of  clientele, including athletes at all levels, pre- and post-surgical patients, people with temporomandibular joint pain,  and those recovering from injury or concussion. She appreciates, lives by, and teaches the “confidence within” motto of ellephysio and is excited by the female focus of the clinic. She loves treating expecting women, as well as teaching new mothers about the power of infant massage.

While lending her talents in a volunteer capacity, Erin has provided massage and sports therapy treatments to gymnasts, volleyball and soccer players, and wrestlers, and she regularly applies her knowledge of sports biomechanics in treatments. Her community outreach includes working with cancer survivors, pregnant women, and in a long-term care facility.

Trained at the Sutherland-Chan School of Massage Therapy, Registered Massage Therapist Rolly Magno offers a variety of techniques and treatments that complement those offered by other practitioners at ellephysio.

Rolly began his working life as a professional engineer. When his employer dissolved his engineering position, he took the opportunity to travel, spending three months in Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines. It was in Thailand that he trained to be a yoga teacher. Upon returning to Canada, Rolly qualified for Second Career financial assistance and pursued massage therapy professionally. He has provided massage therapy to everyone from pregnant women, to those who have suffered a stroke, to cancer patients. He is also a Level 3 practitioner in Indian Head Massage.

One of the reasons Rolly was drawn to health care was his experience as a long-time member of (and volunteer with) the rock climbing community. When he saw people recovering from injury, he wanted to be able to help. His ongoing curiosity and dedication to continuous learning, Rolly is also a graduate of the McMaster Contemporary Medical and Neurofunctional Acupuncture program, as well as a practitioner in Fascial Stretch Therapy (FST), both modalities that he enjoys employing in his treatments if indicated.

As an engineer, Rolly particularly enjoyed the problem-solving aspect of the work and he finds similar satisfaction in helping patients. The difference now is that he gets to see instant results, with patients feeling the immediate benefits of their massage therapy treatment.

Danielle Mason is always delighted to greet you when you visit ellephysio to improve your health and wellness. Her skills in reception duties, office administration, and computer software are top notch but it’s her rapport with clients that stands out even more. She enjoys helping each client who calls or visits.

Danielle says she loves to be part of a team whose job it is to help people feel better – and better about themselves. For years, Danielle has had a strong interest in health and wellness and has plenty of experience working in the fitness industry in a similar front desk customer service position. For her, the best part of the job is keeping the practitioners organized with their schedules and making sure the clinic runs smoothly.

Debbie Melber brings to ellephysio a unique mix of experience in business administration and health and wellness, positioning her perfectly as a helpful and understanding member of the team. She appreciates the friendly, warm environment of the clinic and is happy to use her own customer service skills and compassion for others to contribute to that atmosphere.

Having spent 18 years in banking, including in several management roles, Debbie draws easily on her experience to keep clinic operations running smoothly. She’s particularly savvy with IT systems and social media. Since 2006, she has been a certified personal trainer, designing and monitoring fitness programs for all ages. This background allows her to understand the effects of hard work on the human body and the positive outcomes of nourishing it.

Debbie’s willingness to help others has been evident throughout her career and volunteer experience. She is driven to have a positive impact on the people she greets each day, as well as in her community.

Talia Fallico is our lovely fresh face that works part-time behind the desk as part of our helpful reception staff.