Sonia is a physiotherapist (based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada) with an interest in working with individuals with concussions and vestibular disorders. The vestibular headband (by Vestibular First) in her picture is an educational tool that demonstrates the fluid dynamics of otoconia within the semi-circular canals. Sonia received her advanced training in Vestibular Rehabilitation through Duke University’s School of Medicine (accredited by the American Physical Therapy Association) and extensive post-graduate training in post-concussion management.
Sonia is an advocate for brain injury awareness and “invisible” conditions, such as concussions and vestibular disorders. She is a Board Member of the Brain Injury Association of York Region. As their Communications Director, Sonia oversees and provides strategic direction for all communications activities. She also works closely with other local, provincial, and national associations to share a unified message about brain injury awareness. Sonia is also on the Executive Team for the Neurosciences Division of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association. In this role, she promotes the value of neurological physiotherapy, advocates for excellence in the profession, and unites physiotherapists working in the neurological setting across Canada.
Sonia is pursuing her Ph.D. at York University under the supervision of Dr. Lauren Sergio. Her thesis is about sex-related differences in multi-domain task performance post-concussion in working-aged adults. She uses state-of-the-art simulation technologies within the Challenging Environment Assessment Laboratory at KITE Toronto Rehabilitation Institute (a top rehabilitation research institute internationally). Sonia is eager to contribute to concussion research as a clinician-researcher.
