Meet our Team

Takami Shirai

B.Kin, MScPT, Registered Physiotherapist

Takami earned his Master of Science in Physical Therapy from the University of Toronto following the completion of his Bachelor of Kinesiology with a Minor in Nutritional Sciences at the University of British Columbia. His passion for exercise and movement stems from participating in basketball, volleyball and football growing up. Prior to pursuing his physiotherapy degree, Takami was the head coach of the strength and conditioning program at Special Olympics Richmond where he supported athletes in their preparation for National Games. He also facilitated adapted exercise programs for individuals with spinal cord injury in Vancouver.

Over the course of his physiotherapy degree, Takami applied his clinical skills to empower those with orthopaedic, neuromusculoskeletal and respiratory conditions. He employs a combination of manual techniques, therapeutic exercises and self-management strategies to help clients return to their meaningful activities. As an avid runner, Takami has a special interest in gait analysis and management of running-related injuries.

Outside of the clinic, Takami loves exploring the North Shore trails and being part of the local running community.

Manu Nijjar

B.Sc., MPT, MCPA, CAFCI, Registered Physiotherapist

After completing his Master of Physical Therapy degree at the University of British Columbia, Manu has provided physiotherapy care in a variety of settings. He has worked in intensive care units, exercise based functional rehab programs, and outpatient clinics. He is experienced in rehabilitating acute and chronic injuries with training in Level I Orthopaedic Manual and Manipulative Physiotherapy, Level II Lower Quadrant Orthopaedic Manual and Manipulative Physiotherapy, Level II Upper Quadrant Orthopaedic Manual and Manipulative Physiotherapy, and Level III Upper Quadrant Orthopaedic Manual and Manipulative Physiotherapy.

Manu has served as an examiner of the Canadian National Physiotherapy Licensing Board. He was a past Student Board Member College of Physical Therapists of BC. He is an accomplished physiotherapist having won the Evert Boxtart Memorial Award in Physical Therapy from the University of British Columbia. In addition, he is a past Member of Physical Therapy Admissions Committee from the University of British Columbia Master.

Outside the Clinic Manu enjoys spending time with his wife and children and being part of the Richmond community.

Paolo Macapagal

B.Kin, MPT, Registered Physiotherapist

Since graduating from the University of British Columbia with his Bachelors of Human Kinetics, and Masters of Physiotherapy, Paolo worked in a variety of health care settings. He has over a decade of experience as a physiotherapist, ranging from acute care wards, long term care facilities, outpatient clinics, and both private and public community settings. Paolo has worked with a variety of patient populations, including post-operative rehabilitation, acute sport injury and post stroke rehabilitation. He has a special interest in working with geriatric and neurologic populations.

Paolo’s approach to care is client-centered and goal oriented. He works collaboratively with his clients to facilitate return to sport, work, or leisure.  He combines exercise therapy, modalities, manual techniques and education to help clients achieve their goals.

Paolo is certified for Dry Needling Level 1 through Acupuncture Canada, as well as Level 1 Manual Therapy certification provided by the Orthopaedic Division of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association. He has also taken multiple courses with the Canadian Bobath Instructors Association including: The Study of Human Movement, Management of Hemiplegia, and Training to Improve Locomotion.

Outside of work, Paolo is a busy father of 2 young boys who constantly keep him on his feet.

Michael Dharni

MPT, Registered Physiotherapist

Michael earned his Master of Physical Therapy and Bachelor of Kinesiology degrees from the University of British Columbia. He continues to acquire new skills and knowledge and is currently pursuing post-graduate training through the Advanced Manual Therapy Orthopaedics and the Sport Physiotherapy Canada Diploma programs.

Michael enjoys treating the general public as well as athletes of all levels to return his clients to work, leisure, and sports. His previous experience working as an on ice trainer with the Vancouver Thunderbirds Minor Hockey Association has generated a special interest in treating sports injuries. His treatment philosophy involves a combination of manual therapy, exercise and movement re-education to restore full, pain-free function.

When Michael is not in the clinic, he can be found playing recreational team sports, which include hockey, football, basketball, and softball.

Ratan Gill

B.Sc., MPT, Registered Physiotherapist

Ratan earned his Master of Physiotherapy from the University of Sydney in Australia where he worked with athletes, amputees, patients with spinal cord injury, and seniors. Prior to this he received his Bachelors of Science in Biology from the University of Portland where he played Division 1 Tennis. He continues to pursue further education and physiotherapy skills to provide better service to his patients.

Ratan has a passion for health and fitness that comes from growing up playing tennis, hockey, and soccer. Before pursuing physiotherapy, he coached tennis for two years working with young children and adults.

Ratan specializes in manual therapy, exercise, and education to help clients reach their highest potential and get back to doing the things they love. He takes an interest in providing evidence-based practice to ensure everyone gets the best care possible.

Ratan enjoys playing tennis, running, cycling, and participating in his daily workout routine.

Sarah Pepper

Sarah has a bachelor of commerce degree from the University of British Columbia specializing in Finance. She previously worked as an administrative assistant at a 6 years at a Richmond Law firm. Sarah enjoys traveling and spent a semester in New Zealand on exchange and taught English in Taiwan for a short time. Sarah also enjoys playing board games with friends.

Mansimran Mohal

Mansimran is a BSc Health Science student at the Simon Fraser University. He has interests in public health. During his academic and employment history, Mansimran developed a passion for community health and wellness. In his free time, he enjoys working out and biking.