Come spend the day with SIX expert health professionals who each have years of experience and are moms themselves. These ladies have all been there and know what that first year with baby feels like. This workshop includes handouts to keep, light snacks, water, coffee and tea. Moms are welcome to bring a lunch or go get lunch during the break.
Partners and babies are welcome to attend all presentations but please DO bring babies for the first two presentations!
Click here for more details!
Come spend the day with SIX expert health professionals who each have years of experience and are...
Read More
Tracy Banister graduated from the University of Alberta with a Masters in Physical Therapy in 2015 and has been treating pediatrics since the beginning. Tracy has always had a passion for working with kids as she spent several years teaching dance to children. Outside of pediatrics, Tracy also has experience treating adults in private practice as well as in Neurology at the Foothills Hospital.
Prior to physiotherapy Tracy graduated from the University of Calgary with a Bachelor of Kinesiology. She spent the year prior to physiotherapy school working with exercise and breast cancer research as a research assistant at the University of Calgary.
Tracy believes movement is the best medicine and works with her patients to help them move to their full potential. Her treatment options include manual therapy, functional dry needling, taping, and custom home exercise programs.
On-going learning is a passion for Tracy. She has taken additional courses for gross motor development, torticollis and plagiocephaly, pediatric gait, pediatric toe walking, functional dry needling, and her Orthopedic Level 1 manual therapy.
Tracy enjoys living on an acreage with her husband, 2 children, and animals just East of Okotoks. She is thrilled to be working within her community!
In her spare time, Tracy enjoys spending time with her family, golfing, snowboarding, dancing, and vacationing in the Shuswap during the summer.
Tracy believes movement is the key to health and happiness. So let’s get moving!
Tracy Banister graduated from the University of Alberta with a Masters in Physical Therapy in 201...
Read More
Dr. Taylor approaches chiropractic care from a patient-centred and evidence-informed perspective. She values connecting with her patients and helping them to reach their functional goals with treatment uniquely tailored to the individual.
Dr. Taylor approaches chiropractic care from a patient-centred and evidence-informed perspective....
Read More
Dawn is here to help you heal and live a more energetic and authentic life. She has the pleasure of meeting people, assessing their current state of their health and discovering how their body wants to heal for a more energetic and authentic life. She is blessed to have found her calling and being able to share this healing with others.
Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy (BCST) is an intelligent, yet discriminating gentle approach which utilizes the human body’s natural ability to heal itself. Through negotiated connection light touch is used while Dawn gives support and encourages these natural, fluid systems to reestablish balance physically, mentally, and emotionally. BCST is a gentle therapy appropriate for a wide variety of patients: adults of any age, including the very elderly. Mothers receiving pre and postnatal treatments can accelerate the healing process for both themselves and their babies. Treatment for many different symptoms including pain, fatigue, stress and related difficulties. The “Health” spectrum includes improving overall physical, mental, and emotional well being.
For more information about this treatment, we invite you to meet with Dawm for a complimentary 15-20 minute Meet & Greet appointment.
Dawn is here to help you heal and live a more energetic and authentic life. She has the pleasure ...
Read More
Leona Ham graduated from the University of Alberta in 2002 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Therapy. Initially as a Certified Athletic Therapist, Leona began her career with a focus in Sports Physical Therapy. After experiencing her own pelvic health struggles, Leona realized her passion for women’s health. She has been seeing patient’s with Pelvic Floor Dysfunction since 2009.
Leona has attended numerous conferences that focus on pelvic pain, pelvic medicine and continence. She has spoken to various mom groups, doctor’s, the Primary Care Network nurses, female ministry groups in her community and has presented at the Alberta nurses neonatal education day. Leona does free presentations on Pelvic Floor Dysfunction at the Okotoks Library 2-4 times/year. In addition to seeing patients one on one, she teaches prenatal exercise classes and provides a seminar to educate pregnant women on exercise, posture, movement mechanics, injury prevention and pelvic floor health during and after pregnancy. Leona also enjoys educating others, she consults to the University of Alberta Rehabilitation Medicine Satellite Campus Team in Calgary to help assistant teach in the Bridging Program. Leona has and continues to volunteer as a therapist in a variety of sports and events in her community.
Her Highlights Include:
(1) traveling to Germany with the Canadian Trampoline and Tumbling team for their world championships in 2003. This was a special moment as Karen Cockburn, one of Canada’s most decorated Olympians, won her first World Championship.
(2) Training the men’s hockey team that won Gold for Team Alberta at the 2003 Canada Games.
(3) Medical trainer with her son and daughter’s Hockey Team in the Okotoks Minor Hockey League.
Leona has a sincere and empathetic approach towards all of her patients. Exercise and activity are important to her and she understands the frustrations women have when their favourite activities are limited due to pelvic health issues or other injuries. Because of this, Leona created her own practice operating as Finishline Physiotherapy with a mission of “Helping individuals Maintain an Active Life.”
Leona has certificates in:
Women’s Urinary Incontinence
Bowel and Bladder Dysfunction
Pelvic pain
Level 2 Certification in Hypopressive technique
Anatomical Acupuncture Certificate
Level 1 Visceral Therapy
Paediatric Pelvic Floor Dysfunction Certificate,
Level 1 Certificate in Visceral Fascial Treatment for Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
PYTI-c Yoga Therapy Certificate
Rost Therapy Pregnancy Related Pelvic Girdle Pain Certificate
Antony Lo Courses – Bullet Proof Your Pelvic Floor and The Female Athlete
Level 3 Certificate in Manual therapy from and accredited International Federation of Orthopaedic Manipulative Physiotherapists (IFOMPT).
Leona Ham graduated from the University of Alberta in 2002 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in P...
Read More
Matt graduated with honors with distinction from the Alberta College of Massage Therapy in 2022. He is a member of the Canadian Massage and Manual Osteopathic Therapists Association (CMMOTA).
Matt focuses on therapeutic massage and uses techniques such as Myofascial release therapy and joint mobilization in combination with diaphragmatic breathing to provide a treatment catered to the individual. Matt believes that relaxation is an important aspect of a massage treatment and works to communicate with you to adjust pressure and accommodate different positions/bolstering you may require.
Having worked in a variety of careers known for being difficult on both the mind and body; Matt gained a deep appreciation for massage and its many benefits. After many years of contemplation and a growing interest in health and wellness. Matt changed careers to massage therapy to pursue something he was passionate about and to provide a better work/life balance.
Matt is intrigued by movement and the mind-body connection. He lives an active lifestyle, training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Yoga, running, hiking, and rock climbing as a means to further his understanding of his body.
Some of Matts recent certifications and interests are:
Registered Massage Therapist (2200 Hour) and Fascia Decompression Workshop (Seminars for Health)
Matt graduated with honors with distinction from the Alberta College of Massage Therapy in 2022. ...
Read More
Shawna has been involved in the fitness industry for the past 30 years building on her sincere interest in all parts of fitness and well being. She started out with a Saskatchewan Parks & Recreation Group Fitness Certification teaching step (remember step aerobics?), cardio kickbox, bootcamps and spin classes. Shawna has spent many years working with the 55+ age group, focusing on core strength, men’s group classes and women’s fitness.
In 2003, she focused on her Yoga journey with advanced training in both Vinyasa Flow and Yin yoga disciplines. Shawna truly enjoys working with people through yoga, women’s pelvic floor yoga, movement and breath. She energetically connects with individuals and helps them find their own purposeful intention.
Shawna currently teaches a variety of yoga and fitness classes for the Town of Okotoks, Motion Fitness and Balance on Elma Studio. You may have already met her!
If she’s not teaching yoga or fitness, Shawna is enjoying her own personal fitness. She connects with the outdoors through a hike, bike ride or just a walk with a friend. A visit fills her heart. Time spent with her daughter and family are so wonderfully important to her.
Shawna is looking forward to helping each person she meets to become successful within their unique personal goals.
Shawna has been involved in the fitness industry for the past 30 years building on her sincere in...
Read More
Maybe your birth happened many years ago, but you were never “allowed” to process what happened. Its never too late to release life’s happenings. What if my issue isn’t related to birth?
Life hands us daily experiences that can result in ‘micro-traumas’. Do not underestimate what Covid and lockdowns are doing to your psyche! Micro-traumas can result in:
~ Increased feelings of anxiousness ~
Sleep loss ~
Weight Gain ~
Sadness ~
Inability to focus ~
Feeling ‘stuck ~
Sessions, using a combination of techniques, can bring a positive shift in your life toward ‘unstuck’ and growth. For permanent long lasting change, Kate recommends a series of sessions spaced over a few months. More sessions allow for time to release and then to rewire neuropathways. Hypnotherapy is not usually a lightening strike, more likely you’ll become aware of gentle gradual shifts.
A hypnotherapist does NOT plant ideas into your brain while you are asleep, rather, listens to what your subconscious mind is bringing forward for attention and release.
Hypnotherapy is very safe and effective for dealing with traumatic events of the past whether it is in your childhood of long ago, or a recent birth memory that is getting in your way.
Maybe your birth happened many years ago, but you were never “allowed” to process what happened. ...
Read More
Nuala loves to support local shops and businesses and is amazed by the sense of community here. Growing up from a fairly active lifestyle, Nuala injured her knee playing soccer and spent many hours in the hands of healthcare providers. She always thought she would go into the healthcare industry, but wasn’t sure where she fit in exactly. After a severe concussion in 2014 Nuala went back to school and discovered massage therapy was where she was meant to be. Having dealt with several issues herself, Nuala’s passion and experience for natural wellness has driven her career path. Her ability to modify and adjust pressure with massage techniques has made her quite popular. She has experience in deep tissue, therapeutic, myofascial cupping, and relaxation; however, she is continually expanding her tool box to give her patients the best treatments possible. Recently Nuala has expanded her knowledge into Reflexology and rediscovered the benefits of relaxing the mind.
In her spare time, Nuala loves to travel the world and practice yoga or spend time outdoors. A big advocate for “self-care” time, Nuala’s perfect evening would be cuddled up on the couch with a good book and tea after a day in the mountains.
Nuala loves to support local shops and businesses and is amazed by the sense of community here. ...
Read More
Originating from Quebec, Valérie Saucier moved to Alberta 12 years ago. She has made High River her home for the past three years. Being active in a variety of sports during her teen years, led her to complete a degree in Kinesiology. After some challenging times, Valérie decided to go back to school to become a massage therapist.
Throughout her two years of education at the Alberta College of Massage Therapy, Valérie discovered a passion for the benefits of therapeutic massage in improving her client’s health and wellness. Alongside relaxation massage, Valérie uses techniques such as breathwork and myofascial release to help reduce pain and improve movements as efficiently as possible. She has experience working with children, adults and athletes. She is also inspired to help others moms who went through a cesarean birth regain their confidence.
When Valérie is not busy with her two boys, you can find her enjoying a hike, working out in the park or cold dipping in the river. She is also a Master’s athlete in Olympic-style weightlifting and proudly represented Canada at the 2021 PanAmerican Masters Weightlifting Championships. She is looking forward to many other opportunities to compete internationally.
Valérie is bilingual and welcomes both French and English speaking patients.
Originating from Quebec, Valérie Saucier moved to Alberta 12 years ago. She has made High River h...
Read More
Janna (Zhanna) Sitovska is a Registered Acupuncturist in Alberta and Doctor of Chinese Medicine. She has studied Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine at the Alberta College of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine in Calgary.
Janna trained in both the classical Acupuncture and distal needling techniques for immediate pain relief – studying under Robert Doane, Balance Method of the late Dr. Richard Tan and Master Tung’s family acupuncture system, Dr. Slate Burris Neoclassical Acupuncture/one needle technique. She continued her study of Herbal Medicine with Dr. Jimmy Wei-Yen Chang. Dr. Chang is widely recognised for his skills in correlating definitive pulse diagnoses with herbal prescription. She now specializes in Pulse and Ear Diagnostics and Herbal medicine. These are some of the most effective styles worldwide.
Janna treats a broad range of health issues from pain, Bell’s palsy, digestive disorders, women’s and men’s health and managing chronic conditions (anxiety, skin diseases, sleep issues, cardiovascular and lung disorders) and other conditions such as resolving hernias, benign breast lumps/tumors, ganglion cysts, etc.
In addition to Janna’s Eastern medicine education, she worked as a registry nurse in hospital (trauma department) in Ukraine and ran her own business as a medical esthetician prior to becoming interested in natural healing.
Her focus is to get to the root of the problem. The goal is improving quality of your life by elimination of current symptoms and to start working with the body, to revive and enhance the body’s healing potential, rather than simply suppressing signs and symptoms.
When she’s not at the clinic, you can find her spending time with family, enjoying the outdoors, doing yoga/tai chi, dancing, volunteering in her community, or attending courses to improve her treatments.
Janna (Zhanna) Sitovska is a Registered Acupuncturist in Alberta and Doctor of Chinese Medicine. ...
Read More
Alison is a registered provisional psychologist who specializes in working with clients primarily struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, grief/loss, and addictions. In addition, Alison has received extensive training in trauma informed care, DBT, narrative therapy, polyvagal theory and numerous other client centered approaches. Most recently, Alison has received Perinatal Mental Health Certification. Her areas of focus include infertility, pregnancy and infant loss, anxiety during pregnancy, PTSD, postpartum depression, grief, and adjusting to life as a blended family.
In sessions with Alison, expect to feel supported by her level-headed, keep-it-real approach. Alison is here to validate, affirm, help reduce stress, and hear whatever it is that’s truly weighing on you during this stage. You will be heard, learn tangible strategies to navigate your challenges, your boundaries will be respected, and you can finally move through the difficult part of this chapter.
Alison’s qualifications won’t fit on her business card so we’ve listed them here:
Registered Counselling Therapist - Association of Counselling Therapy of Alberta, soon to be the College of Counselling Therapy of Alberta
Canadian Certified Counsellor - Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association
Provisional Psychologist - College of Alberta Psychologists
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology and Sociology
Masters of Counselling Psychology
Alison is a registered provisional psychologist who specializes in working with clients primarily...
Read More
Meet Deanne. Your Holistic Registered Dietitian.
Deanne Wiseman, RD, CHN believes helping your family achieve greater health starts with supporting mothers to feel connected and empowered. With over 10 years’ experience educating and advocating for healthy nutrition and lifestyles for all ages, she has a first-hand understanding of the challenges to nourishing oneself as a mother, let alone with a busy growing family.
Learn how she can help you feel energized and balanced through individualized nutrition counselling and thoughtfully curated products.
Meet Deanne. Your Holistic Registered Dietitian.
Deanne Wiseman, RD, CHN believes helping your f...
Read More
A new approach to family and sports chiropractic in Okotoks!
Dr. Sarah Wuest is excited to bring her style of chiropractic to Okotoks. Her practice is strongly patient-focused with longer, non-rushed visits that include a more specific and detailed diagnosis, a wide variety of treatment options, and collaborative care. She approaches treatment goals WITH you – every treatment plan is individually tailored both to your body as well as your preferences. Her treatment options currently include spinal joint manipulation, extremity joint manipulation, Active Release Technique, therapeutic exercise and Medical Acupuncture. She is also proud to be one of the practitioners offering baseline concussion testing, treatment and rehab with Complete Concussion Management.
Dr. Sarah is thrilled to have the opportunity to help you achieve your full potential, whether you are an elite or recreational athlete or just simply needing devoted care for your hardworking body. As a mother of two, she also has a special interest in the effects pregnancy has on our bodies – both during and after pregnancy.
Dr Sarah has been practicing in Calgary in a family and sports-based practice since 2008. She began eleven years of post-graduate education with an undergraduate degree from the University of Alberta and a four-year Doctor of Chiropractic degree from the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College in Toronto (summa cum laude with Clinic Honours). She then went on to complete a three-year post-graduate degree in Sport Sciences also at the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College. She is currently the only female Chiropractic Sport Specialists in Alberta.
As an evidence-based health care professional, Sarah is committed to on-going education and staying current on medical research and literature. Research is a passion for her. She has worked in the Human Performance Lab in the Kinesiology Department at the University of Calgary on a number of projects and co-authored three published research papers exploring the topic of neck manipulation and stroke. She has also been a member of the teaching faculty at the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College.
Her interest in helping high-performance athletes reach and maintain their potential is rooted in her thirteen years as a national level show jumper. Dr. Sarah has been honored to be a member of several sport medical teams including the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games, the Canadian Professional Rodeo Sport Medicine Team, the Western Canada Summer Games, the International Club Crew Dragonboat Championships, and Junior A hockey teams (to name a few).
Working with Olympic and professional athletes in a variety of sports, Dr. Sarah also works with equal enthusiasm with amateur athletes, recreational athletes, and anyone in need of musculoskeletal care.
A new approach to family and sports chiropractic in Okotoks!
Dr. Sarah Wuest is excited to bring...
Read More