Our Team

Arri McWatt

Physiotherapist, Owner

After graduating with a Master of Science in Physical Therapy in 2010 from the University of Alberta, Arri 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 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 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

Taman McWatt

Physiotherapist

Taman 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 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

Gillian Altheim

Doctor of Chiropractic

Gillian 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) 

Mélissa Hambrook

Manual Osteopath

Mélissa completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Physiology at the University of Mobile in Alabama, and then graduated from the National Academy of Osteopathy in Toronto with a Diploma in Manual Osteopathy. She chose Manual Osteopathy as a career because of its holistic physiology, taking a whole-body approach on treating pain for long-term relief by targeting the root cause. Mélissa is passionate about the concept of helping the body move to ultimately find health and balance in life.

Casey Macleod

Registered Massage Therapist

Casey 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

Ashley Nawrot

Registered Massage Therapist

Ashley 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

Natalie Muzika

Registered Massage Therapist

Natalie graduated from MacEwan University with a diploma in Massage Therapy and is registered with CMMOTA. Growing up, Natalie danced competitively and competed in many track and field events. Her passion for injury recovery and prevention began after suffering through injuries herself!

She loves working alongside fellow therapists in order to get you back to doing what you love! Natalie is ready to assist you, whether you are recovering from an injury, or just looking for some time to relax!

• Therapeutic Massage
• Relaxation Massage

Steven Canduro

Kinesiologist, Strength, Conditioning & Performance

Steven wholeheartedly believes in the benefits of exercise and movement when it comes to overcoming injury, and is exactly why he is currently pursuing 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.

• Bachelor of Kinesiology, Major in Sport Performance

Kelsey Gitzel

Kinesiologist, Strength, Conditioning & Performance

Kelsey is a Kinesiologist 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 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

Ashlee Gleave

Kinesiology Student

Ashlee is one of our kinesiologist here at Optimize, graduating from the University of Alberta with a Bachelor or Kinesiology majoring in Physical Activity & Health. Throughout her degree, she had the opportunity to work as an Athletic Trainer with both the Red Deer, and Sherwood Park Minor Hockey Leagues, helping drive her passion for injury management. She grew up playing basketball competitively, which encouraged her to pursue her undergraduate degree in kinesiology. She is passionate about an active lifestyle and loves to spend time outdoors all year round. She is a sucker for travelling, a good taste in music, and the mountains and is always interested in people’s experiences and recommendations. Ashlee is excited to meet you, and help work towards optimizing your goals.

Kate Manning

Kinesiology Student

Kate is currently working towards her Bachelor of Kinesiology at the University of Alberta. While in school, she has had the opportunity to play on the varsity rugby team. 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 and she hope’s to be able to share her knowledge with others.

Ashley Potter

Clinic Manager

Meet Clinic Manager at Optimize since day one! Since Ashley 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.

Meaghan Jenner

Clinic Assistant

Meaghan loves helping people and values getting to know each client. In fact, she is Optimize’s open book! Approachable and actionable, Meaghan is always the one willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. That probably also explains her love for dogs. She has two of her own and when she isn’t busy tending to them or working, you’ll find her camping, playing ringette or getting crafty. 

Ashley Aupperle

Marketing Manager

Ashley is behind the scenes but will keep you entertained through social media and marketing. Her passion for photography and content creation is must-have in helping the Optimize team connect with clients when they’re not in the clinic. Ashley’s background is in kinesiology, health, and wellness, as she’s worked in a clinic setting for nearly a decade.