College of Medicine School of Rehabilitation Science

Staff

Picture of Dr. Racquel Biem

Dr. Racquel Biem BEd, MEd, PhD
Educational Program Specialist

Racquel is an Educational Program Specialist at the School of Rehabilitation Science. She brings a PhD in Educational Technology and Design and extensive experience in curriculum development, instructional design, and assessment strategy. Racquel collaborates with faculty and staff across Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Speech-Language Pathology programs to support innovative teaching and enhance student learning. Her work focuses on aligning curriculum with national competencies, designing engaging learning experiences, and fostering meaningful assessment practices. She is particularly passionate about creating accessible, inclusive learning environments that reflect the diverse needs of students and future professionals. Racquel is always seeking community and creativity, whether that be through taking her dog to the dog park, book clubs, crafting, or camping.

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Sue Britton
Academic Program Assistant

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Kara Broks BSc, MSc S-LP (CCC)
Speech Language Pathology Implementation Coordinator

Kara is a dedicated speech-language pathologist with nearly two decades of experience supporting individuals across the lifespan. She brings warmth, creativity, and clinical expertise to her work in private practice, academic settings, and northern communities—always with a focus on making therapy meaningful and engaging. Kara serves as the SLP Implementation Coordinator, contributing to the development of the new Master of Speech-Language Pathology program. She also teaches and mentors graduate students, blending evidence-based practice with a collaborative, client-centered approach. Kara is the founder of the Speech Language Network in Saskatoon, where she leads a multidisciplinary team committed to accessible, high-quality care.

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Nicole Craft
Finance and Research Administrative Coordinator

Nicole’s professional journey is shaped by a passion for connection and learning and a drive to contribute meaningfully. Nicole balances complex financial oversight with personalized support for staff and faculty. With a strong administrative background and a natural talent for organization, she streamlines workflows, boosts efficiency, and supports onboarding. Her intuitive, adaptable style brings clarity and calm to fast-paced environments. Outside of work, Nicole enjoys exploring psychology and spirituality, and finds joy in karaoke, dancing, hiking, and attending live sports events. A proud supporter of the Stampeders, she’s always open to friendly football banter with Rider Nation.

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Kristen Cutting BA (Hons), GCL
Communications and Strategic Initiatives Coordinator

Kristen has worked on campus since 2011 in a variety of roles, mainly focused on developing and leading work-integrated learning programs and supporting students in their career development. Her role at the SRS centres around advancing strategic initiatives across a number of areas. Outside of work, you will find Kristen leading a variety of land-based fitness classes on campus and in Saskatoon. She enjoys reading and spending time with her young family.

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Cathy Cuddington BScPT
Clinical Coordinator (Regina)

Cathy graduated in 1984 from the School of Physical Therapy (now called the School of Rehabilitation Science) at the University of Saskatchewan, with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy. Since graduation, she has worked in every hospital in Regina and Saskatoon. She feels fortunate to have gained experience in various specialties, but has spent a large part of her clinical career in Cardio-Respiratory and Orthopedics. She is now a proud member of the Clinical Education team and appreciates the opportunities to collaborate with the clinical community and students.

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Liz Durocher
Indigenous Initiatives Coordinator

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Marina Forester BSc (Hons), MPT
Clinical Associate (On Leave)

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Julianne Gordon BSW, RSW, BSc (Kin), MSc (Kin)
Student Affairs Coordinator

Born and raised in Saskatoon on Treaty 6 Territory, Julianne holds undergraduate and master’s degrees in Kinesiology from the U of S and spent nearly 15 years in the College of Kinesiology. Driven by a passion for mental health and well-being, she later earned a Bachelor of Social Work and worked in non-profit counselling before returning to the university. Julianne is committed to supporting students in their academic and personal growth, drawing on her experience in research, counselling, and student services. She enjoys cheering on the Huskies with her family, indoor climbing, getting out in nature, and playing pickleball.

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Kristine Hunter BSc (Hons), MSc
Manager, Academic Programs and Operations

Kristine is the Manager of Academic Programs and Operations at the School of Rehabilitation Science. She leads the administrative team and oversees operations for SRS academic programs, including student support, HR, budgeting, and financial reporting. Kristine holds a master’s degree in biology, where she studied limnology and researched nutrient limitation in Lake Diefenbaker. She is dedicated to fostering inclusive, efficient, and student-centered environments, and works closely with academic and clinical leadership to support students, staff, faculty, and the strategic priorities of the school. Outside of work, Kristine enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and has recently taken up ballet and hip-hop.

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Shayla Kluchewski
MPT Program Assistant

Shayla is a dedicated professional with a growing focus on leadership and administrative excellence. She is actively pursuing leadership development through courses at the University of Saskatchewan and other platforms, continuously expanding her skills to support organizational growth and effective team collaboration. Shayla brings a thoughtful, adaptable approach to her work, with a strong commitment to lifelong learning and professional development. Outside of her professional pursuits, Shayla is a passionate hobby enthusiast who enjoys exploring new interests and creative outlets. She is currently learning Spanish and enjoys spending time with her family, valuing the balance between personal growth and meaningful connections.

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Melissa Koenig BSc (Kin), MPT, ISST Schroth Therapist
MPT Clinical Coordinator

Melissa is a Clinical Coordinator for the MPT Program, dedicated to supporting students throughout their clinical placement journey. With a MPT degree from the University of Saskatchewan, she brings a background of 15 years of clinical experience in private practice. Melissa is committed to helping students develop their clinical skills, gain experience in all areas of physiotherapy practice and ensure students have access to educationally rich clinical experiences. In her spare time, Melissa enjoys participating in Irish dance and loves to travel.

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Melanie Krause BSc (Kin), MPT
Clinical Associate

Melanie is a Clinical Associate with the School of Rehabilitation Science and has been involved in teaching with the program in a number of capacities since 2019. She has a Masters in Physical Therapy with a special interest in working with individuals living with neurological conditions. Melanie balances her time between the SRS, working in private practice, participating in clinical research for individuals living with Multiple Sclerosis, and assisting with program such as NeuroMoves and NeuroSask.

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Lacey Nairn Pederson BSc (Hons), MPT, PhD (Candidate)
Clinical Associate

Lacey is a physiotherapist with over 15 years of experience, primarily working in an acute care setting. In her role as Clinical Associate, she spends time in the classroom and as a Clinical Instructor at West Winds Primary Health Centre supporting a new role-emerging placement. Lacey is pursuing her PhD in Health Sciences, with a focus on Indigenous women’s lived experience with Type 2 Diabetes. She is passionate about making links between classroom and clinical experiences and advancing the physiotherapist’s role within our health care system. Outside of work, you will find Lacey running the riverbank trails in Saskatoon and spending time with family.

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Shona Nickel BScPT
Clinical Associate

Shona is a physiotherapist with over 26 years of clinical experience in a variety of areas including acute care cardiorespiratory, neuro-medicine and orthopedics, neurological rehabilitation and community therapy. In her role as Clinical Associate, she primarily provides supervision for students at new clinical placement sites, alongside supporting teaching labs and curriculum renewal. She enjoys working with students and helping facilitate their learning both in the classroom and on placement. Being a part of their “aha” moments is the best! In her time away from work, she enjoys spending time with her husband and children, travelling, camping and gardening.

Brenda Pollock
Executive Assistant

Brenda is the Executive Assistant at the School of Rehabilitation Science and provides confidential and high-level administrative support to the school’s senior leadership team. She assists with collegial processes, including assignment of duties, faculty searches/recruitment, renewal of probation, tenure, promotion, sabbatical leaves, salary review and related committee support, along with faculty council related activities.

Picture of Michelle Riendeau

Michelle Riendeau BScPT
Clinical Associate

Michelle is a registered physical therapist with over 30 years of experience in neurological rehabilitation, primarily with the Rehabilitation Department at Saskatoon City Hospital. She assisted in the development of the NEXT community-based rehab program. Since 2012, she has served as a lab instructor in the School of Rehabilitation Science, contributing to neurology courses and leading content on spinal cord injury and Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES). Michelle brings broad clinical experience across inpatient, outpatient, and community settings, and has contributed to research in spinal cord injury, stroke, and multiple sclerosis rehabilitation. Her work emphasizes the integration of innovative technologies like FES into therapy and the mentorship of future physiotherapists through education and clinical supervision. Her role at the SRS also involves assisting with neuro clinical placements with the newly developed Neuromoves program.

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Liz Rackow BScPT, MA
Academic Lead Clinical Education & Community Affairs

Liz leads the Clinical Education Unit in the School of Rehabilitation Science. She has Masters in Leadership (Health Care stream) and extensive experience as a leader in the Saskatchewan health system and with her licensing body. Practicing as a physical therapist for 30 years, she is motivated to support the next generation of rehabilitation professionals with their clinical education and is excited and honoured to engage and work with the clinical community that provides these high-quality clinical experiences. In her spare time, she loves to volunteer and travel.

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Joy Richards
Program Assistant, Continuing Education in Rehabilitation Science

Joy is an administrative professional who provides support and organization for the CERS unit. Joy gained her experience by designing and implementing large-scale office procedures for companies both in the Yukon and British Columbia. She has partially completed a BSW with an interest in rural women's mental health, and believes an interdisciplinary approach is vital to supporting community well-being. Joy has an enthusiasm for the outdoors and the positive effect nature has on health.

Picture of Brea Robella

Brea Robella BEd
MPT Program Coordinator

Brea is the Program Coordinator for the Master of Physical Therapy Program, where she plays a role in supporting faculty, staff, and students throughout their academic journey. Holding a Bachelor's degree in education, Brea is deeply committed to fostering student success and creating a positive academic experience. Her position allows her to stay closely connected to the educational environment she values, while also embracing the dynamic, fast-paced nature of her work and the continuous learning it brings. Outside of work, Brea enjoys spending quality time with her family and staying active at the gym.

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Mitchell Smith YCWD, BA (Hons)
Recruitment, Admissions, and Administrative Coordinator

Mitchell is proud to have been part of the School of Rehabilitation Science family for two years in various roles. As Recruitment, Admissions and Administrative Coordinator, he enjoys meeting with prospective students and sharing information about the MPT, MOT and MSLP programs. Outside of work, Mitchell enjoys hiking, birdwatching, reading, gardening, working on his family’s farms, volunteering at his church, and chasing after his four daughters.

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Carrie Stavness BSc, MScOT, PhD (Candidate)
Clinical Associate

Carrie’s background is in Kinesiology and Occupational Therapy. She currently serves as a Clinical Associate where she contributes to teaching and curriculum development for the Master of Physical Therapy program and the forthcoming Master of Occupational Therapy program. With extensive experience in inquiry-based teaching and learning, and long-term care, Carrie works to enhance educational environments and with individuals living with chronic and progressive conditions to improve quality of life. Her professional interests include complex wheelchair seating, pressure injury management, reflective and evidence-based practice, and occupational participation. Driven by a passion for fostering inclusive and supportive learning environments, Carrie is pursuing a PhD in Education with a focus on the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning. Outside of her academic and clinical work, she enjoys spending time at a cabin near Waskesiu with her husband, two boys, retired greyhound, and two cats.

Picture of  Tami Turner

Tami Turner MSc OT-Post Professional, BSc OT, PgC. Stroke
Occupational Therapy Implementation Coordinator

Tami is an experienced occupational therapist with 19 years of clinical practice across diverse healthcare settings, including emergency room care, critical care, acute care, inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation, homecare, and private practice with a recent focus on neurorehabilitation. She currently serves as the Implementation Coordinator for the Master of Occupational Therapy program at the University of Saskatchewan. Tami’s clinical and research interests focus on community re-integration for individuals post-stroke, occupational therapy in preventative health care, and health systems innovation. Her work reflects a commitment to enhancing client outcomes and advancing the role of occupational therapy within interdisciplinary care and public health.

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Kendra Usunier BMR (PT), MCISc, FCAMPT, PhD (Candidate)
Program Director, Continuing Education in Rehabilitation Science

Kendra is a physiotherapist with advanced training in orthopedics and women’s health. She holds a Bachelor of Medical Rehabilitation in Physiotherapy from the University of Manitoba and a Master of Clinical Science in Manipulative Physiotherapy from Western University, where she also earned her FCAMPT designation. Driven by a commitment to clinical excellence and lifelong learning, Kendra is currently pursuing a PhD focused on women’s health and improving access to care. She serves as the Program Director for Continuing Education in Rehabilitation Science and contributes to the MSK curriculum within the Master of Physical Therapy program at the School of Rehabilitation Science.

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Melanie Weimer BScPT, Cert. Sport (PT)
Clinical Coordinator (On Leave)

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Kristine Zulak
Academic Program Assistant (On Leave)