OUR TEAM

Somer Younker

Somer Younker

BScPT, FCAMPT, GunnIMS, CAFCI (Acupuncture)

Somer is a University of Alberta graduate but has enjoyed being back in Calgary since graduating. She has worked with athletes and a variety of other clients through the years and recently has taken post graduate shoulder specialization  and running injury prevention courses. With the integration of various techniques; such as manual therapy, acupuncture and IMS, she works with a person to achieve their specific goals. Somer has achieved the highest designation in Manual Therapy in that she has been awarded a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Manual Therapists. Somer has additional training in advanced post graduate training in vestibular physiotherapy so she is able to assess and treat BPPV, vertigo and dizziness. Somer is also GLA:D Certified. *works with individuals who have osteoarthritis (OA) in their knees or hips or who are at high risk of developing OA (Pre- OA).

A large part of her focus includes returning a person to function or sport but also in identifying causative factors in aims for future prevention. Somer has two young boys, Henry and Tommy, who keep her on her toes. She has gone from days of Ironman and the Boston marathon to days of running with a stroller and playing with trucks. She looks forward to getting back to things like golfing, skiing and road biking soon!

Koren Brett

Koren Brett

BScPT, FCAMPT, GunnIMS, CAFCI (Acupuncture)

Koren is a graduate of the Physiotherapy program at McMaster University but also has a Kinesiology and a Health degree from BrockUniversity.  In the 20 (plus) years since graduation she has taken many post graduate courses in manual and manipulative therapy, core stabilization, acupuncture and intramuscular stimulation (GunnIMS).  In 2008, she achieved the highest level in manual therapy and earned the designation of Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Manual Therapists.  She uses a multi faceted approach to treatment including manual therapy, exercise, modalities and education, to achieve client goals.  She enjoys working with people of all ages! Koren is also GLA:D Certified. *works with individuals who have osteoarthritis (OA) in their knees or hips or who are at high risk of developing OA (Pre- OA).

Her active lifestyle includes skiing, running, hiking and swimming. For many years she was a competitive figure skater and then at University played varsity waterpolo. She has two busy children who synchronize swim, speed swim and ski race.  Due to the high incidence of concussions in the sport of synchronized swimming Koren developed a concussion protocol for all swimmers in the synchronized swimming club which including prescreening, a poolside decision making guide and post concussion protocol.

Anna-Lise Binotto

Anna-Lise Binotto

BKin, MScPT, FCAMPT, GunnIMS, FDN

Anna-Lise is a born and raised Calgarian. She obtained a Bachelor of Kinesiology with distinction from the University of Calgary followed by a Master of Science in Physiotherapy from the University of Alberta. Anna-Lise has achieved the highest designation in Manual Therapy with successful completion of her Diploma of Manual and Manipulative Physiotherapy, and is a fellow with the Canadian Academy of Manipulative Physiotherapists (FCAMPT). She has earned her certification in GunnIMS (Intramuscular Stimulation) through UBC and her certification in Functional Dry Needling (IMS) through Kinetacore.

Anna-Lise is an avid learner and continues to stay up to date with the latest evidence-based treatment through continuing education to the benefit of her patients. She believes in an active approach to rehabilitation and injury prevention. Her philosophy is to restore movement and optimize function through individualized exercise prescription, education, hands on treatment and dry needling.

Anna-Lise enjoys treating a wide range of musculoskeletal injuries and conditions with special interest in athletes, dancers, and patients with symptoms originating from the spine. Whether you’ve had a recent injury or a gradual onset of pain, Anna-Lise will use a collaborative approach to treatment in order to ensure your goals are met and empower you throughout your recovery. 

Outside of work Anna-Lise loves spending time with her family and friends. She prioritizes her health by maintaining an active lifestyle participating in group fitness classes, yoga and running.

Sarah Robinson *on mat leave

Sarah Robinson *on mat leave

MScPT, BKin, CAFCI, CMT, Pelvic Health Physiotherapist

Sarah is a physiotherapist with dual interests in orthopaedic and pelvic health physiotherapy. She first developed an appreciation for sports therapy while recovering from injuries she sustained as a nordic ski racer. These setbacks motivated her to study kinesiology at the University of Calgary, followed by a Master’s in physiotherapy from the University of Alberta.

Most recently, Sarah spent five years at the Canadian Sport Institute and travelled with the National Alpine Ski Team as the lead therapist. She gained extensive experience rehabilitating complex injuries in the elite alpine, freestyle and nordic ski worlds while working alongside sports medicine physicians, orthopedic surgeons, strength and conditioning scientists, and coaches. Highlights include working as a medical team member at the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympic Games and two FIS World Championships.

Sarah’s time in the sports therapy world taught her to look not just at the site of injury, but the whole person. This holistic philosophy has shaped the way she approaches every patient’s injury, and is what inspired her to pursue pelvic health physiotherapy. She enjoys treating all types of pelvic health conditions, however, her recent personal experiences through early motherhood have deepened her interest in helping pre and post-natal clients.

Sarah has completed courses in the fields of orthopedic manual therapy, pelvic health, acupuncture, dry needling, and functional movement. She enjoys working with clients of all ages and backgounds, and strives to educate and empower everyone so that they can make informed decisions throughout their recovery.

Thomas Lathrop

Thomas Lathrop

MScPT, BScKIN, IMS

 Thomas graduated from the Master of Physiotherapy Studies program at the University of Queensland in Brisbane, Australia in 2016. He also received a Bachelor of Science majoring in Kinesiology from the University of Calgary. Thomas has been active in sports and physical activity throughout his life and loves helping people return to the activities of
life that make them happy. He believes the key to success lies in working closely with
clients to create an individualized treatment plan to empower them and achieve their goals.
He utilizes a combination of education, therapeutic exercise, dry needling (IMS), manual therapy, taping, soft tissue techniques, and adjunctive modalities to achieve patient success. He has worked with many various patient populations including: current/ former athletes, post surgical, workers compensation, motor vehicle accident, and private patients.
Thomas is keen about continuing his education with post-graduate courses to expand his knowledge and skill-set. The latest course he completed was on Sport Physiotherapy focusing on return to sport, taping, and sport massage. He also enjoys mentoring new graduate physiotherapists and has been a clinical educator for multiple physiotherapy students. In his spare time, he enjoys staying active with basketball, spikeball, hiking, and spending time with friends and family. Thomas loves traveling, has visited over 30 countries
and some of the highlights include hiking Kilimanjaro and Everest Base Camp. He is
eagerly awaiting the next adventure.

 

Melissa Kuehner

Melissa Kuehner

BscPT, FCAMPT, GunnIMS

Melissa has over 23 years of clinical experience in treating musculoskeletal injuries and private practice experience. She is a graduate of the University of Saskatchewan in 1995 with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy.  She has achieved the highest designation in Manual Therapy in that she has been awarded a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Manual Therapists. Melissa is certified in Gunn Intramuscular Stimulation and is authorized to order diagnostic imaging.

A life long learner, she has taken numerous courses/conference over the years that have added to her expertise as a therapist and current evidence based practice approaches.   Most recently she has taken an interest in treating post concussion clients and has been working at the Alberta Children’s Hospital in the concussion clinic, assessing and treating children that have sustained a concussion. Melissa has additional training in advanced post graduate training in vestibular physiotherapy so she is able to assess and treat BPPV, vertigo and dizziness.

Melissa has a hands on approach to treatment. She feels the right combination of manual therapy, dry needling, specific exercises with active client participation will help the client reach their fullest potential.

In an attempt to maintain her own healthy lifestyle she enjoys running, skiing and playing on a women soccer team.

Lisa Tomkins

Lisa Tomkins

MScPT, BScPHYS, FCAMPT, FDN

 

Lisa graduated from the University of Saskatchewan- with a Bachelor of Science in Physiology and a Masters in Physiotherapy. Since moving from Saskatchewan to Calgary, Lisa has completed certification in IMS dry needling and has attained the highest level of orthopaedic postgraduate certification becoming a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Manipulative Physiotherapy (FCAMPT).

Lisa believes in an active rehabilitation philosophy in that a combination of hands-on techniques with individualized exercise prescription is a sure way to ensure her clients achieve optimal recovery. Lisa enjoys treating a variety of injury presentations- from acute sprains and strains (particularly shoulders, knees, hips, and ankles) to spinal pain to more complex multi-area body involvement. Regardless of the injury, Lisa uses a deductive clinical reasoning process to find the source of your pain in order to effectively treat your pain. 

Growing up, Lisa competed as a national artistic gymnast from ages 11 to 17. Due to the high demands of the sport, Lisa frequently attended physiotherapy, which sparked her interest in choosing the career. When she’s not in the office, Lisa enjoys spending time with her family and maintaining an active lifestyle through running, stationary cycling, hiking, and strength workouts. Whether you’re a high level athlete, a leisurely active individual, or simply an individual who is struggling with ongoing aches and pains, Lisa will be sure to understand and focus on meeting your personal goals.

 

Shannon Leydon

Shannon Leydon

MScPT, BScKin, FCAMPT, Cert. Sport Physio, GunnIMS

Shannon is a graduate of the University of Alberta Masters program in Physiotherapy. She also completed her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from University of Saskatchewan, which included an exchange in Human Movement Studies at the University of Queensland, Australia. Since then, Shannon has continued to pursue further training in orthopedic manual therapy, myofascial release, acupuncture, taping, intramuscular stimulation (IMS), and shoulder and hip rehabilitation. She has training in both Eastern and Western dry needling (traditional anatomical acupuncture and IMS). She is a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Manipulative Physiotherapy.

Shannon also has her Certificate in Sport Physiotherapy. Shannon has been a consultant to the Canadian Sports Institute and has worked at the Olympic Oval with the speed skating team and various other national athletes.  Shannon has been the team physiotherapist for many national and international competitions.

Her experience with a diverse clientele, from martial artists to work injuries to seniors, has helped her develop an active, educational and tailored approach to therapy

Shannon’s interest in speed and power training originated from being a sprinter with the U of S Huskies and the U of A Pandas track and field teams.  Currently, as a two-time ACL injury survivor, she enjoys road running and cycling, as well as weight training, ultimate frisbee, racquet sports, and hiking among the larch trees of Kananaskis.

Carmen Dunn

Carmen Dunn

BScPT, BScKin, GunnIMS, CAFCI (Acupuncture), CHT

Carmen is a graduate of both the University of Calgary and Queen’s University. As a physiotherapist for over 20 years Carmen has completed many post graduate advanced Manual Therapy courses. Her special interest is in treating hand, wrist and upper extremity injuries. Carmen is one of the few fully Certified Hand Therapists (CHT) in the city of Calgary. Recently, she has expanded her expertise in the treatment of the upper extremity with specialty coursework on the Thoracic Ring. Carmen has also been involved in the treatment and care of many athletes at all levels, including her position as the physiotherapist for the Alberta Ballet from 2005- 2015.

Carmen has an active approach to treatment, developed through education and her own personal experience in athletics a a former varsity level volleyball player. She believes in balance, both in her physical therapy practice and her own life. Outside the clinic she enjoys her time being active with her family biking, hiking and skiing.

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Diane Roylance

Diane Roylance

PT BSc (Zool), BScPT, FCAMPT, Gunn IMS

Diane is a graduate of the University of Toronto and a proud University of British Columbia alumna. Since graduating in 1995, she has attained a Fellowship in the Canadian Academy of Manipulative Physiotherapy (2004), Gunn IMS certification (2008), certification in Mindfulness Based Solutions to Chronic Pain (2016), Bradcliff Breathing Method (2018) and GLA:D Certified for treating Osteoarthritis. Diane is curious and values ongoing education.

Diane collaborates and volunteers with other health care providers to provide treatment, courses, conferences and ongoing learning to improve the quality of health care delivery in Alberta and beyond. She is passionate about movement as medicine and finding the right combination of treatment and self-management to help patients reach their goals. Diane treats people of all ages including elite athletes, weekend warriors and those living with complex chronic pain conditions.

Diane is happiest when outside with family and friends and loves combining travel with skiing, biking, hiking or climbing. With a recent empty nest, she and her husband now do their best to keep up with their university student offspring on their family adventures. She is a former varsity rower and grew up running around the woods in the West Kootenay-Boundary region of British Columbia.

Paul Hunter

Paul Hunter

BScPT, FCAMPT, Diploma Sport Physio, GunnIMS, Registered International Sports Physical Therapist, Past Chair Sport Physiotherapy Canada

Paul is a graduate of the University of British Columbia Rehabilitation Medicine. He draws from a wide range of physiotherapy techniques such as manual therapy, sport physio, McKenzie therapy, GunnIMS dry needling, Graston, soft tissue mobilization techniques and specific exercise prescription. He has achieved the highest designation in Manual Therapy and is a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Manual Therapists. Paul also has his Diploma in Sport Physiotherapy and is a Registered International Sports Physical Therapist. He has been a consultant to the Canadian Sports Institute for over 16 years where he works with numerous National and Olympic athletes and various integrated support teams.
Paul has been the physiotherapist and the medical lead for the Canadian Long Track Speed Skating team through the Vancouver, Sochi and Pyeongchang Olympic Games. Paul completed two terms as a Director and is the Past Chair for Sport Physiotherapy Canada. He treats a wide cross section of clients from children to seniors and Olympic athletes to weekend warriors. He is an avid snowboarder, mountain biker, bowhunter, paddler, fly fisher and storyteller. Paul has also been a Scout leader for over a decade. Paul’s areas of special interest are treatment of the shoulder, hip/knee, thoracic outlet syndrome and spinal problems.

Nicole Hunter

Nicole Hunter

BSc, BScPT, FCAMPT, GunnIMS, Pelvic Health Physiotherapist

Nicole is a graduate of the University of Western Ontario and the University of British Columbia Rehabilitation Medicine Physiotherapy program. Nicole began her physiotherapy practice in Vancouver over 20 years ago prior to moving to Calgary and settling in Marda Loop. Nicole draws from a wide range of physiotherapy techniques such as manual therapy, soft tissue techniques, Intramuscular Stimulation acupuncture (GunnIMS) and specific exercise prescription. She has achieved the highest designation in Manual Therapy in that she has been awarded a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Manual Therapists. Nicole has additional post graduate training in vestibular physiotherapy to help treat BPPV, Vertigo and Dizziness.

Nicole treats a wide cross section of clients from children to seniors and Olympic athletes to weekend warriors. She is an avid skier, runner, hiker, mountain biker, and soccer player. Nicole is also a Scout leader taking youth on epic backcountry canoe and camping adventures. Nicole’s areas of special interest are treatment of the neck/shoulder, knee/foot, spinal dysfunction, sport injuries, dizziness and pre/post- natal stability programs.

Mark Unger

Mark Unger

Manager

Mark has been the clinic manager at Marda Loop Physiotherapy for over seventeen years and knows which physiotherapist would be suited to work with you to stay healthy or to fix your injuries.