HEALTH CARE PRACTITIONERS
Sara Lawson, Clinic Director/Physiotherapist
Sara has been involved in the dance community since childhood. She has trained at a variety of dance studios across Saskatchewan completing full examination syllabi in Ballet through the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD), as well as in Tap and Jazz through the Canadian Dance Teachers’ Association (CDTA) and Associated Dance Arts for Professional Teachers (ADAPT). During her training, Sara had the privilege of performing across Canada, the United States and Brazil. She had a brief opportunity to professionally dance with City Centre Dance Company in contemporary dance.
Following her dance training, Sara had decided to continue with dance teacher training. She is currently a Registered Ballet Teacher with the RAD, Associate of the RAD, Tutor for the CBTS Teacher Training program with the RAD, Member of the CDTA Stage Division (Jazz), Associate Member of the CDTA Modern and Ballet Divisions, Certified Acrobatic Arts Instructor, Certified Yoga Instructor through Namaskar Yoga (Yoga Alliance) and Certified in Total Barre (Merrithew). She has now taught and adjudicated ballet, tap, jazz, acrobatics, musical theatre, contemporary jazz, and lyrical jazz over the past 20 years at a variety of studios across Saskatchewan and Alberta.
Sara’s passion for dance has also been a part of her career pursuits. Sara has completed a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, and Master of Physical Therapy along with numerous post-graduate courses and certifications to advance her training. Sara can provide Biomedical Dry Needling, Acupuncture, K-Taping, Orthopedic Manual Therapy, Graston Technique, Lymphatic Work, and Kinstretch and Functional Anatomy (FRCms, FR Spine) specific treatment sessions. Sara has worked in a variety of areas of Physical Therapy including: inpatient orthopedics, chronic pain, sports physiotherapy, post-surgical orthopedics, and general private practice. Most recently, Sara had worked with pre-professional and professional dancers. Sara has worked as the Lead Physiotherapist for the Alberta Ballet Company and Alberta Ballet School. During her Physiotherapist work, Sara has also had the opportunity to work with dancers and performers from many companies such as Travis Wall’s Shaping Sound, MOMIX, Tango Fire, the Royal Ballet, Ivanochko et cie, Le Ballets Jazz de Montreal, and Pilobolus Dance Companies. She is the current Physiotherapist for the Saskatchewan Roughrider - Cheer Team providing medical coverage and care for the team on and off game days.
Sara was also involved in research studies for the University of Calgary on Injury Prevention for Dancers, as well as providing lectures on safe dance practice and injury prevention throughout Alberta and Saskatchewan. Sara has been able to continue to promote safe dance practice through Empower Movement Studio workshops and educational programming. Empower Movement Studio and Education focuses on the essential education needed for dancers to stay healthy and injury free.
Sara is the Clinic Director of Empower Physiotherapy and strives to "empower" others toward improving their health and well being through education and movement.
Following her dance training, Sara had decided to continue with dance teacher training. She is currently a Registered Ballet Teacher with the RAD, Associate of the RAD, Tutor for the CBTS Teacher Training program with the RAD, Member of the CDTA Stage Division (Jazz), Associate Member of the CDTA Modern and Ballet Divisions, Certified Acrobatic Arts Instructor, Certified Yoga Instructor through Namaskar Yoga (Yoga Alliance) and Certified in Total Barre (Merrithew). She has now taught and adjudicated ballet, tap, jazz, acrobatics, musical theatre, contemporary jazz, and lyrical jazz over the past 20 years at a variety of studios across Saskatchewan and Alberta.
Sara’s passion for dance has also been a part of her career pursuits. Sara has completed a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, and Master of Physical Therapy along with numerous post-graduate courses and certifications to advance her training. Sara can provide Biomedical Dry Needling, Acupuncture, K-Taping, Orthopedic Manual Therapy, Graston Technique, Lymphatic Work, and Kinstretch and Functional Anatomy (FRCms, FR Spine) specific treatment sessions. Sara has worked in a variety of areas of Physical Therapy including: inpatient orthopedics, chronic pain, sports physiotherapy, post-surgical orthopedics, and general private practice. Most recently, Sara had worked with pre-professional and professional dancers. Sara has worked as the Lead Physiotherapist for the Alberta Ballet Company and Alberta Ballet School. During her Physiotherapist work, Sara has also had the opportunity to work with dancers and performers from many companies such as Travis Wall’s Shaping Sound, MOMIX, Tango Fire, the Royal Ballet, Ivanochko et cie, Le Ballets Jazz de Montreal, and Pilobolus Dance Companies. She is the current Physiotherapist for the Saskatchewan Roughrider - Cheer Team providing medical coverage and care for the team on and off game days.
Sara was also involved in research studies for the University of Calgary on Injury Prevention for Dancers, as well as providing lectures on safe dance practice and injury prevention throughout Alberta and Saskatchewan. Sara has been able to continue to promote safe dance practice through Empower Movement Studio workshops and educational programming. Empower Movement Studio and Education focuses on the essential education needed for dancers to stay healthy and injury free.
Sara is the Clinic Director of Empower Physiotherapy and strives to "empower" others toward improving their health and well being through education and movement.
Makenna Weir, Physiotherapist
Makenna is passionate about cross-country skiing, running, hiking, and weightlifting. She has an extensive background in the Regina/Lumsden biathlon community, where she both competed for many years, and coached. Makenna completed a Masters of Science in Physical Therapy
from Queen’s University after completing her Bachelor's of Kinesiology in Human Kinetics with Great Distinction at the University of Regina.
Makenna gained valuable experience in private practice, acute care cardiology, neurology, and various musculoskeletal conditions in rehabilitation settings from her University studies. Makenna also was able to complete one of her clinical placements abroad in India where she worked mainly with those who have had a spinal cord injury or stroke. She has experience working as a Kinesiologist and in administrative roles for boutique physiotherapy clinics and fitness facilities.
Post graduation, Makenna has completed her AIM Level 1 - Manual Therapy Orthopedic Division Exam and her Sport First Responder courses.
Makenna has interests in a very diverse clientele but has a specific interest in aging individuals, women's health, running injuries, and workplace injuries.
Makenna is dedicated to client-centered care, personalized programs, and firmly believes that exercise is medicine.
from Queen’s University after completing her Bachelor's of Kinesiology in Human Kinetics with Great Distinction at the University of Regina.
Makenna gained valuable experience in private practice, acute care cardiology, neurology, and various musculoskeletal conditions in rehabilitation settings from her University studies. Makenna also was able to complete one of her clinical placements abroad in India where she worked mainly with those who have had a spinal cord injury or stroke. She has experience working as a Kinesiologist and in administrative roles for boutique physiotherapy clinics and fitness facilities.
Post graduation, Makenna has completed her AIM Level 1 - Manual Therapy Orthopedic Division Exam and her Sport First Responder courses.
Makenna has interests in a very diverse clientele but has a specific interest in aging individuals, women's health, running injuries, and workplace injuries.
Makenna is dedicated to client-centered care, personalized programs, and firmly believes that exercise is medicine.
Christopher Gatzke, Registered Massage Therapist
Christopher has completed a Remedial Massage Therapy diploma at the Western College of Remedial Massage Therapies. He is registered through the Massage Therapists Association of Saskatchewan (MTAS).
Christopher believes in a multidisciplinary approach to health, and is excited to take a collaborative approach to meet each client's individual needs. His practice is focused on physical assessment and manual rehabilitation techniques. He is able to provide both relaxation and deep tissue massage.
Christopher has experience working with the Regina Silver Foxes Hockey Team in the Prairie Junior Hockey League as an athletic trainer, where he provides injury prevention, assessment, and rehabilitation for the team.
Christopher has University level course study and has had the opportunity to work as a youth mentor. He also has years of experience working in customer service. Christopher enjoys spending time with his partner and pets. In his spare time, he enjoys cooking, spending time outdoors, and learning to love new homeownership.
Christopher is looking forward to having a collaborative massage therapy practice within Empower Physiotherapy.
Christopher believes in a multidisciplinary approach to health, and is excited to take a collaborative approach to meet each client's individual needs. His practice is focused on physical assessment and manual rehabilitation techniques. He is able to provide both relaxation and deep tissue massage.
Christopher has experience working with the Regina Silver Foxes Hockey Team in the Prairie Junior Hockey League as an athletic trainer, where he provides injury prevention, assessment, and rehabilitation for the team.
Christopher has University level course study and has had the opportunity to work as a youth mentor. He also has years of experience working in customer service. Christopher enjoys spending time with his partner and pets. In his spare time, he enjoys cooking, spending time outdoors, and learning to love new homeownership.
Christopher is looking forward to having a collaborative massage therapy practice within Empower Physiotherapy.
Dr. Ashley Fichter, Chiropractor
Dr. Ashley Fichter is a highly qualified chiropractic professional, having graduated from the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College in Toronto, Ontario. She also holds a Bachelor of Kinesiology with a major in Fitness & Lifestyle from the University of Regina. Dr. Fichter enjoys having a family practice where she treats perinatal patients, children of all ages, and athletes. With extensive experience in chiropractic care, she has furthered her expertise through additional certifications, including Sport First Responder, Complete Concussion Management (CCMI), TCM Acupuncture, and Activation Method (Basic).
Dr. Fichter's background in artistic athletics is extensive, with 14 years of competitive dance training in various styles such as tap, ballet, acrobatics, jazz, pointe work, and lyrical. Her achievements include a Bronze World Medal in Team Baton (Group) for baton twirling. Additionally, she has been a cheerleader for the University of Regina Cheer Team and the Saskatchewan Roughrider Cheer Team, earning a National Championship with the University of Regina team and qualifying for the International Open Level 7 World Cheerleading Championship.
Outside of her professional life, Dr. Fichter enjoys spending time with her friends and family and is a dedicated mother to two children. We are thrilled to have her join our team, bringing her diverse skills and experience to help our clients achieve their health and wellness goals.
Dr. Fichter's background in artistic athletics is extensive, with 14 years of competitive dance training in various styles such as tap, ballet, acrobatics, jazz, pointe work, and lyrical. Her achievements include a Bronze World Medal in Team Baton (Group) for baton twirling. Additionally, she has been a cheerleader for the University of Regina Cheer Team and the Saskatchewan Roughrider Cheer Team, earning a National Championship with the University of Regina team and qualifying for the International Open Level 7 World Cheerleading Championship.
Outside of her professional life, Dr. Fichter enjoys spending time with her friends and family and is a dedicated mother to two children. We are thrilled to have her join our team, bringing her diverse skills and experience to help our clients achieve their health and wellness goals.
Raeleen Kirkpatrick, Locum/Coverage Physiotherapist
Raeleen is a very experienced Physiotherapist working most of her career in the Regina area. She has worked extensively with both private and insured clients. She has a well-rounded post graduate education, including courses in Manual Therapy, Acupuncture, Vestibular rehabilitation, Biomedical Dry Needling, Yoga Therapy and Pain Science.
Raeleen will be only joining us periodically as a coverage/locum Physiotherapist to assist in managing our busy caseload and increasing appointment availability when needed in our schedules.
Raeleen will be only joining us periodically as a coverage/locum Physiotherapist to assist in managing our busy caseload and increasing appointment availability when needed in our schedules.
RECEPTION & ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM
Carolyn Rathgeber, Clinic Assistant
Carolyn holds a Bachelor of Ars, Linguistics (Honours) and Bachelor of Music, Flute Performance. She has past experience with event and convention management and sales associate positions.
Carolyn will be working at the front desk Monday through Friday.
Carolyn will be working at the front desk Monday through Friday.
Megan Ruetz, Clinic Assistant
Megan has completed a Bachelor of Kinesiology - Human Kinetics and is currently working on a second degree: Bachelor of Sports and Recreation - Therapeutic Recreation. She has experience working as a receptionist, student trainer, personal trainer and at Sask Abilites Council.
Megan has an interest in ringette and flag football.
Megan will be working at the front desk Monday through Friday.
Megan has an interest in ringette and flag football.
Megan will be working at the front desk Monday through Friday.
Dallas Duffus, Third Party Account Management
Dallas has a Certificate in Business Administration along with multiple courses and classes in a variety of disciplines. She has 35 years of financial and administrative experience in diverse settings including corporate community investment, the federal and provincial governments, an advertising agency, a registered charity and a variety of volunteer positions.
Dallas loves to spend time in her garden or at the community theatre. She is very involved with Regina Little Theatre productions.
Dallas will be working remotely on billing and other financial management as well as a coverage Clinic Assistant/Administrative Assistant.
Dallas loves to spend time in her garden or at the community theatre. She is very involved with Regina Little Theatre productions.
Dallas will be working remotely on billing and other financial management as well as a coverage Clinic Assistant/Administrative Assistant.
Rachel Kirk, Virtual Clinic Assistant
Rachel is currently working on a Bachelor of Kinesiology from the University of Saskatchewan. She has experience as an assistant manager, sales associate and entrepreneurship in her employment history. She has volunteered with Physical Activity for Active Living, The Food Bank, and Exercise as Medicine.
Rachel has an interest in piano, volleyball, soccer and hiking.
Rachel will be working behind the scenes from Saskatoon to assist with Customer service tasks and virtually covering the front desk, as required.
Rachel has an interest in piano, volleyball, soccer and hiking.
Rachel will be working behind the scenes from Saskatoon to assist with Customer service tasks and virtually covering the front desk, as required.