Meet the Team
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Dean Ellenwood
CO-FOUNDER & KINESIOLOGIST.
BCAK & CKA certified.
Dean has a Bachelor's of Science in Exercise Science & Health with distinction from the University of Idaho.
Dean was born and raised in the Langley area. His passion for health and fitness has been cultivated from a young age. He was heavily involved in soccer, hockey, basketball, and track & field. Dean has competed for Team B.C multiple times, as well as Team Canada at the Youth Track & Field World Championships held in Cali, Colombia where he earned a bronze medal in the 4×400 meter relay. Dean’s track & field career led him to a Division 1 scholarship at the University of Idaho, where he earned his Bachelors of Science degree in Exercise Science and Health.
For the past couple of years, Dean has gained experience in multidisciplinary clinics working with neurocognitive-restricted clients, children with disabilities, and numerous other chronic conditions. He was also a Peer Health Educator at the University of Idaho where he gave speeches and held workshops about the benefits of exercise and nutrition.
Dean has seen and experienced the impact that limited range of motion, chronic conditions, cardiac issues, and serious injuries can have on a person’s quality of life. As a result of this, he is passionate about making a significant difference so people can continue to do the activities they love and is excited about helping clients be as independent as possible.
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Jason Duong
CO-FOUNDER & KINESIOLOGIST.
BCAK, CKA, & Occupational ergonomics certified.
Jason is a dedicated Kinesiologist and co-founder of First Step Mobility, a mobile kinesiology company that provides personalized rehabilitation services in the comfort of clients’ homes. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology, concentrating in Active Health & Rehabilitation, from Simon Fraser University, and also holds a certificate in Occupational Health and Ergonomics.
With a diverse background in multidisciplinary clinics, private gyms, long-term care facilities, and community-based settings, Jason has worked with a wide range of clients, including older adults, athletes, and individuals recovering from injuries, as well as those managing chronic conditions. His expertise encompasses the rehabilitation of various issues, from athletic and orthopedic injuries to neurocognitive and cardiac health challenges.
At First Step Mobility, Jason is passionate about empowering clients to achieve their health and wellness goals through tailored exercise programs designed to enhance their quality of life. He believes in the profound impact of movement and is committed to making kinesiology accessible to everyone. In his free time, Jason enjoys golf, tennis, and rock climbing, embodying the active lifestyle he promotes.
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Reid Muller
OPERATIONS MANAGER.
Reid has Bachelor’s of Business Administration with a minor in Economics and Certificate in Business Behavioral Research.
Reid's experience in coaching and leading adult run groups from a young age gave him a unique perspective on the challenges and rewards of distance sports. He understands the importance of discipline, perseverance, and hard work in achieving one's goals, both on and off the track. Through his coaching, he has helped individuals of all ages and backgrounds improve their running techniques, increase their endurance, and push past their personal limits. His ability to motivate and inspire others has been widely recognized, and he is respected for his dedication, knowledge, and passion for helping others achieve their fitness goals.
As a Division 1 athlete, Reid faced his own set of challenges and setbacks, but his determination and commitment to excellence allowed him to overcome those obstacles and achieve great success. Reid's experience in business administration and operations management has proven invaluable in the build-up of First Step Rehab. He is able to apply his expertise in management to effectively oversee the day-to-day operations, ensuring that our clients receive the highest level of service and care. Reid's ability to manage resources, plan strategically, and communicate effectively with clients and staff allows him to manage the business with efficiency and effectiveness.
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Caite Cartmel
KINESIOLOGIST.
BCAK, CKA, & Occupational ergonomics certified.
Caite has a Bachelor’s of Kinesiology in Active Health & Rehabilitation.
Caite has always had an interest in health and fitness, from nutrition, to working out, to the mental health aspects of wellness. In her youth she was a distance runner but has since picked up hiking and cycling and the odd round of golf. She spent several years working as an administrator and quickly learned the importance of posture and regularly movement in one’s day.
Her interest in all things health led her to Simon Fraser University where she completed her Bachelor’s of Kinesiology concentrating on Active Health & Rehabilitation as well as a Certificate in Occupational Ergonomics.
Through her schooling she has discovered a deepened interest in return to work through active rehabilitation and correcting biomechanics in order to reduce pain and improve quality of life. She is dedicated to helping the clients at Vaughan’s to achieve sustainable fitness practices that can improve their health and wellness in all areas.
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Jamie Purdy
KINESIOLOGIST.
Jamie has a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology with a specialization in neuromechanical and physiological sciences from The University of British Columbia. Jamie also has a diploma in Sport Science from Douglas College.
Jamie gained interests in rehabilitation, health, and fitness at a young age. Being a multisport athlete, and participating in high performance soccer and volleyball, she faced many injury setbacks. Because of this, she saw many health and fitness professionals. This showed her how interesting and important the world of rehabilitation is.
She began stepping into rehabilitation by attending Douglas College and studying Sport Science. Here she obtained knowledge pertaining to athletics, and how one’s body can properly strengthen and rehabilitate.
Sport Science inspired her to further her studies and expand to other streams. This is where she was fascinated by Kinesiology, specifically neuromechanical and physiological sciences. During her time at The University of British Columbia, she learned how to address rehabilitation for numerous populations.
As a 2023 graduate, she was eager to step into Kinesiology work. As a member of BCAK, she has gained experience working with Physiotherapists to help individuals improve their overall health and wellbeing after injury.
Jamie’s goal within this company is to provide individuals the opportunity to gain ideal health and function to improve their quality of life. She is passionate to provide individuals with the opportunity to return to tasks of daily living, leisure, and work.
“Revitalizing Independence & Mobility One Home Visit At A Time”
First Step Mobility was created to address the unique healthcare needs of seniors who may experience limited accessibility to physical therapy services. As individuals age, they may develop physical limitations and mobility issues that require specialized care to maintain their quality of life. Unfortunately, many seniors face barriers to accessing physical therapy services, such as transportation challenges or limited availability of providers in their area. First Step Mobility aims to fill this gap by bringing physical therapy services directly to seniors in their homes or assisted living facilities. Our core values of Empowerment, Evidence-based practice, Patient-centered care, Collaboration, and Respect for autonomy guide our approach to care.
We believe in empowering our patients by helping them take an active role in their care, providing them with the knowledge and skills they need to participate in their treatment and feel in control of their health. Our evidence-based practice ensures that our treatments and programs are based on the latest research and best practices, while our patient-centered care prioritizes the needs and preferences of our clients.
We recognize the importance of collaboration and teamwork among healthcare providers, and work closely with other professionals to ensure that our clients receive coordinated care that addresses all aspects of their health. And finally, we understand the importance of respecting our clients' autonomy. Our goal is to promote our clients' right to make their own decisions about their care by providing our patients with information about their conditions, treatment options, and potential outcomes, as well as supporting them in their decision-making process.
By incorporating these core values into our approach, we provide convenient, personalized care that helps the elderly to improve their mobility and function, and to maintain their independence for as long as possible.
Benefits of Community Based Active Rehab:
Reduced fall risk
Reduced risk of post surgical complications
Early activation to promote faster recovery
Coordination with the client’s healthcare team
Implementation of the right equipment
Timely service for hospital discharge