Fit To Function Logo

MEET DESIRÉE

Registered Kinesiologist & Chief Movement Expert

Hydro Therapist in Barrie, Ontario
Passionate.  Experienced. Dedicated.

Desirée is a Registered Kinesiologist, licensed by the College of Kinesiologists of Ontario, and a member of the Ontario Kinesiology Association and Canadian Kinesiology Alliance.   Desirée is dedicated and passionate about educating, and connecting active agers to movement so they can thrive on their aging journey.  Fit to Function Kinesiology was founded in 2003, and is built on over two decades of experience in the field of movement and rehabilitation.  Desirée has held various positions in health and fitness, corporate wellness, municipal recreation, employment testing evaluation, exercise prescription, intervention, pain management, and functional assessment.

Desirée holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Kinesiology and Psychology from Western University (formerly the University of Western Ontario) and a Post-Graduate Honours Recreation and Leisure Services Diploma from Humber College.

Throughout her career, Desirée has worked with a diverse range of clients, injuries, and medical conditions, collaborating with esteemed healthcare and wellness professionals in multi-disciplinary settings. Desirée's extensive experience has led her to discover her passion for both educating people and assisting them in understanding the critical role of movement in recovery, daily life, functionality, and lifestyle enhancement.

To ensure the highest quality of care for my clients, Desirée consistently pursues further professional development through courses, reading, and conferences. Desirée's treatment philosophy is deeply influenced by her lifelong involvement in sports, and exercise, which has instilled values such as integrity, perseverance, and an unwavering spirit, qualities she imparts to her clients to aid in their recovery.  Desirée firmly believe that movement not only contributes to physical healing but also has a profound impact on emotional, psychological, and physiological well-being.

In her leisure time, Desirée leads an active lifestyle, engaging in exercise, sports, and cherishing her family's athletic and academic pursuits. While soccer remains her favorite year-round sport, Desirée also enjoy strength training, running, aquatic exercise, and outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and cycling. Her motto is simple: "Use it or lose it; movement is freedom!"


PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION AND DELEGATIONS
  • Honours Bachelor of Arts in Kinesiology and Psychology from the University of Western Ontario
  • Post-Graduate Honours Recreation and Leisure Services Diploma from Humber College
  • Registered Kinesiologist through the College of Kinesiologists of Ontario
  • Soft Tissue Release Training, Level 1
  • Bone FitTM Trained, Osteoporosis Canada
  • Nordic Pole Walking Instructor
  • Urban Pole Walking Certification - Activator Course (for Rehabilitation Professionals)
  • AquastretchTM Trained
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
  • College of Kinesiologists of Ontario (CKO)
  • Ontario Kinesiology Association (OKA)
  • Aquatic Therapy Rehabilitation Institute (ATRI)
CONTINUING EDUCATIONS & RELEVANT COURSES
  • Further Faster HBEC Business Course, Georgian College - Placed 1st in business pitch competition, advancing to the Grand Pitch competition in November 2023
  • Canadian Aquatic Therapy Conference
  • AQX AquaBility Training, Level 1 Certification, AQX
  • BoneFit Clinical Course, Osteoporosis Canada
  • Attendance at Ontario Kinesiology Association (OKA) Conferences
  • CARI Aquatic Physical Therapy for Gait and Balance: Evidence-Based Practice
  • Spine Therapy Network: Code Spine Symposium
  • Swales Performance Systems Level 1: Movement Foundations and Corrective Exercises
  • AP Kinesiology - Clinical Assessment for the Upper and Lower Extremities
  • AP Kinesiology - Business Management Skills for Healthcare Professionals
  • OBIA: Brain Basics
  • CARI Aquatic Physical Therapy in Orthopaedics: Evidenc-Based Practice
  • CancerSmart Rehab Level 1
  • Building the Ultimate Back: From Rehabilitation to Performance with Dr. Stuart McGill
  • CPR (updated yearly)
  • ERGO - Workstation Ergonomics - Computer & Equipment Set Up
  • CALA Introduction to Aquatic Post-Rehabilitation Course
  • CALA Aqua Arthritis Course
  • CALA Aquafitness Leadership Training Specialty Course
  • WaterART Aquatic Rehabilitation Specialist Course
  • WaterART Special Populations Instructor Course
  • Regular interaction and mentoring for movement training and aquatic therapy through leading industry professionals

Book A Discovery Call Today

Ready to unlock your full potential? Book a discovery call with Fit To Function today! We are here to help you optimize your movement, enhance your performance, and achieve your fitness goals. Don't wait any longer - take the first step towards a stronger, healthier you.

Book Now

Move. Transform. Live.