About Sunrise Mobility
Empowering better lives
At Sunrise Mobility, we believe that movement is a lifelong gift—and it should stay accessible at every stage of life. Our program was born from years of hands-on experience working with older adults, caregivers, and community wellness initiatives.
We build strength, balance, and confidence in daily life, whether you are
Aging independently
Recovering from a period of inactivity
Supporting wellness in a care setting
Improve independence
Our Team
Get to know our team of awesome individuals
Shakya
Founder, Exercise Specialist, & CEO
Shakya Wijesinghe is a health and wellness expert dedicated to helping individuals achieve a higher quality of life through movement and heart-centeredness.
With a deep passion for holistic practices, Shakya has spent years refining his approach to mobility, blending qigong, meditation, and functional fitness to create transformative programs. As the founder of Sunrise Mobility and Shakya.ca, he focuses on empowering people, especially the elderly, to move with grace, ease, and vitality. His work inspires clients to embrace physical and emotional well-being through accessible, progressive practices.
Blaine Grinder
Indigenous Cultural Liaison & Advisor
With a deep commitment to helping First Nations elders reconnect with their land, Blaine plays a key role in designing and implementing strategies to support their mobility and cultural revival.
​His work not only helps elders regain physical freedom but also empowers them to pass down invaluable knowledge of the land and culture to younger generations. As a consultant, Blaine provides guidance on integrating traditional practices with modern health solutions, making him a pivotal figure in the first mobility program aimed at reconnecting elders with their heritage.
Kevin Rigney
Co-Founder & Videographer
Longtime friend and collaborator of Shakya. As a skilled videographer, Kevin has partnered with Shakya to build positive and healthy communities, with a focus on promoting ease and grace for the elderly.
Having witnessed and experienced Shakya's work firsthand, including during their travels to Sri Lanka and their service on a nonprofit board, Kevin continues to support their shared mission of enhancing mobility and well-being for people of all ages with the Sunrise Mobility program.
Nico Ford
Experience Operations
A long time student of meditation, tai chi and qi gong, Nico is passionate about building resilient and healthy communities.
Nico is known for creating meaningful, engaging experiences that reflect her deep care for people and the planet.
She has experience in operations, design and is a strong advocate for reconciliation, diversity, equity and inclusion. She ensures the dignity and stories of all individuals are upheld and respected in her work and beyond.
Aly Essa
Director of Community Outreach & Program Integration
Aly brings over 25 years of experience in leadership, training, and program development, focusing on inclusive, healthy communities. As a seasoned entrepreneur and former college instructor, he has designed and delivered movement-based wellness programs for diverse populations, including immigrants, seniors, and vulnerable communities.
A lifelong athlete and advocate for active living, Aly integrates his passion for sports like squash and soccer into his work, emphasizing the profound impact of movement on well-being and connection. His dedication extends beyond his professional endeavors; as a devoted husband and father, he values family and community, continually striving to make wellness accessible to all.
