Our Team

Arri McWatt

Physiotherapist, Owner

After graduating with a Master of Science in Physical Therapy in 2010 from the University of Alberta, Arri (he/him) began gathering his extensive experience working with clients of all ages (from 5 to 95!) and all levels of mobility and function. Challenging himself to create unique treatment plans to optimize outcomes for each individual truly drives his passion for physiotherapy.

• Voted YEG Fitness Physiotherapist of the Year 2017
• Certificate in Medical Acupuncture by the Acupuncture Foundation of Canada Institute
• Certified in Spinal Manipulation (Jim Meadows) with the College of Physiotherapists of Alberta
• Level 1 and Level 2 components of the Advanced Orthopaedic and Manual ManipulativePhysiotherapy program offered through the Canadian Physiotherapy Association
• Muscle Mobilization and Deep Tissue Massage
• Mulligan Mobilization with Movement
• Fascial Movement Taping (RockTape/K-Tape)
• CrossFit Level 1 Trainer
• Vestibular Rehabilitation Certified
• Selective Functional Movement Assessment Level 1
• Finalist for YEG Fitness Physiotherapist of the Year 2016
• Certified in SIGVARIS compression clothing fitting
• Physiotherapist for CrossFit Armoury athletes at Western Regionals 2014, 2015 and 2017

Aaron Norris

Physiotherapist, Owner

Aaron’s (he/him) passion for physiotherapy is evident in the positive attitude and energy he brings to the clinic each and every day. After acquiring his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology with Honors from Memorial University in his hometown of St. John’s, Newfoundland, Aaron graduated from the University of Alberta with a Master of Science in Physical Therapy. He’s since built extensive experience working with clients of a wide range of ages and backgrounds.

• Voted YEG Fitness Physiotherapist of the Year 2016
• Level 1 and Level 2 components of the Advanced Orthopaedic and Manual Manipulative Physiotherapy program offered through the Canadian Physiotherapy Association
• Certified in Spinal Manipulation (Jim Meadows) with the College of Physiotherapists of Alberta
• Muscle Mobilization and Deep Tissue Massage
• Fascial Movement Taping (RockTape/K-Tape)
• CrossFit Level 1 Trainer
• Selective Functional Movement Assessment Level 1
• Physiotherapist on the rehab team of the Edmonton Rush Lacrosse Club of the NLL from 2011-2013

Courtney Von Wackerbarth

Physiotherapist

Courtney’s (she/her) passion for physiotherapy originates from overcoming health issues of her own. After bouncing around the healthcare system without answers, a physiotherapist properly diagnosed her with a rare form of arthritis. This inspired Courtney to pursue physiotherapy so she could help others with that same level of passion and care.

Courtney graduated from the University of Alberta with a Masters of Science in Physical Therapy in 2018, and now thrives on collaborating with clients to develop effective treatment plans.

Courtney specializes in Pelvic Health Therapy. A pelvic health physiotherapist is specially trained to rehabilitate the pelvic floor muscles. Pelvic floor muscles are the same as any other muscle in the body and requires just as much attention. Learn more about Pelvic Health

• Level 1 Advanced Orthopedic and Manual Manipulative Physiotherapy program offered through the Canadian Physiotherapy Association
• Certified in Internal Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy
• On Point Needling: Upper and Lower Quadrant Dry Needling

Anastasia Muchinsky

Physiotherapist

After completing her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology with Distinction at the University of Alberta, Anastasia obtained her Master of Science in Physical Therapy. Anastasia is a Certified Vestibular Therapist and can help anyone suffering from dizziness, vertigo, balance issues and more.

Her treatment style values longevity and providing individuals with the tools to be successful outside of physiotherapy. Originally from Minsk, Belarus, Anastasia is bilingual – speaking English and Russian. Anastasia dedicates herself to performing a comprehensive assessment because she knows everyone has a unique story and body and deserves the time for it to be fully understood.

• Master of Science in Physical Therapy
• Certified Vestibular Therapist – Dizziness and Balance Rehabilitation Clinic
• Level 1 Advanced Orthopedic and Manual Manipulative Physiotherapy program offered through the Canadian Physiotherapy Association
• Upper and Lower Quadrant Dry Needling – On Point Needling
• Bilingual – speaking English and Russian.

Taman McWatt

Physiotherapist

Taman (he/him) graduated from the University of Alberta with a Masters of Science in Physical Therapy in 2015. Taman enjoys treating active individuals of all ages. He has a special interest in developing personalized exercise plans aimed at reducing injury and maximizing performance.

Taman’s work week is split with two days a week at Optimize and three days a week at the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital where he specializes in working with patients who have had amputation(s), stroke and spinal cord injury.

A former hockey and volleyball player, Taman now stays active doing Olympic Weightlifting, mountain biking, rec hockey and helping to coach his kids’ sports. The rest of his spare time is spent hanging out with his wife, his two young children, his friends and his dog. Taman’s hope is to help people return to the activities they enjoy free of pain and with the tools and knowledge to prevent future injury.

• Masters of Science in Physical Therapy
• 6 years experience in specialized rehabilitation. Experience and expertise managing pain and maximizing balance and functional mobility in patients who have experienced: stroke, spinal cord injury, major limb amputation, brain injury, Parkinson’s, Multiple Sclerosis
• Orthopedic Division Level 1 Manual Therapy
• Vestibular Rehabilitation
• Biomedical Dry Needling
• Selective Functional Movement Assessment

Seth Waselenchuk

Physiotherapist

Seth (he/him) graduated from the University of Alberta with his Bachelor of Kinesiology in 2019.
While there, he spent time with the Golden Bears Varsity football team, followed by beginning
working as an assistant, and then a kinesiologist at Optimize. This time with patients is when he
found his appreciation for showing others how strong they could be, and opening their eyes
toward the benefits of moving their bodies intentionally. He continued down this path and
began teaching group fitness classes, working as a personal trainer, and in 2020, was accepted
into the Masters of Science in Physical Therapy program at the U of A. He graduated the
program at the end of 2022 and knew there was no place like home, immediately accepting a
job where it all started, at Optimize!

Seth’s treatment style revolves around putting the patient first. Your goals are his goals.
He begins with education, ensuring everyone understands what could be creating their pain.
Then, through collaborative discussion a treatment plan is developed, focused on building up
strength and confidence through movement. By the end of your rehab journey he hopes you
leave at a level better than where you were at prior to the injury. In his mind, there is no
greater feeling than reminding someone how much they are truly capable of!

• Master of Physical Therapy
• Bachelor of Kinesiology, CSEP-CPT
• Certified Personal Trainer – Canadian Society of Exercise Physiology

Steven Canduro

Physiotherapist

Steven (he/him) wholeheartedly believes in the benefits of exercise and movement when it comes to overcoming injury, and is exactly why he is pursued his career in physical therapy. He graduated with distinction from the University of Alberta in 2019 with a Bachelor of Kinesiology. While working through his Kinesiology degree, Steven chose to major in Sport Performance—sport and physical activity play a major role in his life and overall outlook. Steve completed his Masters of Science in Physical Therapy program at the U of A in 2022. We are so thrilled to have Steve back on the Optimize Team!

• Bachelor of Kinesiology, Major in Sport Performance
• Master of Physical Therapy

James Dean

Physiotherapist

James (he/him) graduated from the University of Alberta in 1999 with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy. In 2001, he started a small four-bed clinic in St. Albert and slowly grew that to 6 clinics over 2 decades.  In 2004, James was awarded the Young Entrepreneur Award of Distinction by the St. Albert Chamber of Commerce. While very busy professionally, James has found the time to serve his profession through volunteer work.

James leads and active lifestyle and is a 4 time Ironman finisher and CAT 2 cyclist. James also enjoys fishing and adventuring with his wife and four children. James and his wife, Dr. Celine Gannon, have raised over $50,000; and collectively the group raised over $2 million dollars for the Alberta Division of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation.

With over two decades of experience, James brings a wealth of knowledge and skill to Team Optimize and the West Edmonton Community.

• Level 1 and Level 2 components of the Advanced Orthopedic and Manual Manipulative Physiotherapy program offered through the Canadian Physiotherapy Association
• Vestibular Rehabilitation Certified
• Acupuncture
• Upper and Lower Quadrant Dry Needling

Gillian Altheim

Doctor of Chiropractic

Gillian (she/her) is passionate about improving the mobility and overall quality of life for her patients through excellent chiropractic care. She has a special interest in women’s health; in particular postpartum rehabilitation. This passion has led her to pursue additional education and certifications around women’s health during pregnancy and after birth.

Gillian grew up in Alberta playing hockey and enjoying nature. After obtaining her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from the University of Alberta, Gillian graduated Magna Cum Laude from the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College in Toronto, Ontario.

• Doctor of Chiropractic 
• Neurofunctional Acupuncture Certificate from McMaster University 
• Postnatal Rehabilitation Certificate and GrowCo Rehab Ambassador 
• Clinical and Athletic Taping 
• Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) 

Casey Macleod

Registered Massage Therapist

Casey (she/her) graduated from Grant MacEwan in 2009 with a diploma in Massage Therapy and is currently registered with NHPC. She continues to expand her knowledge in the health and fitness industry and even has her diploma from NAIT in Personal Fitness Training and a certificate in Corrective Exercise. Casey knows that working at Optimize with like-minded people and in a relaxed atmosphere allows her to do her best work!

• Dynamic Cupping
• Orthopaedic Massage
• K-taping – Pro Course
• Therapeutic Massage
• Relaxation Massage
• Sports Massage
• Prenatal Massage
• Myofascial Release

Yris San Gabriel

Registered Massage Therapist

Yris (she/her) attended the Massage Therapy College of Manitoba, presently known as the Evolve College of Massage Therapy, in 2012 graduating from the 2200 hour advanced remedial massage therapy program after 2 years of studies at the University of Winnipeg for Athletic Therapy. Having practiced in Winnipeg for 11 years, she has worked with professional teams and centralized her specialty in sports and occupational injuries.

Yris is trained in Swedish techniques, myofascial release, trigger point release, stretch therapy, sports massage, neuromuscular stretching (PNF), hydrotherapy, instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization, and dynamic cupping. She is registered with the Massage Therapist Association of Alberta (MTAA).

Yris enjoys cycling both indoor and outdoor, yoga, attending music festivals, and playing recreational tennis and golf. Having recently moved to Edmonton, she hopes to enjoy more of the river valley with her dog, Cece, and will be attending all the Jets vs Oilers games at the arena. Yris is also ambitiously building hours to receive her pilot’s license.

• Myofascial Release
• Trigger Point Release
• Stretch therapy
• Sports Massage
• Neuromuscular stretching (PNF)
• Hydrotherapy
• Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization
• Dynamic Cupping

Ashley Nawrot

Registered Massage Therapist

Ashley (she/her) graduated from the ACMT Massage Therapy program in 2020 and is a current member of CMMOTA. She has completed her first level Graston training and is looking forward to expanding into other modalities.

Ashley is passionate about helping her clients live a healthier life and enjoys working in a team with the same goal.

• Therapeutic Massage
• Relaxation Massage

Briana Wice

Registered Massage Therapist

Briana received her Honours B.Sc. in Kinesiology from McMaster University in 2021. In her time at McMaster, Briana captained her Field Hockey team while also working in the disciplines of strength & conditioning and exercise rehabilitation. Her desire for constant learning led her to pursue an Honours Diploma in Massage Therapy, and soon after, her Certification in Fascial Stretch Therapy. Briana is also a Kinesiologist and has experience working with various conditions including Spinal Cord Injury and Multiple Sclerosis.

Now a full-time Massage Therapist who draws on her experience as a Kinesiologist and an athlete, Briana’s treatment style combines Fascial Stretch Therapy with Sports Massage and Therapeutic Massage techniques. This treatment style allows the client to remain clothed, therefore maximizing treatment time, and allowing for an easy transition from the table to the gym for mobility and corrective exercises. 

Briana uses her skills to help everyone ranging from athletes looking to level up their performance, to the rapidly growing population of “desk dwellers” who are looking to combat the deleterious effects of sitting slouched at a computer screen for 8+ hours a day. Her mission is to empower her clients to gain a greater understanding of their own bodies, so they can get out of pain, and get on with life.

• B.Sc. in Kinesiology
• Fascial Stretch Therapy
• Sports Massage
• Therapeutic Massage

Kelsey Gitzel

Personal Trainer

Kelsey (she/her) is a Personal Trainer here at Optimize, she graduated from the University of Alberta with a Bachelor of Kinesiology majoring in sport performance. During school, Kelsey got the opportunity to be Panda’s Rugby Strength and Conditioning Coach and post-graduation she has continued on coaching. Athletics has always played a large part in Kelsey’s life and her goal is to use her past experiences with her present knowledge to further the industry and help athletes reach the next level while also bringing more females into the strength and conditioning scene. She is extremely outgoing, always ready and eager to learn and never shy to ask questions or step outside her comfort zone. She is currently training for a triathlon so if you are ever looking for someone to swim/bike/run with, hit her up!

Peyton Walker

Kinesiologist, Strength, Conditioning & Performance

Peyton (she/her) graduated from the University of Alberta with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology in 2020. Previously, she grew up as a competitive dancer and went on to become a certified dance instructor with the Canadian Dance Teachers Association. Peyton believes that through movement and a positive and inclusive environment, everyone can reach their full potential. She strives to help people achieve their goals in an enjoyable way and promote activity for life. Currently, Peyton hopes to pursue a career in rehabilitation medicine while continuing to work with the amazing Optimize team. 

Emma Manning

Kinesiologist, Strength, Conditioning & Performance

Ashley Potter

Clinic Manager

Meet Clinic Manager at Optimize since day one! Since Ashley (she/her) enjoys working in an atmosphere with a close group of like-minded people it’s been a seamless journey. Prior to her physiotherapy experience, Ashley worked as an Interior Design Technologist designing kitchens. Currently she is working towards getting her Elementary Education Degree, and plans to contribute to the growth and development of Optimize as she finishes her degree.