Carolyn Buchanan, RMT

About: Carolyn survived the stressors of university (and life in general really) by getting regular massages, craniosacral therapy, and chiropractic adjustments, a habit that has continued throughout her life.

After a career that saw her living on four different cruise ships, and in seven different countries, Carolyn finally settled in Edmonton. Life circumstances and a visit to a psychotherapist changed the trajectory of her life. She studied for and became an advanced meditation teacher, and a second level reiki practitioner (she is working on her masters). She then set her sights on becoming a massage therapist. With encouragement from her friend and mentor Jillian (yes THAT Jillian), she enrolled in the 3000 hour Advance Clinical Massage Therapy program at MaKami College in Edmonton, and graduate with honours.

“I can’t believe how lucky I am to get to do this. To have found my passion and purpose so late in life is truly a gift. I am a healthier and happier person because of massage.”

Notable: She was the volunteer coordinator for a local horse rescue and managed to serve her term without adopting a horse (more because Edmonton bylaw doesn’t allow you to keep them in the city than her nonexistent willpower).

Fav things to treat: The whole person.

“It’s all connected; we’re all connected, but if you made me pick, I’d say the head and neck. I think we carry so much of our stress there”.

Find her: Taking her two big dogs for a run in the river valley (to be clear, they run, she doesn’t), belly dancing with her troupe BadAxe Bellydance, and making teas and potions from the plants in her garden.

Fun Facts: She used to be a SCUBA diving instructor and was featured on a Japanese travel show.

Personal hell: Lining up for anything.

Don’t be embarrassed if: You want to talk, don’t want to talk, want to talk only a little, or stop talking in the middle of a sentence…

Carolyn Buchanan, RMT About: Carolyn survived the stressors of university (and life in general r... Read More

Katerri Footz, RMT

About: Katerri completed the South Edmonton School of Massage Therapy’s 2200-hr program, graduating in 2021. She is trained in relaxation, deep tissue, orthopedic, and pregnancy massage. She has always had a passion for holistic health and personal wellness. In particular, she has found massage therapy to be wonderful in facilitating positive effects in her own life, both physically and mentally. She believes in creating a supportive and empowering space for her clients by listening to their concerns, working within their comfort levels, and providing them with self-care exercises. Through the use of a variety of techniques, she works to provide her clients with relaxation while relieving pain and discomfort.

Katerri has always considered herself a student for life so she looks forward to expanding her knowledge, skills, and certifications within the realm of massage therapy. She has a growing interest in the areas of cupping, fascial techniques, women’s health, and supporting the aging population and those experiencing cancer. She looks forward to connecting with clients and providing a warm, safe, and supportive space for them to relax and restore.

Fav things to treat: Neck and shoulder issues but truthfully, she still gets so excited about all of it

Find her: Cuddled up with her cat and a good book at home with a cup of coffee and a handful of dark chocolate nearby; lifting weights; hugging someone she cares about, she loves a good hug

Fun facts: She played competitive rugby for 12 years and her favourite part of the game is tackling; She sang “My Baby Loves Me” by Martina McBride at her sister’s wedding in 2007 surprising her family and herself as she’s quite shy and does not like speaking up in front of a crowd

Personal Hell: crowded spaces; running long distances (anything more than 1 km), writing bios about herself. (Sorry Kat).

Don’t be embarrassed if: you choose to wear granny panties, a thong, or no underwear at all. It’s all about your comfort level and my focus is on treating the muscle underneath.

Katerri Footz, RMT About: Katerri completed the South Edmonton School of Massage Therapy’s 2200-... Read More

Social Worker & Forest Bathing Guide, they/them

Mitch Fournier, MSW, RSW

About: Mitch has called Edmonton home for five years after living in various places throughout the U.S. (Wisconsin, Colorado, Minnesota and Alaska). With over twenty-five years of experience working with people of all ages, in a multitude of roles and settings, Mitch brings their passion for inclusiveness and holistic wellness to all that they do. Mitch meets people where they are at in their growth journey and believes that your body’s natural capacity for healing and wellness are supported when nature finds a place within you. Mitch is certified as a forest bathing guide through the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy. Mitch has a bachelor’s degree in psychology, a master’s degree in social work and is registered with the Alberta College of Social Workers. Mitch enjoys exploring Edmonton’s River Valley and spending time outside in all seasons. Notable: Mitch identifies as queer nonbinary and practices from a strengths-based, trauma- informed, culturally responsive, and healing-directed approach. Mitch intentionally creates affirming, welcoming, and supportive spaces for people of all identities to bring their full selves.

Fav thing to treat: Helping people who are “too busy” find ways to incorporate self-care into their daily routine. Also, Mitch loves to support people with finding enjoyment in being outside in all types of weather, including the cold snowy winter!

Find them: Wandering around the River Valley with their little pup Eugene.

Fun Facts: Mitch saw the last live Grateful Dead show with Jerry Garcia in 1995 in Chicago.

Pet Peeve: Being stuck in traffic (preferred mode of transportation is walking or biking).

Don’t be embarrassed if: You are not outdoorsy or athletic. The pace of forest bathing is slow with a focus on connecting with your surroundings. You can choose what feels comfortable for you. All bodies and abilities are welcome (please note any accessibility needs on the intake form).

Social Worker & Forest Bathing Guide, they/them Mitch Fournier, MSW, RSW About: Mitch has c... Read More

Margarita Linarez, RMT

About: Margarita graduated from The European Institute of Esthetics in 2019 with her Advanced Clinical Esthetican and Laser Technician diploma. She continued her education at Makami College, graduating in 2021 with her 3000 hour Registered Massage Therapist Diploma.

Margarita is passionate about helping people and provides therapeutic and relaxing massages for a wide variety of clients. Margarita enjoys helping clients to relieve their main concerns. Margarita is trained in Swedish Relaxation, Prenatal, Deep Tissue, Hot Stone Massage, Cupping, and Nerve Flossing.

Notable: Margarita lived in Europe for a year just for the experience. She also lived in Vancouver for a couple of years and has a Fashion Marketing and Management Diploma from the Art Institute of Vancouver. After working in the fashion industry for many years, Margarita decided that it was time for a career change and fell in love with massage and esthetics.

Fav things to treat: Neck, low back pain, hips… basically, all the knots

Find her: In the winter, hibernating at home by the fireplace or taking a warm epsom soak. In the summer, having a drink on a patio with friends, hiking trails or reading a book in her back yard while she soaks up some vitamin D.

Fun Facts: Played soccer for years, but does NOT like going for runs. Loves doing DIY projects, painting and anything creative. Also loves travelling and trying all the food.

Personal hell: Winter driving

Don’t be embarrassed if: If you fall asleep and snore.

Margarita Linarez, RMT About: Margarita graduated from The European Institute of Esthetics in 20... Read More

Holly McKellar, RMT

About: Holly has been in practicing massage therapy since January 2018. She specializes in deep tissue massage, myofascial release (Cupping), and prenatal massage.

“I use my knowledge of the body along with intuition to provide a tailored experience for each client.”

Holly’s treatment style has been described as deep, yet deeply relaxing. We couldn’t agree more.

Notable: Holly lived in Banff for a year where she worked closely with high performance athletes and even completed the Banff Marathon. She is also completed her 200 hour Yoga teacher in Costa Rica in 2018. Holly’s extensive experience and knowledge of the body shines through in each and every treatment she gives.

Fav things to treat: Holly loves working with athletes to increase range of motion and performance, as well helping with injury prevention and recovery. Holly also has special interest in treating soon-to-be momma’s with her prenatal massage skills.

Fun facts: Holly has an eye for beautiful things. Whether it’s catching light with her camera lens. creating flower arrangements, or playing around with natures medicine in the form of bath salt concoctions, everything she touches turns to gold. — You’ll be thankful for that, when she is finished with your tense neck.

Personal Hell: Driving on windy days.

Don’t be embarrassed if: You’re sporting some body stubble/hair, us massage therapists truly don’t mind.

Holly McKellar, RMT About: Holly has been in practicing massage therapy since January 2018. She ... Read More

Lindsay Peterson, R.Ac, DTCM, Owner

About: Lindsay completed a 4-year double diploma program at the Canadian Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine and holds diplomas in both Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (herbal medicine). She moved to Edmonton to start her practice in 2018, the city Lindsay has always felt home in. Lindsay has a deep understanding and passion for Chinese Medicine that permeates her life and practice and is noticed in her success’s with client treatment goals and her loyal following. Although, Lindsay loves to focus on hormone and fertility health as well as MSK (Muscle/skeletal health), she is the “Lindsay of all trades” and is well trained and attuned to nurture clients needs for all areas of health goals.

“I love incorporating acupuncture into many different areas of my life. It’s not just for athletes; it’s for everyone. I never stop being amazed at what acupuncture can do.” Notable: Upon finishing her formal education Lindsay traveled to Sichuan, China and interned at the MianYang Hospital of TCM, the homeland and birthplace of acupuncture.

Known for: Her savage cupping skills

Fav thing to treat: Fertility health, Sciatica, and anti-aging/facial skin juvenation through cosmetic acupuncture

Find her: At the gym, at her favourite local restaurant Pip, or hitting the textbooks learning more about TCM.

Fun Facts: Lindsay is a retired figure skater. She plays the piano, and has accepted the role of “the fun aunt” to Jillian’s daughters and dog Bowie, caffeine junky…just feed her coffee and she is happy.

Personal Hell: Exposed cords and luke warm drinking water.

Don’t be embarrassed if: “You are afraid of needles. I used to be too”.

Lindsay Peterson, R.Ac, DTCM, Owner About: Lindsay completed a 4-year double diploma program at ... Read More

Jillian Rieckmann, RMT, Owner

About: Jillian has been working as a Registered Massage Therapist since July 2008. Throughout her practice she has had the opportunity to work with a broad range of clientele needs. From sports massage, therapeutic soft tissue and muscle skeletal health, digestive support, post surgical lymphatic drainage and scar tissue release, to relaxation, pre and postnatal health and infant massage, Jillian is well versed and ready to listen and support your wellness.

Notable: From 2013-2016, Jillian was on a team of alternative medical practitioners that worked with the University of Alberta and the Stollery Hospital for groundbreaking trials for children in oncology, cardiology, and general pediatrics who suffer from pain, anxiety, nausea, and vomiting (PNAV).The Pediatric Integrative Medicine trial has continued in its success and support for families.

In Oct. 2018, Jillian was flown to Madrid, Spain by the IAIM as a featured speaker at their international conference speaking on how we can support teen parents using infant massage programming, resiliency building tools and helping support successful outcomes in bonding and parental/child relationships.

“I give the kind of massage I want to receive— thorough, deep when needed, relaxing, flowing, and therapeutic. Massage to me is more than knowing each muscle. It’s feeling. It’s intuition”. Fav thing to treat: Pre-natal mommas, sciatica or hip issues, anything shoulder related.

Find her: In the river valley running with her pup, stand-up paddling, digging through music to create playlists for the clinic and friends, or at a local café fuelling up for the day.

Fun Facts: Jillian massages with her eyes closed, has two beautiful daughters that keep her on her toes, and is a wannabe rock climber. (A wannabe athlete in general)

Personal hell: Wearing shoes, ice in her drinking water, and windy days.

Don’t be embarrassed if: “You don’t shave your legs before your massage”.

Jillian Rieckmann, RMT, Owner About: Jillian has been working as a Registered Massage Therapist ... Read More

About: Keeley has been working as a Physical Therapist since July 2001. She became interested in pelvic floor physiotherapy in 2005 and continues to have a special focus in this area. With a strong skill set on using movement and exercise as recovery, she uses the philosophy of nutritious movement to get your body functioning optimally again.

Keeley appreciates the holistic view of looking at the body. Since taking medical acupuncture in 2003, a spiritual, mental, and physical perspective lens is used in each treatment. From working with children over 12 to her oldest client of 89 years, she enjoys everything from complex multi body site complaints to just a “nice” little ankle strain.

“I was told that, ‘your patients will be your best teachers’, and I look forward to learning every day with [them].” Notable: In 2003, Keeley became certified in medical acupuncture with Dr.Aung through the University of Alberta extension centre.

From 2004-2009 Keeley worked at one of the first pelvic floor physiotherapy clinics in Edmonton, CURA Physical Therapies. (Back when there were less than 20 pelvic floor physiotherapists in Edmonton)

In 2013-2016 she worked as a team member for the Urogynecology Department at the Lois Hole Hospital for Women located in the Royal Alexandra Hospital.

Since 2019, Keeley volunteers for the Women’s Health Coalition of Alberta on their “Foundations for Women’s Health Leadership Council”. This is a collaborative partnership that brings thought leaders together to challenge traditional thinking and practice norms that pose barriers in navigating the system and compromise outcomes in sexual, reproductive, and menstrual health, through all the ages and stages

Fav thing to treat:

“I wish I could decide but never have been able to, when asked this question. I think the human body is like a gigantic interesting puzzle.” Find her: Reading, moving her body, consuming delicious food, or petting cats and dogs.

Fun Facts: Keeley can confidently circle every body-site on the body injury diagram.

You will find her trying all the things - ballet, jazz, tap, swimming, snowboarding, cross country skiing, rowing, ultimate frisbee, water polo, rock climbing, hiking, hunting, belly dancing, yoga, road biking, wake-surfing, wake boarding, slalom water skiing, kneeboarding, belly dancing, yoga, pole dancing, Brazilian jujitsu, rollerblading, skating, Cross Fit, horseback riding, horse jumping, soccer….

Personal hell: Hot flashes and searching for her ear pods on a daily basis because the “Find your I-phone App” doesn’t work when the ear case is closed.

-sigh-

Don’t be embarrassed if: Sometimes you feel like talking about pelvic health has too much TMI and over sharing about things you are not used to discussing. When she hears “I’m not sure if this important but I’ll just mention it”, she generally finds patients are giving the most relevant information.

About: Keeley has been working as a Physical Therapist since July 2001. She became interested in... Read More

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ACUPUNCTURE, TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE, she/her

Olivia Wiebe, R.Ac., Herbalist.

About: Olivia graduated from Macewan University in 2017 with a diploma of Acupuncture. She initially grew interested in the world of Traditional Chinese Medicine when she first began receiving acupuncture treatments in high school. It was there that Olivia discovered its powerful effects for herself. Through her studies and exploration into the world of Chinese Medicine, she started viewing individuals and the world around her in a different light. Through yin / yang theory, 5 element theory, learning about channels and meridians, and organ diagnosis, she’s learned about the complexities of the individual, their lifestyles and their environment and how they all work together to determine a person’s health and healing journey.

Notable: After practicing for a few years, Olivia decided to go back to school to jump into the world of Chinese Herbology. She moved to Victoria, BC where she did an additional 2.5years of study to gain a diploma of Chinese Medicine through Pacific Rim College. While in school she practiced with both raw herbs and granules and was able to experience their healing abilities for herself. Although most of her herbal knowledge is in regards to Chinese Herbs, she has also done course work in Western Herbology, as well.

Fav thing to treat: Aches & pains, insomnia, stress & anxiety, women’s health and everything in-between. She is still settling into her niche and is happy to treat any and all issues that may arise.

Find her: Outside in the river valley, participating in a forest bath (iykyk), hanging out with her dog, reading a book, or going to a yoga class.

Fun Facts: Olivia is classically trained in the piano through the Royal Conservatory and taught piano lessons for 11 years.

Personal Hell: Going to sleep with a fan blowing on her.

Don’t be embarrassed if: You’ve never had acupuncture before or if you know nothing about Chinese Medicine! Feel free to ask her any and all questions you may have.

ACUPUNCTURE, TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE, she/her Olivia Wiebe, R.Ac., Herbalist. About: Olivi... Read More