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Samantha is a Certified Athletic therapist with a degree from Mount Royal University. She
completed her practicum working with woman’s basketball and men’s soccer. Since
graduating, Samantha, has worked for the Drumheller Dragons in the AJHL as an athletic
therapist and equipment manger. Samantha traveled to Nova Scotia to work the World Jr “A”
challenge in 2023. Samantha has developed and overseen yoga/mobility with all age levels aswell as off-ice and off-season training. Samantha is passionate about improving athletes
function and performance as well as preventing injures.

Uyen comes from the University of Saskatchewan with a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science of
Physical Therapy degree. She started her career in the field of orthopedics with a primary focus on the
athletic population. From weekend warriors to professional athletes, she worked with people who had
an intense desire to optimize their health and maximize performance.

As her practice shifted to clients with more diverse and complex health issues, she completed her
certification in medical acupuncture, sports medicine acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine
acupuncture along with an advanced post graduate acupuncture program in Beijing, China.

Understanding the complexity of functional movement, she is able to bring a detailed and analytical
perspective to her treatment. Working within the Elevate team Uyen is able to restore clients to proper
movement and a quick return to activity.

Tracey was born and raised in Calgary, but has lived in Germany, Korea, Hong Kong, London,
and Moscow, so all those places have shaped who she is.

She received her B.Ed. at U of A and taught a variety of things before going back to school at
age 44 to study nutrition. She has been in this field since 2014 and specializes in the health of
the gut microbiome and fixing leaky gut. Gut health has significant relevance to neurological
health and autoimmune conditions, so she work a lot with those conditions, as well as the
obvious gut problems. She also specializes in Histamine Intolerance and Mast Cell Activation
Syndrome.

Tracey chose to be part of the Synaptic/Elevate Team because of her interest in neurological
health. Her youngest son is from China and was extremely malnourished as an infant, so his
brain did not develop properly. She was able to profoundly change his brain function using a
dietary approach. That experience had a large role in shaping her clinical practice. It is
important to Tracey to have colleagues to refer to and collaborate with, so her clients can
achieve the best possible outcomes – Synaptic/Elevate gives her that team to collaborate with.

Her favorite part of being on the Team is working on complex cases. It’s pretty amazing to be
one part of the complex puzzle that makes up optimal health.

Tracey wants her clients to feel better. Whatever that means for them – better brain function,
better digestive health, better pain management… Her goal to help someone learn how to eat
to reach their goals. That can look very different from person to person, so that customization
is what Tracey aims to contribute to someone’s journey.

If you were an ice cream, what flavor would you be and why?

It is probably not surprising that as a Nutritional Consultant Tracey does not eat the kinds of ice
cream most people eat. So, her favorite flavour is one that she makes herself, and it changes
frequently – because there are so many amazing flavours. She has a Sweet Potato Ice Cream
Bar in her cookbook that she loves. She is working on a Salted Hazelnut recipe right now
because she loves hazelnut ice cream.

Tom grew up in the south of France, on the French Riviera. He made a first move to a colder country by choosing to study Physiotherapy in Amsterdam, and doubled down on the cold weather by deciding to call Calgary home after his final practicum at Synaptic. Tom has a passion for sports as a whole with an affinity for team sports, having ironically found his long lost love for soccer again since moving here. Tom graduated from the European School of Physiotherapy with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy that included a minor in Pediatrics in 2020. He worked for a bit in a private practice in France while waiting for his Canadian work permit, and is now in the process of getting licensed in Alberta. He has a natural penchant for neurology and teaching, hoping to explore the latter once he has gathered more experience and knowledge.

Tom moved to Calgary to work and learn under Uyen through Synaptic and Elevate. He finds that the work environment in ideal for him to learn and prosper in, having kind and knowledgeable colleagues, as well as dedicated and hard working clients. Tom is excited to work in an environment that promotes an interdisciplinary approach, as he strongly believes in the proverb “it takes a village to raise a child”, and finds that is highly applicable to any aspect of healthcare and education. Tom hopes he can bring a better understanding of the body’s mechanics to his clients, an increased independence, as well as additional tools to help navigate through life a little more smoothly.

If Tom were an ice-cream, he would be mint chocolate chip (even though he does not like it at all) because he is pretty cool and chill, although people might not catch on to his unique personality at first. He is also a balance of ambitious and confident, yet brings a relaxing presence to the group. He encourages everyone to work hard and have fun at the same time.

Born and raised in Calgary, Kyra completed her Bachelor of Kinesiology in 2019 at the University of Calgary.

Throughout her student career, Kyra explored her appreciation for rehab, working in physiotherapy clinics and volunteering with the University’s rehab and fitness program for person’s with physical disabilities.

Kyra started her professional career as a personal trainer with a focus on developing, and building upon, foundational functional movement patterns with her clients. Following this, she worked as a Kinesiologist in a multi-disciplinary clinic in complex return to work and brain injury programs.

Kyra is a big promoter of healthy living and incorporating physical activity and movement, in any capacity, in people’s often busy lifestyles.

Now, as a part of the Synaptic/Elevate team, Kyra is excited to bring her perspective. She strives to lead her clients to push themselves to new challenges, and provide them the tools to build success.

If Kyra was an ice cream flavor, she would be cookies and cream. She takes life as it comes, stays cool and finds fun in the mundane.

Eric was born and raised in Calgary. He attended university in Kelowna, UBCO, where he completed his Bachelor of Kinesiology, in which he graduated in 2019. After that, he started personal training and online coaching, which gave him a fantastic opportunity to learn valuable client management skills.

Eric chose to be a part of the Synaptic/Elevate team. He genuinely believes an interdisciplinary mindset is the best approach to treat and resolve the root cause of injuries in the most efficient way. More so, he wanted to work with truly committed and motivated clients. Eric admires his work environment as the camaraderie and the passion for helping others lie within each team member. He aspires to increase client’s quality of life and help them regain function for them to engage in hobbies that positively contribute to their well-being.

If Eric were ice cream, he would be a scoop of cookie dough. He is resourceful, crafty, and one who will make the best of any situation.

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Born in England but calling Canada home since 2004, Catharine has experienced her fair share of significant life transitions. From moving provinces and cities for family and education and having both professional and personal experience with the Canadian healthcare system, Catharine is no stranger to significant life changes and creative problem-solving. Catharine obtained her Honors Bachelor of Arts in Kinesiology from the University of Western Ontario, her Master of Arts in Physical Education & Recreation from the University of Alberta, and her Master of Occupational Therapy from the University of British Columbia. She continues to be a life-long learner, frequently taking courses in mental health, concussion, brain injury, and adaptive equipment. Catharine specializes in seating and mobility (wheelchairs), accessibility (home renovations, adaptive equipment), cognition (memory, attention, higher-level thinking), and mental health (adjusting to a significant life event like an injury/illness). 

Catharine joined the Synaptic/Elevate team after referring a client to the team and experiencing the innovative and committed therapy Synaptic provides. With her passion for neurology, mobility, and mental health, Synaptic was a perfect fit! Catharine’s favourite part of being on the team is the energy and collaboration between all the practitioners to help clients achieve their goals, and checking the ‘Wall of Progress’ for client updates. Catharine aspires to facilitate a smooth and client-led progression through a client’s healthcare journey, whatever that may look like, providing support and resources but ultimately letting clients forge their paths and be their advocates for their needs.

If Catharine were an ice-cream flavour, she would be sea salt caramel, as she considers herself a mix of sociable and sweet (like caramel), strong and tough (like the texture of salt), with a dry-sarcastic (salty) British sense of humour!

Garland completed her Bachelors of Kinesiology at the University of British Columbia before finishing her Physical Therapy training at the University of Alberta. She is originally from Edmonton but her love for the mountains brought her to the beautiful city of Calgary in 2021.

Garland has spent time leading group exercise classes and volunteering with various organizations such as Reyu Paralysis Recovery Centre, Cerebral Palsy Association and Alberta Aphasia Camps. Following her schooling, she worked at a Physiotherapy clinic in the Return to Work and Brain Injury Programs. These experiences have made Garland passionate about understanding her client’s stories and finding out what is meaningful to them to help them through their rehab journey. She takes an individualized approach that prioritizes education, exercise therapy and hands-on techniques. She is interested in supporting people with neurological conditions, persistent pain, concussions and musculoskeletal injuries anywhere in the body.

Garland is excited to be a part of the Synaptic / Elevate team as she loves how they strive to push boundaries and celebrate the potential and growth in their clients. Her bubbly personality makes her a great team player and she aims to work with other disciplines to provide holistic care to her clients.

Outside of the clinic, you can find her hiking up mountains, running, doing hot yoga and keeping a healthy balance by devouring ice cream from Made by Marcus on a biweekly basis.

If she were an ice cream flavor, she would be a seasonal flavor because she is adventurous and keeps things fun and surprising!

Eva was born and raised in Ontario and moved to Calgary in 1980 after graduating from University to pursue her passion for skiing, hiking and find work in the health and fitness industry. Longtime Calgarians will recognize her from the management team at Talisman Centre where she also taught squash, racquetball and fitness classes.

In 1998, Eva established The Calgary Pilates Centre. It was Calgary’s largest Pilates studio offering group, private, semi-private training, as well as, instructor training and apprentice programs which she operated for 10 years before selling. Since then she has operated Pilates By Design, an independent business.

Eva’s areas of specialty / education are:
- Certified Pilates Instructor (Advanced Program Graduate: The Pilates Centre)
- 3D Maps: Functional Analysis : Gray Institute
- Yamuna Body Rolling: Level 2
- Konnector (™) Certification & Corealign (™) Level 1 : Balanced Body
- Post Rehabilitation & Sport Specific Training
- Postural Issues

Eva is excited to be part of th Elevate Team as her goal is to always work in an environment where like-minded individuals work as a team to empower every client to explore and discover the freedom and strength found in self-healing through mindful movement. She is a firm believer in the adage “Movement is Medicine”.

Her education, experience and knowledge of the human body/mind connection translates into
an intuitive healer/teacher.

As a result of years of experience teaching Pilates, movement and Therapeutic Ball Release, Eva has developed a keen eye on how movement , posture and emotion create holding patterns unique to every “body”.

If Eva were an ice cream flavour, she would be Espresso Chocolate Flake: She loves
spontaneity, being active and always learning, but also an amazing listener and loyal friend

Originally from southern Ontario, Nora traded lakes for mountains and moved to Calgary in 2012.  She graduated from Mount Royal College with a diploma in massage therapy in 2015.  She has a certification in craniosacral therapy and has training in lymphatic drainage, visceral manipulation, brain work, total body balancing, myofascial release and deep tissue massage.  With over 5 years of working experience, Nora believes that massage therapy is both an art and a science.

As soon as she heard of Synaptic/Elevate, Nora felt like it was the right place for her.  She knew she could add her unique perspective to a team that is encouraged to think differently. Nora loves working with integrated professionals that learn from each other and are driven to help our community.

Nora lives in awe of how connected the body is, and aspires to share this with her clients.  She shows this connection with massage therapy.  For her, it is the best job in the world. 

If she were an ice cream flavour, Nora would be Cardamom.  It’s earthy, harkens to an ancient time, and has a quirky, modern twist. 

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Caitlin Fast is dedicated to empowering individuals through mind-body focused therapy, providing relief and recovery from chronic illness or repetitive injury. With a strong belief in client education and self-care, Caitlin guides clients in transitioning to a healthier lifestyle through movement and self-care tools. She excels in easing high physical and mental stress and rehabilitating previously injured areas.

With 15 years of experience, Caitlin has worked with numerous clients facing similar worries and concerns, helping them achieve remarkable success. Her mission is to customize treatments to address your unique needs, drawing from a diverse range of modalities and knowledge. Caitlin builds a treatment plan tailored specifically to you.

Caitlin's journey to becoming a Health/Wellness Practitioner began in her childhood on the beautiful beaches of the Okanagan in British Columbia. Inspired by endurance athletes and individuals pushing their limits, Caitlin developed a passion for guiding others out of their comfort zones and towards optimal mind-body performance.

What truly ignites Caitlin is witnessing people feeling more connected to themselves, free from daily aches and stress, and ready to pursue their goals. Her commitment to applying the best therapeutic modalities sets her apart. Caitlin combines manual techniques like therapeutic massage, myofascial release, and dynamic cupping with aromatherapy, nutrition, client education, self-care, and kinesiology tape. She specializes in working with endurance and strength sports, pregnancy/women's health, chronic pain, and neurological and autoimmune dysfunctions.

You can trust Caitlin to guide you in solving these problems. Her qualifications include a 2200-hour Advanced Massage Therapy Diploma from Mount Royal University in Calgary, Alberta, FMT Rocktape Doc Certification, Advanced Sports Massage with the Canadian Sports Massage Association, Advanced Ankle and Foot Rehabilitation Certification, and Dynamic Myofascial Cupping Certification. Caitlin is registered with the Canadian Massage and Manual Osteopathic Therapy Association (CMMOTA).

Through the power of manual therapy and massage, Caitlin personally experienced healing from the pain and stress associated with a recent diagnosis and a sick family member. Her goal is to provide a safe space for others to heal physically, mentally, and spiritually. As a therapist, Caitlin believes in creating a nurturing environment where individuals can tap into their own healing energy.

"Hippocrates believed in treating the body as a whole, not just a collection of parts" - 500 BC.

It would be Caitlin's pleasure to guide you towards achieving the results you desire or the life you envision through personalized treatments.Outside of the clinic, you can find Caitlin showcasing her art at several different events throughout the year as well as spending time outdoors, camping, hiking and paddle boarding! If Caitlin were an ice cream flavor, she would be Neapolitan as she is all about living life to the fullest, and this is the single most practical way to do so (getting three flavours for the price of one)!

Jessica graduated from the University of Alberta in 1998 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Therapy (with distinction) and is the owner of Breathe Well Physio. She continued her education with numerous post-graduate courses in manual therapy, myofascial release, and acupuncture. In 2006, after attending a physiotherapy symposium, she discovered the missing element in her practice – breathing. After attending her first course in breathing biofeedback, she began to integrate breathing retraining into her practice. In 2010, she traveled to New Zealand to become certified in the BradCliff Method® of breathing retraining. In 2016 she completed further certificates with the Graduate School of Behavioral Health Sciences under Peter Litchfield, which allows her to focus on the behavioral aspects of dysfunctional breathing.

The Canadian Instructor for the New Zealand-based BradCliff Method®, Jessica has also traveled across Canada presenting and lecturing on the impacts of dysfunctional breathing on health, with recent keynote speeches at the Saskatchewan Lung Association Conference and the 2019 International Association for Dance Medicine & Science Conference.

With the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, Jessica quickly recognized the implications of Long COVID on the population and has pivoted to creating programming that delivers the best available evidence for both those living with Long COVID and health care professionals working with this population. She has become an ally and and advocate, taking on the role of Co-Director of Advocacy for the Long COVID Physio executive board. She has developed several courses and webinars to help with knowledge translation, and currently runs the BREATHE program in conjunction with Synaptic.

Jessica is excited to join the Elevate team, so that she can integrate a multi-disciplinary team into the
management of complex chronic illness – like lung disease and Long COVID. She is excited about the
opportunities it will give her professionally to grow and develop programming to better suit her client
needs.

If Jessica were an ice cream, she would be Salted Caramel. A little sweetness when she needs to be and
salty when necessary!

Simone graduated from the University of Alberta in 2009 with a Master’s of Science in Physical Therapy.
She also holds a Bachelors of Public Affairs and Policy Management (High Honours) from Carleton
University. Simone brings tremendous experience to her patient’s care with an understanding that a
strong therapeutic relationship is the foundation to getting her patient’s back to what matters most to
them.

In her 5 years with BreatheWell Physio, Simone developed a passion and expertise for helping patients
improve their breathing. She has seen the profound and foundational impact that good breathing
practices can have for patients recovering from illness & trauma, managing chronic disease or improving
their wellness and performance. Simone has a particular interest in working with post-ICU patients.

During her career, she has practiced in orthopaedic private practices, long-term, acute and critical care
settings in the Calgary and Ottawa areas. For the last decade, she has worked in Calgary acute care
hospitals on burns/plastics, orthopaedic and medicine units.

Always curious and seeking to learn, Simone has taken numerous post-graduate courses in Brad-Cliff
Method breathing retraining, Long COVID management, functional dry needling (aka. IMS), western
acupuncture, manual therapy and post-partum exercise. Simone has also been an NCCP certified
triathlon coach and Ironman Canada finisher. (Although these days, you’re more likely to find her
playing on mountain bikes or skis).

She is the past-President of the College of Physiotherapists of Alberta having served numerous terms on
Council. She continues to serve on the College’s Professional Conduct Committee. In 2019, she was the
recipient of the Pinnacle Award of Excellence from Physiotherapy Alberta for contributions and
leadership to the profession. Simone has been a guest lecturer with the University of Alberta’s MScPT
program teaching burns/wounds. Simone is currently involved in two Alberta-based research projects
looking at rehabilitation in Long COVID.

Simone works with clients in-clinic and virtually. In-home appointments available by special
arrangement.

If Simone were an ice cream flavour, she would be a chocolate-vanilla soft-serve twist (like the $1
McDonald’s specials of her childhood). Life is about balance. Recovery and growth is about acceptance
of our strengths and weaknesses. There is a yin & yang within all of us. No good or bad side — just
chocolate and vanilla

Jenna was born and raised in Calgary. She completed her Bachelor of Science, Majoring in Human Kinetics at the University of Guelph. The colourful autumn leaves kept her coming back every September, and upon finishing at Guelph she wasn’t quite ready to leave Ontario. A pursuit of rehabilitation studies took her to The University of Western Ontario where she completed her Master of Clinical Speech and Language Pathology (SLP) and knew for certain she had found the right path. With two degrees under her belt Jenna felt it was time to come home (the mountains were calling) and she is thrilled to be back living in Calgary.

As a recent grad Jenna is passionate about all thing’s communication and language! She loves working at Elevate because every client’s story is completely unique, just as their care should be. As an SLP Jenna strives to empower clients and help them rediscover their voice through personalized, and holistic treatment focusing on the mind, body, and breath.

If Jenna were an ice cream flavour, she would be Muskoka Mocha, partly because it’s her all-time favorite, but also because she strives to bring a comforting presence to those around her and loves to connect with others over a great cup of coffee. The essence of Muskoka reflects her appreciation for nature, desire to enjoy life’s simple pleasures, and of course her Ontario roots!

Kathleen has been teaching for 40+ years and is an international Teacher-Trainer. Her approachability, sense of humor, and compassion have made her a much sought-after educator.

A multitude of factors such as work-related postures, repetitive habits, lifestyle, chronic pain, and stress can negatively affect your overall health. Kat specializes in teaching people how to alleviate pervasive conditions that alter or reduce their ability to live without pain or stress.

Kat holds multiple certifications in:
• Rehabilitative Pilates
• TRE® - Tension & Trauma Release Exercise
• Self-Myofascial Release Techniques
• Fascial Fitness
• Functional Fitness

She has developed her own techniques of Self Myofascial Release (SMR) and has taught them to thousands of client’s and health professionals in several countries. She lectures and gives active workshops on Pain Prevention and Remediation and Stress Release.

From 2002-07 Kat was a Teacher-Trainer in Malaysia, Indonesia, and Spain. Since moving to Calgary in 2008, she has conducted her practice in clinical environments. Prior to moving overseas, she lived in Vancouver and taught fitness, dance, and Pilates for 25 years. She was also a professional dancer, choreographer, and National level competitive gymnast.

Kats' aim is to empower people to prevent and remediate immobility and injury and to keep their bodies supple and pain free. Kat enables her clients to transform how they move, feel, and inhabit their bodies … she helps create healthier and more freely moving humans.

FUN FACTS: She loves to Latin dance with her husband and speaks fluent Donald Duck!

Dr. Heather is a Traditional Chinese Medicine Doctor (TCMD) and Acupuncturist and stands at the forefront of holistic healthcare, blending ancient wisdom with modern science. Born with a passion for healing, Dr. Heather's mission is to ensure that the powerful benefits of traditional Chinese medicine are within reach for every client, enabling them to personally experience the transformative healing potential it holds.

Early Years and Education:
Dr. Heather was raised on a farm in Ontario. These early years not only taught her the value of hard work but also a holistic and natural approach to living. After +18 years as a physiotherapy assistant working in neurorehabilitation, Dr. Heather’s thirst for knowledge and a natural affinity for holistic healing later led her to pursue a career in Traditional Chinese Medicine. In 2018, she achieved a significant milestone by graduating from the prestigious Canadian Institute for Traditional Chinese Medicine. This marked the beginning of a transformative career dedicated to improving the lives of countless individuals.

A Dedication to Neuro Rehabilitation:
Dr. Heather’s mission has found its focal point in the realm of neuro rehabilitation. Dr. Heather has not only treated individuals with neurological conditions but also actively contributed to local research initiatives focused on the application of acupuncture in stroke rehabilitation. These research contributions have illuminated new paths toward recovery and healing for stroke clients not only in Alberta but across Canada. While placing neuro rehabilitation at the forefront of her practice, Dr. Heather also runs a general practice and relishes at the opportunity to impart the age-old wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine to empower individuals of all backgrounds with the natural healing secrets it offers.