Our Team

Jennifer Cichon - B.Sc K, M.ScPT, CAFCI

Jen is a physiotherapist and the proud owner of Chaparral Physiotherapy & Massage. She graduated from the University of Waterloo with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and went on to complete her Masters in Physical Therapy from Queen’s University in Kingston. She has been a practicing physiotherapist since 2006 and was the clinic director for a large company in Calgary. She is passionate about helping people get better and improve their quality of life. She believes in personalized, hands-on treatment as opposed to only machine based treatment.
Jen cares about her patients. This is reflected in each treatment and experience with her. She has completed Level 3 in Manual Therapy and is certified in acupuncture and hip rehabilitation. Jen has completed the Diagnostic Imaging course through the University of Alberta and has completed post graduate courses for the foot and the hips as well as myofascial release.

She enjoys skiing, hiking and is an avid runner having completed many half marathons over the years. She is a proud mother and loves spending time with her husband and children when she’s not helping people get better.

Charene Welsh-Mattson - MScPT, CAFCI, PgCPain, Balanced Body Pilates Certified Mat Instructor, Dry Needling

Charene is a graduate of the University of Alberta Masters of Physical Therapy program and has been practicing since 2008. She traveled and worked overseas fine tuning her skills in Moscow, Russia; Singapore; and Houston, Texas! She has been exposed to many cultures and practices of health care, incorporating them in her treatment approach. Since graduating she has taken courses in manual therapy and exercise prescription, and has obtained many certifications over the years: Acupuncture, Dry Needling, Post Graduate Certificate in Pain Management, Balanced Body Mat Pilates, and Rock Tape Practitioner. She has also taken further courses in Balanced Body Reformer Pilates and Core Align; hand therapy; and soft tissue release. She’s also certified in spinal manipulation, neurokinetic therapy, and hip impingement. She likes to focus on whole body mechanics and turning treatment into prevention.

Charene is excited to be back in Calgary with her husband and two wonderful boys, and particularly excited to be working at Chaparral with the freedom to spend time with clients, focusing on assisting clients with their therapy and lifestyle goals!

Eyal Okin - B.PT, CMS, Dry Needling, Vestibular

Eyal is a University of Haifa graduate and holds a degree in Physiotherapy (2006). He is certified in spinal and peripheral manipulations, and has the dry needling certification for treating chronic myofascial and neuropathic pain in the spine and extremities. He brings experience working as a physical therapist with a variety of athletes, including those playing elite level soccer, swimming and CrossFit.

Eyal has a special interest in vestibular therapy and concussion, and received a certificate of competency in Vestibular Rehabilitation. He also has extensive knowledge regarding TMJ (The temporomandibular joint ) and works with many dentists and oral surgeons.

He believes in integrating manual therapy, dry needling, myofascial release, taping and exercise prescription in a multi-modal approach to treatment for success in healing and recovery.

Eyal is fluent in English, Russian and Hebrew.

Andrea Longman (Ellis) - Grad Dip Phys, Acupuncture

Andrea is an English trained physiotherapist with over 26 years of experience working in England and Canada. She has worked in hospitals and industry as well as sports and private clinics in the UK and Canada. Andrea has treated patients ranging from 5 years old to 80 years and older. She is experienced with many conditions from helping clients maintain general health and active lifestyles simple strains and sprains, WCB and MVA patients, degenerative conditions, post-surgical and post-fractures, to name a few.

Andrea feels that one of the main reasons for her success is her ability to communicate and develop a great working relationship specific to the needs and lifestyle of her clients. Andrea is certified in acupuncture and uses techniques such as manual therapy, exercise therapy and Craniosacral therapy as well as various programs which can be taught privately or in groups.

Andrea prides herself in spending good, quality time with her clients teaching simple but effective techniques which address the whole body, therefore achieving optimum health and independence.

Nicole Joe - MscPT

Nicole is a graduate of the University of Alberta’s Master of Science in Physical Therapy program. She also holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Neuroscience from the University of Calgary. Before pursuing her career in physical therapy, Nicole was a competitive figure skater at the national level, where she developed a deep appreciation for both the joy movement brings and the challenges posed by injury.
Nicole combines hands-on treatment, guided exercise, and patient education to help individuals achieve their personal health goals. She is passionate about supporting her patients' recovery and well-being. With experience working with individuals of all ages, from pediatrics to older adults, Nicole uses her in-depth knowledge of the body to provide effective care and help patients improve.
In her free time, Nicole enjoys exploring new sports, strength training, baking, and reading. She is thrilled to be back in Calgary, ready to explore the stunning mountains that await her!

Richard Sze - BKin, Dr PT, Vestibular

Richard is a proud born and raised Calgarian. He graduated with distinction from the University of Calgary’s Bachelor of Kinesiology program prior to moving to Australia to obtain his Doctor of Physiotherapy degree from the University of Melbourne. He stayed in Melbourne for an additional 2 years working as a Physiotherapist for vulnerable elderly clients and as a team Physiotherapist for Elite Australian Rules Football and Soccer clubs. In early 2019, he moved back home to Calgary and has since been working with medically complex clients within Alberta Health Services. Richard enjoys treating patients of all ages and conditions. He utilizes both hands-on treatment as well as an active exercise approach in an evidenced-based manner. He is certified in Vestibular Therapy, as well as ANIMS (anatomical neuropathic intramuscular stimulation), and is passionate about teaching physiotherapy students.

Outside of physiotherapy, Richard is an avid basketball player and has previously represented the University of Melbourne’s men’s basketball program. Richard also enjoys spending time with his wife (who is also a physiotherapist) and family, hiking in the Rockies, going to the gym, experiencing the food scene of YYC, and cheering for the Flames and Stampeders.

In addition to English, Richard is also fluent in conversational Cantonese

Roya Hamad - Bsc, PT, CAFCI, functional dry needling, Pelvic Health, Vestibular

Roya graduated from University of Jordan in 2003.
She has worked with everyone from pediatrics to geriatrics including neurology, post op orthopedics conditions, sports injury, cardiovascular and pulmonary health.
Roya is certified in Acupuncture, functional dry needling, level 2 of manual therapy, k taping , Mackenzie protocol ,Graston technique, Vestibular and Pelvic floor physiotherapy.
On a personal level, Roya is a fitness and wellness enthusiast. She is a second degree black belt in Taekwondo from world Taekwondo federation in Soul S.Korea. She enjoys running , swimming, and workout in the gym. She also enjoys hiking in the mountains and occasionally cycling.

Femi Ojagbule - B.PT

Femi obtained his Bachelor of Physiotherapy from the University of Ibadan (Nigeria) in 2005 and in 2010 completed a Masters of Science in Applied Sports and Exercise Science from the University of Wolverhampton in the UK. After completing his Master's Degree, Femi continued to expand his knowledge and clinical skill by taking several postgraduate courses, such as the McKenzie Method® of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy® Parts A/B/C, dry needling/IMS, Mulligan Concept and Manual therapy. Femi believes in empowering his patients with the tools to manage their symptoms independently.

Randilee Farnquist

Randi is excited to be working with such a great health care team at Chaparral Physiotherapy & Massage. She has been working as a registered massage therapist since 2010 after studying the two year program of massage therapy at Lethbridge College and is certified with 2200 hours. She moved to Calgary from Lethbridge in 2012. Randi has worked alongside physiotherapists to better treat and offer more preventative care since she relocated to Calgary. She is also registered with the Natural Health Practitioners of Canada.

Randi enjoys promoting a healthy lifestyle by biking, rollerblading and the many yoga classes she attends to keep herself in shape to give the best care to her clients.

Olga Chernykh

Olga is very happy to be part of the Chaparral Physiotherapy & Massage team. She is a former personal fitness trainer and aerobics instructor. Her 4 years B.Sc. of Physical Training from Russia is the perfect background to complement her 3000 hours diploma in Advanced Clinical Massage Therapy from MaKami College in Calgary.

She has a true passion for therapeutic massage. Olga is very skilled in recognizing painful spots and to treat her clients with great care. Pre/post-natal massage, deep tissue, cupping and myofascial release are among her favorite techniques.

In her free time Olga likes painting, cooking, and enjoying outdoors activities.

Olga is fluent in English and Russian.

Nicole Wenzel

Nicole graduated from the 2200hr Massage Therapy Program at Mount Royal University. She is also Certified in the Clinical Assessment, Treatment, and Rehabilitation of Concussions.

In her schooling she enjoyed the variety of people she got to work with throughout the program and was able to experience real life scenarios which made the experience that much better. During the program she did extensive researched regarding scoliosis and developed treatments dependent on the client to find out the benefits of massage therapy. She was fascinated to see the progression with each treatment and the health benefits from receiving the massages.

Nicole always knew growing up that she wanted to work in a field that helped others. From personal experience she found massage therapy extremely helpful in recovery from sports injuries. She knew that this career would be a great fit for her with the variety of treatments and client cases you work with on a daily basis.

Nicole is a very active person and enjoy the outdoors. Hiking and biking up in the mountains are some of her favorite hobbies. She also enjoy taking her dog out for long walks by Fish Creek.

Stacy Wood

Graduated with honours from Alberta College Of Massage Therapy, completing the 2200 hour massage therapy program. Stacy recently attended Academy Of Lymphatic Studies to become a Dr Vodder Certified Lymphedema therapist. After obtaining clinical experience has Stacy returned to ACMT as a second year massage instructor.

Stacy develops treatment plans to meet each clients specific needs. She enjoys combining a variety of techniques to provide a therapeutic yet relaxing treatment. Each treatment can include myofascial, trigger point therapy, deep tissue massage, relaxation techniques and dynamic cupping. Stacy also enjoys working with prenatal clients to help reduce muscular discomfort.

Stacy also provides lymph drainage treatments to her clients. A few conditions that benefit from MLD treatment are pre and post surgery, to aid in stress reduction, to reduce swelling in muscle strains, ligament sprains and tendinitis.

She has a passion for helping people and is excited to continue her education in the future.

In her free time she enjoys hiking, skiing and wake surfing with her husband and 2 kids. She is also an avid runner completing in marathons.

Angela Lemme

Angela is a 3000hr registered massage therapist who graduated from Makami College, where she studied Advanced Clinical Massage Therapy. Angela is a true believer of the healing benefits massage therapy can provide and is always looking to educate herself and improve her skills. She is trained in therapeutic massage, deep tissue, relaxation, cupping and prenatal massage.

When she is not working, she is spending time with her family, going to the mountains for a hike or a walk around the neighborhood or trying out new restaurants. She enjoys being active, and in addition to her little one keeping her moving, she enjoys long bike rides or a great yoga class!

Jovana Zivanovic

Jovana graduated from the Professional Institute of Massage Therapy in May 2015, and has worked as a massage therapist since then. Jovana has been teaching anatomy and pathology, as well as massage theory and assessment since September 2016. She has completed her certification in ‘Understanding Regulations’ for massage therapists. She also versed in prenatal massage and lymphatic drainage.

Jovana cares about her clients well being, both their physical and mental health. Her dream has always been to work in a clinic setting with other health care professionals where everyone can work together to offer the best treatment plan for the clients.

Kaytlyn Hall

Kaytlyn graduated from the 2200hr Mount Royal University in 2021. Since then, she has done continuing education in Cupping and RockTape; and has plans to take many more modalities in the future. She has treated various populations over her time as an RMT, utilizing techniques such as trigger point release, myofascial release, and passive stretching. She can perform therapeutic and relaxation massage at different levels of pressure based on individual sensitivity or preference.

Kaytlyn has always wanted a job where she has the ability to help others mentally or physically. From a young age she began to have an interest in rehabilitation, based on personal injuries from soccer. She furthered her future in rehab by taking sports medicine and loved being involved as a trainer for various teams.

In her free time, she enjoys camping or spending time with friends and family.

Brittany Schmidt

Brittany obtained her 3000 hours in a two-year program in Massage Therapy at Makami College.
With each session, you will see a massive improvement in your mental and physical health. During each massage, she will focus on what is important for your body’s needs. So, whether that be deep tissue, relaxation/Swedish therapeutic, or cupping therapy. Her main goal is to heal past or present wounds stored in the body from years of trauma or conditioned negative thoughts derived from false belief systems.
I am passionate about treating mental health & believe it can greatly improve physical health. Massage therapy is healing the inside just as much as the outside, the body, mind & soul for years to come! We are part of this place not a visitor! It’s time to take charge of our body & show it self-love with a massage!

Suzana Vukovic

Suzana Vukovic is a Registered Massage Therapist with overtwenty years of experience in the health and wellness industry.

Passionate about helping people she customizes her treatments to suit clients needs utilizing different techniques such as deep tissue massage, myofascial release cupping, among others.
Excellent knowledge about human anatomy and physiology with focus on safe and effective treatments.
Certified Yoga Instructor with deep beliefs in body and mind connection she practices
healthy and active lifestyle.

Krista Bleile-White

Krista is graduate of Makami College.
While experienced in many modalities, she has special interest in therapeutic treatments, specifically regarding deep tissue massage, TMJ dysfunction, headache/migraine relief, myofascial release, trigger point therapy, orthopedic assessment, and postural rehabilitation. She has also received additional certification in nerve flossing techniques.
As someone who has in-depth experience with the debilitating physical effects of stress on the mind and body, she is deeply passionate about being able to help other people with their stress and pain management. She believes both physical and mental health are of the upmost importance and go hand in hand with living our best lives.
Aside from having her nose buried in textbooks, Krista currently spends a lot of her free time mentoring other students at the college. She also enjoys practicing yoga and spending time nature, whether it be walking, hiking, or snowboarding.

Leah Mundle

With an undergraduate degree in Biological Anthropology and a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology, Leah has a rich academic background. After venturing into the world of counselling, her heart led her back to Clinic Management.

Outside of work, Leah is a mountain-loving outdoor enthusiast who enjoys hiking, running, biking, and snowboarding. She also loves to create art, especially drawing and painting realism. Leah cherishes her family and her partner, and she proudly embraces her identity as a “cat lady,” raising her two beloved cats, Finn and Franny.

Ashley Hall

Ashley’s professional journey took an unexpected turn due to the impact of the pandemic. Previously working as a full-time hairdresser, Ashley found herself facing multiple salon closures. Determined to pursue a new path, she made the decision to return to school to become a Medical Office Assistant and Unit Clerk. With her exceptional organizational skills, she is committed to making your visit as comfortable and efficient as possible.
Outside of work, Ashley indulges in various hobbies that bring her joy and relaxation. She has a talent for crochet and delights in creating beautiful pieces. Additionally, she cherishes quality time with her beloved cats and enjoys the company of friends.

Adrienne Quinitio

Adrienne was born and raised in Calgary. During her academic year, her education was impacted due to the course of the pandemic. After graduating with a Business Administration Diploma, she worked in several different office positions. Due to the pandemic, she was able to reflect and explore different industries of interest before falling in love with the health care industry and the ability to provide service for clients in different ways, both big and small. She enjoys interacting with patients and is determined to create a positive impact with everyone.

Outside of work, she enjoys baking various sweets, spending time with friends, and playing video games.

Madison McKay

Madison moved to Calgary at the end of 2021 from the small town of Dawson Creek, BC. She has past experience working in the healthcare industry and has about 3 years’ experience working in customer service. Madison is excited to be a part of a positive environment and enjoys assisting patients and helping create a positive and caring environment. Outside of work she enjoys spending time with her family or camping with her two dogs.