Thorncliffe
Blair Schachterle
Clinic Director
BScPT, Dip Manip PT, Dip Sport PT, FCAMT, CGIMS
Thorncliffe Physical Therapist
Blair has been a Physical Therapist at Nose Creek Sport Physical Therapy since 2001. Blair graduated from the University of Alberta with a BScPT in 1992. He has focused on Orthopaedic Manual Therapy and Sport Therapy. ; Blair completed his Sport Therapy Diploma in 1997, and his Advanced Manual and Manipulative Diploma in 1998. Blair is also certified for IMS (Intra-Muscular Stimulation) Dry Needling.
Blair has a keen interest in an active rehabilitation of recent and chronic spinal and peripheral joint and muscle injuries. He enjoys treating upper neck pain that is associated with Cervical Tension Headaches, Sciatica (Pinched Nerve in Lower back), shoulder injuries, and traumatic knee injuries. Blair has previously served on the executive Chair for 6 years of the Canadian Academy of Manipulative Therapy (CAMPT).
Blair balances his busy professional life by staying active. He enjoys running, cycling, swimming, working out, hiking, camping and snowboarding depending on the season. Blair shares his “free-time” with his wife and son outside on the weekends. He has learned to enjoy the journey, as Life is really too short.
Clinical Interests:
- Pinched nerves in neck and lower back
- Shoulder Injuries, traumatic (MVC) Motor Vehicle Collision, neck Injuries
- Running, swimming, cycling/Biking
Lucia Zdenekova
Thorncliffe Physical Therapist
Lucia has a Bachelor of Science degree in Physiotherapy from St. Charles University in Prague, Czech Republic. During her studies she worked as Physiotherapist for a Bantam aged hockey camp in Czech Republic in 2007 and also for AC Milan Soccer Academy in Slovakia in 2007. Currently, Lucia is working with the Hockey Alberta female hockey teams and most recently attended the Alberta Winter Games in Bonnyville.
Lucia enjoys treating any type of sport injuries from shoulders to ankles. She plans to continue her education and be mentored through the post professional diploma in Manual and Manipulative Therapy and Sport Physical Therapy.
Lucia was born and raised in Bratislava, Slovakia. In her free time she enjoys running, skating, snow boarding, playing tennis, dodgeball, floor hockey and spending time with her friends.
Clinical Interests:
- Knee, shoulders, ankles
- Runners, cyclists, tennis players
- Youth (under 18)
Sheila Best
Thorncliffe Physical Therapist
Sheila recently completed her Masters of Science in Physical Therapy at the University of Alberta. During her studies she was awarded the Alberta Graduate Student. She has also obtained her Bachelors of Human Kinetics in 2009 from the University of British Columbia. Sheila is actively pursuing her diploma in Manual and Manipulative Therapy and plans to complete Acupuncture certification..
She enjoys helping people get back to their normal life and activities. She has a keen interest in neck, back, knee and shoulder injuries as well as chronic conditions rehabilitation. In her free time Sheila enjoys playing soccer, snowboarding, competing in triathlons and playing with her dog. She has a keen interest in travel and has been to Chile, Argentina, Australia and New Zealand.
Clinical Interests:
- Sport Injuries : Soccer, hockey, endurance (Triathlon)
- Neck & Upper Back, knee, ankle, shoulders
- Motor Vehicle Collisions
Ryan Morrison
BSc, MSc(PT), CSCS
Thorncliffe Orthopaedic Manual Physiotherapist
Ryan obtained his Bachelor of Science in Biology at St. Francis Xavier University in 2007 after which he pursued to complete his Masters of Science in Physical Therapy at Dalhousie University in 2010. During schooling, Ryan worked as a team therapist with Soccer Nova Scotia, as well as provided coverage at the 2010 IAAF World Junior Track and Field Championships in Moncton. Ryan had since returned to his home town of Metcalfe, Ontario where he has begun his career as an orthopaedic manipulative physiotherapist.
Ryan continues his post graduate education working towards his levels as a Manual and Manipulative Therapist furthering his skills in addressing joint and soft tissue impairments, along with muscle imbalance and motor pattern dysfunctions. Ryan has also obtained his certification as a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS). This background, coupled with his clinical skills enables him to provide safe and effective individualized rehab program geared towards a patient’s fitness and independence goals. In addition, Ryan supplies team orientated sport specific training programs aimed at maximizing athletic performance and injury prevention. Ryan has since moved to Calgary in 2012 to further pursue his career as an orthopaedic manual physiotherapist.
Personal sport interest and participation include: hockey, golf, rugby, skeleton and coaching local hockey.
Clinical Interests:
- Muscle Imbalance Disorders, lumber Spine & Hip Disorders
- Sports Injury rehabilitation & Injury prevention
- Shoulder, rotator cuff, Groin Strain Injuries
Beddington
Robert Holmes
Clinical Education & Research Coordinator
BSc PT, Dip Manip PT, FCAMT, CAFCI
Beddington Physical Therapist
Rob has been a Physical Therapist at Nose Creek Sport Physical Therapy since 2001. He graduated from McGill University with a BSc PT in 1996. He obtained an advanced orthopaedic manual therapy diploma with the Canadian Physiotherapy Association in 2003 and completed a Master’s degree in Orthopaedic Manipulative Therapy from the University of Western Ontario in 2008. Rob focuses on the assessment and treatment of orthopaedic injuries, with a particular interest in acute and chronic spinal rehabilitation, shoulder injuries and headaches. Rob often provides consultation, assessment and treatment for spinal pain syndromes which have not responded to previous conventional treatment. He has experience with patients undergoing spinal facet joint injections, prolotherapy and other multidisciplinary procedures.
Rob is registered with the College of Physical Therapists of Alberta as an injury management consultant, and is also registered to provide acupuncture, intramuscular stimulation and spinal manipulation. Rob is also a co-instructor with the Orthopaedic Division Level System of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association and is active in clinical research. Rob has worked internationally in New Zealand and as a volunteer at a community rehabilitation centre in southern Mexico. He is fluent in English and French and also speaks Spanish. Outside of work he likes to spend his time skiing, running, cycling and canoeing.
Clinical Interests:
- Chronic Spinal Pain, whiplash, shoulders
- Runners, skiers
- Interventional Radiology Consultant
Heather Enns
Pelvic Floor PT
BScPT, RCAMT
Beddington Physical Therapist
(Currently on a temporary leave of absence working overseas)
Heather joined the Beddington Clinic in spring of 2007. She graduated from the University of Alberta in 2000 with her BSc of Physical Therapy. She has taken many post-graduate courses in orthopaedic manual therapy and completed her intermediate certificate of manual therapy in 2008. Heather has her certification in Western Acupuncture from the Acupuncture foundation of Canada. In addition she has a special interest in women’s health and pelvic floor dysfunction and re-education. In her spare time Heather enjoys hockey and mountain biking. She is also fluent in French.
Mike Potkonyak
Beddington Physical Therapist
Mike graduated with an honors degree in physiotherapy from Queen’s University in 2004, he has also completed his kinesiology degree in 1997 from Simon Fraser University and has an extensive background in exercise prescription, exercise therapy and personal training. Mike has taken a number of orthopedic and manual therapy courses and is in the process of completing his intermediate diploma of advanced manual and manipulative therapy. He has specialized in the assessment and treatment of the lumbar spine, neck, shoulder and sacroiliac joint. Mike is also trained in acupuncture and is certified by the Canadian Acupuncture Foundation.
Mike has been involved in competing in a number of sports at an elite/professional level, including both tennis and soccer. He has developed a special interest in muscle balance, joint stability and functional movement retraining in treating musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. Mike provides an evidence-based approach to his treatment sessions as well as implementing biomechanical solutions along with manual therapy, modalities and exercise. Working closely with his patients Mike will provide a client centered approach to help speed your recovery and assist you in avoiding further episodes of a similar nature in the future.
Clinical Interests:
- Shoulder, lower back, hips, knee, SI joint
- Sports Injuries: Soccer, tennis, golf
- Motor Vehicle Collisions (MVC), work related injuries, teachers
Lauren Vickery
MScPT – BScKin
Beddington Physical Therapist
Lauren works at our Beddington location. She graduated from the University of Alberta with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology in 2006 and completed her Master’s of Science in Physiotherapy at the U of A in 2009. Throughout her studies she worked as an exercise specialist and consulted with the U of A Bears soccer team as their strength and conditioning coach. Lauren was a competitive figure skater for 10 years with the Royal Glenora Club in Edmonton and competed nationally in soccer. Recently, she has begun working with Calgary United FC which competes in the Canadian Major Indoor Soccer League. Lauren enjoys treating the knee, ankle and spine. She is currently continuing her education with both acupuncture and manual therapy courses.
Clinical Interests:
- Sport Injuries: Soccer, running
- Knees, ankles, spinal, Motor Vehicle Collisions (MVC), whiplash
- Exercise specialist & personal trainer
Anne Fleming
MScPT, BKin
Beddington Physical Therapist
Anne works at our Beddington location. She graduated from the University of Regina with a Bachelor of Kinesiology majoring in Adapted Physical Activity. She went on to complete her Master’s of Science in Physiotherapy at the University of Alberta. Throughout her studies she worked as an assistant coach and did injury consultation for the Harry Ainlay High School senior girls volleyball team. Anne was a varsity athlete competing in volleyball for 2 years with the Red Deer College Queens and 3 years with the University of Regina Cougars. She has recently started working with the U17 and U18 girl’s Dinos volleyball club program and will be working with the men’s and women’s national disabled volleyball teams for their upcoming season. Anne enjoys treating sports related injuries especially the shoulder, knee and ankle. She also enjoys treating the spine and any weekend warrior with an ache or pain. She is currently continuing her education with manual therapy courses.
Clinical Interests:
- Sports Injuries: Volleyball, shoulders, back
- Pre-Op and Post-Surgical
- Kinesiology/adapted physical activity
Nicole Slomp
MScPT – BScExS
Beddington Physical Therapist
Nicole works at our Thorncliffe location. She graduated from the University of Lethbridge in 2007 with a Bachelor’s degree of Exercise Science with distinction. She moved on to complete her Master’s of Science in Physical Therapy at the University of Alberta in the fall of 2009. Nicole grew up outside a small town in Southern Alberta and has participated in many sports, both competitive and recreational, throughout her life. She is most familiar with soccer, volleyball, basketball, general fitness and equestrian activities. Her current interests are with both acute and chronic, sports or work related injuries. Nicole’s favorite areas to treat are the shoulder, knee and ankle, but she is willing and ready to take on any ache or pain the body has to offer. She looks forward to furthering her education in manual therapy, IMS and dry needling.
Clinical Interests:
- Shoulder, knee, ankle
- Acute & Chronic Sport Injuries
- Work Related Injuries, Motor Vehicle Collision
Danielle Bles – Physical Therapist
Beddington Physical Therapist
Danielle works at our Beddington location. She was born and raised in Edmonton, Alberta. She graduated from the University of Alberta with a Bachelor of Physical Education in 2008 and completed her Masters of Science in Physical Therapy at the U of A in 2011. Danielle was a varsity ice hockey goalie and played for Grant MacEwan College for two seasons and the University of Alberta Pandas for two seasons where she won two national championships. Danielle enjoys treating all types of sports injuries, especially shoulders and knees. Danielle is interested in advancing her education in manual therapy, acupuncture and sports physiotherapy.
Clinical Interests:
- Sports Injuries: Hockey players
- Shoulders, knee, ankles
- Motor Vehicle Collision, Pre OP & Post OP Surgical
