OUR TEAM
We empower our clients to be active participants in their recovery. We lead with kindness, knowledge, and encouragement every step of the way. We are passionate lifelong learners who continue to upgrade our knowledge, skills, and techniques to serve you best.
Steph Graetz, BSc, MPT
Steph is a passionate neurological physiotherapist with more than 10 years of cross-continuum experience. She established her clinical interest while working on the Acute Stroke and Neurology Ward at the Surrey Memorial Hospital. She then further developed her experience by supporting clients on their wellness journeys in community settings.
Steph founded Activate Neurological Physiotherapy to serve her community. By providing both in-home and in-clinic care, she believes she can best meet the needs of her clients. She provides skilled hands-on treatment and guided exercise, focused care that helps activate muscles to optimize movement patterns for better overall function.
She graduated from the University of British Columbia with a Master’s of Physical Therapy (2007) and a Bachelors of Science in Biology (2005). In pursuing expertise in Neurological Rehabilitation, Steph has taken many postgraduate courses including Advanced Bobath Concept courses, Explain Pain, and certification as a PWR! Parkinson's Wellness Recovery Therapist. She is committed to lifelong learning and continuously participates in professional development programs.
Outside of work, Steph enjoys time with her busy family, beachcombing, Shakespeare, and travelling. She looks forward to helping you reach your goals!
Eva Karukes, BA, MPT
Eva is a Registered Physiotherapist in British Columbia and a member of the Physiotherapy Association of British Columbia, Canadian Physiotherapy Association, and the Neuroscience Division.
She has a special interest in neurological and vestibular rehabilitation as well as post-concussion syndrome management. She has completed Vestibular Competency Certification at Emory University through the American Physical Therapy Association. She has also taken multiple postgraduate professional development courses on management of concussions and post-concussion syndrome and truly enjoys working with this clientele. Being neuro-minded, Eva also treats a variety of clients with neurological conditions applying principles of the Bobath Concept. She is very passionate about neuroscience and strives to keep up to date with the current research literature.
Eva is fluent in English, Russian and comprehends German. Outside of work, Eva enjoys raising her two boys, running, practising yoga and staying active in every possible way.
Advanced training and certifications:
- Advanced Bobath Course - Step to Reach - A clinical analysis of a complex kinetic chain
- Basic Bobath Concept. Assessment and Treatment of Adults with Neurological Conditions
- Assessment and Treatment of the Incomplete Spinal Cord Injured Patient: The Bobath Concept
- Specific Training to Improve Locomotion: The Bobath Concept
- Treatment and Management of the Hemiplegic Shoulder and Upper Limb: The Bobath Concept
- Vestibular Competency Certification (Emory University, Atlanta, USA)
- Complete Concussion Management
- R2P Management of post-concussion syndrome
- R2P Advanced Management of post-concussion syndrome
- Concussion: What about the neck?
- Functional Dry Needling/IMS (Kinetacore)
- The Integrated Systems Model (ISM) - Diane Lee
Alana Bancescue, MSc OT
Alana is a registered Occupational Therapist and a member of the College of Occupational Therapists of British Columbia. Alana completed her Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy at the University of Alberta in 2011. Gaining further education in her area of interest, Alana has completed the Introductory Neurodevelopment Course in the Treatment of Adult Hemiplegia and the Multi-contextual Approach to Cognitive Rehabilitation of Executive Dysfunction.
Alana spent the first three years of her career working in Saskatchewan gaining experience in acute care and inpatient neurological rehabilitation units. Alana moved back home to British Columbia in 2014 and began working for a local health authority gaining extensive experience in a variety of acute care settings including orthopaedics, acute stroke unit, oncology, ACE (acute care of elderly), ICU and outpatient rehabilitation units. Most recently, she has spent the past three years working out of Langley Memorial Hospital in a community role helping clients transition back home after extended or complex stays in the hospital.
Alana has special interest in upper extremity therapy and cognitive rehabilitation for clients with neurological deficits. She also has an interest in providing specialized equipment and providing home modification recommendations for clients in their home environment. She enjoys working holistically with clients and their family members in their home setting as a change in one’s health and functioning can greatly impact the whole family.
Outside of work, Alana is a busy mom to three young children. She enjoys staying active outdoors, travelling and drinking (warm) coffee.
Patty Cabanos
Patty is an experienced Rehabilitation Assistant with nearly twenty years of experience in public health settings. She completed the Rehabilitation Assistant Program at the West Coast College of Healthcare in 2001 and worked as an RA part-time while working as a Community Mental Health Worker with Options Community Services. When Peace Arch Hospital opened its General Rehab unit in 2007, her part-time role merged into full-time work. Since then she has worked in diverse units such as Surgical-Ortho, Hip/Knee Outpatient and, now, the Stroke Cohort, where she has worked for the past two years. Patty is a self-described "sponge for learning" and "people person" who loves taking creative approaches to helping clients with their rehabilitation. Her positive attitude, empathetic nature, and good sense of humour make her a favourite among clients.
Marleen Greeve
Marleen has worked as Rehabilitation Assistant in public health settings for over a decade. She has worked in diverse units such as Acute Stroke, Laurel Place Rehab, General Rehab, and the Alzheimer’s/Dementia ward at Surrey Memorial Hospital. She has a tri-discipline designation as an RA which allows her to combine Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Recreational Therapy principles in her approach. She is also passionate about working with children with special needs. Certified in Eden philosophy and de-escalation, Marleen likes working with the whole person, not just their condition. She is a growth-oriented person who loves a good challenge. When she's not working full-time, she can be found managing her own dog sitting business and finishing her Bachelor's degree.
Allison Elliott
Allison graduated from Okanagan College in Kelowna in 2005 and has been working as a Rehabilitation Assistant ever since! She has worked across the Lower Mainland at all stages of the recovery journey, including long-term care, acute care and, most recently, the multidisciplinary outpatient program at Surrey Memorial Hospital. She’s a creative problem-solver on the fly and is passionate about working collaboratively with her patients to help them achieve their goals.
Melanie Timms
Melanie is an experienced Rehabilitation Assistant who is deeply passionate about making a positive impact in people's lives. With over 23 years of hands-on experience in the rehabilitation field, Melanie has dedicated herself to going the extra mile to deliver the highest quality of care.
Throughout her career, Melanie has had the privilege of implementing physiotherapy and occupational therapy treatments across various hospital departments. From the intensity of the emergency department to the supportive environment of residential care, she has adapted her skills to provide holistic care at every stage of the rehabilitation process.
Melanie takes the time to understand each individual's unique needs and tailors her approach accordingly. With her warm and caring nature, Melanie becomes a dedicated ally, supporting individuals in their pursuit of a better quality of life.