2026 Exceptional Achievement and Recognition Awards
Crystal MacKay - Research
Dr. Crystal MacKay is a health services researcher with a clinical background in physical therapy. She is an Assistant Professor in the School of Rehabilitation Therapy, Queen’s Health Sciences at Queen’s University, and has a status appointment as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto. She also is an Affiliate Scientist at KITE Research institute, University Health Network. She is a Member of Connected Minds, a collaborative research initiative at Queen’s and York Universities, and a Board Member on the International Society of Prosthetics and Orthotics Canada. Dr. MacKay’s research aims to improve the quality and accessibility of health care for people living with chronic conditions.
Mary-Catherine Fraser Saxena - Professional Development
Mary-Catherine Fraser Saxena, PT is the Manager, Practice Advice at the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario. She is a registered physiotherapist with extensive experience as a clinician and clinic director in private and public facilities in Ontario, Manitoba and the United States. Mary-Catherine joined the College in 2020, and provides guidance to physiotherapists, patients, caregivers, and others across the province. She regularly meets with physiotherapy students to support them in understanding the professional standards and role of the College, and also volunteers with Physiotherapy Education Accreditation Canada.
Mary-Catherine holds a Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy from the University of Ottawa and a Master of Science in Rehabilitation Science from the University of Toronto.
Jennifer Kochanowski - Education
Jennifer Kochanowski is the Academic Clinical Educator for Physiotherapy at University Health Network (UHN) and Clinical Education Lead for Toronto Rehab–UHN. She also practices in the Brain Program at Toronto Rehab–University Centre. She holds an Honours Bachelor of Science in Human Kinetics from the University of Guelph and a Master of Science in Physical Therapy from the University of Toronto.
As an Adjunct Lecturer with over 17 years of clinical and educational experience, she is an active contributor to the MScPT and Ontario Internationally Educated Physical Therapy Bridging programs. She is a recent graduate of the Collaborative Change Leadership program, where her team’s capstone initiative focused on Transforming the Preceptor Experience at UHN–reflecting a shared commitment to strengthening preceptor support as a key driver of high-quality clinical education and positive learner experiences.
Nancy Salbach - Education
Dr. Nancy Salbach is a physical therapist and Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy, and Rehabilitation Sciences Institute in the Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, where she holds the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute Chair. A leading researcher in stroke rehabilitation and community exercise guideline development, she has secured over $16 million in funding, published more than 175 peer-reviewed articles, and supervised 100+ trainees. Research in Dr. Salbach’s Knowledge to Action Mobility Lab advances innovative tools and community programs that enhance mobility and physical activity among older adults. She is widely recognized for excellence in research, teaching, and mentorship.