Meet Melissa Gunstone.
Melissa has dedicated her career to helping aging adults stay strong, confident, and independent. A graduate of Western University’s Kinesiology program, Melissa began her journey working in a physiotherapy clinic where she began to notice a trend that set her on a path she didn't expect. Melissa watched many older adults complete their post-surgery programs on schedule, only to be sent home with exercise sheets and uncertainty. Despite weeks of progress, they returned home without the skills, support, or confidence they needed to maintain long-term strength, balance, and mobility.
One particular client - a neighbour in his late 70s recovering from knee surgery - changed everything. When Melissa offered to continue supporting his program one-on-one, she witnessed something powerful. Simple daily walks around the block became milestones. His mobility returned, but more importantly, so did his confidence. That's when it hit her: there was a critical gap between clinical discharge and independence. In her words, “the system gets you back to baseline and sends you home with no motivation, support or direction to surpass previous baselines, progress and prevent further injuries”.
Melissa started small, designing personalized programs that blended safe movement with practical education and real encouragement. What began as one-on-one support soon expanded to group classes in retirement communities, where she saw the joy and confidence that came from moving and connecting together. Each experience reinforced her belief that seniors don’t just need exercise programs, they need connection, purpose, and strategies to protect their independence.
From these beginnings, HomeStretch grew into a trusted team of kinesiologists serving older adults across Canada. Under Melissa’s leadership, the team has supported thousands of clients through in-home care, retirement community workshops, and specialized fall prevention and brain-and-balance programs. Every service is guided by the same vision: helping seniors build strength, improve balance, and feel more confident in daily life.
Melissa has also designed a full product line of tools to assist with activities and have been adopted by other service providers and are being used around the country.
The team at HomeStretch knows that the later stages of life aren’t about slowing down, they're about staying steady, active, and connected. Melissa and her team believe every person deserves the chance to feel stronger in body, sharper in mind, and more connected to their community, no matter their age.
If you’re ready to protect your independence and invest in better health, now is the time to begin. HomeStretch is here to support you or your community with programs designed for aging adults, built on expertise and compassion.
Book your call today and take the first step toward greater strength, confidence, and connection.
Melissa - Founder - HomeStretch Active Living & Fall Prevention Coach at Sturdey.com
Learn How Melissa and HomeStretch can help you Today.
“Leading a team of Ontario-based kinesiologists offering personalized, fun, fall-prevention training for seniors in Toronto, Niagara, Oakville.”
How We Help
Personalized Care
Every body is different. Your hobbies change, your goals are unique, and so are the challenges you face as you age. That’s why your kinesiologist works with you to create a progressive, individualized plan you can follow safely at home. Whether you’re rebuilding strength, improving balance, or working toward overall wellness, our goal is to help you feel supported, capable, and motivated every step of the way.
Build Confidence
Fear of falling is a real and a common challenge for older adults. Starting a new training plan can feel intimidating, Where do you begin? Which exercises are safe and effective? With HomeStretch, you don’t have to figure it out alone. Your kinesiologist designs a program that’s not only safe, but also progressive, helping you rebuild strength, improve balance, and move with confidence in your everyday life.
Stay Independent
Aging can make everyday tasks feel harder, but the right support makes a big difference. With proper tools, personalized exercises, and expert coaching, we help you maintain strength, mobility, and confidence in daily activities. Our goal is simple: to help you stay safe at home, connected to the people you love, and independent for as long as possible..
To help older adults across Ontario move better, feel stronger, and live more confidently — one step at a time.
Our Vision
To create a world where every older adult has fast, easy access to expert movement support at home — no waitlists, no travel, just strength, balance, and confidence made simple.