Optimal Therapies

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Our team

Here is a list of our practitioners in Optimal Therapies. We are pleased to have them offer their services to the Mount Royal Community.

Reception Area Francoise Braz Tiffany Beks	Chiropractors Dr. Allison Gross Dr. Greg Prete	Physiotherapists Ursula Parkos Melaine Jurewicz Heric Lopes Heather Jirka	Athletic Therapists Khatija Westbrook Susie MacPhee Jim Davis Jenelle McAllister
Message Therapists Colleen Burns Keith Mather Lisa Brudy Harlend Brisdon Bobbie Perron Jessica Zelinsky Krysta Hughes	Occupational Therapy Ana Gollega	Body-Mind Therapies June Johnston	Administration Francesca Mancini

Reception Area

Francoise Braz
Administrative Assistant

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Françoise is building a career in client care in the holistic health and wellness industry. Françoise believes in promoting her own wellness by pursuing natural and alternative healing practices and enjoys hikes and bike rides with her family.

Tiffany Beks
Reception

Chiropractors

Dr. Allison Gross
Chiropractor

Credentials

Doctor of Chiropractic (Summa Cum Laude): Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College, Toronto
Bachelor of Science (Distinction): University of Alberta, Edmonton

Information
I have been in practice since 1997 and at MRU since 2002. I take pride in the fact that I provide comprehensive care as I use a variety of techniques in my practice and do not hesitate to refer among my colleagues. While improving spinal mobility and function is my primary focus, I also use many different muscle therapy techniques such as Graston Soft Tissue Mobilization and Trigger Point Therapy to release scar tissue, adhesions, and tightness in muscles. Stretching and strengthening exercises are also an important part of a comprehensive care program.

Dr. Greg Prete
Chiropractor

Credentials

Doctor of Chiropractic: Western States Chiropractic College in Portland, Oregon

Information
I began my second career at the age of 42 after working in Government for 14 years. I am an avid golfer and enjoy working with athletes of all levels. I also love kids and enjoy treating the whole family. I have a strong interest in the treatment of neck injuries and helping those who suffer from chronic headaches. I am a firm believer in treating the whole person and thus enjoy working in a multidisciplinary clinic where the other practitioners play a key role in the team approach to help our patients realize their health goals.

Physiotherapists

	Ursula Paikos Physiotherapist Credentials Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy: Curtin University in Perth, Australia Bachelor of Science in Physical Education: St Francis Xavier University, Antigonish, Nova Scotia Information I am a graduate from Curtin University in Perth Australia and have been practicing physiotherapy since 2000. I have experience treating patients with orthopedic and neurological conditions. I combine education, manual therapy and soft tissue techniques to restore functional movement patterns and promote an exercise based approach so patients can achieve their desired lifestyle. Back to Top
	Melaine Jurewicz Physiotherapist Credentials Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy, Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario Member of Spinal Manipulation Roster Of Physiotherapy Alberta Certified by the Acupuncture Foundation of Canada Institute - CAFCI Member of Dry Needling Roster Of Physiotherapy Alberta Studies in Nutrition and Dietetics, University of Saskatchewan Information I have been practicing since 2000 and have been at MRU since 2009. Life long learning and improvement are very important to me, both at a personal and professional level. I love taking courses and have taken further training in manual therapy, acupuncture, pilates and yoga. I believe that to get to the source of the problem, the whole of a person must be looked at. The body, breath and mind all effect one another which is why we have to look at all aspects with healing. Back to Top
	Heric Lopes Physiotherapist Credentials Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy: UNINOVE, São Paulo, Brazil Bachelor of Biological Sciences: University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil Certified by Acupuncture Foundation of Canada Institute - CAFCI Golkavi Transverse Technique - GTT Member of Dry Needling Roster Of Physiotherapy Alberta Information I have been developing my therapy specific knowledge in Manual Therapy, Dry Needling Techniques, Soft Tissue Techniques, Postural Therapy and Neuro-Muscular control. Using this combination of techniques, I provide a unique therapy to treat pain and rehabilitate musculoskeletal injuries and/or dysfunctions. Emphasizing one-on-one treatments, I enjoy spending time with clients applying my techniques and, teaching as well as supervising exercises to make a change in the client’s quality of life. Back to Top
	Heather Haywood-Jirka Physiotherapist Credentials Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy (Honours): Queen's University, Kingston Member of Spinal Manipulation Roster Of Physiotherapy Alberta Information I started at Optimal Therapies in 2011 with over 15 years of Physical Therapy experience. After graduating in 1995, I spent 6 years practicing in a variety of settings in the United States before returning to my hometown of Calgary. My diverse specialties include treatment of whiplash injuries, sports injuries and vestibular dysfunction. My numerous continuing education courses have included Craniosacral therapy, joint mobilization and manipulation, and core stability training. I strive to maintain an active lifestyle and promote healthy activities for my patients. Back to Top

Athletic Therapists

	Khatija Westbrook Head Athletic Therapist for Cougar Athletics Credentials PhD BSc(PT) CAT(C) More Information Khatija has engaged in many continuing education experiences including acupuncture, craniosacral therapy, visceral manipulation, in addition to physical therapy orthopaedic specialization. Khatija also maintains a research portfolio, and specializes in injury causation and prevention. Back to Top
	Susie MacPhee Certified Athletic Therapist Credentials CAT(C) Back to Top
	Jim Davis Certified Athletic Therapists / Orthotics Credentials CAT(C) Back to Top
	Jenelle McAllister Certified Athletic Therapist Credentials MSc., University of Calgary CAT(C) Back to Top

Message Therapists

	Keith Mather Registered Massage Therapist Credentials Massage Therapy Certificate Program (’05) More Information Keith began working at Optimal Therapies in September of 2005 and has been working here between 3 and 7 days a week since that time. He enjoys working with all types of people but is specifically interested in athletes and sports related massage. Back to Top
	Lisa Brudy Registered Massage Therapist Credentials Diploma of Athletic Therapy Diploma of Massage Therapy More Information I graduated from the athletic therapy program in 1998, and went on to take massage therapy in 1999. I have been practicing for 9 years in a variety of settings. I have a special interest in deep tissue, sports, and rehabilitation massage. Back to Top
	Harlend Brisdon Registered Massage Therapist Credentials Registered Massage Therapist Cranio-Sacral Therapist Postural Integration and Emotional Release Quantum Touch Therapy Specialty Cranio-Sacral Therapy Posterural Reintegration (Rolfing) Emotional Release Quantum Touch Therapy More Information Harlend began his Bodywork practice in Postural Integration in 1991. He co-founded the Centre for Health Awareness in the Kootenays in British Columbia in 1993. With a special interest in energy-work, he also studied and practiced Flower Essence Therapy. Since moving to Calgary in 2001 he has studied Massage, Cranio-Sacral Therapy and Somato Emotional Release as well as Quantum Touch Therapy. Harlend has also studied Neuro-Linguistic Programming and is currently training in a practice known as Family Constellations and Movements of the Soul. Back to Top
	Bobbie Perron Registered Massage Therapist Back to Top
	Jessica Zelinsky Registered Massage Therapist Back to Top
	Krysta Hughes Registered Massage Therapist Back to Top

Occupational Therapy

Ana Gollega
Occupational Therapist

Credentials

Masters Degree in Science-Anatomy: University of Sao Paulo, Brazil
Specialization in Hand Therapy: University of Sao Paulo, Brazil
Bachelor in Science Occupational Therapy: University of Sao Paulo, Brazil

Information
I have been working as a hand therapist in public and private practice since 1992 in Sao Paulo, Brazil and in Calgary since 2001. I began to work at Optimal Therapies in 2008, treating patients with complex hand injuries, sport and work related injuries. My goal is to improve client’s hand function and enhance their participation in daily life by using specialized skills to assess, treat and to prevent injuries and impairments in the upper extremity.

Body Mind Therapies

June Johnston
Body Mind Therapist

Credentials:

B.Sc - O.T.
M.S.W.

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June Johnston holds degrees in Social Work (M.S.W. – 1993) and Occupational Therapy (B.Sc. O.T. – 1985). She has been applying energy work in her practice since 1996, and is a member of the Association for Comprehensive Energy Psychology. June works with individuals and organizations, applying energy methods to support wellness and decrease stress.

June’s interest in energy therapies began in 1996 when she trained in EMDR and observed how it seemed to help some clients resolve previously “stuck” issues. In 1999 she incorporated brain gym in her work with children and adults with learning challenges and motor skills difficulties. She went on to train in Tapas Acupressure Technique (2004), Emotional Freedom Technique (2006) Reiki (2006) and various energy awareness workshops since 2005. In July of 2007 she graduated from a two and one half year program in Spiritual Healing.

June Johnston has done Stress Busters PodCASTs for the Wellness Centre:

Administration

Francesca Mancini
Wellness Services Administrator for Optimal Therapies and Health Services

Credentials:

B.Ed. (Phys Ed)
M.A (Exercise Physiology)
C.R.M. (Canadian Risk Management)

More Information
Francesca believes in promoting holistic wellness by offering clients options for health and healing that include complimentary and alternative medicines. Her interests centre on traditional medicine wheel teachings of the elders which promote balance between the spiritual, emotional, physical and mental aspects of the person.