Stefania Rizzo holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology and graduated from the University of British Columbia’s Physical Therapy program in 2001, later completing a transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy in the United States. Her postgraduate education includes CAMPT Orthopaedic Fellowship, a Master of Clinical Science from Western University, and a recently completed Master of Sport Directorship. She is currently pursuing further studies in High-Performance Sport with a focus on leadership and interdisciplinary collaboration. Her clinical training spans orthopaedic, sport, and diagnostic domains, with certifications including intramuscular stimulation and dynamic musculoskeletal ultrasound. Early career roles in leading Vancouver-area clinics, including Fortius Sport & Health where she served as Director of Physiotherapy, laid the foundation for a career that expanded deliberately through every level of sport — from provincial and national programs to the Olympic stage. Her work with the Canadian Alpine Ski Team brought her to two Olympic Games — Vancouver and Sochi — before transitioning into professional sport. She has since worked across both the NHL and NBA, most recently spending seven seasons with the Brooklyn Nets as Director of Rehabilitation. Stefania is the founding President of the National Basketball Physical Therapy Association, established to advance the role and professional development of PTs in elite basketball. Her leadership there has included initiating the first collaborative MLB–MLS–NBA physical therapy seminar, with a vision of breaking down sport silos and strengthening collective knowledge across professional sport. She is recently completed her master’s dissertation on interdisciplinary collaboration and staff well-being in high-performance environments, while consulting, mentoring, and contributing to professional education initiatives.
