About Us

Get to know our company and our team

Who We Are & What We Do

Core Connection Mobile Physiotherapy provides high-quality, in-home physiotherapy across Southern Vancouver Island and Vancouver, BC. We are a values-driven organization committed to making rehabilitation accessible, individualized, and deeply human.

Much of our work focuses on women’s health across the lifespan, including pregnancy, postpartum recovery, pelvic health, menopause and aging. We believe women deserve proactive, evidence-based support through every stage of life, delivered in a way that fits their unique goals, responsibilities, and lived experiences.

While much of our work focuses on women’s health, we welcome clients of all backgrounds, abilities, identities, and life experiences. Our goal is to create a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment where every person feels supported in their care.

By working in our clients’ real-life environments, we develop practical treatment plans that integrate seamlessly into daily routines, helping people move with greater confidence, maintain independence, and improve their quality of life.

 

Our Team Values

At the heart of everything we do are our five core values: Connection, Compassion, Collaboration, Communication, and Community. These guide our client interactions, our teamwork, and our partnerships with other healthcare professionals.

Our Team Members

LAUREN SUTHERLAND (She/her)

LICENSED PHYSIOTHERAPIST | PELVIC HEALTH | FOUNDER

Lauren works with a wide range of clients, with a special focus on pelvic health. Her practice includes perinatal care, labour preparation, and return to physical activity postpartum, as well as pelvic organ prolapse, bladder and bowel dysfunction, and chronic pelvic pain. She is trained to perform internal pelvic exams through extensive basic and advanced coursework with Pelvic Health Solutions. Lauren provides care for all genders, including male pelvic health, and also works extensively with seniors and individuals with complex medical histories or physical impairments that make it challenging to leave their homes. She is a trauma-informed practitioner who ensures care is individualized, compassionate, and accessible.

An avid health and fitness enthusiast, Lauren comes from a competitive sports background. She grew up playing a wide variety of sports and went on to compete as a lightweight rower on the varsity women’s rowing team at the University of British Columbia. She holds an undergraduate degree in Kinesiology and Health Science from UBC and a Master of Physical Therapy from the University of Toronto.

Lauren founded Core Connection in 2019 after feeling frustrated by the gaps in traditional brick-and-mortar physiotherapy models. 

Beyond her clinical work, Lauren is active in the Victoria community. She participates in recreational sports, serves on the board of the EO Vancouver Island Accelerator Program, and is a former board member of the Victoria Chapter of the Women in Leadership Foundation.

*Lauren is no longer accepting new clients in Victoria. She works closely with every team member via ongoing mentorship and collaboration to ensure a high standard of care. You’ll be thoughtfully matched with a physiotherapist who is fully supported behind the scenes.

JAN PLUMB (She/her)

LICENSED PHYSIOTHERAPIST | PELVIC HEALTH | CLINICAL MANAGER

Jan is a compassionate, trauma informed physical therapist who believes that a strong therapeutic relationship is at the heart of effective treatment. She is dedicated to empowering her clients with the knowledge and tools they need to work toward their goals and focus on what is most meaningful in their lives.

Jan works with a wide range of clients, with a keen interest in pelvic health. Her practice in pelvic health includes the perinatal period, labor preparation, recovery from caesarean section, post-partum return to activity, bowel and bladder dysfunction, pelvic organ prolapse, pelvic pain, and support for the breastfeeding dyad. Jan’s training and education in pelvic health physiotherapy has been specific to individuals with vaginal anatomy. She completed her initial pelvic health training in internal assessment and treatment through BC Women’s Hospital and Urosante (Canadian Pelvic Health Academy). Jan has pursued additional advanced pelvic health education through various organizations including Reframe Rehab and Pelvic Health Solutions.

Beyond her pelvic health focus, Jan enjoys working with seniors and clients of all ages who benefit from the convenience and personalized approach of in-home care.

Jan earned her Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from the University of Alberta in 2002 and has over 10 years of experience in pelvic health, alongside a broad background in musculoskeletal conditions. Outside of work, Jan enjoys exploring our beautiful island with her family by camping, hiking, and mountain biking.

SUSANNAH STEWART (She/her)

LICENSED PHYSIOTHERAPIST | PELVIC HEALTH

Susannah is a physiotherapist with extensive experience in pelvic health and dementia care. She graduated from the University of Ottawa in 2004 with a Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy and has built her practice around compassion, curiosity, and individualized care.

Her gentle, client-centred approach focuses on understanding each person’s goals, experiences, and comfort level in order to create a care plan that truly fits. In 2019, she completed pelvic health training with Pelvic Health Solutions and is passionate about supporting pelvic and sexual health for women and gender-diverse people.

Susannah’s work is trauma-informed and grounded in nervous system care. She recognizes the close relationship between mental and pelvic health and collaborates with mental health professionals to support integrated, whole-person care.

She has a special interest in hormone health across the lifespan, including perinatal care, gender-affirming care, perimenopause, and menopause. Susannah supports people experiencing prolapse, pregnancy and postpartum recovery, endometriosis, bladder leaks, lichen sclerosus, low back pain, post-hysterectomy recovery, and painful sex. She has also worked in hospital settings supporting people recovering from
fractures and joint replacement surgery.

In addition to her clinical work, Susannah is a speaker, educator, advocate, and activist for pelvic health. Outside of work, she enjoys frolicking in the forest, mermaiding in lakes, and cuddling
dogs.

ASHLEY ARDELL (She/her)

LICENSED PHYSIOTHERAPIST | PELVIC HEALTH

Ashley is a patient-centered physiotherapist who is passionate about helping people reduce pain, restore function, and return to the activities that matter most to them. She takes an individualized, hands-on approach to care, combining manual therapy and exercise while empowering her patients to play an active role in their recovery.

Born and raised in Northern British Columbia, Ashley holds a bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences from the University of Northern British Columbia and a Master of Physical Therapy from the University of Toronto. She has practiced across Canada in both private clinic and home care settings, developing a well-rounded approach to treating neurological and musculoskeletal conditions. Ashley places a strong value on building meaningful connections and believes that trust and understanding are at the heart of successful rehabilitation. Ashley has a special interest in women’s health, pelvic health, and perinatal care. She has extensive experience supporting individuals with pelvic health concerns and has previously provided internal pelvic examinations in other provinces. Ashley is currently awaiting BC rostering for internal pelvic examinations. In the meantime, she is available to support clients with a wide range of pregnancy, postpartum, and pelvic health concerns through external assessment, education, exercise, and conservative management strategies.

Outside of work, Ashley is a military spouse and mom to a busy toddler. She grew up playing soccer and competing in both platform and springboard diving. She loves staying active, getting outdoors, and exploring everything Vancouver Island has to offer.

VICKY FORSYTH (She/her)

LICENSED PHYSIOTHERAPIST

Vicky grew up in the Cowichan Valley, where she competed in sports such as track and field, cross country, and field hockey. From an early age, she was interested in rehabilitation, seeking out stories of people who were able to come back after illness or injury.

Vicky completed a Bachelor of Science in Human Performance at UVic and then achieved her Physical Therapy degree at UBC in 1991. She sought out a relaxed lifestyle and worked as a physiotherapist for ten years in sunny Florida, gaining valuable experience working with pediatric, adult, and senior populations.

With a desire to be closer to friends, family, and West Coast living, Vicky returned to BC in 2001. Her career journey continued for more than 20 years in Vancouver, primarily helping injured workers to recover and return to work. Her functional approach focuses on restoring normal movement patterns and activities in line with individual goals.

To nurture her love of nature and time with friends and family, she recently returned to the Cowichan Valley. To support connections in the local community, Vicky has rejoined the Ceevacs Roadrunners, where she trained in her youth. During non-working hours, she enjoys hiking, paddle boarding, and trail running.

SARAH VILA (She/her)

CERTIFIED ATHLETIC THERAPIST / KINESIOLOGIST

Sarah is a compassionate and motivating therapist who believes in removing barriers to care so that everyone can access the health services they need. She is dedicated to helping her clients improve their quality of life through functional, individualized, and creative exercise therapy.

Sarah specializes in working with individuals who face mobility challenges, including those recovering from motor vehicle accidents (ICBC claims). She has extensive experience supporting clients with neurological and cognitive impairments and offers home visits, hospital-based care, and pool therapy to ensure rehabilitation is accessible and effective.

Sarah completed her Bachelor of Athletic and Exercise Therapy at Camosun College in 2022 and has worked in community-based care since graduating. She continues to expand her expertise through ongoing education, including becoming a Certified Pregnancy and Postpartum Exercise Specialist through Core Exercise Solutions. She is particularly passionate about supporting pregnant and postpartum clients who want to stay active, build postural strength, and restore core function through all stages of parenthood.

Outside of work, Sarah loves to hike, run, roller skate, and weightlift. She also serves as the Head Coach of the Esquimalt Speed Skating Club, working with athletes of all ages, from toddlers to seniors.

DAVID CHIAPA MENDEZ (He/him)

CERTIFIED ATHLETIC THERAPIST / KINESIOLOGIST

David is a Certified Athletic Therapist and CSEP-CPT delivering mobile, in-home therapy with energy, precision, and purpose. With a strong foundation in active rehab, injury prevention, and strength coaching, he brings therapy directly to clients recovering from ICBC claims, sports injuries, or chronic pain—wherever they are.

Originally from Mexico and now based on Vancouver Island, David holds a Bachelor of Athletic and Exercise Therapy from Camosun College. His clinical experience includes working with ICBC clients, youth and varsity athletes, Paralympians, and professional football players—including the BC Lions. His movement-based, hands-on approach empowers clients to regain strength, mobility, and confidence in their everyday lives.
When he’s not helping people move pain-free, you’ll find David hiking, lifting, dancing to Latin rhythms, or searching for the best Mexican food on the island.

core connection mobile physio + client manager

SYDNEY REIBER (She/her)

CLIENT CARE & OPERATIONS MANAGER

Sydney is a graduate of UVic with a BSc in Chemistry and is pursuing a PhD in Chemistry and Reactor Engineering, working on a project that focuses on developing alternative methods for the production and recycling of thermosetting plastics from renewable raw materials. Her extensive knowledge on human anatomy, biology and osteology makes her well versed when communicating with clients, and guarantees specific scheduling needs are met. 

 

Sydney loves the outdoors and when she is not working you can find her hiking with her rescue dog or conducting research in the lab!

At Core Connection, we welcome, celebrate, and respect people of all backgrounds, abilities, identities, and experiences. We are committed to creating an inclusive space for our clients and team, where everyone feels valued, supported, and empowered to thrive.

In-Home Physiotherapy & Kinesiology serving Victoria, Saanich, Central Saanich, North Saanich, Esquimalt, View Royal,  Colwood, Langford, Sooke, East Sooke, Cobble Hill, Mill Bay, Shawnigan Lake, Duncan, Chemainus, Vancouver, West Vancouver, Noth Vancouver

NEW! Live Virtual Classes Now Open Join our 6-week Prenatal Labour Prep and Menopause & Beyond programs from anywhere in British Columbia.

Prenatal Labour Prep (Strength & Mobility) Thurs 7-8pm July 30th-Sept 3rd. Register Here.

Menopause & Beyond (Strength, Balance, Pelvic Health) Wed 8-9am July 29th - Sept 2nd. Register Here.