About Full-Stride Pedorthics
Full-Stride Pedorthics offers custom-made foot orthotics, footwear education and stretching/strengthening programs for anyone experiencing pain or discomfort in their feet, legs and lower back who are active with walking, running, exercising, sports or even standing all day.
I help people become pain free (or as close as possible to this goal) in their activities of daily living.
I am excited to share with you that at the Pedorthic Association of Canada's Annual symposium I was surprised and honoured to receive the Award of Distinction for my leadership and commitment to the Pedorthic profession.
The Award of Distinction recognizes members that have made contributions to pedorthics and to the Pedorthic Association of Canada. One award is given out per year across Canada. Thank you to the people who nominated me for this award and to those of you who have supported me throughout the past few years as we navigated these uncertain times in our profession. I feel lucky to work with such amazing people. Let's continue to move our profession forward and be an integral part of our patient's road to recovery.
About Elisa
Board of Directors, Professional Development Committee Liaison - Pedorthic Association of Canada - April 2022 - present
Recipient of the Award of Distinction from the Pedorthic Association of Canada - this award recognizes one pedorthist across Canada each year for their leadership, commitment and contributions to the Pedorthic profession
Chair of Pedorthic Association of Canada Virtual Symposium 2021
Chair of Professional Development Committee - April 2020 - April 2022
Professional Development Committee Member - April 2018 - April 2022
C. Ped (C) - Canadian Certified Pedorthist - May 2004
C. Ped Tech (C) - Canadian Certified Pedorthic Technician - October 2002
Member of the College of Pedorthics of Canada - October 2002 - present
Member of the Pedorthic Association of Canada - October 2002 - present
H.BSc (Kinesiology), Minor in Human Resources, University of Waterloo - April 2000
What I Stand For
First and foremost I stand for love. At first glance that might seem a little unrelated to what we’re talking about here. But really, I do.
I believe that everyone deserves a chance to be pain-free. In this, I believe that everyone deserves to be listened to and heard and when someone is truly heard, there is a greater chance for healing.
I also believe in connection as this is what brings us together as humans, creates trust, and brings joy in this crazy, messy world we live in.
How It All Began
There has always been something about biomechanics that I just loved and gravitated towards. During my undergrad at the University of Waterloo, I focused all of my senior level courses in this area. However, it wasn’t until years later that I figured out the perfect career to match my interests. As fate would have it, I met someone who had just completed the Western University Pedorthics program at a time that I was not enjoying my current job and was searching for something new. We spoke at length about what pedorthics was (I had no idea at the time!) and what was involved in getting myself signed up. The next week I had applied for the program, within a month I found out I was accepted and shortly after I quit my job and was heading to London (Ontario) to start my training in a career that was perfectly suited for me and that I am passionate about.
I feel so incredibly lucky to have stumbled onto this path. I’m able to use my creative/artistic/work-with-my-hands side of me to create/form/design an actual orthotic using raw materials. And I’m able to use my scientific/math brain side of me to assess and determine how I can actually help people. When I put these two things together and witness the results in my patients it shakes my world. I feel so fulfilled and am so thankful for the chance to help others and make this world a better place.
Over the years I’ve realized that helping people isn’t just throwing an orthotic in someone’s shoe and calling it a day. Helping people is taking the time to listen to their story. It’s interacting with them intentionally and coming up with a solution / plan that best fits them personally. Caring for people deeply is at the core of who I am. I truly desire to help people in the best way I can. I don’t promise perfection but I do promise to be a listening ear and to provide guidance for your health in the best way I know how. I want your success as much as you do and I hope we can work together to achieve this.
Before that...
Before finding the career that I now love, I worked at the Guelph Community Health Centre – a great resource for people in our beloved city.
And before all this, I went to the University of Waterloo where I received an Honours Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and a Minor in Human Resources Management (). During school I worked as a kinesiologist assistant at a physiotherapy clinic in Toronto and for the Peel Health Department matching volunteers with moms that had twins or triplets (wow these mom’s had their hand full with beautiful bundles of joy!) All of my experiences in different industries have allowed me a greater understanding (and empathy) for those around me. It has led me to believe that everyone is a unique individual with a unique story and unique needs that require unique attention with regards to their treatment plan to feeling less pain.
And before that, well, I went to a pretty awesome Arts School in Toronto, I was a competitive gymnast and I even carried the torch for the 1988 Calgary Olympics. Who knew that one day I’d be able to make my legs more comfortable while running with that torch. (I had shin splints and sore feet back then!) Kind of feels like things have come full circle. And thankfully I no longer have pain in my legs!
But enough about me...
If you think I could be of service in the next stop of your health journey I would love to meet you and have the honour of working with you. Book an appointment when you’re ready to take the next step in your health.
Much love to you today and in the future!
~ Elisa