The CARE Team is coordinated by a Registered Veterinary Technician who is certified in Canine Rehabilitation through the University of Tennessee. Our team is comprised of Registered Physiotherapists trained through the Canadian Horse and Animal Physiotherapy Association (CHAP), University of Tennessee, and The Canine Rehabilitation Institute in Florida.

Veterinary Surgeons, Registered Veterinary Technicians, and Animal Care Attendants support our rehabilitation service by providing your pets with optimal care before, during, and after surgery. Together the CARE Team promotes health and wellness and faster return to function in post operative patients, orthopaedic and neurologic patients, as well as patients with osteoarthritis and injuries.

Our team is made up of:

Kristine Lee, MScPT, BSc(Hon)

Director of Rehabilitation, CARE

Kristine graduated from McMaster University in 2004 with a Masters of Physical Therapy and has spent her time focusing primarily on musculoskeletal and neurological patients in the private clinic setting. Prior to her physiotherapy career Kristine graduated from the University of Guelph with an Honours Bachelors of Science degree with a specialization in Marine Biology.

Upon graduation, Kristine worked at a non-profit marine organization in Florida in the area of Shark Biology as well as working with the Staff Veterinarian in the Marine Mammal department. Kristine has always felt a strong desire to work with animals and is thrilled to be able to bring her skills of rehabilitation to the canine patients of Mississauga Oakville Veterinary Emergency Hospital. Kristine is currently pursuing her Canine Rehabilitation Therapist certification from the Canine Rehabilitation Institute in Florida but also strongly values continuing education. She will strive to bring new, innovative and effective treatment practices to her patients.

Outside of the clinic Kristine is a group exercise instructor and a fitness competitor and enjoys spending time with her two nieces and nephew.

Joanna (Freeman) Pyke, PT, BSc. Kinesiology, CSCS, CCRP

Rehabilitation Consultant, CARE

A registered physiotherapist, Joanna Pyke has practiced physiotherapy and exercise science in a variety of settings for 10 years, 6 of which she has been involved in the field of canine rehabilitation. Currently, she is an outpatient physiotherapist with Halton Healthcare Services. Prior to this, she worked for 3 years treating animals exclusively at a private canine rehabilitation clinic in Raleigh , North Carolina.

Joanna is a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner (CCRP), having completed the Canine Physical Rehabilitation Program at the University of Tennessee (2004), as well as being a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (NSCA). Joanna takes great pride in her past and present collaboration with veterinarians to ensure the utmost care of her animal patients and also believes education of clients on home exercise prescription to be a key component of their lifelong health. Joanna completed her Physiotherapy degree (with distinction) from The University of Western Ontario (2003) and is also a graduate of Dalhousie University (1999).

Joanna is available for initial consultations, rechecks, sessions on Monday from 9am to 2pm.

Debbie Wood, RPT, MCPA, CCRT (candidate)

Rehabilitation Consultant, CARE

Debbie is the Director of Education,Animal Rehabilitation Division Canadian Physiotherapy Association and a Rehabilitation Consultant with CARE.

Debbie graduated as a Physiotherapist thirty years ago, in her native city of Manchester, UK. Debbie practiced in the fields of acute inpatient ICU/CCU, medicine, surgery and orthopaedics at Manchester Royal Infirmary. In 1989, Debbie moved to Toronto in order to design and implement an outpatient cardiac rehabilitation program at St. Joseph's Health Centre, and provide service to inpatient units. She continues to work in ICU and acute inpatient areas in Humber River Regional Hospital. Debbie has extensive experience in the provision of clinical and classroom education for University of Manchester and University of Toronto students. She has also participated on various professional, hospital, community and university boards. Debbie is an active member of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association (CPA), and is registered to practice in Ontario. Debbie has had a passion for dogs since the age of seven when her dad arrived home with a surprise miniature dachshund puppy for her and her brother David. Debbie has taken all canine courses currently offered in Canada. In 2008 Debbie made two trips to the U.S. based Canine Rehabilitation Institute (CRI), in order to further expand her education and practice in the field. This faculty offers the unique opportunity for physiotherapists to study alongside veterinarians. Debbie has since completed the necessary courses and successfully passed all examinations required by CRI to become a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapist. Debbie became a member of the CARE Team in March 2006. Debbie lives in Etobicoke with her family, two cats and three dogs (Billie, Sabrina and Sweetpea). She enjoys hiking with the dogs, entertaining, travel, and supporting her favourite team since childhood, Manchester City. Debbie is the current Director of Education of the CPA Animal Rehabilitation Division.

Debbie is available for initial consultations on Tuesdays from 10 am to 2 pm.