Shawna attended Queen’s University from 2002-2008, completing a Bachelor’s of Physical Education and a Bachelor’s of Life Science. She continued on to do a Master’s of Science in Physical Therapy and has worked as a clinical physiotherapist ever since.
Shawna was born and raised in rural Ottawa and continues to reside in West Carleton with her husband and 2 children. She grew up playing multiple competitive sports and continues her passion for athletics through soccer and CrossFit. She passed on her love for sports to her children who are also multi-disciplinary competitive athletes.
Shawna has continued her professional development through courses in physiotherapy, sports rehab, strength, and conditioning.
Hillary Foster
Physiotherapist
Hillary Foster graduated from the University of Ottawa with an Honours Bachelor of Health Science. She then went on to obtain her Master of Science in Physical Therapy at the University of Toronto. Since then, Hillary has completed training in Soft Tissue Release, Manual Therapy, Acupuncture, Dry Needling and Functional Movement. Her practice involves a mix of manual therapy, exercise prescription, soft tissue release, and acupuncture/dry needling.
She has also taken post-graduate courses specific to rehabilitating and preventing injury in CrossFit, Olympic Weightlifting and Powerlifting athletes. Along with acute injuries, Hillary also has a keen interest in chronic pain management. She is passionate about helping others take control of their physical health and get back to participating in the activities they love.
John Buffam
Kinesiologist
John grew up in rural Ottawa and graduated from the University of Waterloo in 2016 with a BSc in Kinesiology, Minor in Human Nutrition. He is actively registered with the College of Kinesiologists of Ontario and the Ontario Kinesiology Association. While obtaining his degree he explored a variety of health, fitness and rehabilitation settings through co-op work terms and volunteer opportunities.
In the meantime, he has completed the University of Ottawa’s Heart Wise Exercise program for working with individuals with chronic health conditions. He grew up playing a variety of sports giving him a first-hand appreciation of the training and rehabilitation processes. In his spare time, he enjoys working out, camping, reading a good book, and playing soccer.
Emilie Bourgon
Massage Therapist
Emilie was born and raised in Ottawa where she was an avid participant in hockey and soccer while growing up. She completed a Bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences at the University of Ottawa in 2014 where she developed a keen interest in improving public health, health promotion, and taking a hands-on approach to healthcare. These interests led her to an Advanced Diploma in Massage Therapy from Algonquin College.
Emilie is passionate about improving mental wellbeing, injury prevention, and rehabilitation. She uses a wide range of techniques during treatments including neuromuscular and reflexive techniques, myofascial release, trigger point therapy, stretching, and corrective exercise to work with her clients to meet their individual treatment goals. Outside of the clinic Emilie can be found keeping active outdoors or testing out new recipes in the kitchen.
Riley Burns
Physiotherapist
Riley is a registered physiotherapist who received his Master’s of Physical Therapy from Queen’s University in 2017. Prior to this, he attained a Bachelor of Kinesiology degree from Acadia University in Wolfville, Nova Scotia, where he focused on human development as well as sports injury assessment and management.
As a therapist, Riley is an evidence-based practitioner who enjoys being challenged and working with all types of injuries. He uses exercise prescription and manual therapy as the cornerstone of his treatment. He also uses acupuncture and dry needling as an adjunct to treatment. Furthermore, he believes that goal setting and patient education are integral in attaining successful results.
Cherie Hewitt
Massage Therapist
Cherie graduated from the International Academy of Massage in Ottawa, with honours and the award for Excellence in Clinical Technique in 2013. She also has a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology and a certificate in Gerontology.
Cherie started her massage therapy career working in cancer rehab and has been with Pure Movement Physio since 2016, enjoying being able to help the wide variety of clients that are drawn to this clinic.
Aileen Szkwarek
Pilates Physiotherapist
Aileen has 35 years of clinical experience as a physiotherapist. She graduated in 1985 from the University of Toronto. Her professional career commenced at CHEO’s sports medicine clinic. She later worked at the Ottawa Rehabilitation Centre. Aileen formerly owned Broadview Physiotherapy Clinic, as well as co-owning Manotick PhysioWorks until 2014.
Aileen completed her Pilates Instructor training through Stott Pilates and has kept current by taking ongoing courses specific to Pilates for breast cancer, scoliosis, chronic back pain, and pelvic floor weakness. She has combined her advanced skills in physiotherapy with her extensive training in Pilates and is one of a select few physiotherapists in Canada working exclusively in Pilates based therapeutic exercise.