Our Philosophy & Team

Cassandra is our resident massage therapist who has been practicing massage for over 13 years. As an active person, Cassandra was drawn to massage therapy for its ability to improve body function and heal injuries. She takes pride in her work when a client can overcome something negative in their life with massage, whether it’s an injury or stress. 

One of Cassandra’s favourite things about the job is that every day is something new. As an avid athlete and mother of 2, Cassandra particularly enjoys working with athletes and prenatal clients, as she has seen the benefits of massage in her own life. That said, Cassandra has worked with clients from all walks of life and seen the positive improvements massage can bring for everyone. 

When she’s not working, Cassandra is always down for a run, having completed 10 half marathons. She’s also a basketball player, having played in the local women’s league for 7 seasons. Aside from her own athletic endeavours, you can find Cassandra at her son’s soccer games, where she often helps the team with cross-training and massage therapy. If she’s not working, running, or at a soccer game, Cassandra also loves to hike. 

Cassandra’s Certifications

• Registered Massage Therapist 
• Hot Stone Therapy Certified 
• Myofascial Cupping Certified 
• Member of the Natural Health Practitioners of Canada 

Dawn is a fitness enthusiast and specialist, with her love for physical fitness expanding from her personal life to her professional life. Over the past 22 years, Dawn was blessed with the opportunity to be a stay at home mom, which also allowed her to pursue many adventures in physical fitness.

Beginning as a long-distance runner, Dawn found herself looking for a new challenge. She found Crossfit and never looked back, as it allowed her to build her strength both physically and mentally. It also showed her the benefit of group classes, something she hopes to share with clients at Recovery Lab.

As an aging athlete, Dawn has grown to recognize the importance of nutrition, mobility, flexibility, and recovery. She looks forward to sharing this knowledge through fascial stretch therapy and various group classes. Whether you’re an athlete or someone who’s just getting started, Dawn is excited to help you discover your full potential and the missing link in your wellness routine.

Dawn’s Certifications

• Certified Fascial Stretch Therapist
• Certified Life Stretch Coach
• Certified Personal Trainer
• Crossfit Coach Level 2 (with specializations in mobility, master’s, and kid’s training)

Growing up just outside of Red Deer, Ashley has always strived to be actively involved in our community. From youth sports to owning a small franchise in Red Deer & Sylvan Lake through her early 20’s, she knew that the Red Deer area was where she wanted to continue her professional career.

Ashley loves to explore new cultures. After traveling to over 22 countries some of her favorite moments are a solo trip through Egypt, building houses in South Africa and attending University in Finland.

Her love for marketing and cultivating community connection led to her role as the Assistant Manager of Marketing & Communications at Westerner Park. During her time there she took part in some of Canada and Central Alberta’s largest events such as Westerner Days, the Canadian Finals Rodeo and numerous concerts. This experience allowed her to embrace her passion for connecting the community and develop her marketing and communication skills.

After realizing the importance of both physical and mental health, her transition into the Marketing & Community Engagement Manager at Recovery Lab was both natural and fulfilling. Ashley is thrilled to work for an organization with like-minded people who care about the wellbeing of our community.

Outside of Ashley’s professional career you will most likely find her gardening, golfing, adventuring in the mountains, or strolling through the local farmers market on Saturday mornings!

Ashley’s Certifications

Bachelor of Management – Marketing | University of Lethbridge
Business Administration Diploma | Lethbridge College/ Kajanni University of Applied Science, Finland

Ashley’s Achievements

Top 10 Under 40 – Canadian Association of Fairs & Exhibitions
Conference speaker – Unconvention, 2020
Business Owner – CP Presidential Award

Jade was born and raised in Red Deer, growing up in a family of renowned physiotherapists. She began her career in physiotherapy immediately after graduating from Lindsay Thurber Composite High School where she was Student Body President. Jade moved to England to pursue her Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy and was awarded First Class Honours in June 2021. Now that Jade is back home in Red Deer, she’s eager to empower her patients to reach their full potential through optimal function and mobility.

Jade has a lifelong passion for health and fitness and grew up playing basketball, volleyball, and training triathlon. Throughout her sports career, she has received and fully recovered from various injuries giving her first-hand knowledge of what it takes to get patients back moving pain-free and doing what they love.

Jade is actively pursuing her visceral massage certificate and complete dry needling. She is excited to introduce those skills into her services in the coming months.

When Jade is not working, she appreciates spending time with her family and friends. Her activities of choice are cycling, running, and CrossFit.

Jade’s Certifications

Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Physiotherapy

BSc. PT

Linda is a long-time practitioner and teacher of alternative health. For several years she was a Mindfulness Consultant for the St. Paul Education Regional School District, facilitating Mindfulness in the Classroom in numerous district schools providing training for both students and educators. Her teaching life spans a variety of modalities from Mindfulness in the Classroom, community circles, wellness workshops through to instructing college courses on the foundations of adult education. She highly values equanimity and caring relationships within education, welcoming all stakeholders as important members of a learning community.

Linda’s journey with Mindfulness began while in graduate studies from 2006 to 2008 at Simon Fraser University where she had opportunity to implement a pilot project researching the question: “Does self-awareness and holistic self-care assist in the achievement of heart-centred teaching and learning?” The research findings indicated positive results. Her enthusiasm grew, resulting in extensive professional training with Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction and continuous work towards the implementation of mindfulness in the field of education. Linda received her training as facilitator for MBSR out of the University of Massachusetts.

Mindfulness becomes a caring way of being in relationship with self, others, and our world as a community, where equanimity and compassion are practiced, and the outcome aim is holistic and enduring. Linda is a proud mother of three outstanding men, two beautiful daughters-in-law and has the absolute joy of two grandchildren to play with and learn from. She loves the mountains, fast moving waters and simply being in nature.

Linda’s Certifications

Practicum in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction
Master of Education, Instruction and Curriculum
Alberta Conflict Transformation Society (ACTS) Facillitator
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction in Mind-Body Medicine
Trauma Centre – Trauma Sensitive Yoga Training
Yin Yoga Teacher
Integrative Yoga Therapy, Yoga Instructor Certification
Reiki Master

Matthew received his Bachelors of Kinesiology Degree from the University of Alberta along with his Kinesiology Diploma from Red Deer College. He has since worked as a Kinesiologist within an interdisciplinary team for CBI Health at both Edmonton and Red Deer locations over the last 4 years, assisting his clients by increasing their strength, mobility and function to improve their overall quality of life.

Matt has recently completed his Fascial Stretch Therapy Level 1 Practitioner certification in Ontario and is eager to join the Recovery Lab team.

In his spare time, Matt enjoys staying physically active by working out, biking, golfing and playing hockey. He also enjoys keeping his mind active through chess and playing guitar.

Andrea’s passion to help others led her to a career in Massage Therapy.  She graduated with 2200 hours in 2016 and has developed her techniques to suit multiple needs and takes pride in being a part of client’s journey to better health.

Andrea loves that massage therapy can benefit a wide variety of clients and conditions.  She uses her skills to relieve everyday stresses and assist with pain management to promote an overall healthy lifestyle for all.

When she is not massaging, Andrea enjoys camping, hiking, cycling and skiing.

Andrea’s Certifications

Registered Massage Therapist

Lianna has a passion for anatomy, physiology, continually learning, and research in her field of expertise as a massage therapist. She has a wealth of experience and takes a compassionate approach to her clients and their healing and recovery. Lianna has been a Registered Massage Therapist since 2015, specializing in recovery, deep and sports massage therapy. Her strengths are working with migraine and chronic headaches, concussions, rotator cuff and neck and hip injuries. Chronic conditions, postural deviations, joint mobilizations myofascial cupping and hot stone therapy are among the other modalities Lianna offers at this time. In her spare time, you will likely find her with her family and friends, enjoying watersports and the great outdoors!

Originally from Saskatchewan, Cindy has been a resident of Red Deer for the past 20 years and has enjoyed raising her two children with her husband in this community.

Cindy had been a part of the Red Deer Catholic School Division for over 12 years and was looking for a new adventure. With both of her children participating in high level sports, she recognized the importance of physical and mental preparation as well as the recovery. She is honoured to be a part of the Recovery Lab team.

When not at Recovery Lab, Cindy loves spending time with her family, going on walks/hikes, gluten-free baking, watching softball games and cheering on the Toronto Blue Jays.

Alyse has received her Master of Counselling Psychology, and Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and identifies herself as a forever student of both the teachings of yoga and the psychology. She has a passion for the mind/body connection and believes strongly that a holistic approach is the key to longevity and discovering and embracing one’s divine self.  Alyse comes to us with a passion and great understanding of both mental and physical health and has spent much of her adult years specializing in Trauma Healing and Women’s Matters.

As far as Alyse can remember, she loved high paced, competitive sports and enjoyed anything that got her heart rate up, which makes sense her love of yoga began with heated Power Flow Yoga.  However, over the years she quickly fell in love with Yin Yoga, so much so she received her Yin YTT certificate in 2018.

Alyse is excited to provide a safe, welcoming, and judgment free space to release both your facia and anything else you choose to let go of.

Taera graduated Massage Therapy at the Alberta Massage Training and Alberta College of Massage Therapy in Grande Prairie.  She completed her 2200hr diploma in 2016 and has training and experience in Relaxation, Deep Tissue, Therapeutic, Prenatal, Cupping, Taping and more.

Taera is well diversified and is always improving her techniques.  She is always eager to expand her education and continue to learn new modalities to benefit her clients and her career. She is passionate about her work in healing the body and enjoys being able to help ease her clients aches and pains.  Taera incorporates movement and stretching into her session to give the client a more beneficial treatment.

When not working Taera enjoys being out in nature and practicing yoga.  She loves spending her down time with her husband and 4 children.

Taera’s Certifications

• Registered Massage Therapist
• Member of Canadian Massage and Manual Osteopathic Therapists Association
• Dynamic Cupping
• Kinesiology Taping
• Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Manipulation
• TMJ Level 1

Seana has always wanted to help people feel their best, if that was physically or mentally! She has always been everyone’s biggest hype-man and had a great interest in human anatomy. It amazed her how each of our bodies worked, moved and how we compensate for pain. All of that drew her to massage therapy. Seana attended Alberta institute of massage where she received her 2200 hour diploma and is now a member of the NHPC association. 

When Seana is not working she is actively getting herself and horse ready for a rodeo, attending a rodeo or in the mountains with her horse liquorice and dog bear! 

Seana’s Certifications

• Registered Massage Therapist

Chantal has been practicing massage therapy and similar modalities for 5 years. Her diploma from Bow Valley College in 2012 with 2200hr allows her to combine learned knowledge with practical experience. Chantal specializes in deep tissue, specifically relating to sports injuries, performance, and recovery.

Chantal is a very avid crossfitter, with many years of training and competition background.  She also has had the opportunity to play soccer most of her life and has been able to travel to many countries to play. Her clinical knowledge as a nurse allows her to combine a proactive and reactive approach to both understanding the body, and understanding movement and the ideal corrective needs.

Chantal’s Certifications

• Registered Massage Therapist

Ashlie has been a Registered Massage Therapist for over 7 years.  She graduated with honors from Medicine Hat College in 2016 and is a current member of the Massage Therapist Association of Alberta.

Ashlie is passionate about massage therapy, anatomy and how the body moves.  She loves learning about new techniques, expanding her knowledge to treat the body and truly believes that movement is a key factor to a healthy and pain free life. Her treatments will include a variety of trigger point therapy, myofascial release, dynamic cupping, and movement with varying pressures to suit your needs.  Follow up your massage with home care stretching and activities for long lasting effects.  Come see Ashlie for complex neck and shoulder issues, jaw pain, hot stone and prenatal massage.

When Ashlie’s not at Recovery Lab, she’s hiking,  biking , spending time with her family or relaxing with a coffee watching the birds.  She enjoys nature, art, all the critters and simply enjoying life.  Being active and having a healthy lifestyle is especially important to Ashlie and part of what led her to a career in massage therapy.

Ashlie’s Certifications

• Registered Massage Therapist
• Prenatal & Postnatal
• Hot Stone
• Dynamic Cupping
• Cervical Training
  • Demystifying Complex Neck Issues
  • The 42 Pound Head
  • The Deep Posterior Neck
• TMJ Level 1

Mackena is a student here in Red Deer, taking her Bachelor of Science in Psychology. Mental health and learning how the brain works has always been an interest to her. During quarantine she recognized the importance of taking care of the body which in return helped take care of the mind.

As someone who is constantly learning about the mind and body she is happy to help with any questions you may have about the services at Recovery Lab. Mackena grew up in Sylvan Lake, until she moved to Red Deer, to attend Notre Dame High School, where she graduated with her French Immersion Diploma! She has been apart of the community ever since. When Mackena isn’t working she loves to bake, meditate, visit her five younger siblings and go for long walks!

Kiara grew up in Sylvan Lake and has always strived to be a member of the community, whether it be sports or volunteering. She graduated from Notre Dame and is attending Red Deer Polytechnic in pursuit of a degree in business administration.

Having worked with seniors for over 2 years she has a passion for helping others and understanding the importance of taking care of your body at all ages, and is happy to answer any questions you may have about our services and their benefits.

In her free time Kiara likes to be outside, play games, and spend time with friends and family.

Originally from Grande Prairie, Glenda has always lived an active lifestyle. From rodeoing and training horses in her younger years to working for the City of Grand Prairie as a lifeguard and swimming instructor she enjoys getting out in her community and experiencing different outdoor activities.

Glenda has been very fortunate to be a stay at home mom for the past 17 years, until recently joining the Recovery Lab team! She and her family relocated to Red Deer 10 years ago and loves how active the community is here. When she is not at work Glenda and her family enjoy Red Deer’s local bike paths, lakes, rivers and being in close proximity to the Mountains!

Sarahs career is her passion, she knew from her first massage as a client that she wanted to have a career as a Massage Therapist.

Sarah specializes in whiplash and sport injuries as she has firsthand experience in the prevention/ recovery processes from being a gymnast and suffering from a whiplash injury at a young age.

With 4 1/2 years of experience Sarah gravitates towards Deep Tissue massages focused on whiplash or sports injuries along with Prenatal massages. Sarah is currently in training to become a yoga instructor and is hoping it will further help me treat clients, and give helpful homecare to empower clients to work towards prevention of injuries and overall health of the body and mind.

When Sarah is not massaging or practicing yoga she is out on an adventure with her dog or visiting with family and friends. Sarah values the connections she has made within our community and looks forward to seeing you at Recovery Lab!

Sarah’s Certifications

• Registered Massage Therapist

Paige received her Advanced Diploma for Massage Therapy from Algonquin College in 2016 and has been practicing massage therapy for 7 years.  Paige is passionate about health and wellness which has led to her becoming a Holistic Nutritionist and Certified Personal Trainer.

Paige can provide deep tissue and relaxation massage, but her favourite way of treating is by combining the two.  This is because she believes that so much of the body’s physical presentation is related to the nervous system and if we can calm the stress response, we’ll see more changes in the musculoskeletal system.  She also provides cupping, prenatal massage, youth massage, TMJ massage and lymphatic drainage.

When she’s not working, she’s likely strength training, cooking, curled up with her cat, drinking coffee, or out for a walk.

Paige’s Certifications

• Registered Massage Therapist
• Certified Nutritional Practitioner
• Certified Personal Trainer

Pat received his Advanced Diploma in massage therapy from Alberta Institute of Massage in the Spring of 2022, as well as became a Graston Technique Specialist.

Pat grew up in athletics, resulting in a passion for the anatomy, body mechanics and optimizing athletic performance since he was young. His interests expanded beyond just athletic performance as he experienced injuries, fascial build up and reduced mobility. Pat has been a competitive bodybuilder for over five years and as a result has a strong understanding of the impact of living in pain or even experiencing reduced performance in doing activities a person loves.

Pat is determined to help his clients live pain free and to help assist in them reaching their optimal performance and best life. He believes the best way to achieve these goals are through deep tissue work, trigger point release and therapeutic massage utilizing a variety of techniques such as Graston, cups, stretching and hot/cold therapy. Though Pat specializes in deep tissue work he also performs recovery massage as he is a strong believer that the body will not be its best if time isn’t taken to rest, recover and decompress mentally and physically.

Though human anatomy is the same for everyone, the issues clients face are unique to them based off several factors and Pat believes the best way to serve clients is to be as knowledgeable as possible and be continually expanding his knowledge, skillset and tools though continual learning beyond having completed his RMT certification.

Pats favorite thing about his career is fixing issues clients are experiencing and knowing that he can improved someone’s day to day life through pain reduction and increased performance. He enjoys being part of someone’s recovery journey and coming up with strategies to help them be able to maintain the results.

When Pat is not working, he enjoys weightlifting and spending time with his family. Pat is originally from the Maritimes and has been in Alberta for five years. He loves the outdoors and takes any chance to get outside, whether it’s to take his dogs hiking out west or as simple as sitting by a fire in the backyard with his family.

Dionne has always had an interest in wellness and as that interest turned into a passion, she knew she had to follow the calling. Dionne completed her RAC certification to become a Registered Canadian Reflexology Therapist in 2019 which led her to pursue further certification in Holistic Nutrition, Life Coaching and Breathwork. Having experienced the benefits of each modality in her own life – both physical and mental benefits – she understands the importance of balance, stress management, proper nutrition, and mindfulness.

In her spare time, Dionne enjoys hiking and spending time outdoors, visiting her friends and family, working out, and reading and learning from personal development and wellness books.

Dionne’s Certifications

• Registered Canadian Reflexology Therapist