Allyssa Anderson, MT

Allyssa graduated from Mount Royal University's 2,200-hour Massage Therapy Program in 2022. She thrives collaborating in multidisciplinary clinic settings. Allyssa runs a family practice and works primarily on prenatal and postnatal women, fertility, children and athletes. Allyssa has additional training in Craniosacral therapy and myofascial cupping.

Education:
Mount Royal University - Massage Therapy Diploma (2200 hrs.)

Puneet Arora, MBBS, MS, MS (Hons), MBA, LLM

Dr. Puneet Arora is a foreign trained medical doctor and a forensic expert. He has been teaching basic medical sciences including anatomy, physiology, biochemistry and pathology at different public post secondary institutions across Canada. Puneet has been teaching at MRU since 2013 in the Personal Fitness Trainer diploma and the Massage Therapy diploma.

Education:
De Montfort University (UK) - Master of Laws
Anglia Ruskin University (UK) - Master of Business Administration
London School of Marketing (UK) - Postgraduate Diploma in Business Management
New York Chiropractic College (USA) - Master of Science in Human Anatomy & Physiology Instruction
Baba Farid University of Health Sciences (IND) - Doctor of Medicine in Forensic Medicine
Baba Farid University of Health Sciences (IND) - Bachelor of Medicine & Bachelor of Surgery

Kristy Assaly, RMT

Kristy has been a Registered Massage Therapist since graduating from Okanagan Valley College of Massage Therapy (OVCMT) in 2004. Over the course of her career, she has practiced in a variety of settings, including multidisciplinary clinics, sports teams, and independent mobile practice. From 2006–2009, Kristy served as a Clinical and Outreach Supervisor and Instructor at OVCMT, where she supported and mentored students across a diverse range of clinical and community outreach settings. Her experience in both clinical practice and education has given her a well-rounded perspective and a strong commitment to patient care and professional development. Kristy joined the MRU instructional team in 2025.

Education:
Okanagan Valley College of Massage Therapy - Massage Therapy Diploma (3,000 hrs.)

David Balfour, MT

David is a legally blind Massage Therapist who graduated from Mount Royal University in 2020. Since 2022, he has been running his own private massage practice while also teaching in the Massage Therapy program. He believes every client and student is unique, and he places strong emphasis on clear communication and active listening so that both can have the best possible experience. Wherever David goes, his black Labrador guide dog, Trooper, is either guiding him or curled up sound asleep on something soft nearby. Trooper is always watching for a chance to sneak extra attention or a snack whenever he thinks David isn’t looking. He absolutely loves people and lights up whenever anyone gives him their attention. 

Education: 
Mount Royal University - Massage Therapy Diploma (2200 hrs.)
Southern Alberta Institute of Technology - Certificate of Completion in Photography

Kelsey Bell, BA, MT

Kelsey is a Registered Massage Therapist currently practicing in a multidisciplinary clinic. Her clinical approach combines therapeutic and relaxation massage, with an interest in supporting the nervous system and promoting overall wellbeing. Kelsey enjoys helping students develop their clinical skills and confidence while fostering a supportive learning environment.

Education:
Mount Royal University - Massage Therapy Diploma (2200 hrs.)
Simon Fraser University - Bachelor of Arts

Karla Biberger, MT, LPN

Egle Buiskyte, MT, Prof. BSc.

Egle has been a practicing massage therapist since graduating from Mount Royal University’s 2,200-hour Massage Therapy program in 2017. Since 2024, she has been educating and supervising massage therapy students at Mount Royal University, bringing her clinical experience into the classroom.

Education:
Mount Royal University - Massage Therapy Diploma (2200 hrs.)
Klaipeda State College - Professional Bachelor of Health Sciences, Cosmetology

Alfa Chan, BA (Hons), MT

Alfa has been a practicing massage therapist since graduating from MRU in 2024. She currently practices at multidisciplinary clinics, working alongside other healthcare professionals to co-manage clients. Alfa specializes in deep tissue massage, myofascial release, and fire cupping, and enjoys working with clients experiencing occupational injuries and the senior population.

Education:
Mount Royal University - Massage Therapy Diploma (2200 hrs.)
Lingnan University - Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Cultural Studies

Kirsty Collard, BSc, MT

Kirsty has been a practicing massage therapist since graduating from MRU in 2015. Over the years, she has continued to expand her knowledge and clinical skill set through advanced training in RAPID NeuroFascial Reset and myofascial cupping. Her passion for massage therapy extends beyond her work with clients, she is equally passionate about sharing her knowledge and helping students grow their confidence, understanding, and clinical skills.

Education:
Mount Royal University - Massage Therapy Diploma (2200 hrs.)
University of New South Wales - Diploma of Education (Secondary)
University of New South Wales - Bachelor of Science (Honours) (Microbiology)

Michelle Conger, MT

Michelle has been practicing massage therapy since 1997, with experience in a variety of clinical settings and private practice. She has operated her own private home-based practice since 2002, providing personalized, client-focused care. Since 2009, Michelle has been an Instructor at MRU, where she enjoys educating and mentoring future therapists. She also serves as a CMTCA Surveyor, contributing her clinical and educational expertise to the advancement of massage therapy education standards. Her diverse experience in clinical practice, education, and professional standards gives Michelle a well-rounded perspective and a strong commitment to quality care and the profession of massage therapy.

Education:
Remington College of Remedial Massage Therapies - Massage Therapy Diploma (2200 hrs.)

Cillian Cross, MT

Cillian has been a practicing massage therapist since 2021. Working in a multidisciplinary clinic, he has specialized in myofascial release while focusing on chronic pain and fascial abnormalities in the body. Motivated by the opportunity to share practical insights, foster early career interest, and empower the next generation of therapists, Cillian has been a member of the instructional team since 2023.

Education:
Mount Royal University - Massage Therapy Diploma (2200 hrs.)

Lauren Dickey, BA, MT

Chantelle Drobot, BPE (Hons.), ND

Chantelle has been a practicing Naturopathic Doctor for over 25 years. Chantelle teaches courses in both the Massage Therapy and Personal Fitness Trainer programs and has been teaching at MRU since 2009. Chantelle enjoys sharing her knowledge and experience with the next generation of health and wellness professionals. She is passionate about helping students connect what they learn in the classroom to real-world practice and supporting them as they develop the skills and confidence they need to succeed in their careers.

Education:
University of Calgary - Bachelors of Physical Education (Honours)
National College of Naturopathic Medicine - Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine (ND)

Kristen Gilligan, BCC, BEd, MT

Kristen has been a practicing massage therapist since graduating from the Mount Royal University Massage Program in 2022. After a rewarding career in teaching, she transitioned to massage therapy to support others through a more hands-on approach to wellness. She is trained in the modalities of cupping, hot stone, and specializes in relaxation massage.

Education:
University of Calgary - Bachelor of Communications and Culture
University of Calgary - Bachelor of Education
Mount Royal University - Massage Therapy Diploma (2200 hrs.)

Kelly Golbeck, MT

Nolan Hayduk, BFA, MT

Nolan has been a practicing therapist since graduating from MRU in 2015. Nolan has completed Level 2 Manual Lymphatic Drainage with the Chikly Institute. He has been mentoring and supervising students through various outreaches and teaching opportunities with Mount Royal University since 2015.

Education:
Alberta College of Art & Design Calgary - Bachelor of Fine Arts
Mount Royal University - Massage Therapy Diploma (2200 hrs.)
Chikly Health Institute - Manual Lymphatic Drainage Level 2 Certification

Tracy Hodgson, RMT

Tracy has been a registered massage therapist since graduating from Ontario in 1996. She has been an instructor at MRU since 2014 and also has a practice in Dewinton, AB. Most recently, she has become an Accreditation Review Team Member with the Canadian Massage Therapy Council for Accreditation (CMTCA).

Education:
Canadian College of Massage and Hydrotherapy - Massage Therapy Diploma (2200 hrs.)

Matthew Joneson, MT, EMR, PCP

Matthew is a proud MRU alumnus who graduated in 2020 and practices clinical massage therapy, specializing in athletic rehabilitation and evidence-based soft-tissue techniques. His previous experience as a Primary Care Paramedic, combined with a background in competitive hockey and soccer, gives him a unique interdisciplinary perspective on patient care and education. Matthew is passionate about connecting classroom theory with real-world practice through case studies and community outreach, with a focus on clinical reasoning, patient safety, and functional anatomy.

Education:
Mount Royal University - Massage Therapy Diploma (2200 hrs.)
Southern Alberta Institute of Technology - Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) and Primary Care Paramedic (PCP)

Kenneth King, MBA, BPHE

Ken has been a varsity sport coach and instructor in the post secondary community for over 8 years. In addition to instructing in the Massage Therapy program, Ken runs a behavior analysis company and the non-profit Calgary Minor Basketball with over 7000 members. He is a devoted coach providing his athletes with continued support into developing their skills. Ken is a passionate instructor and with his combined background in business, consulting, and physical education, he creates a learning environment that boosts his students' experience. Ken has been teaching at MRU since 2020.

Education:
Seth Godin Business School - altMBA, Leadership and Management
Laurentian University - Bachelor of Physical and Health Education

Maria Krumpalova, MT, Ing.

Maria is a registered massage therapist specializing in post-surgical recovery and sports injuries. Since her graduation from MRU, she has worked in a multidisciplinary therapeutic clinic and ran a mobile massage business. Maria has been part of the MRU instructional team since 2020.

Education:
Mount Royal University - Massage Therapy Diploma (2200 hrs.)
University of Economics, Bratislava - Master’s Degree (Ing.), Economics

Micah Kutzley, MT, HSW

Micah began her career in health and wellness in 2015 after earning a Human Service Worker Diploma from Okanagan College and working as an Early Childhood Educator. In 2021, she completed the Massage Therapy Diploma at MRU and began her career as a Massage Therapist. She later successfully completed and passed the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (CMTO) board examinations. In addition to supervising MRU massage therapy students during their community outreach clinics, Micah has spent the past four years working at a locally owned physiotherapy clinic in Calgary, AB. Her experience across health, wellness, education, and massage therapy has given her a well-rounded approach to supporting clients and students alike.

Education:
Mount Royal University - Massage Therapy Diploma (2200 hrs.)
Okanagan College - Human Service Work Diploma

Mat Langley, BA, MT

Mat has been instructing and mentoring students in a variety of capacities for over 10 years. A practicing massage therapist since graduating from MRUin 2020, he has been a part of the MRU Massage Therapy instructional team since 2020. With a genuine focus on life-ling learning and pursuit for universal education design, Mat listens and strives to work to make each student as successful as possible.

Education:
University of Calgary - Bachelor of Arts
Mount Royal University - Massage Therapy Diploma (2200 hrs.)

Deanne Mansfield, MT

Deanne has been a practicing massage therapist for over 25 years. She is passionate about teaching and facilitating the knowledge and experience of upcoming massage students. Deanne specializes in treating chronic pain and hypermobility conditions as well as oncology and trauma informed care. Incorporating her training in herbology and aromatherapy she is able to customize her treatments. Deanne has been teaching at MRU since 2013.

Education:
Foothills College of Massage Therapy - Massage Therapy Diploma (2200 hrs.)
Wildrose College of Natural Healing - Herbology Certificate
Wildrose College of Natural Healing - Aromatherapy Certificate

Maggie McFarlane, MT, CIMT, CPMT

Maggie McFarlane has been an instructional team member at MRU since 2019. Maggie brings clinical expertise, advanced training, and a strong passion for mentorship to support the next generation of massage therapists. Since graduating in 2016, Maggie has practiced in a multidisciplinary clinic, treating a wide range of conditions with a primary focus on pediatric care. As an educator, she employs a compassionate, evidence based teaching style centered on critical thinking and root-cause analysis. She is dedicated to creating a safe, inclusive environment where students learn to pair technical precision with patient-centered care.

Education:
Mount Royal University - Massage Therapy Diploma (2200 hrs.)
Liddle Kidz Foundation - Certified Infant Massage Teacher
Liddle Kidz Foundation - Certified Pediatric Massage Therapist
Liddle Kidz Foundation - Advanced Certified Pediatric Massage Therapist

Lia Moody, MT

Lia is a pracitcing Massage Therapist and graduated from MRU in 2015. She currently practices in a multidisciplinary clinic, where she enjoys working with a diverse range of clients and continuing to grow her skills as a therapist. Lia is passionate about supporting and mentoring students entering the profession and enjoys sharing her knowledge, experience, and perspective with the next generation of massage therapists.

Education:
Mount Royal University - Massage Therapy Diploma (2200 hrs.)

Paul Nickisch, MT

Paul is dedicated to supporting the next generation of massage therapists through clinical thought process and somatic movement. Since graduating from MRU in 2022, he has built a diverse practice spanning multidisciplinary physiotherapy and chiropractic clinics, spa environments, and specialized mobile massage for geriatric clients.

Education:
Mount Royal University - Massage Therapy Diploma (2200 hrs.)

Sarah Orton, PHD

Dr. Orton completed her PhD in Clinical Medicine at the University of Oxford, UK. Her longtime research interests have focused on the genetic and environmental causes of Multiple Sclerosis. More recent research projects on reproductive health and fertility treatment have broadened her research scope. Sarah joined MRU in 2012 and teaches various Anatomy, Physiology and Biology courses in both the Continuing Education and Biology departments. She has always been dedicated to, and excelled in teaching and loves sharing her passion for physiology with students!

Education:
McMaster University - Bachelor of Science, Biology & Pharmacology
University of Oxford - PhD, Clinical Medicine (Neurology)

Juanita Patterson-Price, PhD

Juanita has been teaching anatomy and physiology since 2011 and has a strong background in human anatomy, physiology, and movement science. She is passionate about helping students understand not just what structures and systems do, but how that knowledge applies to their future work. Juanita completed a PhD researching exploring the development of children' s movement skills to improve symptoms of anxiety and depression. This work reflects a longstanding interest in the relationship between movement, the human body, and overall well-being. Juanita enjoys bringing this perspective into the classroom and helping students build a strong, practical foundation in anatomy and physiology.

Education:
University of Dundee, Scotland - Bachelor of Science, Forensic Anthropology (hounours)
University of South Florida - Master of Science, Medical Sciences Anatomy Concentration
University of South Florida - PhD, Behavioral and Community Sciences Interdisciplinary Program

Tony Southwell, BSc

Jennifer Strukoff, MT, CLT

Sarah Thomson, BHPE, MT

Sarah completed her Bachelor of Health & Physical Education at MRU and graduated in 2018. After some time working as a personal trainer and fitness consultant, she returned to MRU and completed her diploma in massage therapy, graduating in 2021. Since then Sarah has been practicing in a multidisciplinary clinic, treating a wide variety of conditions from sports injuries to chronic postural issues.

Education:
Mount Royal University - Bachelor of Health & Physical Education
Mount Royal University - Massage Therapy Diploma (2200 hrs.)

Robyn Uptigrove, MT

Robyn has been a practicing massage therapist in Calgary since their graduation from MRU in 2018. Since graduating, they have worked in multiple disciplinary clinics, spas, mobile massage and palliative care. Teaching part time, they are involved in the program through outreach, practicum and course instruction. Their teaching style focuses on feedback and communication; and always aims to foster an environment of respect and learning above all else.

Education:
Mount Royal University - Massage Therapy Diploma (2200 hrs.)
Mount Royal University- Certificate of Curriculum Development and Instructional Design

Erin Vincent, BA, MT

Erin graduated from MRU in 2015 and has enjoyed practicing in a variety of clinics since then. Currently, she runs her own clinic that focuses on post surgical healing. Erin enjoys helping bring textbook information alive with practical and hands-on learning.

Education:
University of Calgary - Bachelor of Arts
Mount Royal University - Massage Therapy Diploma (2200 hrs.)
Chikly Health Institute - Manual Lymphatic Drainage Level 2 Certification

Scott Wilson, BESS, Dip AT, MT, CATA(C)

Scott has been a Massage Therapist since 1999 and a Certified Athletic Therapist since 2010. He has extensive experience working with athletes and sports teams in injury assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation. Scott currently practises in a multidisciplinary clinic, using approaches including RAPID, Graston, and Shockwave Therapy. He enjoys assessing movement and muscular imbalances and helping clients understand the factors contributing to their pain and dysfunction. His goal is to help people move and function better so they can return to the activities they enjoy. Scott has taught at MRU since 2013, sharing his clinical experience and passion for the profession.

Education:
Mount Royal University - Athletic Therapy Diploma
Mount Royal University - Massage Therapy Certificate
University of Manitoba - Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science