Meet Our Team

Our Team

Thrive Therapeutics is led by our Head Physiotherapist/Osteopathic Manual Practitioner, Kathy Leung Degen. The incredible programs and classes that we offer are run through her guidance and knowledge.

Our clinical team consists of Physiotherapists, Osteopathic Manual Practitioner, Massage Therapist and Movement Educators who are certified in Pilates.

We have been serving patients in Barrie for 30 years and have lots of experience with working with all different populations.


Kathy Leung Degen

Head Physiotherapist/Osteopathic Manual Practitioner

Kathy graduated from the physiotherapy program at the University of Western Ontario in 1995. She gained early clinical experience working with both the chronic pain population and dealing with industrial physiotherapy. Although she loved physiotherapy, she had personal experience with Osteopathy and found it to be incredibly interesting and effective. She began her studies with the Canadian College of Osteopathy in 2002. The program consists of 5 years of academic courses, followed by a 2 year period to complete her thesis. She graduated as a D.O.M.P. in 2009.

Since 1999, Kathy had been an avid traditional yoga student and would often incorporate yogic techniques and philosophy into her treatments. In 2002, she added Pilates to her therapeutic approach when she began learning Pilates to deal with symptoms as a consequence of her pregnancies. Through the years, Kathy has been passionate about incorporating the evidence-based practices of physiotherapy, the holistic approach of osteopathy, and the utilization of yoga and Pilates to empower patients with their own healing.

Kathy is committed to helping her clients regain an improved state of vitality and well-being. She is a firm believer that her role is to assist the client in figuring out how to remove blockages from their own healing. Her mission is always to help her clients find the root cause of their pain and/or dysfunction and work with them to develop a rational strategy to get them back to where they want to be.


Jamilie Brochu

Osteopathic Manual Practitioner, Athletic Therapist

Jamilie completed a Bachelor of Science with Honours, in Exercise Science with a specialization in Athletic Therapy. She attended Concordia University, in Montreal. Jamilie is also bilingual, fluent in both English and French!

Jamilie fits in so well with the philosophy of care at Thrive. She is a strong believer in the body’s natural ability to self regulate and to heal. Her role in healing is to restore function within the body using manual therapy. As a therapist, she believes in the use of therapeutic exercises to consolidate the effects of treatment; as well as a method of preventing further injuries.


Laura Jackson

Physiotherapist / Pilates Teacher

Originally from Barrie, Laura studied Neuroscience at Carleton University and Physiotherapy at McMaster University. Growing up playing hockey, she discovered her passion for physiotherapy after experiencing Osgood Schlatter and its successful treatment.

Laura specializes in brain injury rehabilitation and has a strong interest in helping patients recover from concussions. She is trained in Manual Therapy (Level 3b, Orthopaedic Division), Acupuncture, and IMS Dry Needling, which she uses to address acute and chronic pain.

Recently, Laura discovered the benefits of Pilates during her own prenatal and postnatal journey. Recognizing its potential to enhance core strength and movement, she is now training to become a Certified Pilates Teacher to further support her patients' recovery and wellness.


Michelle Jay

Certified Pilates Teacher

With a background in martial arts, Michelle is dedicated to fitness and functional movement and has been teaching people how to use their bodies efficiently for over 20 years. In 2002, she completed her studies and became a certified international Stott Pilates Instructor. She enjoys working with clients and developing individualized programs for them to help them get stronger and more confident. Michelle enjoys being a part of the Thrive Therapeutics team and is looking forward to helping more and more people achieve their best version of themselves!


Lindsay White

Certified Pilates Teacher

After 20 years as a first responder, Lindsay turned to Pilates to stay strong. Years of physical activity had started to take a toll, and she found her favorite activities—like hiking and volleyball—were causing more aches and slower recovery. Five years ago, she discovered Reformer Pilates and loved how it helped both her mind and body. It allowed her to enjoy her favorite activities again and feel more comfortable in her body.

Now, as a new mom, Lindsay appreciates the energy and flexibility Pilates gives her to keep up with her toddler. She’s since pursued training through Body Harmonics and is excited to help others rediscover their own freedom of movement.


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