Karen has been a physiotherapist for over 30 years and has been dedicated to empowering patients to maximize their physical health and obtain their fullest recovery and potential related to injury or disease. Karen demonstrates a very caring and empathetic approach with all her patients.
Most of Karen’s physiotherapy career has concentrated on treating those with Musculo-skeletal injuries; however, her 2009 breast cancer diagnosis and subsequent journey of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, initiated a career pivot. She refocused her career toward those recovering from cancer and those with lymphedema. Karen has been devoted to the pursuit of excellence in the field of cancer rehabilitation, including obtaining her Masters of Science with a research focus in the area of oncology rehabilitation.
With her own experience as a cancer survivor, she adds a great deal of understanding and empathy for those going through cancer treatments and their reclamation of optimal health. She aims to enable her patients’ recovery, providing support and optimism for them to reach their greatest healing potential.
In addition to her work at Pan Am Rehabilitation Services, Karen has been a Clinical Instructor and Senior Fieldwork Educator in cancer rehabilitation at the College of Rehabilitation Sciences at the University of Manitoba since 2014.
When not at work, Karen enjoys golfing, rock painting, spending time with family, and traveling. She proudly trains and races with Winnipeg’s breast cancer dragon boat team, Chemo Savvy.

Education:
• University of Manitoba, BMR (PT)
• University of Manitoba, MSc (Rehab)

Achievements:
• Breast Cancer Foundation of Canada National Fellowship
• Certified Lymphedema Therapist and member of Lymphology Association of North America
• Cancer Exercise Specialist Advanced Qualification
• Myofascial Interventions Certifications
• Management of Balance Impairment and Fall Risks for Cancer Survivors
• Advanced Lymphedema Management
• Peripheral Neuropathy/Balance Impairment Management

Areas of Interest:
• Acupuncture provider
• Cancer Rehabilitation – prehab, treatment phase, recovery phase, return to active living phase
• Return-to-work planning and reconditioning after cancer diagnosis
• Peripheral Neuropathy
• Balance Impairments
• Myofascial Dysfunction
• Lymphedema/Lipedema Management