OUR TEAM
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
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 *on maternity leave*
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.
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
BscPT, FCAMPT, GunnIMS
With over 30 years of clinical experience Melissa Kuehner is a highly skilled physical
therapist dedicated to helping patients achieve their optimal health and mobility.
Holding a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from the University of
Saskatchewan, an Advanced Diploma in Manipulative Therapy, certification in Gunn
Intramuscular Stimulation (GCIMS) and numerous post graduate education courses,
allows for a comprehensive approach to treatment and her ability to provide top -tier
care, including the ability to order diagnostic imaging when necessary.
Through out her career Melissa has successfully treated a wide range of conditions
including neck and back pain, vertigo, post-concussion symptoms and various sports
and running injuries. Melissa’s treatment philosophy centers on a holistic approach that
integrates hands on therapy techniques, patient education and tailored exercise
programs designed to meet each patients unique needs.
Believing that an active lifestyle is essential for a healthy lifestyle, Melissa is committed
to empowering patients to stay active and engaged. Whether you’re recovering from an
injury of seeking to enhance your physical performance or just move with your everyday
life, Melissa is here to support you on your journey to better health and mobility.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.