Our Team
Cara McDougall, MPT
Cara McDougall, MPT (she/her) is a Registered Pelvic Health Physiotherapist and the Owner and Clinical Director of Toronto Pessary Clinic. She is deeply committed to supporting women in their journey to optimize health, well-being, and function through specialized pelvic health care.
Cara’s passion for pelvic health began during her Master’s in Physical Therapy at the University of Saskatchewan in 2013. Recognizing the sensitive yet life-changing nature of this work, she pursued extensive advanced training in pelvic floor physiotherapy, including pessary assessment and fitting.
Since 2016, Cara has served as both an Instructor and Teaching Assistant with Pelvic Health Solutions, training healthcare professionals across Canada and the United States in pelvic health practices. In 2022, she co-developed and continues to teach a comprehensive pessary fitting course that is offered across North America. She is also a sought-after consultant in pessary fitting and pelvic health, providing guidance to professionals and organizations aiming to expand expertise, improve access, and transform quality of conservative pelvic health care.
She founded Toronto Pessary Clinic in 2018 to provide compassionate, knowledgeable, and accessible care for women seeking management of pelvic organ prolapse and urinary incontinence, and remains dedicated to advancing pelvic health education, supporting patients through empathy and expertise, and ensuring women have access to effective, client-centered treatment options.
Cynara Povoa, PT
Cynara Povoa, PT (she/her) is a Registered Physiotherapist with over 20 years of international experience in female pelvic health. She is dedicated to supporting women in optimizing their health, function, and well-being through compassionate, evidence-based care.
Cynara earned her degree in Physiotherapy from the University of the Central Plateau in Brasília in 2002, followed by a post-baccalaureate in urinary incontinence from the Federal University of São Paulo. Her passion for women’s health has led her to pursue extensive advanced training internationally, including pelvic floor rehabilitation, pregnancy and postpartum care, hypopressive techniques, and lymphotherapy.
Throughout her career, Cynara has worked closely with gynecologists and urogynecologists, developing strong expertise in the management of pelvic organ prolapse, urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, and pre- and post-operative care. She has a particular clinical interest in pessary fitting and photobiomodulation, and is skilled in bridging surgical knowledge with functional rehabilitation to support optimal patient outcomes.
Since relocating to Canada in 2016, Cynara completed her Physical Therapy Bridging Program at the University of Alberta and has continued to expand her practice in orthopedics, musculoskeletal care, and cardiorespiratory rehabilitation. She brings a holistic approach to care, integrating pelvic health with overall physical function to help patients regain confidence and improve quality of life.
Jenny Telfer-Crum, MPT
Jenny Telfer-Crum, (she/her) is a Registered Pelvic Health Physiotherapist with extensive training in urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, pessary fitting and care, and exercise across the lifespan. She works collaboratively with patients to help them understand their bodies, reduce worry, and confidently progress toward their fitness and lifestyle goals.
Jenny is known for providing compassionate, inclusive, and trauma-informed care that centers on each patient’s individual needs and goals. Her practice emphasizes education, empowerment, and practical strategies that fit seamlessly into daily life.
Drawn to pelvic health early in her career, Jenny completed entry-level pelvic health training before finishing her Physiotherapy residency and has since pursued advanced postgraduate education in the field. She has been a Teaching Assistant with Pelvic Health Solutions and Antony Lo since 2018, supporting the education of healthcare professionals in pelvic health. In 2022, she partnered with colleague Cara McDougall to co-develop a comprehensive pessary fitting course that is now offered across North America.
Jenny is dedicated to lifelong learning, advancing pelvic health education, and empowering patients through compassionate, individualized care.
Aastha Visen
Aastha Visen, MD, NBC-HWC (she/her) is a physician turned National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach who serves as Client Care Coordinator at Toronto Pessary Clinic, bringing a rare depth of clinical understanding and whole-person care to every woman who connects with the clinic.
Aastha's journey into women's health began during her medical training, where she developed a deep appreciation for the gaps that exist in how women's health concerns are heard, addressed, and supported. Recognizing that the impact she most wanted to have on patients lived outside the traditional practice model, she pursued her National Board Certification in Health and Wellness Coaching. Aastha is building a career intentionally designed around the whole woman, not just her symptoms. She also volunteers as a Certified Peer Health Coach with the Canadian Cancer Society's BETTER For All program, supporting women navigating health challenges with empathy and evidence-informed guidance.
Through years of clinical administration, patient care coordination, and wellness coaching, Aastha has come to believe that the patient experience is shaped long before a woman meets her provider. The warmth of a first phone call, the clarity of a welcome email, the feeling of being truly seen when she walks through the door are the moments that determine whether a woman feels safe enough to follow through with her care. At Toronto Pessary Clinic, Aastha is committed to ensuring every one of those moments reflects the compassion and excellence that the clinic was built on.
She is honoured to support Cara and the TPC team in their mission to make specialized pelvic health care accessible, dignified, and life-changing for every woman who finds her way here.