Favorite Treat: Ice Cream
Favorite Place: Palm Springs
When I was a child, I wanted to grow up and be a: NHL Player
Dogs or Cats: Dogs
Favorite TV Show: James Bond
If I was born an animal, I would be a: Greyhound
Self-Care Tactics: Driving Vintage Cars
Garry is the founder of Bridges Health and has been the President and CEO since the organizations inception in 1997. Prior to launching Bridges, Garry worked in the insurance industry as a bodily injury case manager, adjudicator and supervisor for 18 years. Throughout the duration of his career, he has excelled in the vocational rehabilitation field; attending to long and short-term disability claims, case management, return to work coordination, vocational evaluations, transferable skills analyses, labour market surveys and mental health claims. He has served on several boards, including Saskatoon Health Authority. He is the only member to serve two consecutive terms as President of VRA Canada. He also sat on the board for VRA Saskatchewan society and served on the board of Saskatchewan Association for the Rehabilitation of Brain Injured. With Garry’s diverse and extensive career history in the health and wellness sector, he has evolved Bridges Health to be one of the leading service providers in Western Canada.
Favorite Treat: Caramilk
Favorite Place: Phoenix, AZ
When I was a child, I wanted to grow up and be a: Optometrist
Dogs or Cats: Dogs
Favorite TV Show: Tom Clancy Fiction
If I was born an animal, I would be a: Panda
Self-Care Tactics: Hot tub
Andrew joined the Bridges Health Team in 2021 following a 25-year career as an Advanced Care Paramedic. Andrew is the recipient of the Saskatchewan Protective Services Medal, the Governor General’s Medal for Exemplary Service, and the Saskatchewan Centennial Medal for his work in the advancement of Emergency Medical Services provincially. Andrew has served as a board member and the Vice President of the Paramedic Services Chiefs of Saskatchewan. He is a director with Synergy 8 Community Builders, a philanthropy group who raises money for children’s health initiatives. He is an alumnus of the 2012 Leadership Saskatoon program, to which he credits his strengths in collaboration and respect for diversity. Andrew is currently undertaking an MBA from Royal Roads University in Victoria, BC.
Favorite Treat: Chips & Dip
Favorite Place: Emma Lake
When I was a child, I wanted to grow up and be a: Accountant
Dogs or Cats: Dogs!!!
Favorite TV Show: Any home improvement shows
If I was born an animal, I would be a: Koala Bear
Self-Care Tactics: A walk or boat ride at the lake
Laurie earned her BAC from the University of Saskatchewan – Edwards School of Business while raising a family and working full time. In 2002 she chose to pursue her longtime goal and was successful in obtaining a position in the Accounting Department for a Government Agent Property Management Company. Laurie brought 17 years’ accounting and system software experience with her when she joined the team at Bridges Health in June 2019. With strong communication skills and personality, she acts as an excellent liaison with Bridges Health customers and partners. She oversees all areas of the Financial Accountability and Reporting for Bridges Health.
Favorite Treat: Total sweet tooth – any ice cream or candy
Favorite Place: Skiing in Jasper, Alberta
When I was a child, I wanted to grow up and be a: A Firefighter
Dogs or Cats: Dogs
Favorite TV Show: Brooklyn Nine-Nine
If I was born an animal, I would be a: Wolf
Self-Care Tactics: Usually do something physically active, some days call for the opposite
Kyle Anderson has earned a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology and a Master’s degree in Mental Health Counselling. By learning about the significant link between physical and mental wellness, Kyle utilizes a holistic approach towards overall health. Kyle’s professional experiences include providing individual and group counselling, working in the fields of substance use, eating disorders, crisis intervention, and mood and anxiety disorders. Working with Bridges Health has allowed Kyle to facilitate workshops with organizations and communities to increase awareness and knowledge surrounding mental health and wellness. He has worked in the field of mental health and performance psychology in Chicago and Victoria before returning to his hometown of Saskatoon.
With Bridges Health, Kyle wears multiple hats, working primarily on the business development side of the organization. He is a facilitator of mental health workshops as well as content developer in the Psychological Health and Safety Program. Kyle also performs ergonomic assessments and return-to-work assistance through Bridges’ digital ergonomic assessment program called ErgoWorks.
Favorite Treat: Cake
Favorite Place: Venice
When I was a child, I wanted to grow up and be a: Lawyer
Dogs or Cats: I love Both
Favorite TV Show: The Originals
If I was born an animal, I would be a: Bunny
Self-Care Tactics: Long drive, a walk, vacationing
Ms. Kaur earned her degree in Business Administration-Accounting from Sheridan College Ontario. She has 2 years of experience in the retail industry, assigning tasks, auditing, and meeting production targets. Banipreet is goal-oriented, motivated, highly professional, skilled in prioritizing and completing tasks independently. She has extensive experience with Microsoft Office Suite. Knowledge of spreadsheets, databases, accounting, and personal income tax software programs such as Sage 50, MS Access and Profile. Banipreet loves reading and traveling.
Favorite Treat: Chocolate
Favorite Place: Mexico
When I was a child, I wanted to grow up and be a: No idea!
Dogs or Cats: Dogs
Favorite TV Show: Six Feet Under
If I was born an animal, I would be a: Alpaca
Self-Care Tactics: Time with friends, dinner parties, vacationing
Mr. Willis has ten (10) years’ experience in human resources, risk management, disability management, and adjudication of short-term and long-term disability claims. Mr. Willis has conducted multiple assessments of injured/ill employees and has assessed and evaluated claims for benefit entitlement by reviewing contractual, objective medical, functional, and occupational information. Mr. Willis has extensive experience reviewing and assessing appeals for assigned policies, determining and evaluating both medical and non-medical influencing factors that affect the duration of claims, developing and maintaining outcome-focused case management plans. Mr. Willis has expertise in engaging claimants throughout the claim process by communicating in a sensitive, tactful and respectful manner to further understand the medical, social and personal aspects of their absence.
Favorite Treat: Coffee and desserts!
Favorite Place: Santorini, Greece, or Hawaii
When I was a child, I wanted to grow up and be a: Police Officer
Dogs or Cats: ALL the dogs
Favorite TV Show: Grey’s Anatomy
If I was born an animal, I would be a: Polar Bear
Self-Care Tactics: Having a good support system, sleep hygiene and meditation
Stephanie has over eight years of experience in the fields of disability management and vocational rehabilitation. Additionally, she has experience working in a management, leadership and quality assurance role. Stephanie’s experience as a Consultant has included managing STD, LTD, absence management and injury management files. In her role, she has assisted individuals with functional, cognitive, psychological and developmental impairments and health conditions to overcome barriers to return to employment and/or quality of life. Stephanie holds her Registered Rehabilitation Professional (RRP) designation through the Vocational Rehabilitation Association (VRA) of Canada. She has a 4-year Bachelor of Arts degree, with a major in Psychology from the University of Saskatchewan.
Favorite Treat: Peanut butter pie
Favorite Place: The gym and my chair at home
When I was a child, I wanted to grow up and be a: Sportscaster
Dogs or Cats: Cats or Small dogs
Favorite TV Show: Forensic Files
If I was born an animal, I would be a: Bull
Self-Care Tactics: Squash/exercise
Russ has been with Bridges Health since 1999, specializing in administering vocational testing, conducting Transferable Skills Analysis and Labour Market Surveys. He is a member of the Vocational Rehabilitation Association of Canada (VRAC) and has attained his RRP designation (Registered Rehabilitation Professional). He assists clients with job coaching, interview techniques, and job placement. Russ has 6.5 years experience as an Employment Counselor, assisting social assistance recipients to find suitable employment. Russ has extensive experience in resume creation, teaching job search techniques, conducting mock interviews, and job placement.
Favorite Treat: Getting Outside
Favorite Place: Mexico
When I was a child, I wanted to grow up and be a: Doctor
Dogs or Cats: Dogs
Favorite TV Show: Matlock
If I was born an animal, I would be a: Pig
Self-Care Tactics: Breaks often, and spend time with grandchildren – my mental health!
As a veteran consultant with Bridges Health, Lesley has extensive experience working with individuals who suffer from mental health, acquired brain, and physical injuries. Completing her degree in Psychology, and minoring in Indian Studies, she also possesses the Registered Rehabilitation Professional designation through VRA Canada where she spent two terms as President. Most recently, Lesley completed her Cognitive Behavior Therapy Certificate and is currently working toward certification with the Canadian Association of Cognitive Behavioral Therapists. Areas of expertise include vocational testing, job search and interview skills, labour market studies, and returns to work.
Favorite Treat: Sour Patch Kids
Favorite Place: Banff
When I was a child, I wanted to grow up and be a: NBA Player
Dogs or Cats: Both, I have two cats, Margo & Franklin
Favorite TV Show: Friends
If I was born an animal, I would be a: Silver Fox
Self-Care Tactics: Videogames and Lake visits
Gabriel was born and raised in Johor Bahru, Malaysia. He grew up speaking and thinking in English due to his grandparent’s watching John Wayne’s movies. Gabriel graduated from an international high school in Singapore and attended the University of Saskatchewan where he graduated with a 4-yeat Degree in Psychology and minored in Sociology.
Gabriel have experienced working with children and adults with learning disabilities along with working with a registered psychologist who specialized in Neurofeedback training.
Favorite Treat: what ever snack food is within arm’s reach
Favorite Place: The Farm
When I was a child, I wanted to grow up and be a: Psychiatrist
Dogs or Cats: Dogs
Favorite TV Show: Finding Your Roots
If I was born an animal, I would be a: Bear
Self-Care Tactics: Climbing my family tree
Christa completed her Bachelor of Medical Rehabilitation in Occupational Therapy at the University of Manitoba. She has worked in community mental health, acute care, and long-term care settings. She has experience working with adult learners at SIAST, University of Regina, and University of Saskatchewan.
She grew up in rural Saskatchewan and is now living the city life. Her varied experience helps her to provide services on a contract basis – providing occupational therapy assessments for a variety of clients.
Favorite Treat: Favorite Treat: Cheesecake
Favorite Place: Baseball diamond
When I was a child, I wanted to grow up and be a: MLB Baseball Player
Dogs or Cats: Dogs
Favorite TV Show: Seinfeld
If I was born an animal, I would be a: Falcon
Self-Care Tactics: Exercise
Corey has a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education at the University of Saskatchewan before completing his Bachelor of Medical Rehabilitation in Occupational Therapy at the University of Manitoba in 2000. Corey joined Bridges Health in 2003. He is a certified Matheson Functional Capacity Evaluator, and has extensive experience in performing home and personal care assessments and farm assessments to identify potential barriers and make recommendations for clients returning to pre-disability home activities or employments.
Favorite Treat: Chocolate Covered marshmallow
Favorite Place: In my home library with a good book
When I was a child, I wanted to grow up and be a: Teacher
Dogs or Cats: Dogs
Favorite TV Show: Gilmore Girls
If I was born an animal, I would be a: I am not a animal lover and can honestly say that I do not identify with any one animal
Self-Care Tactics: Long walks, a phone call with my Mum, a cup of tea and a mystery novel.
Ellen Stafford is an Occupational Therapist that joined the Bridges Health team in 2016. Ellen graduated from the University of Manitoba with a Masters in Occupational Therapy in 2016 after completing a 4-year psychology undergraduate degree from the University of Winnipeg in 2013. Ellen has since completed additional training and education in the areas of ergonomics, mental health and low vision to assist in her current practice as an Occupational Therapist.
Favorite Treat: Ice Cream
Favorite Place: Candle Lake, SK (or anywhere with a beach!)
When I was a child, I wanted to grow up and be a: Teacher
Dogs or Cats: Dogs
Favorite TV Show: Parks and Recreation
If I was born an animal, I would be a: Female Orchid Mantis (as suggested by her spouse)
Self-Care Tactics: Exercise, reading, spending time outdoors
Erin is a licensed Occupational Therapist with Bridge’s Health in Regina, where she is responsible for completing home and worksite assessments, as well as office ergonomics and job site monitoring. She also works for the Saskatchewan Health Authority in a community mental health role. She received her bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology from the University of Regina in 2014, and a master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of British Columbia in 2016. She has experience working in acute care, in a community setting in mental health, as well as working with automobile insurance, and office ergonomics in a private setting.
Erin has been working with Bridges Health over the last 5 years, beginning with full-time and moving into a casual position. Erin is interested in helping clients function at their highest level to achieve a better quality of life, both inside and outside the home. She uses a holistic and client-centered view when working with clients and understands that there are multiple areas of life that contribute to overall wellbeing.
Favorite Treat: Popcorn
Favorite Place: Emerald Lake Lodge
When I was a child, I wanted to grow up and be a: Pro athlete
Dogs or Cats: Dogs
Favorite TV Show: Any sporting event
If I was born an animal, I would be a: Polar Bear
Self-Care Tactics: Working out and playing sports
Kyle Oleniuk is an Occupational Therapist that joined Bridges Health in 2021. He graduated from the University of Regina where he obtained a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology with a Specialty in High Performance Training. Kyle then moved on to the University of Alberta and graduated with a Master’s of Science in Occupational Therapy. He also works for the Saskatchewan Health Authority working in acute care, mental health and hand therapy. He has taken additional training since graduating including becoming certified as a Functional Capacity Evaluator (FCE) through Ergoworks Protocol.