Our Staff
Here at Walk it Off, we are blessed to have very talented, caring and dedicated professionals to work with our clients everyday…
Heather Cairns-Mills, BA Psych, ACP
- Founder/CEO
My name is Heather Cairns-Mills. I am the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Walk It Off. In 1994, I received my BA in Psychology from York University, and spent 3 years studying physical education. I earned my Certificate in Ambulance and Emergency Care from Centennial College in 1995 and later received my Provincial Advance Care Paramedic Certificate.
As a paramedic, I had the opportunity to work for 14 years throughout the province in Simcoe County, Halton/Mississauga and with Toronto Emergency Medical Service (TEMS). While I worked for TEMS, I assisted in spear-heading the Canadian Window Balcony Fall Prevention project with the EMS Chiefs of Canada. My experience includes supervising the Toronto Heat Alert Paramedic Program.
I have been my husband, Kevin Mills’, primary care giver since his accident in February of 2009. This tragedy has giving me both a personal insight and the understanding of the extensive medical requirements of living with someone with a Spinal Cord Injury. I look forward to helping you with your recovery.
Rebecca Wheeler, R.Kin, D.OMP, BHK Hon.
- Registered Kinesiologist and Lead Activity-Based Therapy (ABT) Specialist
- Manual Osteopath
- Clinic Staff/Student Educator
Hello, I’m Rebecca; I am a Registered Kinesiologist with the College of Kinesiologists of Ontario (COKO) and a licensed Manual Osteopath with the National Manual Osteopathic Society (NMOS). I have been working with Walk It Off as a Neuro-Recovery Trainer since 2014 and I love coming in to work every day to help individuals on their path to recovery and wellness.
Before Walk It Off, I graduated from the University of Ottawa with an Honours Bachelor in Human Kinetics and a minor in Psychology. During my undergraduate studies, I completed a clinical placement with the City of Ottawa Post-Stroke and Acquired Brain Injury program; this experience lead me to pursue a career in neurological rehabilitation.
Since joining the Walk It Off team in 2014, I have completed a certificate in Disability Management through Dalhousie University and become a certified Barefoot Training Specialist. I have also completed certification courses in Adaptive Training, K-Taping, Post-Stroke Fitness Specialist, and had the opportunity to work alongside and shadow at Project Walk Orlando. I enjoy the ever-evolving nature of neurological rehabilitation and love to continue learning to help keep Walk It Off current on the latest and greatest!
In 2022 I graduated from the Southern Ontario College of Osteopathy to attain my Diploma in Osteopathic Manual Practice (D.OMP). During this program, I completed extensive schooling in manual osteopathic treatment, clinical placement and examinations, and a thesis on An Osteopathic Approach to Regulation of Orthostatic Hypotension in Chronic Spinal Cord Injury. I’m thrilled to combine my passion for adaptive exercise and movement with the holistic, hands-on treatment of osteopathy.
I have always loved being active. I grew up playing and coaching competitive soccer and basketball in the Newmarket area. Now my favourite thing is exploring new hiking trails with my dog and my partner. You can usually catch me enjoying a good cup of coffee or running off to curling.
Kayli Jamieson BScKin, MScPT
- Registered Physiotherapist
- Activity-Based-Therapy Specialist
Hello, I’m Kayli. I am a Registered Physiotherapist with the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario.
I Graduated from Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh, Scotland with a Master’s of Science degree in Physiotherapy in 2019. Previous to that, I graduated from Dalhousie University with a BSc Kinesiology in 2015.
My passion for neurological rehabilitation really grew back in 2016 when I was a volunteer at Walk it Off, and that passion and desire for knowledge in the neurological field continued throughout my schooling. While completing my Masters I was able to experience a diverse placement experience:
- Paediatric Community Neurology (specializing in Cerebral Palsy)
- Acute-care Stroke rehabilitation
- Intensive Care and Surgical Rehab
- Acute inpatient Geriatric Care
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Growing up I was involved in competitive synchronized figure skating, and leisure water sports. The competitive spirit and teamwork has lent well to helping guide and encourage individuals through their wellness and recovery journeys!
Kristen Shigeishi, BScKin, MScPT
- Physiotherapy Resident
- Activity-Based-Therapy Specialist
Hello! My name is Kristen, I am a Physiotherapy Resident with the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario. I graduated from Queen’s University in 2024 with a Master’s of Science in Physical Therapy. Throughout the program, I completed several placements across the GTA and one placement in the UK, working in a variety of settings with diverse populations ranging from adolescents to geriatrics. I have also worked with individuals with neurological impairments, such as spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, stroke, Parkinson’s Disease, and traumatic brain injuries; complex traumas, such as amputees and prolonged disorder of consciousness; cardiorespiratory conditions, including COPD and pneumonia; and a wide variety of orthopedic conditions. During my Masters, I completed a placement at Walk It Off where I nurtured a deeper passion for working with individuals with neurological conditions. I strive to creatively adapt exercises and collaborate with clients to holistically work towards their goals.
In 2022, I graduated from McMaster University with a Bachelor of Science Kinesiology. During my undergraduate degree, I volunteered at the Physical Activity Centre of Excellence (PACE), where I worked with individuals with spinal cord injuries, stroke, multiple sclerosis, cancer, cardiac conditions, and seniors to assist and supervise individualized exercise programs in collaboration with Registered Physiotherapists and Kinesiologists. Volunteering at PACE sparked my initial interest in working with individuals with neurological conditions. This experience taught me how to adapt my support so that I optimize each individual’s session to best suit their needs and rehabilitation, and showed me the resilience and capabilities of the human body. I also have previous experience working with clients in an orthopedic setting, as well as leading seniors’ exercise classes.
In my free time, I enjoy travelling, watching sports, and spending time with family and friends. I grew up playing a variety of sports, including field hockey and flag football, and you can often find me cheering for the Toronto Maple Leafs with my family.
I look forward to getting to know you, and closely partnering together in your physiotherapy journey.
Georgia Kofigah, BScKin
- Activity-Based-Therapy Specialist
My name is Georgia, and I’m a Neuro-Recovery trainer on the Walk It Off Team! I graduated from the University of Waterloo, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology. This program allowed me to gain a strong foundation in human anatomy, biology, and exercise physiology. During this time, I also completed several co-op placements that allowed me to apply my academic knowledge to real-world settings, further enriching my understanding of health and wellness
I completed placements in clinical setting where I conducted detailed assessments of fitness levels and health conditions. I crafted personalized exercise programs, provided one-on-one guidance, and documented progress to ensure optimal outcomes. Prior to that, I had a placement at a community centre called L’Arche supporting individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities. This role honed my interpersonal skills and deepened my appreciation for compassionate, person-centred care.
During my undergrad I had the opportunity to volunteer at Waterloo’s Centre for Community, Clinical and Applied Research Excellence (CCCARE Clinic) where I worked with programs such as WELL-FIT and STEPS where I worked one-on-one with cancer patients and individuals post stroke, aiding them with proper form and perhaps most importantly, keeping up their motivation. This experience fuelled my interest in neuro-recovery and rehabilitation.
In my free time, I enjoy playing soccer and exploring the outdoors. With a strong foundation in my field and a genuine passion for working with others, I am thrilled to contribute to the mission of Walk It Off and support individuals on their journey to better health and wellness.
Augusto Cunha, RMT
- Registered Massage Therapist
Hi, I’m Augusto! A Registered Massage Therapist who graduated from Centennial College in Canada and an Internationally Educated Physiotherapist with a bachelor’s degree since 2000 from the Catholic University of Petropolis in Brazil. I have been committed to promoting wellness for those who seek health for almost two decades. Holding strong clinical assessment and evaluation skills I believe in the power of mind and hands through energetic change. I have been focused on well-being, healing, pain management, and mind-body balance. I have honed my massage therapy approach and improved effectiveness by combining layers of Physiotherapy techniques with but not limited to Deep Tissue Massage, Myofascial Release techniques, Pre-Natal, Hot Stones, Trigger Point Therapy, Scar Tissue Release, and Sports Massage.
During my professional journey, I dedicated part of my time for almost 8 years to treating infants with neurological illnesses. I have broadened my understanding of pain and stress based on Neurodevelopment Concepts and ensured successful outcomes. Performing in several settings such as hospitals, clinics, and spas, I have enhanced my skills to promote health, especially but not limited to those related to cerebral palsy, spinal cord disorders, musculoskeletal and postural imbalances, labor-related injuries, and sports medicine.
For those who seek relaxation with a gentler massage approach, I offer Exceptional Luxury Hospitality emphasizing Swedish techniques, Hot Stones, and Prenatal, among other soft techniques with a slow pace and light pressure. With a compassionate touch and a deep-rooted commitment to healing, I integrate natural and empathetic methods inviting clients for a unique and transformative session. My dedication to diverse therapeutic massage techniques stems from a profound desire to alleviate pain, improve well-being, and restore vitality.