Our Team
"Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much" - Helen Keller
Physiotherapy
Michelle Hand
Physiotherapist – Clinic Owner
Working with children with special needs became a passion for Michelle when she was in school for Physiotherapy and inspired her to start her career at ErinoakKids Children’s Treatment Centre. Michelle’s skills as a therapist include Cuevas Medek Exercises (CME Level 3), Neurodevelopmental Treatment (NDT), functional strength and exercise, Kinesiotaping and gait training. Michelle believes in a hands-on treatment approach, and sees the potential in every child she works with, challenging them to be the best that they can be!
Opening Butterfly Paediatric Therapy with Keiri Porter was the most challenging and exciting thing Michelle has ever accomplished. Working with children of all abilities, in an environment that is created for them to thrive, is what gets Michelle out of bed every day. As a business owner and mentor, Michelle is looking forward to sharing her experiences and knowledge with the wonderful staff around her at Butterfly Paediatric Therapy in hopes of growing the business and helping more children spread their wings!
Learn More About Michelle:
- If Michelle could teleport anywhere in the world, she would go to the French Polynesian Islands.
- If Michelle had an elephant, she would have a water fight with it!
- Michelle is embarrassed to admit that the movie Jaws scares her.
Keiri Porter
Physiotherapist – Clinic Owner
When Keiri was first interested in being a physiotherapist she was passionate about anatomy, and loved teaching. With increased experience and a few opportunities to see children, Keiri realized how inspiring and empowering it was to use play as a tool to make therapy fun and result in functional change. As her education and career progressed, she was consistently drawn in by making meaningful physical change and creating connections with children and their families.
Keiri enjoys treating using a very hands-on approach – sometimes trying things that might fail, and being pleasantly surprised with the response. She likes to challenge the kids and then give the families ideas and tools to be involved and push their kids without it seeming like therapy. Keiri is amazed by the children that she treats every day!
The decision to start Butterfly Paediatric Therapy with Michelle Hand was a work in progress over a few years, one that comes with no regrets. Having the business actually allows Keiri to treat kids on a regular basis, to make change, to impact families, to work alongside an amazing friend and therapists everyday, and now – going back to her original passion – to teach and mentor others.
Over her career she has found that what works best for her is an eclectic approach. Having different options and therapy approaches depending on the needs or sometimes even the moods of the child provides for more meaningful change. Keiri has taken her 8 week Neurodevelopmental Treatment (NDT), has her Level 3 Cuevas Medek Exercise (CME), Paediatric Kinesiotaping, Functional Strength Training, Pilates for Neurological Impairments, Body Weight Support Treadmill Training and draws on these to create fun and functional treatment sessions.
Fun Facts About Keiri:
- If Keiri could be any animal, she would be an otter!
- If Keiri could only eat one food for the rest of her life it would be macaroni and cheese.
- If Keiri had a movie about her life, Anna Kendrick would play her role.
Lisa Guidoni
Physiotherapist – Clinic Director Burlington & PT Clinical Lead
Lisa is an experienced clinician who enjoys working with children of all ages and abilities, and her passion for helping her clients reach their functional goals shines through during each one of her treatment sessions.
Lisa grew up playing competitive hockey, and as a result became fascinated by the human body’s ability to move, adapt and repair. This fascination led her to complete both an undergraduate Honours Bachelor of Science Kinesiology degree, as well as a Master’s of Physiotherapy degree from McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario. Since this time, she has completed her Level 1 and 2 Cueves Medek Exercises (CME) practitioner certifications. She has also taken continuing education courses related to infantile torticollis and plagiocephaly, infant and toddler motor development, paediatric scoliosis, pain in paediatrics and musculoskeletal soft tissue release. Most recently she has undergone further learning related to the assessment and treatment of concussions, taught by Shannon McGuire of Concussion Rehab Works Inc. Lisa is always seeking new opportunities to further her knowledge in order to provide effective care to her clients.
Lisa’s interest in paediatrics stems from her previous experiences both as a Summer Camp Counsellor and as a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist where she worked with youth athletes of various ages and skill levels to help improve their performance in sport. Lisa continues to find joy in the paediatric population now working with infants, toddlers, children and adolescents on a daily basis. She has experience working with children with both neurological or genetic conditions, as well as musculoskeletal or orthopedic conditions. She loves coming to the clinic every day to see the smiling faces of her clients, while they work towards reaching their goals.
When not treating clients, Lisa has taken on a leadership role at Butterfly Paediatric Therapy, helping to mentor our physiotherapists and set them up for success. She continues to assist with the growth and function of our clinics on a daily basis to ensure families feel welcome and comfortable in our space as they enter the doors. Lisa enjoys spending time in the community making connections with other healthcare providers as well as educating families on our services and the importance of paediatric care.
Let’s Get to Know Lisa:
- If Lisa could teleport anywhere in the world, she would go to Hawaii.
- If Lisa was on a deserted island and her needs were met, she would bring a bicycle to explore and a boat to leave when she’s ready.
- If Lisa was a celebrity, she would be famous for her organizational skills – she loves a clean pantry!
Cassandra Bodrucky
Physiotherapist
Cassandra is a passionate, energetic, and outgoing therapist who strives to make physiotherapy fun and engaging for all kids. Cassandra developed a love for exercise, health, and wellness at a young age through skiing, gymnastics, dance, wrestling, and baseball. Her involvement in sports sparked a keen interest in the body, human movement, and injury management, leading her to complete a Diploma in Physiotherapy Assistant at Humber College. During that time, a clinical placement where she helped empower children to reach their goals and achieve milestones sparked her interest in paediatrics. The clinical experience gained through her placements led her to complete her undergraduate degree in Kinesiology at Lakehead University before pursuing a Master of Science in Rehabilitation Science, followed by a Master of Science in Physical Therapy at Queen’s University.
During her time in the physical therapy program, she pursued opportunities to gain more clinical experience in paediatrics. Cassandra has worked with paediatric clients throughout multiple settings including remote northern communities such as with the company Firefly in Red Lake, Ontario. She gained clinical experience in assessing and developing creative treatment sessions for children with various common conditions and feels that being a part of life-changing treatment is incredibly rewarding.
Cassandra is motivated and excited to continue to increase her knowledge through continuing education programs to deliver the highest possible care to children. She has already completed courses in Neurodevelopmental Therapy (NDT), toe walking, and vestibular treatment. She is excited to join the Butterfly Paediatric Therapy team and help children reach their maximum potential through play-based physiotherapy sessions.
Question and Answer with Cassandra:
- If Cassandra could have a superpower, it would be teleportation.
- If Cassandra was on a deserted island and her needs were met, she would bring a book and a stand-up paddle board.
- If Cassandra was a celebrity, she would be famous for motivational speaking.
Elina Provad
Physiotherapist
From a young age, Elina has been fascinated by the human body’s ability to adapt and react, and was intrigued by the concept of exercise as medicine. This led her to complete her Master of Science in Physical Therapy at the University of Toronto, following the successful completion of her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology at McMaster University, determined to pursue a career in paediatric physiotherapy. Elina’s passion for physiotherapy lies in watching her clients transform into more independent and confident versions of themselves.
To further her learning, Elina completed an internship at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital on the Brain Injury Rehabilitation Team. There, she had the opportunity to deliver creative and engaging treatments to kids with varying brain injury diagnoses. She also completed an internship at a private paediatric clinic, where she prepared and delivered engaging play-based physiotherapy interventions for clients with gross motor/developmental milestone delays, gait abnormalities, torticollis, plagiocephaly, and a variety of other conditions.
Elina’s treatment style is straightforward and honest. She uses humour and empathy to guide her clients to achieve their and their families’ therapeutic goals. Showcasing her commitment to life-long learning, Elina is currently a doctoral student in Rehabilitation Sciences at KITE-Toronto Rehab-University Health Network, with a collaborative specialization in Neurosciences, at the University of Toronto. Her research involves studying balance and mobility in children and adults with non-neurodegenerative conditions, such as cerebral palsy.
Learning About Elina:
- One thing that Elina could not live without is Ginger Ale.
- If Elina could live in any country, she would live in Switzerland.
- Elina’s hidden talent is that she used to be a competitive ballroom dancer, and even performed half-time shows on Dancing with the Stars and So You Think You Can Dance. These days she is far too shy to dance in front of others!
Sandy Tung
Physiotherapist
Sandy has always been fascinated and interested in the science and movement of the human body which steered her to choosing physiotherapy as a career. She was interested in sports science but during her training she was exposed to working with babies and children with medical, surgical, orthopedic, neurological and genetic conditions in a variety of different settings which changed the trajectory of her career path. It was very rewarding and Sandy quickly found that her interest and passion was being directed towards paediatrics with a special interest in paediatric neurology.
In order to pursue her career in paediatrics and to have a well-rounded approach, Sandy’s continuing education includes being trained in Neurodevelopmental Therapy (NDT), Cuevas Medek Exercises (CME) Level I and II, paediatric kinesiotaping, core stability, infant mental health, early intervention, Task Specific Electrical Stimulation (TASES), General Movement Assessment certification and Certified Infant Massage Instructor by the International Association of Infant Massage (IAIM).
Sandy is constantly seeking new ways and approaches to helping and treating the babies and children who are in her care in order for them to be the best that they can be.
What May Surprise You About Sandy:
- If Sandy could have a superpower, it would be to have photographic memory.
- One thing that Sandy could not live without is chocolate.
- Sandy’s hidden talent is that she can sing!
Madeleine Blott
Physiotherapist
Burlington
Madeleine is a Physiotherapy Resident with the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario. Madeleine is energetic, caring, and passionate about using her creativity to ensure every child she works with not only strives to meet their goals but has fun in the process. Madeleine has always been passionate about working with children. Her passion began while spending several summers working outdoors at YMCA overnight camps as a Camp Counsellor, Leadership Trainer and then as a Waterfront Director. When she wasn’t at camp, she spent her free time competitively swimming and dancing, or going on active adventures with friends/family.
Her passion for moving continued into her career path. After completing her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology at the University of Waterloo, she obtained a Master of Science in Physiotherapy at Leeds Beckett University in England, UK. She then became certified to provide acupuncture through McMaster University’s Neurofunctional Medical Acupuncture Program.
Madeleine has always believed in the importance of spreading passion for active living. While completing her education, she worked as a ski instructor for individuals of all ages and various abilities. Her favourite aspect of this included volunteering with the Waterloo Regional Track 3 Program where she taught children with physical and mental disabilities how to ski. Outside of school and skiing, she volunteered to facilitate exercise programs for children struggling with obesity/diabetes, and physical disabilities.
Let’s Learn about Madeleine:
- If Madeleine could use rollerblades as her primary mode of transportation, she would.
- If Madeleine was only able to have one item of food to cook from for the rest of her life,
she would choose a potato. - Madeleine believes that dance parties can solve most problems!
Mahnoor Akram
Physiotherapy Resident
Mississauga
She has always had a keen interest in the human body and physiology and was amazed by the body’s ability to heal through movement physically, mentally, and socially. This led her to pursue a career in physiotherapy as she wanted to grow with others and give clients second chances at reconnecting with the activities they love the most. After completing a Bachelor in Science in Biology-Physiology from McMaster University, she went on to complete a Master of Science in Physical Therapy at the University of Toronto.
During her Master’s, Mahnoor completed a clinical internship at ErinaoakKids where she learned to integrate play into rehabilitative care to make sessions fun and engaging for all children. She has also completed a miniMAP class where she learned about movement analysis and behaviour strategies to enhance pediatric care.
Outside of school, Mahnoor is also interested in integrating evidence-based care into practice. She’s currently volunteering with the NOvEL lab at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital where she is assisting in pediatric concussion research.
Mahnoor has always loved the Disney quote “if you can dream it, you can do it”. She is kind, empathetic, and optimistic and wants to help children and families of all abilities work confidently towards the directions of their dreams.
Get to know Mahnoor:
- Mahnoor thinks she is most like Moana from Disney! She follows her heart and
likes to think outside the box (or reef) - If she could choose a song to describe herself it would be “Walking on sunshine”
- Mahnoor couldn’t live without dessert!