top of page

 OUR TEAM

The iWellness.ca Rehab & Wellness Clinic team of health care professionals are a collection of some of the very best doctors, therapists, and health care providers in Toronto.

Chiropractor
Dr. John Balkansky, DC

Dr. John Balkansky, B.Sc., D.C.
 

Doctor of Chiropractic
Nutritional Sciences Specialist
Clinic Director and Owner

 

Hours:
 

Mon:     10:00 pm    to   7:00 pm

Tue:       12:00 pm    to   7:00 pm

Wed:      10:00 am    to   3:00 pm

Thurs:    12:00 pm    to   7:00 pm

Fri:          10:00 am    to   3:00 pm

Sat:           9:00 am    to   1:00 pm 

Dr. John Balkansky graduated from The Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College in 1997, and founded the iWellness.ca Rehab & Wellness Clinic in 2007.

 

Dr. Balkansky takes a functional approach to care, incorporating chiropractic principles, along with other treatment options, in order for his patients to reach their maximum recovery potential. His passion for healing compliments his personal approach to health care, looking at the entire person and treating each case as unique. He performs thorough assessments of structural and functional aspects of injuries and uses this information to provide the most relevant and effective treatment options for each person as an individual. 

 

Although he focuses his practice mainly on the treatment of sports-related and motor vehicle injury rehabilitation, he also deals with a wide range of other conditions, including acute injuries, supportive care and chronic conditions. In the past, he has performed functional ability evaluations as the director of an assessment centre and as a result, has extensive experience in this area. He works closely with family physicians and other health care providers in order to maximize his patients recovery. Dr. Balkansky is registered on the Theralase website as one of the few certified clinics within the City of Toronto to employ the TLC-1000 Theralase therapeutic laser system and it has become one of the main treatment modalities employed at iWellness.ca Rehab & Wellness Clinic.

 

Dr. Balkansky is fluent in English and Bulgarian, and also speaks some French, Russian, Italian, and Spanish. Dr. John is a self proclaimed "techno geek", and his hobbies include playing the piano, drawing, painting and is also a Sci-Fi and action movie buff.

Registered Physiotherapist
Dhawal Shahi.jpg

Dhawal Shahi, PT.

 

Registered Physiotherapist

 

Hours:

Tues:            12:00 pm    to    7:00 pm

Dhawal brings a unique blend of expertise to help clients achieve their fitness and rehabilitation goals. With a comprehensive background in physiotherapy and personal training, Dhawal’s approach is rooted in a deep understanding of the body’s mechanics and the principles of fitness.

 

He earned his Bachelor of Physiotherapy from B.J. Medical College in Ahmedabad, India, and pursued further education with a Postgraduate in Fitness and Health Promotion from Seneca College in Toronto, Canada. His professional experience spans multiple roles, including a year as a physiotherapist and personal trainer in India, a year as a physiotherapist in Canada, and a year as a personal trainer at GoodLife Fitness in Canada.

 

Dhawal holds several certifications, including Certified Personal Trainer (CPT), Certified Bodybuilding Coach, Certified Yoga Instructor, and Certified Nutrition Coach. He specializes in Manual Therapy, Muscle Energy Technique (MET), Soft Tissue Therapy, and the treatment of gym and sports injuries.

 

Outside of his professional life, Dhawal is an avid adventurer with a passion for hiking, traveling, skiing, and cricket. He enjoys exploring the great outdoors and experiencing new cultures, which aligns with his adventurous spirit and love for challenges.

Registered Physiotherapist
Harsh Patel.jpg

Harsh Patel, PT. 

 

Registered Physiotherapist

 

Hours:
 
Sat:         9:00 am    to     1:00 pm



Harsh Patel earned his Bachelor of Physiotherapy Degree from Gujarat University in India back in 2020 before coming to Canada and receiving his certification to practice here.

 

As a practicing physiotherapist, Harsh initially worked at a senior retirement home, The Hellenic Home for Seniors, while completing various tasks such as assessment, future goals planning, treatment plan implementation and reassessment. He also assessed elderly residents for balance problems or fall risks and provided proper hands-on treatment to all of the patients. His further duties included assigning treatment plans, as well as educating and monitoring the Physiotherapist assistant.

 

Communicating the goals of therapy in this environment required him to frequently attend resident care meetings and explain the progress and care plan for the resident to the family/POA. He also administered physiotherapy modalities to the patients including but not limited to TENS, muscle stimulator, hot pack and cold packs, as well as many others needed.

 

Harsh is currently in good standing with the College of Physiotherapist of Ontario and follows all the standard given by his College with the utmost care.

Registered Massage Therapist
XueYing (Louise) Chen.jpg

XueYing (Louise) Chen, RMT. 

 

Registered Massage Therapist

 

Hours:
 
Mon:         10:00 am    to     7:00 pm
Wed:         10:00 am    to     3:00 pm
Fri:            10:00 am    to     3:00 pm



Xueying Chen, also known as 'Louise', is our newest therapist. She is a skilled and experienced Registered Massage Therapist (RMT) dedicated to providing exceptional care to her clients.

 

Louise graduated from the College of Massage Therapy and Hydrotherapy (CCMH) in 2009, where she developed a strong foundation in both theoretical knowledge and hands-on practice. During her training, she gained valuable experience through outreach programs and worked in a hospital setting in Downtown Toronto, which deepened her understanding of client care in diverse environments.

She is trained in providing Swedish, deep tissue massage, Trigger Point Therapy, Cervical and Thoracic Mobilization and myofascial release techniques to alleviate chronic pain, muscle spasms, and tension.

With over 12 years of experience as a Registered Massage Therapist in Ontario, she is also dedicated to continuing education programs and staying current with the latest advancements in the massage therapy field. Her approach prioritizes professionalism, empathy, and evidence-based techniques to meet the unique needs of every client.

 

Further, Louise possesses a strong foundation in professionalism and a commitment to all ethical practices, Louise continually strives to enhance her knowledge and expertise. Her compassionate approach and focus on client well-being make her a trusted and respected practitioner in her field.

She is currently registered with the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario and is in good standing.

Accredited Medical Therapist Esthetician
Karin Otarola

Karin Otarola

 

Accredited Medical Therapist Esthetician

 

Hours:

Sat:      9:00 am    to   1:00 pm

 

Karin is an accredited Medical Therapist Esthetician, She graduated from Bryan College in 2021 and has been working at iWellness.ca Rehab & Wellness Clinic. Karin has gained a lot of knowledge personally and professionally and she is an expert in general Swedish massage, in her work she is caring, focused and attentive to the needs of her patients. Karin focuses on reducing muscle tension, restoring sensation, Injury prevention, increasing mobility and blood flow throughout the body.

Karin is known for her caring, compassionate and intuitive nature. She brings these qualities into her passion for her work, which leaves patients feeling cared for and confident that they are in good hands. Karin strives to help people reach their health goals she believes health should come first and that massage will help her clients both physically and mentally, She is particularly interested in getting to the root of a client's pain or discomfort, and employing massage, stretching and home care suggestions to help clients resume activities and get back to enjoying life. Whether you are recovering from injury, dealing with stress, pain or discomfort, Karin will get you back to feeling your best. Karin is fluent in English and Spanish, in her spare time, Karin enjoys reading, outdoor activities, and time with family and Friends.

Registered Massage Therapist
physiotherapist-massaging-woman-s-back_23-2148784702.jpg

Igor Donets, RMT. 

 

Registered Massage Therapist

 

Hours:
 
Tues:        12:00 pm    to     7:00 pm
Thurs.:        5:00 pm   to     7:00 pm



Igor Donets completed his Massage Therapy Program in Wellspring College in North York back in 2011. He previously finished Nursing College in Belorussia in 1988 and worked as a Nurse Practitioner in his home country before eventually coming to Canada.

Igor brings with him a good understanding of applying different types of massage techniques in his practice including body treatments, deep tissue, shiatsu therapy or other types when it is appropriate. He also has an excellent knowledge of medical terminology, and implementing treatments programs such as body massage, Shiatsu Therapy and rehabilitation programs for injured individuals. Further, Igor is fully experienced in the treatment of soft tissue manipulation, as well as  applying treatments plans of management for various medical or wellness reasons.

 

Igor is a fully licensed Member of College of Massage Therapists of Ontario as well as being a Member of The Japanese Shiatsu & Holistic Medicine Society of Canada.

Registered Acupuncturist 
Lok Chi (Kim) Wong, R.Ac.

Lok Chi (Kim) Wong, R.Ac. 

 

Registered Acupuncturist

 

Hours:
 
Wed:    10:00 pm    to     3:00 pm

Kim graduated with a bachelor of Chinese Medicine in The Chinese University of Hong Kong and is now a Registered Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner(R.TCMP) and Acupuncturist(R. Ac) with the College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of Ontario (CTCMPAO) in good standing.

 

Kim's approach to healthcare is centered around providing personalized and comprehensive care to his patients. By taking a whole-person approach, he considers not only their physical health but also their emotional, social, and spiritual needs to identify the underlying cause of their health problems. This allows him to create tailored treatment plans that aim to improve the patient's overall well-being in the long run. Kim's ultimate goal is to provide the best care possible by addressing the root cause of health issues, rather than simply treating the symptoms. By doing so, he believes that he can make a significant positive impact on his patients' lives and help them achieve optimal health outcomes.

Kim is trained and certified in:

 

·      Acupuncture

·      Traditional Chinese Medicine

·      Tui-Na

·      Cupping

·      Moxibustion

Yoga Instructor 
Elaine Nestor

Elaine Nestor 

 

Yoga Instructor

 

Hours:
 
Tue:    12:00 pm    to     4:00 pm

Elaine Nestor is the iWellness.ca Rehab & Wellness Clinic yoga instructor.

 

She provides many benefits to patients in the clinic such as protection and recovery from injury, increased muscle strength and tone, improved respiration, energy, vitality, as well as teaching meditation calming and releasing the mind techniques.  

She is a friendly, devoted and hard-working yoga instructor with a passion for helping people and always does what she can to make people feel better with their bodies and mind, and enlighten their day.

 

Elaine completed her 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training certificate in 2014 in the Greek islands. She is a well-rounded yoga instructor, teaching people of all ages, from teaching children to the elderly. She has taught yoga in corporate work offices allowing people to let go of stress from their hectic work days and release body tensions. She has also worked in a yoga studio environment at a yoga tree, children in a daycare and kids camps, and private one on one lessons. The private lessons are so amazing to individually create a routine to specially help a patients injuries and give the most in depth lessons.

 

When not assisting patients at iWellness.ca Rehab & Wellness Clinic, Elaine’s hobbies include hot yoga, hiking, fitness, and traveling.

Office Administrator

Shanell Williams

Shanell Williams
 

Office Administrator

 

Hours:
 

Sat:          9:00 am    to   1:00 pm

Shanell Williams is the iWellness.ca Rehab & Wellness Clinic resident "Jill of all trades". From always having a friendly greeting for our clients ready, to helping them to navigate all those tricky intake forms, and helping them deal with insurance claims and forms, Shanell is always there to assist our patients and make their visit to our clinic a hassle and frustration free experience.

 

Apart from performing general administrative duties such as booking appointments and follow ups with patients, she also attends to the clinic book keeping, handling billing for insurance companies and patients alike, as well as taking inventory and maintaining stock levels of medical supplies. She is the heart and soul of our clinic, and we would not be the same without her.

 

When not assisting patients at iWellness.ca Rehab & Wellness Clinic, Shanell's other passion is movies, whether going to the theatre or staying in, you can be sure to catch her enjoying a good comedy or action flick.

Receptionist / Office Administrator

Taljinder Kaur

Taljinder Kaur
 

Receptionist / Office Administrator

 

Hours:
Mon:      10:00am     to    7:00 pm

Tue:        10:00 am    to    7:00 pm

Wed:      10:00 am     to    3:00 pm

Thurs:    10:00 am     to    7:00 pm

Fri:          10:00 am     to    3:00 pm

Sat:         9:00 am       to    1:00 pm

Taljinder Kaur is the iWellness.ca Rehab & Wellness Clinic receptionist, and office administrator. Striving to be organized in her work, she manages the day to day operations of our facility. She is a friendly, patient and diligent individual who is always willing to accommodate people.

 

Taljinder has a diploma in Healthcare Leadership. She also previously complete her Bachelor's in Medical Laboratory Sciences.

Outside of her work at iWellness.ca Rehab & Wellness Clinic, Taljinder's hobbies include listening to music, dancing , going for a walk or hike in nature and socializing with friends.

iWellness.ca Rehab & Wellness Clinic | 2221 Keele St., Suite 302 | North York, Toronto | 416-759-8099

  • Grey Instagram Icon
  • Grey Twitter Icon
  • Grey Facebook Icon

© 2007 iWellness.ca Rehab & Wellness Clinic TM

bottom of page