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 

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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)

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Allie, once a young multisport athlete plagued by numerous injuries, found herself unintentionally drawn to physical therapy and rehabilitation. Her personal journey with treatment as a young adult ignited a realization: a career in physical therapy perfectly aligned with her health-related passions. Throughout her post-secondary education, Allie’s love for outdoor adventures grew, encompassing activities like running, biking, skiing, and hiking.

Allie firmly believes in the life-enriching power of movement, a philosophy that significantly shapes her physiotherapy practice. She is dedicated to crafting personalized, evidence-based, active rehabilitation programs, equipping her patients with the tools for self-managed recovery. Her primary goal as a physical therapist is to help her patients return to their beloved activities, feeling stronger and healthier than ever.

Allie’s treatment approach is dynamic, blending manual therapy with a strong focus on exercise prescription. Her programs are customized to each client’s goals, ensuring they are practical for daily life and enjoyable. She aims to help clients not only recover from injuries but also surpass their pre-injury condition, building resilience against future injuries.

When Allie is not at work, you will find her doing something active outside, reading and cuddling with her cat at home, or in the kitchen trying new recipes.

Allie’s Certifications

• Bachelor of Kinesiology, University of Alberta
• Masters of Physical Therapy, University of Alberta

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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.

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Growing up in New Brunswick, Robyn decided to relocate to Alberta in 2012 for her family. With a desire to help people with their physical and mental health along with quality of life, Robyn started her path to become a Registered Massage Therapist. She graduated from The Alberta College of Massage Therapy in July 2023. With an interest in holistic healing, Robyn plans on continuing her education to learn about modalities and energy healing courses within Massage Therapy.

Outside of work, Robyn spends her time with her two kids and their pets. She also enjoys gardening, trail running, hiking, year-round camping, and landscape and wildlife photography. Robyn is also an ambassador for GTF Outside, a local Alberta clothing company focused on getting outside daily to support mental health.

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Christie Ivan is a dedicated and experienced massage practitioner with a passion for healing the mind, body, and soul. With a remarkable 15 years of experience in the field, Christie has honed her skills to provide exceptional therapeutic treatments.

As a mother of three athletic children who are constantly busy with sports, Christie understands the importance of maintaining a healthy and balanced lifestyle. She firmly believes that health is a journey encompassing the well-being of the mind, body, and soul. For Christie, being well is not a luxury, but a necessary aspect of life.

In addition to her massage practice, Christie is deeply fascinated by the power of yoga and meditation. She finds solace and peace in these practices and encourages her clients to explore these avenues of self-care and well-being as well. When she’s not working, you can often find Christie enjoying the great outdoors, whether it’s camping, boating, or simply spending quality time with her family.

Christie’s ultimate goal is to create a space where people can truly pause from their everyday lives and focus on their own self-care and well-being. She strives to provide a serene and calming environment, allowing her clients to be fully present in the moment.

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Christina, an experienced Registered Massage Therapist (RMT), boasts over 3 years of dedicated service in the field. Specializing in deep tissue massage and holding certification in reflexology, she has established herself as a proficient practitioner. Residing in Red Deer, Christina shares her home with a delightful rescue pup named Rosie, with whom she enjoys long walks and embraces the beauty of nature.

Graduating from the Alberta Institute of Massage in 2020, Christina has been passionately committed to her work since then. Her genuine love for being an RMT stems from the profound impact she can make on her clients’ lives. With a focus on alleviating overall pain and aiding in the management of everyday stress, Christina finds fulfillment in her role. Her journey as a massage therapist has been marked by dedication, skill, and a genuine connection with her clients.

Christina’s Certifications

• Registered Massage Therapist

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Tracy is not your average registered Massage Therapist. With a diverse background, Tracy brings a unique blend of expertise and passion to her practice.

Having spent 11 years in Forensics Autopsy, Tracy developed a deep understanding of the human body and its intricacies. This experience allowed her to cultivate a profound appreciation for the healing power of touch. Prior to her work in forensics, Tracy also served as a former EMT, further solidifying her commitment to helping others in times of need.

However, Tracy’s interests extend far beyond her professional life. She firmly believes in the healing properties of plants and the positive affirmation of oneself. Living on an acreage, Tracy finds solace in being surrounded by nature, her beloved animals, and her loving husband.

As a multilingual individual, Tracy is fluent in both speaking and writing Spanish, which allows her to connect with a wider range of clients and provide them with a comfortable and inclusive experience.

Tracy’s love for adventure has taken her around the world, but she firmly believes that “there’s no place like home.” She takes great pleasure in helping others, as she finds it to be the most rewarding aspect of life.

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Angela (aka Angie) graduated with an advanced diploma from the Alberta institute of Massage in 2017, achieving directors honours. She’s passionate about helping people live their best possible pain free life and continuing to better herself and expand her knowledge in order to achieve that. Some of her notable modalities include RAPID nfr (upper, lower, and core), hot stone & jade stone, craniosacral therapy, myofasical cupping, accupressure and meridian massage.
When she’s not working she likes going adventuring in her Jeep through the trails or spending time with her family. In the colder months she likes to stay inside and spend more time on her artwork but in the warmer months you can usually find her outside somewhere near mountains or water.

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Paul has been a massage therapist and ART provider since 2017. He loves helping active adults fix their pain and injuries so they can return to doing what they love. He specializes in treating frustrated clients who feel that they’ve tried everything but never really got lasting relief from their pain.

When you work with Paul, you can expect a very different approach. He believes in trying to understand the root causes of pain and taking a corrective approach. He aims to educate clients on why they have pain, what is necessary to fix it, and how to stay pain free and optimize performance. Some of his favorite conditions to treat are neck and back pain, shoulder pain, and nerve entrapments.

Paul has 10 years’ experience as a personal trainer and an athletic background in cross-country running and competitive bodybuilding. He has also worked in oil and gas, construction, and farming, and he is currently busy trying to keep up to his two high-energy kiddos. His experience helps him better understand the needs of his clients and what it takes to meet up to all the challenges and demands life throws at us.

Paul’s Certifications:
Bachelor of Kinesiology, Simon Fraser University
2200-Hour Diploma in Massage Therapy, Mount Royal University
Active Release Techniques – Spine, Upper Extremity, Lower Extremity

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Marynel graduated with director’s honour in 2024 from Alberta Institute of Massage and is in good standing with NHPC. Educated in various modalities of massage including, relaxation, deep tissue, reflexology, cupping, sports massage, chair massage, and prenatal massage. She had been practicing massage therapy as a student massage therapist which helps her improve her ability and knowledge to work with various clients to address their treatment goals.

Marynel is an energetic and motivated person who is organized and skilled at balancing the needs of the clients in professional capacities. She always strives to help and provide the best care to her clients.

Marynel has a Bachelor Degree in Business Administration. She moved to Canada to find a different path for her career. She has been in food and beverages industry for most of her employment which helps her, to become physically and mentally strong.

When Marynel is not in the clinic she loves to go hiking, watch hockey games, concerts, and spending time with her family and friends.

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With over 6 years of experience joining us from Calgary, Maria is a dedicated massage therapist passionate about helping clients achieve optimal wellness. She tailors her treatments to address specific concerns, offering relaxation and healing through her expertise in:

• Deep Tissue
• Myofascial Release
• Assisted Stretching
• Trigger Point Therapy

When she’s not massaging, Maria loves spending quality time with her family and exploring nature.

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Specializing in therapeutic treatments—whether you’re recovering from an MVA or enhancing athletic performance—Valerie combines relaxation, deep tissue, myofascial release, and Thai Massage techniques to create a personalized plan for everyone, from kids to pregnant women to seniors.

When she’s not at the clinic, you’ll find Valerie spending time with her son and their four energetic border collies!

Valerie believes in a holistic approach to health and works closely with other care providers to give you the best possible care.

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Matthew Kuefler completed a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology at the University of Alberta in 2020. He is currently completing his practicum to become a Registered Massage Therapist, with a focus on structured injury recovery and stress management. Matthew is working towards returning to triathlon-level fitness and regularly engages in endurance running, biking, and swimming.

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MaKenna, originally from Red Deer, Alberta, grew up immersed in sports, especially ringette, competing at an elite level until concussions ended her athletic career. This setback led her to pursue a new path that matched her passion for health and movement.

She holds a diploma in Kinesiology Fitness and Health Promotions from Red Deer Polytechnic and is a certified personal trainer with the Canadian Society of Exercise Physiology. Her studies sparked an interest in rehabilitation, ultimately guiding her to Manual Osteopathy. Inspired by her personal success with craniosacral therapy, MaKenna became certified in craniosacral therapy, osteoarticular manipulation, visceral manipulation, and advanced fascial release.

MaKenna now focuses on helping those with sport injuries, accidents, surgeries, and chronic conditions find the relief they need by addressing symptoms at their root.

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Tabatha has over 13 years of experience in massage therapy, specializing in deep tissue, therapeutic, and sports massages. To enhance her treatments, she incorporates Graston, cupping, and hot stone techniques, providing a highly effective, personalized approach. Tabatha has also worked extensively with prenatal clients, children, cancer patients in recovery, and those seeking relaxation.

Outside of work, Tabatha enjoys the gym, family time, adventures with her fiancé and dog, and motorcycle touring—a passion she discovered four years ago. After a break from full-time massage work, living in Chilliwack and Fernie, BC, she returned to Red Deer, ready to settle and share her skills with the community.

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Graduate ETA – June 2025

Recovery Lab’s newest student massage therapist. With over a decade of experience as a personal trainer and rehab specialist, Marli brings a wealth of knowledge and a passion for helping others achieve their best. As both a mother to four competitive athletes and an athlete herself, she deeply understands the demands of peak performance and recovery.

Currently studying to become a Registered Massage Therapist, Marli is expanding her expertise to provide even more comprehensive care. She specializes in improving movement, preventing injuries, and guiding athletes through exercise-based rehabilitation. Marli’s approachable nature and dedication to her clients make her a valued addition to the Recovery Lab team.

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Originally from Germany, Thomas Bretschneider has been a Registered Massage Therapist for over 12 years, bringing dedication and expertise to his practice. In 2012, he graduated with a 3,000-hour Massage Therapy Diploma from Makami College in Edmonton, Alberta.

After completing his studies, Thomas became a Lead Instructor at Makami College, where he taught second-year curriculum for six years, sharing his knowledge and passion for massage therapy. His professional experience includes working in chiropractic and physiotherapy clinics, where he has successfully treated a wide range of client needs.

Thomas specializes in addressing conditions such as sports injuries, whiplash, joint capsule adhesions, muscle tension, myofascial adhesions, lower back pain, headaches, plantar
fasciitis, fibromyalgia, and injuries resulting from motor vehicle accidents.

In addition to his massage therapy skills, Thomas holds certifications in various complementary modalities. By integrating these techniques, he customizes each session to meet individual client needs, creating a holistic and personalized experience that addresses concerns layer by layer.

Outside of his practice, Thomas enjoys martial arts and salsa dancing, hobbies that reflect his love for movement and overall wellness.

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Miranda has over 8 years of experience in massage therapy and is an Upledger Craniosacral Practitioner. In her practice, she integrates various healing modalities, along with jade hot stones, hot towels, and aromatherapy.

Healing through the power of massage and Craniosacral therapy, while recognizing the importance of a calm and serene environment to release daily stress. My goal is to listen to the body, alleviate stress and blockages, and provide a reset for the mind, body, and soul.

Miranda is a mom of three, with two bonus daughters, keeping her busy with family life. Her older children are active in sports, so she understands the mental, physical, and spiritual challenges children face every day. When she’s not focused on family, Miranda takes time for herself through yoga and personal spiritual health.

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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.

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!

Originally from Cranbrook BC, Janna moved to Red Deer approximately 10 years ago.  She graduated from Lindsay Thurber and is now studying at Red Deer Polytechnic in the Bachelor of Science Nursing program. Janna finds the body very interesting and is enjoying her program.  So far, Anatomy class has been her favourite by giving her a sense of understanding what the human body needs to become healthy and stay healthy.

In Janna’s free time she likes to hang out with friends/family as well as going hiking or two-stepping. Fun fact about Janna, she has been a tap dancer since moving to Red Deer, but gained knowledge in lyrical, ballet, contemporary, jazz, and hip hop over her years of dancing.

Nia was born in Red Deer but spent most of her childhood living in Kelowna, her family later moved back to Red Deer in her final year of highschool where she graduated from Norte Dame. Nia has always lived an active lifestyle but developed a deeper understanding and passion for recovery and the over all well-being of the body after suffering a major injury which lead to her exploring various therapies and recovery treatments to maintain a higher quality of life and doing so she developed a passion to help people also achieve a healthier and higher quality of life….   When Nia is not working she enjoy’s spending her time outdoors weather that be going to her brothers rodeo’s, camping, hunting and spending time with family and friends.