Sierra became interested in becoming a physiotherapist as a young athlete. Her early exposure to physiotherapists helped her realize what an impact they could have on sports, activity, and quality of life.
Sierra was born in Kamloops, BC. She grew up playing soccer, volleyball, basketball and spent lots of time on the snow at Sun Peaks. She became interested in becoming a physiotherapist as a young athlete. Her early exposure to physiotherapists helped her realize what an impact they could have on sports, activity, and quality of life.
Sierra completed her bachelor’s of science degree in Kinesiology at the University of New Brunswick, in Fredericton. While at UNB, she specialized in biomechanics and assisted several research studies. She continued to be active in sports, being part of the women’s varsity soccer team for two years. Sierra also had the opportunity to participate in the study abroad program and spent a semester studying in Chichester, England. During her time abroad, Sierra travelled to many different countries around Europe and had the opportunity to participate in an international sports analysis program. Throughout her schooling, Sierra volunteered for many leadership programs and has volunteered on first aid teams for the Western Canada Summer Games, and the Kamloops Invitational Soccer Tournament. After graduation, she packed up her car and drove out west to Calgary to earn her Master’s degree in physiotherapy at the University of Alberta, Calgary campus. During her physiotherapy program, she completed placements in cardiorespiratory, orthopedic, and neurological divisions. In her neurological placement she worked with clients suffering from concussions and mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBI), and found it very rewarding as she was able to relate to their experiences, having had concussions in the past. Sierra had several concussions over the years, being injured in soccer, snowboarding, and household accidents. After her last concussion, she realized the lack of resources available to people experiencing concussions, post-concussion syndromes and mTBI’s.
After finishing the program in the fall of 2015, she was excited to move back to BC and return to the mountains. Sierra currently works part time at Kelowna General Hospital, and covers many different areas of the hospital. Sierra is now involved in running, soccer, volleyball, and snowboarding at Big White. She is excited to be back in the interior and enjoy the outdoor lifestyle that BC can offer.
Over the last few years, Sierra has completed Dry Needling levels 1 and 2, Beginner and Advanced Vestibular Rehabilitation courses and beginner K-taping for Women’s health. She recently took specialty training in pelvic health/incontinence. Sierra is excited to help this group of patients and is excited to continue her learning in the field. She also looks forward to completing advanced courses in manual therapy and sport physiotherapy.
She completed her first marathon in Vancouver in the fall of 2019. No marathons are planned for the near future, but you can still see her running on the greenway or out on the trails!