Our Team
Optimal potential, brought to you by an optimal team. Optimize’s passion for personalized care is rooted in our people.
Therapists
Arri McWatt
Physiotherapist, Owner
Arri (he/him) graduated with a Master of Science in Physical Therapy in 2010 from the University of Alberta. Since then, he’s gathered extensive experience working with clients of all ages (from 5 to 95!) and all levels of mobility and function.
Read more
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 Honours 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.
Read more
Aaron grew up with a passion for movement and sport, playing baseball, basketball, volleyball, hockey and golf. He loves working with people and so Physiotherapy was a natural fit for him.
Aaron’s built extensive experience working with clients with a wide range of ages and backgrounds, and loves helping people become better versions of themselves.
Outside of the clinic, Aaron’s active in hockey, golf, cycling, Olympic lifting, CrossFit, and Peloton. He also loves playing guitar and spending time with his beautiful girls.
- 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.
Read more
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.
Read more
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.
Read more
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.
- Master 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.
Read more
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 Science in 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.
Read more
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 Science in Physical Therapy
Peyton Walker
Physiotherapist
Peyton (she/her) graduated from the University of Alberta with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology in 2020. She continued on her passion for rehabilitation medicine while working as a Kinesiologist at Optimize and in 2024, graduated from the University of Alberta with a Master of Science in Physical Therapy.
Read more
Peyton’s interest in rehabilitation stemmed from her own experiences as a competitive dancer and certified dance instructor with the Canadian Dance Teachers Association. Throughout her years of competition, she suffered multiple injuries, some of which were left untreated. As an undergrad, she developed an interest in rehabilitation, and her first visit to a physiotherapy clinic solidified her decision.
Peyton believes that everyone can reach their full potential through movement and a positive, inclusive environment. She strives to help her patients achieve their goals in a fun and enjoyable way and encourages them to remain active for life.
- Bachelor of Kinesiology
- Master of Science in Physical Therapy
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.Read more
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.
Read more
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
Read more
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
Briana Wice
Registered Massage Therapist
Briana (she/her) 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.
Read more
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
Julienne Slomp
Massage Therapist
Coming soon!
Kinesiologist
Nicole Wlasichuk
Kinesiologist, Strength, Conditioning & Performance
Optimize Kinesiologist Nicole (she/her) has a genuine passion for helping others and finds purpose in injury management through the power of exercise.
Read more
Rooted in a desire to enhance people’s lives, she takes pride in providing individuals with the tools to optimize their quality of life and well-being.
With a special interest in athlete injury management, she understands the unique challenges that athletes face. Nicole takes pride in empowering her patients to regain their strength and resilience, helping them achieve peak performance.
Outside of Optimize, Nicole is a true sports enthusiast herself. Whether lacing up her skates for a game of hockey, perfecting her swing on the golf course, or simply soaking in the great outdoors, she lives and breathes an active lifestyle.
- Bachelor of Kinesiology
- EMR
Kate Manning
Kinesiology Student
Kate (she/her) is currently working towards her Bachelor of Kinesiology at the University of Alberta.
Read more
Kate’s always been passionate about athletics and finding the full potential of what a body is capable of doing. Her goal as a Kinesiologist is to help others work towards their own specific goals, whatever they may be.
While in school, she has had the opportunity to play on the varsity rugby team. (go, Pandas!) Training at a high level of sport has given her great appreciation for the role physical activity and health play in maintaining a functioning body./p>
Support Staff
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.
Read more
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.
Jack Elliott
Assistant
Meet Jack (he/him), one of the friendly faces you’ll meet at Optimize. As a Clinic Assistant, he is an integral part of the team that keeps things running smoothly and ensures that every patient has the best possible experience.
Read more
Jack’s cheerful demeanour and helpful attitude will make you feel welcome and at ease.
When he’s not working, you can find Jack on the ice as the goalie for the St. Albert Comets. He’s also a dedicated coach for a local basketball team, sharing his love of the game and helping young players develop their skills. Jack’s passion for sports and his active lifestyle make him a perfect fit for the Optimize team.