Symposium Speakers

Blayne Hettinga, PhD

Blayne Hettinga is a Kelowna native and recognized expert in biomechanics and sports innovation. He holds a Ph.D. in Biomechanics from the University of Calgary; he has made significant contributions to improving athletic performance and enhancing sports equipment. As the former Director of Research and Development at the Running Injury Clinic, Blayne developed the 3D Gait Analysis System which enhanced data informed clinical practice and directly enabled more than a dozen scientific publications.

Blayne’s extensive expertise in footwear innovation was refined during his time as Director of Athlete Science at adidas, where he played a key role ground products including adidas4D, Strung, Shift, UltraBoost, BoostLight, and others. His focus on applying scientific research ensured measurable, functional benefits for athletes in every innovation project.

Currently, Blayne serves as the Director of Research and Development at PRE Labs, focusing on survivability product and body armour solutions. His experience also extends to academia, where he has mentored graduate students and taught courses as an Adjunct Assistant Professor at the University of Calgary.

As a keynote speaker at the 2025 Pedorthic Association of Canada Symposium, Blayne will share insights into footwear development, from company priorities to innovation processes, and explore how cutting-edge designs like “super shoes” are enhancing athletic performance.

Blayne Hettinga offers an insider’s perspective on the complex world of footwear innovation, drawing from his experience at adidas. During this session Blayne will explore how companies navigate the intersection of cutting-edge science, marketing demands, and design aesthetics. Learn how brands balance in-store comfort with real-world performance, strive to craft engaging and authentic marketing stories, and meet both athlete needs and consumer preferences.

In this focused keynote session, Blayne delves into the science behind running performance. During this session Blayne will explore the key biomechanical factors that influence running economy and how performance footwear—especially “super shoes” —enhances efficiency. Blayne will then break down the essential components of modern running shoes, explaining how they work together to give athletes a competitive edge.

Patrick Bergevin, C. Ped Tech (C), C. Ped (C)

Patrick Bergevin has been a clinician, technician, business owner and mentor for close to 25yrs. His Calgary operations house a clinic (Orthotics In Motion (2004) Inc), a manufacturing facility (Chinook Foot Orthotic Laboratory-2007) and custom footwear manufacturing also took place onsite for 7yrs (Chinook Custom Shoes). He has since worked with six different custom shoe labs in search of the best fitting results, responding to a sharp increase in clinical demand. His specialty is custom footwear for high-risk patients and those with highly deformed feet. This further inspires his unique approach to last design and fit requirements.

Join me as I recount my journey navigating a sharp increase in custom footwear demand and share the challenges of aligning my shoe fit philosophies with onsite, national and international custom footwear suppliers. We’ll explore casting and scanning processes, delve into library vs custom last manufacturing, and ultimately discover the true defining characteristic of a great fitting custom shoe: the onscreen design. More specifically, I will present arguments for using instep rather than toe pressure to control forward slide. I hope to share valuable insights and takeaways, simplifying the ordering process, whether you’re a newcomer to the field of custom-made footwear or a seasoned veteran.

Evan Day

Evan Day is a lifetime runner and shoe fanatic who is passionate about what healthy walking and running can do for everyone. He earned his Ph.D. in Biomechanics from the University of Oregon, within the Bowerman Sports Science Clinic. His research focused on understanding biomechanical behavior of the metatarsophalangeal joint across running speeds, and how increasing intrinsic foot muscle strength or adding stiff plates affected MTPJ and lower-limb biomechanics and running economy. Prior to earning his Ph.D., he completed his M.S. in Biomechanics at Iowa State University where he researched the influence of off-the-shelf rearfoot wedge orthoses on iliotibial band strain during running. Currently, Evan is a Manager on the Run Research Team at Brooks. He oversees Biomechanics and Perception research for core cushion shoes – the Ghost, Ghost Max, Glycerin, Beast, etc. One of his proudest work achievements was being on the Ghost Max team. As a runner himself that had dorsal bunion surgery, he was so ecstatic to help bring a shoe to market that he truly trusts will help serve runners like him with Pedorthic conditions. During his talk, Evan will speak to the intentionality behind footwear function of key Brooks shoes and technologies, diving into how biomechanical and consumer insights drive the “why?” behind what they build and how those insights shoe up validated on a shoe.

Have you ever asked “why?” when pointing to a feature on a shoe, or wondered how a shoe functions as a system in general? Evan will cover how biomechanical and consumer insights lead to specific construction features, obsessing over the details and decisions that get made when creating a shoe with a specific purpose – and ultimately, elaborating on how their function is validated.

Darius Dinshaw

Darius co-founded Align inspired by his unique perspectives on body alignment. Applying his proactive, Athletic Therapist & Strength and Conditioning Specialist mindset to Pedorthics and to the way people think about movement, he aims to empower everyone’s ability to walk and move in their best body alignment. Darius challenges the status quo to discover new and innovative ways to enhance patient compliance of common healthcare solutions. As a result, he careful and creatively co-designed patent pending Pitch Perfects for high heels. With a drive to do healthcare ever better, Darius developed the Align Clinician program to broaden reach of helping more health care providers overcome traditional barriers and evolve their assessment tools and treatment techniques in foot health.

Colin Dombroski

Perception Shift: From Sharpies and Stability to Softness in Orthotics and Footwear explores the evolution of orthotics, footwear, and business over the past 20 years. Drawing on internal insights and published data, this talk delves into how clinical approaches, patient expectations, and the industry itself have transformed. From the rigidity of traditional methods to a more personalized and comfort-focused philosophy, we’ll uncover the shifts that have redefined his practice and patient care.

Dax Hooper, C. Ped (C), BScKin

Dax graduated from UNB with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology (BSc.Kin) in 2013.  She then completed her Pedorthic education and was certified in 2015. Dax has always had a passion for helping people and genuinely loves what she does! She attributes much of her success and love for the Pedorthic profession to getting the opportunity to work closely with several amazing clinicians and technicians. Shortly after graduation she moved to Nova Scotia to work at Biotech where she has made her home become a partner at Biotech along side one of her mentors Brian Stoodley. Over the past 10 years Dax has found a passion and excitement for custom footwear and has been furthering her education in the subject.

Chris Lawrie, MSc

Chris Lawrie worked for 10 years within the UK Automotive industry before joining Warwick University’s Warwick Manufacturing Group in 1995 as a senior research fellow, specialising in Engineering Technology (Reality Capture & 3D Printing (AM)). Chris was in the engineering CADCAM software market for the next 18 years, and now owns a mass customisation software company called FIT360 Ltd. FIT360 are focused on getting affordable custom footwear/insole technology into the hands of Labs & Practitioners to improve Patient outcomes. As a side-line Chris manages part of his Son’s music business and also owns a woodworking shop that mainly makes dust.

Digital workflows – within custom orthotic insoles design software – play an important role in optimizing the relationship between a patient’s foot and their footwear. The “fit” between the foot, shoe and insole is essential within the clinical process. Fit can be defined as the foot’s relationship with the shoe (profile and/or last), the plantar surface fit with the footbed/insole and the distribution of stiffness throughout the insole. In addition, Fit is a quality control process, where newer technologies can minimize errors stacking up, from capturing the foot, to designing an insole shape, to manufacturing the product. Together, shape, accuracy & stiffness give a practitioner more control over the fit and function of a custom insole and it’s relationship within a custom or off-the-shelf shoe. This presentation will explore existing, new and emerging technologies for custom insole design, and how some trends maybe myths whilst others can empower (not deskill) the Pedorthic community.

Terry Makos, C. Ped (C)

Terry, the owner of Footworks in Revelstoke, is a renowned professional in custom ski boot fitting, a craft that has peaked his interest since 1980. His expertise is complemented by his work with Dr. Julian Sernik, a notable orthopedic surgeon in Vernon, highlighting his commitment to excellence in ski boot biomechanics. With a 30-year career guiding helicopter skiing, Terry has guided countless skiing enthusiasts through challenging terrains, earning him a respected place in the skiing community. He is a member of prestigious organizations such as the Canadian Ski Instructors Alliance, Canadian Ski Coaches Federation, Canadian Ski Guide Association, Association of Canadian Mountain Guides, and the Canadian Avalanche Association. Terry’s distinguished career is a testament to his passion for skiing and dedication to the highest standards of safety and innovation in the field.

This session will cover alpine ski boot fitting for comfort and performance. It will be an in-person review of methods and techniques to provide your clients with solutions for their ski boot issues. Attendees will build on their Pedorthics skills to address ski boot problems. This could be an exciting new area to explore for your business.

Sean MacMillan

This session will cover topics such as footwear selection in remote communities, Orthotic materials and design for the cold, cultural considerations and traditional footwear, shoe modifications and custom shoes.

Brandon Nethercott

I have been practicing as a Pedorthist for 10 years and Kinesiologist for 6 years in the greater Toronto region.

In my clinical practice I combine these two specialties to first and foremost educate and train patients on how to control their body through strengthening and understanding efficient movement, while supplementing this movement rehab with customized foot orthoses, lift therapy, and footwear that match the biomechanics of life’s various activities. This two-pronged approach has enabled me to expand my practice beyond filling orthotic prescriptions and become the primary provider of care for many of my patients with their various movement challenges and acute pain.

Sonia Page

Sonia Page is a results-driven Talent & Organization Development Director specializing in organizational success through strategic talent management and development initiatives. With expertise in designing and implementing innovative programs, Sonia enhances employee performance, engagement, and retention. With a Master’s Certificate in Organization Development with focused learning in change management practices, and leadership development, Sonia fosters a high-performance and change-ready culture. In her prior career, Sonia was a Certified Pedorthist of Canada and worked in multiple clinical settings supporting patients in improving their mobility.

Paul Rauhala, C. Ped (C)

Paul attending Lakehead University graduating with a Honours Physical Education degree.  He has been a Pedorthist for 32 years.  In 1997 he moved to the Okanagan Valley to establish OKAPED as the first Pedorthic clinic in Kelowna, which has evolved into five clinics across the valley.  He is an avid skier, the Okanagan Valley is a perfect place to enjoy many mountain resorts,  work and play. Paul has been involved as a volunteer in ski racing for many years, with a level two in officiating, and organizing alpine race events.  During these years,  an interest in alpine racers with ski boot fit issues, stance and balance issues helped to bring his pedorthic problem solving approach to these athletes, as well as, recreational skiers. He has helped ski racers at the Provincial, National and NCAA level in ski stance and balance.  He has supported the the BC provincial women’s team as the Pedorthist for ski boot and orthotics needs.  The approach to balance and stance from a Pedorthic background to help recreational skiers enjoy the sport has been a gratifying part of his pedorthic professional career.  Sharing this knowledge with fellow pedorthist is a goal at this conference.

This session will cover alpine ski boot fitting for comfort and performance. It will be an in-person review of methods and techniques to provide your clients with solutions for their ski boot issues. Attendees will build on their Pedorthics skills to address ski boot problems. This could be an exciting new area to explore for your business.

Kelly Robb, PhD

Dr. Kelly Robb is the current director of Product and Innovation for The Kintec Group and post-doctoral research fellow at Wilfrid Laurier University, in Waterloo, ON. She completed her PhD studies at Wilfrid Laurier University with a research focus on the connection between mechanoreceptor facilitation, lower limb muscular activity, and foot orthotics. Kelly has largely spent the last decade working in the academic sector and advancing research in the foot orthotic industry. Recent publications in highly respected peer[1]reviewed journals has confirmed her expertise as an international leader in understanding the neurophysiological role of textured foot orthoses during locomotion. Dr. Robb’s interest continues to be grounded in understanding the mechanism supporting foot orthoses use, with a long-term goal of improving clinical practice and evidence-based treatment options for practicing foot care specialists.

This talk will showcase the results of a new collaborative research study ran between Wilfrid Laurier University’s Kinesiology department, the OUA winning Laurier football team, and the Kintec Group. Between 2015 to 2018, an average of 41% of NFL players experienced a game time injury to the lower extremity. Clinical interventions that are aimed at promoting biomechanical efficient movements and improving athletic performance are critical to reducing risk of injury. Given that texture in foot orthoses design has proven to modulate lower extremity muscle activity in functionally important ways, the purpose of this research was to investigate the biomechanical changes in football players’ athletic performance when wearing non-textured and textured foot orthoses. Muscle activity and reaction time was measured in varsity football players performing a 5-0-5 shuttle run and standing vertical jump. Research from this protocol are anticipated for PAC’s 2025 Symposium and Dr. Robb will disseminate the findings for the audience.

Brian Scharfstein, C. Ped (C)

Brian Scharfstein is a director and co-owner of Canadian Footwear and FootHealth Centers in Winnipeg and Calgary. He has been a proud Winnipegger and enjoying business for over 55 years. Employing over 100 people, Brian’s highest priority is safety in the workplace and maintaining safe and positive shopping experiences for the community. He is a certified Canadian Pedorthist specializing in complications of diabetic and arthritic feet. Brian is a Footwear and Orthotics Benefit Claims consultant for Canada Life. He chaired the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce in 2013.  He served as the Vice-Chair of the Winnipeg Police Board. He is currently a member of the Manitoba Retail Security Task Force with Retail Council of Canada.

Roman Torn

Roman has been working in the field of orthopedics and sports medicine for over 25 years. As the Procare Medical regional distributor of Breg products, he has witnessed the evolution of sports medicine and bracing over the decades, providing him with an in-depth understanding of product design and matching patient indications and clinician needs.

Join us for an engaging panel discussion that steps into the latest advancements in Roboboot technology and their transformative impact on patient care and recovery. Moderated by Jo Noad, this session brings together three leading suppliers in the Roboboot industry to explore key innovations, clinical applications, and what the future holds for this practical Pedorthic tool. Attendees will gain valuable insights into the differences between suppliers, product capabilities, and the latest evidence supporting their use. This is a must-attend session for anyone looking to stay ahead in the evolving world of Pedorthic mobility solutions.

Josh White

It’s well understood that therapeutic footwear is part of the standard of care for keeping diabetic foot ulceration “in remission”. Unfortunately, people at risk commonly fail to protect themselves and as a consequence, too frequently incur ulceration, infection, amputation, and death. Barriers to utilization include inadequate health literacy, insurance coverage, and aesthetic concerns among others. This workshop will demonstrate key points for both shoe prescribers and fitters to communicate to patients. Also, a technique to effectively and efficiently select shoes that demonstrate how comfortable they can fit and how good they can look.

For more information or if you have any questions, please contact:

Email: info@pedorthic.ca