Pearl Gryfe

FOUNDER

CLINICAL + MANAGING DIRECTOR

M.Sc., B.Sc.OT Reg. (ON)

MY AWARDS
MY PUBLICATIONS
MY GRANTS

Pearl is the Founder and Clinical and Managing Director of the Assistive Technology Clinic.

She holds a Masters Degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of Toronto and has worked in the fields of neurology, geriatrics, trauma, orthopedics, rheumatology, ergonomics and assistive technology.

Early in her career, while working with those suffering from ALS and other complex medical conditions and finding only limited solutions to improve their quality of life, Pearl combined her passion for patient-centered care and her fascination with technology to create ATC in 1994.

Under her stewardship, ATC has grown to become an award-winning and industry-leading model of patient care with skilled inter-professional teams on two academic sites helping over 4,000 patients per year.

Pearl’s work has garnered multiple research studies, publications and innovation awards. Among them, she has been recognized with the University of Toronto’s Alumni Achievement Award (2004) and the ICRF Inspirational Woman of the Year award (2018).

Pearl’s focus remains on finding and developing the most impactful technological breakthroughs through research and development projects and hands-on patient care. She continues to personally oversee ATC's neuro-rehabilitative programs and carry a caseload of complex clients.

Outside the clinic, Pearl revels in family time and playing with her grandchildren. 

EXPERTISE: Occupational Therapy, Neurological Rehabilitation, Leadership and Innovation. 

Pearl Gryfe's Awards

2019 - Women’s Entrepreneurship Strategy

Government of Canada Recognizing the  work of Women Entrepreneurs

2018 - Woman of Action Award

"Recognizing outstanding individuals who have made a difference in their achievements, leadership, and dedication.

2018 - Global Business Insight Award

Award for sustained excellence in healthcare solutions.

2012 - Top 10 Innovators - Rehabilitation

Shoppers Home Healthcare recognizes Pearl Gryfe's continued contribution to innovation in rehabilitation.

2008 - Outstanding Lab Instructor

The Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy from the Faculty of Medicine University of Toronto recognizes Pearl Gryfe's outstanding contribution as Lab Instructor.

2004 - OT/PT Alumni Achievement Award

The University of Toronto recognizes Pearl Gryfe's excellence and achievements as an OT/PT Alumni.

1998 - Award of Merit

The Canadian Occupational Therapy Foundation recognizes Pearl Gryfe's continued contribution to the field of Occupational Therapy.

1998 - First Prize COTF Case Study

The Canadian Occupational Therapy Foundation honours Pearl Gryfe with the First Place award for Industry Case Study.

1998 - Outstanding Contribution to OT Education

The University of Toronto recognizes Pearl Gryfe's outstanding contribution to Occupational Therapy Education.

Pearl Gryfe's Publications

  1. Chris A. McGibbon1,2*Andrew Sexton1, Arun Jayaraman3, Susan Deems-Dluhy3 Pearl Gryfe4, Alison Novak5,Tilak Dutta 5,6, Eric Fabara 7, Catherine Adans-Dester 7 and Paolo Bonato7  Evaluation of the Keeogo exoskeleton for assisting ambulatory activities in people with multiple sclerosis: Journal of Neuro-Engineering an and Rehabilitation (2018) 15:117  https://doi.org/10.1186/s12984-018-0468-6
  2. Michelle Donald1,2, Lauren Bechard1,2, Jessica Comay2, Anna Subramaniam2, Henza Miller2, Pearl Gryfe2, Elizabeth Linkewich1,2 Stroke Virtual Community of Practice: Using a Peer Facilitation Approach to Support Collaborative Learning. Poster presentation, Canadian Stroke Congress, Calgary, Alberta Sept 9.10 2017.
  3. Gryfe  P., Sharma S., Impact of Short Term OnabotulinumtoxinA Treatment on Dependency and Cost-of-Care in Patients with Spasticity Secondary to Upper Motor Neuron Syndrome. Phys Med Rehabil Int - Volume 2 Issue 2 - 2015 
  4. Galit Kleiner-Fisman MD1, 2, 3 Edwin Khoo, BA, MSc4, Nikohl Moncrieffe1, Triina Forbell BPHE CK1, Pearl Gryfe, MSc, OT1, David Fisman MD, MPH4, A Randomized, Placebo Controlled Pilot Trial of Botulinum Toxin for Paratonic Rigidity in People with Advanced Cognitive Impairment  PLOS ONE | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0114733 December 23, 2014 1 / 17
  5. Govia. L. Dunning, J., Moncrieffe, N., Chui, W., Cockburn, Moira, Rasmussen, K. Hoang, B., Solomon, S., Gryfe, P., Kleiner-Fisman, G., Live Well with Parkinson’s Disease: Creation of Website to Enhance Self-Management. Poster presentation at U of  T Innovation Showcase, Metro Toronto, Convention Centre, Nov. 28, 2013
  6. Kleiner-Fisman,G.; Gryfe P., Naglie G., Patient-Based Needs Assessment for Living Well with Parkinson Disease: Implementation via Nominal Group Technique,". Parkinson’s Disease Volume 2013,ArticleID974964,6pages http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2013/974964
  7. Gryfe, P., Wein, T., Dawson, D., Case Studies: New Thinking in Post-Stroke Care, The Chronicle of Neurology and Psychiatry, June 2014 Gryfe, P. How can Occupational Therapy help with Multiple Sclerosis?, MS Canada Newsletter, Spring 2013
  8. Gryfe, P.,  Focus on Assistive Technologies, Rehab and Community Care Medicine, Spring 2013, Vol. 22 No.1 
  9. Gryfe, P.  Advances in Assistive Technology for Neurological and Musculoskeletal Disorders, The Health Professional, New Vistas in Functional Recovery, PM 41646516 Winter 2012
  10. Charles, J., Gryfe P., et al Restoring Abilities After a Stroke using Achieving Best Life Experience (ABLE) Care Planning Guide (2012) Sunnybrook Health Science Centre/Veterans Centre (2012)
  11. Harmic, D., Kleiner-Fisman,G., Gryfe, P., et al. Development of an innovative, educational  website and therapeutic program model to enhance health care delivery to people living with PDPoster June 8th, 2011 - Movement Disorder Society's 15th International Conference of Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders Metro Toronto Convention Centre, South Building, Level 800, Hall E
  12. Harmic, D., Kleiner-Fisman G., Gryfe, P; Botulinum Toxin for Paratonia interfering with the care of cognitively impaired individuals:  Poster November 19th, 2010 - U of T Faculty Research Day, 33rd floor Sutton Place Hotel, 955 Bay Street, Toronto ON
  13. Nadine M. Richard, M.A. , Colleen Carter, M.Sc.(OT), Pearl Gryfe, M.Sc., B.Sc.(OT) & Brian Levine, Ph.D. Validating a cognitive rehabilitation program for executive deficits in MS . In proceedings of the Consortium for Multiple Sclerosis Annual Meeting, May 2010.Gryfe, P., Sorin-Peters, R., Comay, J., Miller, H., Beck, S. An Innovative Model of Stroke Care.  Poster presentation in Proceedings of the GTA Best Practices, Toronto ON, March 2009.Nadine M. Richard, M.A. , Colleen Carter, M.Sc.(OT), Pearl Gryfe, M.Sc., B.Sc.(OT) & Brian Levine, Ph.D. Validating a cognitive rehabilitation program for executive deficits in MS, International Journal of Multiple Sclerosis (2009)  
  14. Gryfe,P. , Hall, K., Ezerzer, F., Moore,M., Zinman,L. Assistive Technology for ALS  Translating Evidence into Practice,  Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, 2007 (Supp 1); 8:19-21
  15. Hall, K., Ezerzer, F., Moore, M., Zinman,L., Gryfe, P.    One Stop Shop: A clinical program for ALS . In proceeding s of 18th International  Symposium on ALS/MND,  1-3 December 2007
  16. Gryfe, P., Janson, J., Falkenberg, T. Online Training Modules for Augmentative and Alternative Communication, CEPP, OMOH-LTC, www.cepp.org , January 2006
  17. Sutherland, V., Gryfe, P., Janson, J., Vibe, M., Telemedicine for ALS Clients, Proceedings of the Canadian Society of Telehealth, Quebec City, Canada, October 2004
  18. Moore,M., Gryfe, P., Cashman, N., SARS and the Impact on ALS Service Delivery – The Toronto Experience,  Proceedings of the 14th International Symposium on ALS/MND, Milan Italy, November 2003
  19. Gryfe, P., Jutai, JW, Day, H., Assistive Technology for Persons with ALS, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Other Motor Neuron Disorders, World Federation of Neurology, Vol.3, Supplement 2, November 2002, pg.112
  20. Gryfe, P., Moore, M., McDonald, S., An Integrated Model of Care for ALS/MND, Proceedings of the 13th International Symposium on ALS/MND, Melbourne, Australia, November 2002.
  21. Jutai, J., Hartley, M., Gryfe, P., Day, H., Assistive Devices for Elderly Persons who Have ALS, Proceedings of International Conference of Technology for the Aging, Toronto, Metro Convention Centre, September 12, 2001
  22. Jutai, J., Hartley, M., Gryfe, P., Day, H., Psychosocial Impact of Wheelchairs on Elderly Individuals who have a Physical Disablity, Proceedings of International Conference of Technology for the Aging, Toronto, Metro Convention Centre, September 13, 2001. 
  23. Gryfe, P., The Elkie Adler Multiple Sclerosis Clinic at S&WCHSC, published in Metroscope, MS Society of Metropolitan Toronto, Spring 2001.
  24. Day, H., Gryfe, P., Campbell, K., Anonychuk, A., The Psychological Impacts of Assistive Devices, Proceedings of the Ontario Psychological Association Annual Conference, Toronto, Marriot Hotel, Toronto, February 22, 2001.
  25. Paiva, M., Gryfe,P., Assistive Technology: Unlocking Solutions for Patients, Hospital News,Vol.13, Issue 11, November 2000.
  26. Gryfe, P., Jutai, J., PIADS Issues Relating to Research and Practice, Proceedings of the Canadian Seating and Mobility Conference, September 14, 15, 2000, Regal Constellation Hotel, Toronto, Ontario.
  27. Jutai, J., Woolrich, W., Campbell, K., Gryfe, P., Day, H., User Caregiver Agreement on Perceived Psychosocial Impact of Assistive Devices, Proceedings of RESNA 2000 Annual Conference, Orlando, June 2000.
  28. Gryfe,P., Moore, M., McDonald,S., An Integrated Model of Care, Proceedings of the 10th International Symposium on ALS/MND, November 15-18, 1999, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
  29. Gryfe, P., Gutmann, M., The Communication Continuum in ALS/MND, poster presentation at the 10th International Symposium on ALS/MND, November 15-18, 1999, Vancouver, Canada.
  30. Gryfe, P., Jutai, J.W., The Psychosocial Impact of Assistive Technologies on Clients with ALS/MND. Proceedings of the 10th International Symposium on ALS/MND, November 15-18, 1999, Vancouver, Canada
  31. Gryfe, P., Jutai, J.W., PIADS: Measuring the impact of assistive technology on quality of life, Clinical Notes, Fall 1999
  32. Gryfe. P. Jutai, J.W., The Impact of Power Positioning Devices on Quality of Life,  Proceedings of the Canadian Seating and Mobility Conference, September 23, 24, 1999, Regal Constellation Hotel, Toronto, Ontario.
  33. Moore, M., Gryfe, P., Living with a Terminal Diagnosis of ALS/MND, Proceedings of the  9th International Symposium on ALS/MND, Munich, Germany, November 1998.
  34. Gryfe, P., Jutai, J.W., PIADS: A Tool for Measuring Outcomes, Proceedings of the Canadian Seating and Mobility Conference, September 25, 26, 1998, Regal Constellation Hotel, Toronto, Ontario.
  35. Gryfe, P., Jutai, J.W., Assistive Technologies: Clients’ Perceptions on Impacts on Quality of Life, Rehab and Community Care Management, Vol. 7, No. 3, BCS Communications Inc., Fall 1998.
  36. Day, H., Jutai, J.W., Gryfe, P., The Psychological Outcomes of Assistive Technology, Proceedings of RESNA ‘ 98 Annual Conference, June 1998, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA.
  37. Jutai, J.W., Gryfe, P., Impacts of Assistive Technology on Clients with ALS, Proceedings of RESNA ’98 Annual Conference, June 1998, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA.Gryfe, P., Creative Work Accommodation,  Outcomes that Matter in Occupational Therapy, Canadian Occupational Therapy Foundation Case Study Review, June 1998, p.8
  38. Gryfe, P., Freedom through a single switch, Outcomes that Matter in Occupational Therapy, Canadian Occupational Therapy Foundation Case Study Review, June 1998, p. 7
  39. Gryfe, P., Making the Impossible, Possible, Outcomes that Matter in Occupational Therapy, Canadian Occupational Therapy Foundation Case Study Review, June 1998, p.16
  40. Gryfe, P., Motivation and the Myoswitch, Outcomes that Matter in Occupational Therapy, Canadian Occupational Therapy Foundation Case Study Review, June 1998, p. 9
  41. Gryfe, P., Overcoming the Odds, Outcomes that Matter in Occupational Therapy, Canadian Occupational Therapy foundation Case Study Review, June 1998,p.17
  42. Gryfe, P., Success in the Workplace,  Outcomes that Matter in Occupational Therapy, Canadian Occupational Therapy Foundation Case Study Review, June 1998,p. 14.
  43. Gryfe, P., Jutai, J.W., Assistive Technologies: Practical Applications and Research, Proceedings of the Canadian Association of Rehabilitation Professionals National Conference and AGM, May 20-23, 1998, Alliston, Ontario.
  44. Gryfe, P., Jutai, J.W., Tanaka, C., The Psychosocial Impact of Assistive Devices on Clients with ALS/MND, Proceedings of the 8th International Symposium on ALS/MND, November 5, 1997, Glasgow Hilton, Glasgow, Scotland, U.K.
  45. Gryfe, P., Kurtz, I., Gutmann, M., Laiken, G., Coping and Communicating with Artificial Ventilation, Journal of the Neurological Sciences, 139 (Suppl.) 1996, 132-133
  46. Moore, M., Gryfe, P., Partnerships in Care, Proceedings of 7th International Symposium on ALS/MND, Chicago, Illinois, USA, November, 1996.
  47. Gutmann, M., Gryfe, P., Devices of Choice for ALS Clients, Proceedings of International Society for Augmentative and Alternative Communication, Vancouver, Canada, August 1996.
  48. Gryfe, P., Kurtz, I., Gutmann, M., Laiken, G., Communicating with Artificial Ventilation, Proceedings of 6th International Symposium on ALS/MND, Dublin, Ireland, November 1995.

Pearl Gryfe's Research Grants

2018 - CABHI - $250k

Gryfe, P., McGibbon C., Saperia, N., Sexton, A. Using Gait Robotics to Improve Mood and Cognition in People with Parkinson’s Disease, ($250,000 CABHI)

2018 - Cleveland Clinic Foundation - $500k

Kleiner, G, Gryfe P. , et. al: Non Motor Fluctuations Assessment (NoMoFa), ( $500,000 Cleveland Clinic Foundation)

2018 - Canadian Centre for Aging & Brain Health Innovation - $50k

Wong, Stephaie, Parawan, Mayzelle, Dharas, Tasneem, Gryfe, Pearl : Cognitive Communication Program – More than Motor: ($50,000 Canadian Centre for Aging and Brain Health Innovation)

2018 - B'Temia FDA Stuy - $60k

Gryfe P., Law, Albie, et al. Using Gait Robotics in Stroke : ($60,000 –B’Temia, FDA Study)

2017 - Canadian Centre for Aging & Brain Health Innovation - $50k

Hall, K., Gryfe,P. The LASER WALK to improve mobility and prevents falls and in older adults with dementia using visual cueing ($50,000 Canadian Centre for Aging and Brain Health Innovation)

2017 - B'Temia Safety Stuy - $40k

Gryfe, P, Keeogo Powered Dermoskeleton Pivotal Safety and Efficacy Study on MS patients ($40,000  B’TEMIA Inc.)

2012 - Allergan - $100k

Kleiner-Fisman, Gryfe, P., Botulinum toxin for patients with cognitive impairment and paratonia  of the lower extremity ( $100,000 Allergan Canada)

2010 - Baycrest Centre - $50k

Kleiner-Fisman, G., Naglie,G., Gryfe, P.  An Innovative Multidisciplinary Program for Parkinson’s Disease, Innovations Research Grant ( $50,000-Baycrest Centre)

2010 - Merz Pharmaceuticals - $90k

Kleiner_Fisman, G., Naglie, G., Harmic, D. Gryfe, P. Botulinum toxin for patients with cognitive impairment and paratonia of the upper extremity ($90,000- Merz Pharmaceuticals ( 2 years)

2009 - Canadian Institute of Health Research - $854k

Levine, B., Alain, C., Black, S.E., Graham, S., Gryfe, P. McIntosh, A.R., O’Connor, P., Stuss, D.T., Turner, G., Ween, J. Diffuse brain damage effects on distributed systems: multimodal brain imaging and rehabilitation. Canadian Institutes of Health Research, CA$853,770 (5 years)

2006

The cost effectiveness and effects of EMG directed Botulinium Toxin Type A on pain, quality of life and caregiver burden on  People with severe spasticity secondary to an upper motor Neuron syndrome. (2 years)

1999

The Psychosocial Impact of Mechanical Ventilation on Quality Of Life  ( 3 years)

1997 - $60k

The Psychosocial Impact of Assistive Technology (CA$60,000 (3 years)

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