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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.
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.
Sherri Roger a seasoned professional with a diverse background in Human Resources and Disability Management. With over 17 years of dedicated experience in Human Resources Management and 14 years specializing in disability management, Sherri brings a wealth of expertise to our Bridges Team. Sherri’s journey began at the University of Regina, where she initially pursued a degree in Education.
Throughout her career, she has held key roles in various industries, including forestry, government, and manufacturing. Notable among these experiences are her tenures at Tolko Industries and Maple Leaf Foods where she honed her skills in navigating the complexities of HR in dynamic environments.
A significant chapter of Sherri’s career unfolded during her 14-year tenure with SGI, where she served as a Personal Injury Representative. In this capacity, she managed injury claims with precision and empathy, ensuring optimal outcomes for all stakeholders involved.
Lilly Sweet earned her Bachelors Degree in Law and Society at the University of Calgary. Her speciality is Central and East European Studies. She has over 25 years of experience in sales, contracts, and sales team management. She is very goal-oriented, driven and engaged in maintaining relationships for business development. Lilly also received her financial sales insurance certification which complements her skills of multi-tasking, prioritizing, engaging customers, and sustaining those relationships.
She is fluent in two languages and enjoys taking long walks, gardening and camping. A passion that Lilly pursued is becoming certified to teach English online and meeting others from around the world. She served as Board Chair for the Local Air Cadets and is currently engaged with the Local Army Cadets.
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.
Bani 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. Bani 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, web designing and personal income tax software programs such as Sage 50, MS Access, and Profile.
Bani joined Bridges Health in March 2021 as an administrative assistant and currently works as our Executive Assistant & PH&S Coordinator. Supporting Mental Health workshop facilitators & clients. Additionally, she oversees the Bridges Health website.
Nancy joined the Bridges Health Team in November 2022 following a thirty-one year career in the hospitality industry, in the hotel sector, primarily in Human Resources. She has extensive experience in benefits, recruitment, facilitation and employee relations. Nancy earned her diploma in Business Administration from the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT), with a focus on HR. Nancy is the recipient of the 2016 Tourism Ambassador Award by Tourism Saskatchewan.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Lisa is a physiotherapist who graduated from the School of Physical Therapy, College of Medicine at the University of Saskatchewan in 2000. In her 23 years, she has worked primarily in multidisciplinary settings, performing multidisciplinary assessments, managing occupational rehab programs at secondary and tertiary levels, managing long term disability files, working in mental health programming, and has special designation for pelvic floor therapy, having worked extensively in Women’s Health. She is a certified Matheson Functional Capacity Evaluator and has her Level III Orthopedic Manual and Manipulative Therapy Certification. She has extensive training and experience in managing chronic pain conditions. She is certified in Mental Health First Aid and has training in cognitive behavioural therapy for allied professionals.
Catherine has 6 years of experience in the fields of disability management and rehabilitation consulting with both STD and LTD files. Additionally, she has a combined 6 years’ experience working in medical education and health and fitness training and consulting. Proficient in solution-focused and motivational interviewing skills, critical and creative problem-solving, and vocational goal setting, Catherine has successfully supported individuals with physical, psychological, cognitive, and functional impairments, illnesses, and injuries in their recovery and return to work. She has a Bachelor of Arts Degree with a Major in Psychology from Athabasca University, and a Diploma in Human Kinetics from Langara College.
Brooke graduated from the University of Otago (New Zealand) with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Hons). She has since completed specialisation in the Hand and Upper limb and health and post-graduate education in health ergonomics at Auckland University of Technology. Brooke has worked throughout New Zealand, Australia and Canada in the treatment and management of injuries/disabilities working alongside clients in post-operative settings, high performance athletes and in return-to-work and/or stay-at-work needs. Brooke believes in a multi-factorial approach to rehabilitation to work alongside her clients to achieve success.
Gena earned her Bachelor of Kinesiology at the University of the Fraser Valley in 2015, with a concentration in exercise science and an extended minor in psychology, along with a CSEP Certification in Personal Training. She has worked in the rehabilitation field for 9 years, primarily in a multidisciplinary setting, coordinating active-based rehabilitation plans, conducting functional assessments and facilitating return-to-work plans for a diverse range of physical injuries and mental health conditions. She has extensive experience in functional rehabilitation, health and fitness training and coaching. Gena uses a solution-based approach, with a strong emphasis on education and empowerment, equipping clients with the knowledge and skills necessary to manage their conditions and promote long-term well-being.
Shirley has a Bachelor of Arts Degree with a major in Psychology. With over 20 years in the Vocational Rehabilitation field, she is experienced in Vocational Rehabilitation Case Management of CPP, STD, LTD, WSIB, and ICBC files through the development of rehabilitation and return-to-work plans. She is responsible for early intervention and medical case management, social, education, and vocational planning, and coordination of rehabilitation processes for a diverse caseload of individuals. She has direct experience in education and employment setting accommodations and developing innovative strategies to assist individuals in overcoming barriers and returning to work.
Yves is a seasoned professional in the field of vocational rehabilitation and disability case management, boasting a rich background spanning over two decades. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Recreation from l’Université de Moncton in 2000, embarking on a dedicated journey to empower individuals with disabilities to achieve their vocational goals and successfully integrate into the workforce. Yves holds esteemed certifications, including Certified Transferable Skills Assessor with the College of Vocational Rehabilitation Professionals and Registered Rehabilitation Professional (RRP) with Canada’s Vocational Rehabilitation Association (VRA). Yves is recognized as a Career Strategist by the Canadian Professionals of Canada and is a certified provider of the Progressive Goal Attainment Program (PGAP).
He has conducted Individual Vocational Assessments (IVA) for the Workers’ Compensation Board of Alberta and performed Transferable Skills Analyses (TSA) and Vocational Evaluation Assessments for prominent long-term disability providers such as Manulife, Sun Life, and Intact Insurance.
Kim graduated from the University of Manitoba with a Bachelors of Exercise and Sport Science, Athletic Therapy Degree in 2000. Kim went on to work in the clinical setting focusing on RTW, pre and post offer testing, and mini FCE’s. Kim worked as the Head Athletic Therapist at the University of Lethbridge where she focused on clinical treatment, exercise rehabilitation and returning athletes to play. Kim worked and travelled with several sports teams before she started with Bridges Health in 2023.
Kim relocated to Manitoba and took on the very important role of raising her family. She has returned to her career with Bridges is 2023 working primarily with Ergoworks, PDA’s, Job Matches and working with our clients to support them in their return to work.
Alex holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English Language and Literature which he completed in 2015 at Brock University, a Bachelor of Kinesiology Degree completed in 2019 at Brock University, a Post Graduate Certificate in Exercise Science for Health and Performance completed in 2020 at Niagara College and is a Clinical Exercise Physiologist with the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology.
Alex has a background in high performance training working with youth/adult athletes as an intern in 2019 at the White Oaks High Performance Centre in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, and experience as a rehabilitation assistant working with private care and WCB clients at the primary level as an intern in 2020 at Lifemark Physiotherapy in Fonthill, Ontario. Prior to coming joining Bridges Health, he practiced as a Kinesiologist for 3 years from 2020-2023 at Shelburne Physiotherapy in Shelburne, Nova Scotia where he worked with MVA and WCB clients at the primary level of care.
Shannon is a physiotherapist graduating from the University of Saskatchewan in 1998. She has worked in both inpatient and outpatient settings with the majority of her clinical practice taking place in private clinic settings in Prince Albert, Sk.
During her years of clinical practice she has performed multidisciplinary assessments, managed occupational rehab programs at primary, secondary and tertiary levels, managed long term disability files, and has special designation for functional dry needling. She has had extensive training and experience in delivering programs with a return-to-work focus. Shannon brings her many years of experience to Bridges Health conducting PDAs, Job Math and Return to Work planning with her clients.
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.
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.
Ellen is an occupational therapist who joined the Bridges Health team in 2016. Ellen completed a 4-year Psychology Degree at the University of Winnipeg, before graduating with her Masters in Occupational Therapy from the University of Manitoba in 2016. Ellen has since completed additional training in the areas of ergonomics, mental health, low vision and pediatric practice. Ellen has more recently ventured into pediatric occupational therapy service provision with a school board in Calgary, Alberta. However, Ellen continues to enjoy working alongside Bridges Health colleagues in a consultant role, completing home assessments, work-site assessments and providing return to work support.
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.
Ryan Graduated with a Bachelor of Science, Physical Education in 1997. Furthering his education, he obtained his Bachelor or Medical Rehabilitation, Occupational Therapy from the University of Manitoba in 2002 and then in 2003 completed his Master of Science in Kinesiology-Biomechanics from the University of Saskatchewan. Ryan has many years of clinical experience completing PDA’s, Functional Capacity Evaluations and as well, has been a member of Multidisciplinary Assessment Teams.
Ryan brings to Bridges many years of education and experience to add to our team of consultants to perform PDAs, Job Match and Ergonomic services.