Pelvic Health

Krista Cochrane
PT BScPT, Owner
Krista Cochrane, from Ottawa, Ontario, is a dedicated Registered Physiotherapist with a passion for pelvic health. She graduated from University of Western Ontario in 2000. Krista began specializing in pelvic health in 2009. She joined Pelvic Support Physiotherapy in 2011 and took over ownership of the clinic in June 2018, continuing her mission to enhance the quality of life for individuals suffering from pelvic health issues. Krista has developed extensive expertise in treating a wide range of pelvic floor disorders, including urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, and chronic pelvic pain conditions such as vaginismus and vulvodynia. She is known for her compassionate and personalized approach, providing tailored care to patients of all ages and genders. Krista is devoted to education and advocacy for pelvic health. She regularly presents to healthcare professionals, community groups, and patients, raising awareness and providing valuable insights into the importance of pelvic floor health. Outside of her clinical work, Krista is committed to continuous learning. She regularly attends courses and conferences to stay current with the latest research and advancements in her field, ensuring she provides the best care possible. Recent conferences include International Pelvic Pain Society in 2019, International Continence Society in 2023, The Canadian Society for Pelvic Medicine in 2024, and the first Men’s Sexual Health Summit in 2024. In her personal time, Krista loves spending time with her family and friends, enjoying outdoor activities, and traveling.

Nancy Dowker
PT BScPT
Nancy Dowker graduated as a Physical Therapist from the University of Western Ontario in 1981. Nancy is passionate about the need to empower people to regain control of their lives through education, physical treatment and ultimately self-management. She worked in Toronto until moving to the Ottawa Valley in 1988. Nancy's career has encompassed the Pelvic Floor, Orthopaedics and Arthritis. She is rostered to perform internal pelvic examinations with the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario. She has assisted Julie Wiebe, PT, with the practical component of her course as Julie presents her ‘Diaphragmatic Piston’ concepts to other Physiotherapists, Kineseologists and like-minded physical educators in both Canada and the USA. Nancy has been an Educational Lab Assistant for Pelvic Health Solutions, an evidence-based Ontario teaching company providing an ever-expanding range of expertise to Health Care Professionals with an interest in Pelvic Health. She participated in a mentorship program for the same group, guiding newly-trained pelvic physiotherapists across Canada through the challenges of adapting new theoretical and evidence-based practices around pain into their clinical practice. Member of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association for over 40 years.

Quelen Farias
PT BScPT, Certified Yoga Teacher
Quelen graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Physiotherapy from the Lisbon School of Health Technology (Portugal) in 2011. She developed a great interest in pelvic health while still in university. While Quelen has experience in orthopedics and geriatric care, she has been practicing exclusively in pelvic health for most of her career. She has completed extensive training in pelvic rehabilitation covering several aspects of pelvic health including prenatal care, postpartum health and return to fitness, bladder and bowel health, sexual health, complex pelvic pain, and trauma informed care. In her practice as a pelvic physiotherapist, Quelen focuses on connecting with her clients in a safe and non-judgemental way, allowing ideas to be shared and concerns to be validated. Quelen uses functional movement and exercise, manual therapy techniques, and education to help her clients achieve their pelvic health goals. She works towards guiding clients into creating their own toolbox which they can use whenever needed, giving them the autonomy to take charge of their health with confidence. Quelen offers in-person and virtual care. Aside from her clinical work, Quelen works as an examiner with the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario and as a lab assistant for the Pelvic Health levels 1 and 2 courses with Pelvic Health Solutions. She also offers educational workshops about pelvic health to the public.

Clare Jervis
PT MScPT
Clare is originally from Arnprior. She completed her Bachelor of Kinesiology with Honours at Acadia University, then graduated from the University of Toronto with her Masters of Science in Physical Therapy in 2010. When Clare experienced pelvic floor dysfunction after having her first baby she learned first-hand the importance and need for pelvic floor physiotherapy. From there, Clare went on to do specialized training in pelvic health. Clare believes in a whole body approach when it comes to helping support or improve one’s pelvic health or treating pelvic dysfunction. She enjoys helping people achieve their goals and feel their best! She treats people in pregnancy and postpartum (including c-section and core recovery), issues around bladder and bowel health, pelvic organ prolapse, pelvic pain (including pain with intercourse), and for pre and post surgery support. Outside of work, Clare can be found training for triathlons and spending time with her family. Highlights Registered Physiotherapist Pelvic Health Physiotherapist Certified Pregnancy and Postpartum Athleticism Coach trained to fit pessaries undergoing her Pilates certification
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Lisa Schock
PT MScPT
Lisa was born and raised in Ottawa. She earned her Master of Science in Physical Therapy from the University of Toronto in 2015. She has worked in hospital and private practice settings, and has additional training in orthopedics, vestibular rehab, concussion management, and pelvic floor rehabilitation. While working in orthopedics she developed a passion for pelvic health because of the profound impact it can have on an individual’s quality of life. She began her focus in pelvic health in 2017 and was delighted to join the team at Pelvic Support Physiotherapy in 2019. Lisa completed her pelvic floor physiotherapy training with Pelvic Health Solutions, and has additional training in prenatal/postpartum care, ano-rectal disorders, and paediatric pelvic health. She strives to empower all her clients through knowledge and education. Lisa is married with three young kids. In her spare time she enjoys running, hiking, yoga, camping, and playing in the backyard with her family and their German Shepherd, Bane.

Shira Schwartz
PT MScPT
Shira was born and raised in Ottawa. She earned her Master of Science in Physical Therapy from the McGill University in 2018. She has worked in private practice throughout her career, working in orthopedics, vestibular and concussion rehab, pediatrics, and pelvic health. Shira has been passionate about pelvic health since she was in physiotherapy school, when she was able to use pelvic floor physiotherapy to help manage her own needs. Shira completed her training with Urosante and Pelvic Health Solutions including specific training in the treatment of incontinence, pelvic pain, pelvic organ prolapse, bowel dysfunction, pre and postnatal, and pediatrics. In her spare time Shira enjoys gardening, cooking, running, weight lifting, and doing home renovations with her husband.

Francisca Avila
PT MScPT
Francisca holds a Master of Health Sciences in Physiotherapy from the University of Ottawa (2009) and a Bachelor of Science in Human Kinetics from the University of Québec at Montreal (2007). She has developed her knowledge in the field of pelvic health through post-graduate courses and training, and she is dedicated to remaining at the forefront of the field to deliver the best care to her patients. Francisca has been a part-time professor and teaching assistant at the University of Ottawa, in Physiotherapy and Human Kinetics. She has also been a research assistant at the Élisabeth Bruyère Research Institute. Francisca discovered her interest in pelvic health when seeking alternatives to alleviate her perinatal-related conditions and knows how working in this field can positively impact the quality of life of her patients. She provides treatment in a safe and caring environment through a collaborative and evidence-based approach that is tailored to her patients’ needs. Francisca is fluent in English, French, and Spanish. Memberships: Canadian Physiotherapy Association Ontario Physiotherapy Association Pelvic and Reproductive Health division of the CPA International Continence Society

Meredith Zyla
PT BScPT
Meredith graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from Queen’s University in 2002, following an Honours Bachelor of Science in Biology from McMaster University (1999). She began her career in Vancouver and Toronto, working primarily in spinal cord injury rehabilitation. Eventually settling in Ottawa, she gained a wide variety of experiences in acute care and rehabilitation. Following the birth of her children, Meredith developed an interest in pelvic floor physiotherapy and joined Pelvic Support Physiotherapy in 2024. Committed to lifelong learning and evidence-based practice, Meredith prioritizes continuing education and has recently completed courses in pelvic organ prolapse, pain science, and men’s pelvic health. Meredith is a mother of 3 children and a dedicated member of the Girl Guides of Canada, with over 40 years of involvement. Member of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association: Pelvic and Reproductive Health, Neurosciences Divisions

Cathy Cooney
PT BScPT
Cathy Cooney is a dedicated physiotherapist who graduated from the University of Toronto in 1997. Throughout her career, Cathy has worked with a diverse range of patients, from athletes recovering from sports injuries to individuals seeking rehabilitation after surgery or accidents. In 2006 she began her journey into the field of women’s pelvic floor physiotherapy and happily found her passion. At the time, Cathy was one of the first Pelvic Floor Physiotherapists in the Ottawa area. She recognized the incredible benefits that this type of treatment has to offer women. Cathy has since dedicated herself to continuously expanding her knowledge and expertise in the field of pelvic health, while integrating her knowledge of orthopaedics into the pelvic floor world. As a self-declared life-long learner, she regularly participates in courses, seminars, and conferences to stay on top of the latest advancements in the field of pelvic health. Cathy believes in a holistic approach to physiotherapy, using evidence-based techniques along with empathy and understanding to address each patient's unique needs. Cathy also provides care to new mothers who are having difficulty with blocked milk ducts while breastfeeding. She uses a physiotherapy-based approach, treating patients both at the Pelvic Support Physiotherapy Clinic and in the comfort of patient’s homes through her mobile independent business. Treatment includes using therapeutic ultrasound, teaching lymphatic drainage massage and evaluating positioning and latch. She also screens and makes recommendations for infant issues such as oral-facial and body muscle tension, torticollis and plagiocephaly, all of which can impact successful feeding. In her free time, Cathy enjoys staying active through biking, exercising at the gym, and playing pickleball. She also finds joy in reading, traveling and spending time with her husband and her two twenty-something kids when they are home.

Kathleen De Jesus-Gauthier
Certified Athletic Therapist, Registered Massage Therapist
Kathleen lay motionless on the pitch crying. It was spring of 1998 somewhere in Holland, kick off had just happened but Kathleen’s playing on the tour had just ended. This was the moment that could have either made her or broken her as an athlete, and as a person, but her journey was just beginning. Kathleen De Jesus-Gauthier became a Certified Athletic Therapist in 2004. She has a Bachelor of Science in Human Kinetics, Honours, from the University of Ottawa in 2000, and a Diploma in Sports Injury Management from Sheridan College in 2004. She achieved high academic standards graduating Magna Cum Laude and the Silver Medal recipient for the highest GPA of the program, respectively. Immediately after graduating, she began working with Rugby Canada with the National Senior Women’s team. She reached one of her goals when she was selected to be part of the team that competed at the World Cup in 2006 finishing 4th in the world. In 2014, she returned to school at Algonquin College in the Massage Intensive Course qualifying for the Dean’s List each semester. In 2016, she became a Registered Massage Therapist. Tearing her other ACL in Holland just after rehabilitating from the previous ACL reconstruction surgery brought her to tears, not because of the pain but because she knew she would face another year of rehab. That decision to proceed with another surgery, another round of rehab, molded Kathleen into the therapist she is today. She understands and can empathize when something like an injury or pain stops one from doing what brings one joy. She understands the mindset needed to come back from torn ACLs and go on to play for Canada. She understands that easier rarely means better, and that hard work can lead to the most gratifying outcomes and experiences. Her hard work mentality translated to her athletics and brought her back to high level rugby, being a Rugby Canada U23 Women’s team member in 2000. This attitude of achievement and persistence even saw her take the field for the Algonquin College Women’s Rugby team while she was completing her Massage Therapy Program in 2015 and earned recognition as the MVP of the team. Finding different and effective ways to get clients moving and enjoying life is what drives her professionally. Through her schooling she was exposed to a treatment methodology that addressed organs but to do that she needed experience with light touch therapy. At that point in her career, Kathleen’s hands had not yet developed those senses so she pursued Craniosacral Therapy (CST). CST changed the way she treated because she now accessed a specific tissue, fascia. Fascia is connective tissue everywhere in the body. It covers nerves, blood vessels, organs, muscles, groups of muscles, and the entire body just under the skin. This amazing tissue is why a restriction in one area can impact not just locally but from a distance away. After taking several courses in CST, Kathleen returned to her pursuit of treating organs by taking courses in Visceral Manipulation which is organ specific fascial treatment. Even though these approaches are very gentle, their impact on the tissues can be great. A thorough history taking is needed to help Kathleen find possible connections through anatomy that can be causing the current issues. Freeing up fascia helps return movement at the tissue level but also the whole body. Personally, she’s driven by raising her two sons and being part of a close-knit family that keeps her busy, but also keeps her grounded. She enjoys cycling, puzzle games on her phone and watching movies. She recently found a new passion, pickleball! That young woman who had laid on that field in Holland made a choice. She chose to push herself towards the goals she set for herself and not be held back by fear or discomfort. She decided the path that was before her was going to be the one she made for herself, and she has now built a reputation structured on the same philosophy and she looks forward to working with you to help you find your path to recovery.
Reception Team

Sarah Keef
Office Manager
For as long as she could remember, Sarah has loved to create and connect with others in meaningful ways. Growing up engulfed in animated TV shows, movies, and a wide range of games encouraged her enthusiasm around the art industry, which led her to study illustration and concept art at Algonquin College. Since 2022, she has been operating a freelance digital illustration and design business to help clients tell their stories and share their creative visions with the world. Sarah has a wide range of previous customer service experience, such as training new agents for call center work, working as a pharmacy assistant, and maintaining a loyal client base with her freelance business. After working from home for 2 years, she was eager to transition into a more client-facing role with the Pelvic Support Physiotherapy team and has been loving it ever since. She is dedicated to continued education, enjoys learning new skills, and is fulfilled by deepening her knowledge about how to give patients the best care and experience. Sarah is originally from southern California and moved to Ottawa in 2011 with her family. Outside of work, she loves to read, write, spend time with her friends, family, and pets, and enjoy cozy nights in watching movies or playing games.

Carolyn Marushko
Receptionist
Carolyn has been a ‘stay at home’ mom for the past 20 years! She has loved every moment of it; raising three daughters and volunteering in the community. Before that, Carolyn was a software programmer/analyst working in Toronto after obtaining her B.Math / Comp. Science degree from the University of Waterloo in 1985. Carolyn enjoys her new ‘second career’ at Pelvic Support as it allows her to work and socialize with a wonderful group of ladies and clients!

Paramjit Gidda
Receptionist
Param was born in India and moved to England to study and was married and had two wonderful sons there. She moved to Ottawa in 1980's and worked at the Queensway-Carleton Hospital accounting office before going into business for 10 years (convenient store, Motel and Coffee shop). She went back to College and obtained Medical Office Administrator diploma and worked full time for an Ottawa physiotherapy clinic for 12 years. She is loving her retirement part time job at Pelvic Support.

Shannon Graham
Receptionist
With a keen desire to expand her knowledge in all aspects of health and wellness. Shannon has a background in Fitness and Nutrition for seniors. Also a graduate in Office Administration at Algonquin College in 2002 with a focus on customer relations. Shannon is a busy mother of one, spending most of her 'spare' time cheering her son on and cooking healthy food. .
