Our Therapists
The Water Garden is special because we have one of the widest ranges of therapists under one roof, all working together to make sure you get exactly the right therapy for your particular concerns. Meet the therapists here.
Christy Bruce
CHRISTY BRUCE conducts Craniosacral Therapy at the Water Garden.
Christy's deepest passion in choosing to do CranioSacral Therapy and Clinical Acupressure is to help people. She loves it when her clients report they are no longer experiencing pain that they've had almost continuously for five years, or they are happily surprised when their neck releases and they suddenly have more movement. But what she loves most, and the deepest reason she enjoys giving CranioSacral and Acupressure sessions, is the simple, yet deep and profound, relaxation and release of tension that people experience.
The biggest killer in
the world today is stress. Diseases such as cancer, stroke, and heart
disease are all related to stress. And often, there's no indication
until it's too late.
Christy believes that giving yourself or someone you love the gift of something
that is nourishing and relaxing and helps release tension and stress, on
a regular basis, could be the biggest gift you could give. You, and the
people you love, are worth it. She looks forward to working with you and being part of your connection to a more relaxed, healthier, and happier life.
Christy was trained in CranioSacral Therapy at the Upledger Institute, and in Clinical Acupressure from Soul Lightening. She has a Certificate in Jungian Archetypal Psychotherapy, a Masters Degree in Liberal Studies - Psychology Emphasis from Regis University in Denver, CO (U.S.A.) and a Bachelors Degree in Psychology from the University of Colorado in Boulder, CO (U.S.A)
Lisa Hanel Bio
LISA HANEL BA, CPCC.
Lisa is the Water Garden's Gluten Expert and Life Coach.
A coach since 2006, Lisa builds on skills and experience as a theatre practitioner, care worker with young offenders, artist and entrepreneur. Certified by the Coaches Training Institute, she also holds a BA in Drama from the UK. Weaving together the practical, professional and profound, Lisa uses the body’s inner intelligence throughout her work. She grew up in many countries, including Indonesia and cherishes the cultural, spiritual and global imprint that continues to enliven her. Lisa is passionate about bringing fun, creativity, openness, brightness and depth to her sessions and wide range of clients.
“There are two great days in a person’s life - the day we are born and the day we discover why.” William Barclay
Gunnar Hansen
DR. GUNNAR HANSEN, M.D, R.Ac. Gunnar conducts sessions in Integrated Health, Acupuncture, Homeopathy, Naturopathy and Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Gunnar is a Medical Doctor and Licensed Acupuncturist from Germany where he practiced as a family physician and psychiatric crisis intervention since graduating from medical school in 1990.
Gunnar has studied alternative and complementary therapies for more than 20 years, including trainings at The Open International University for Complementary Medicines, Colombo, Sri Lanka; DÄGfA, The German Doctors Acupuncture Association; CAN, College for Acupuncture and Naturopathic Medicine, Germany and others. He has integrated acupuncture, homeopathy and his understanding of conventional Western medicine into a holistic form of practice that is able to address individual and specific needs.
With his patients he enjoys exploring all factors, open and hidden stressors that can block the healing mechanism and contribute to chronic disease. Gunnar specializes in acupuncture on microsystems, eg. ear acupuncture, and the use of homeopathic remedies to support your body´s innate capacity of self regulation.
Kimberly Fontaine
KIMBERLY FONTAINE, RMT, OTT. Kim conducts Deep Tissue, Sports & Therapeutic, Onsen and Treatment Focused Massages.
As a former resident of St. Albert, Kim is excited to be returning here for work.
After many years in the business side of Health Care, Kim realized that she wanted to make a more direct impact in the lives of others and decided to return to school for Massage Therapy. As a Registered Massage Therapist, Kim utilizes many different techniques to personalize and ensure each client's treatment is tailored specifically to meet their needs. Kim's interest in holistic practices continues to grow and although she has practiced many different techniques over the years she currently specializes in Therapeutic Massage, Onsen Technique, Muscle Taping, Myofacial Release, Brain Gym and Reiki.
Pat Lavender
PAT LAVENDER RMT, COTT. Pat conducts Deep Tissue, Sports & Therapeutic, Onsen and Treatment Focused Massages. Formerly of Whitemud Crossing Clinic Pat is considered a leading light in her field.
For the last sixteen years Pat has been healing people other therapists have given up on. Pat was a medical researcher before turning to Massage. She has taken numerous courses in Advanced Massage Therapies, Rib Dysfunction, Proprioceptive Taping Techniques, Sports Taping Techniques, Lymphatics, Brain Gym, Reiki, Myofascial, Swiss Ball, Therapeutic Touch and Bach Flower Remedies.
Jack Lewis Bio
JACK LEWIS, REGISTERED PSYCHOLOGIST. Jack conducts sessions in Individual, Couples & Family Counseling and Stress Reduction Sessions.
Jack has been practicing psychology for over 30 years and has worked as a senior psychologist and consultant in a variety of community settings as well as private practice. For the last 10 years Jack has been a counsellor for the employees of the City of Edmontnon and several large Edmonton companies.
Jack's approach is compassionate and gentle. He will support and guide you in learning skills and strategies that lead to a more fulfilling life. Jack believes that everyone has the ability to find their own wany once they are given the right encouragement and support. He uses cognitive and behavioural techniques support by mindfulness and self inquirey. He is effective because he is able to be totally present to your needs and truly hear what you are communicating.
Meg Oechslin Bio
Meg is the Water Garden's Registered Dietitian. She coordinates the Optimal Nutrition Program, offering nutrition consultations, seminars, and customized packages.
Her academic and professional experience in the field of nutrition spans 30 years. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Home Economics/Dietetics, a Master of Science Degree in Nutrition and is a Registered Dietitian with The College of Dietitians of Alberta and Dietitians of Canada.
Her passion for food, nutrition and wellness have taken her across North America, working in a variety of capacities and settings. In a holistic and practical fashion, Meg weaves together the science of nutrition and the art of nourishment, specializing in nutritional counseling and nutritional supplement education. Her approach is positive, practical and pro-active. She supports, inspires and empowers individuals and families in their quest to eat healthier, be healthier, feel healthier.
Jerry Rothenberg Bio
Jerry Rothenberg has been a Psychotherapist and Counsellor since 1972. He conducts our Psychotherapy & Counseling for Individuals sessions.
With over 30 years experience Jerry also has extensive training in Jungian therapy, Reichian Body Analysis, Bio-Energetics, Gestalt, Encounter, Psychosynthesis and Couples Counselling.
Jerry was known as the 'psychotherapist's psychotherapist' in the UK where he was a leading figure in positioning psychotherapy into a postive pursuit - evreyone does better when they get help to unblock emotional problems, find fulfiment and see and accept themselves as they truly are. Even though he now practices in Edmonton, Jerry retains his post as Senior Clinical Supervisor of Tower Hamlets College Counsellor Diploma Training in London, England.He also has a private practice in Edmonton and England via the phone.
Jerry also studied Eastern Philosophy and has been a meditation practitioner for over 40 years.
He believes that Pschotherapy/Counselling is a powerful and effective tool for self-enquiry. ln a supportive and caring enviornment you have the opportunity to examine your life and learn how to explore the various issues and choices you have made that have shaped who you are an individual.
Through honest self-reflection you can overcome some of the patterning of childhood and adult challenges, building new skills of strength, ability and self acceptance. A worthy journey to undertake.
Irma Schuur
IRMA SCHUUR RCRT. Irma conducts Reflexology and Indian Head Massage sessions.
With almost 10 years experience Irma Schuur is a Registered Canadian Reflexology Therapist. As well as providing much needed relaxation she also specializes in Therapeutic Reflexology on Hands and Feet. She has helped many improve the quality of their life by treating everything from arthritis pain, headaches/migraines, back pain, poor circulation, sleep disturbances, hand/foot complaints, stress/pain management and much more. Irma continues to dedicate herself to her clients by inspiring trust, providing quality services, knowledge and treatments.
Irma is a Member of the Reflexology Association of Canada and Natural Health Practitioners of Canada
Sherry Mahe
SHERRY MAHE is a Certified & Registered Reflexologist with the Natural Health Practitioners of Canada & also holds an Advanced Diploma for Holistic Health Practitioner.
She has been providing reflexology for several years and has worked with a wide range of clients from St.Albert and surrounding areas. Sherry's main focus is Reflexology, however, she also incorporates nutrition, herbology, & reiki into her individualized sessions. A session with Sherry is extremely relaxing, and provides much needed stress-relief for body & mind. Sherry's experience has allowed her to help many individuals therapeutically, including some of the following ailments: digestive disorders, headaches/migraines, sleep disturbances, hormonal imbalances, pain & stress management. Sherry uses a firm, but deeply relaxing & calming touch, as she strives to assist her clients to reach their highest health potential.
Ivan Soletsky
IVAN SOLETSKY RMT, COTT. Rob conducts Deep Tissue, Sports & Therapeutic, Onsen and Treatment Focused Massages. Formerly of Whitemud Crossing Clinic.
Ivan has more than fifteen year's experience as an RMT, COTT and Sports Therapist. He has taken extensive courses in Advanced Massage Therapie, Spinal Stabilization, Rib Dysfunction and Brain Gym.
Rob Sterling
ROB STERLING RMT, OTT. Rob conducts Deep Tissue, Sports & Therapeutic, Onsen and Treatment Focused Massages. Formerly of Whitemud Crossing Clinic.
Rob is an RMT/OTT with eleven years experience and on-going training in courses such as Thai Massage, Onsen Technique, Brain Gym, Rib Dysfunctions, Spinal Stabilization and Swiss Ball Training
Mei-Chi Chan
Mei-Chi Chan, BA, MA in Core Process Psychotherapy
Mei-Chiʼs trained in a contemplative style of psychotherapy that originated from the Buddhist tradition. It recognizes that life and reality is bigger than our individual perceptions and beliefs. That much of our suffering arises from patterned and sometimes harmful beliefs that we hold as our identity. Her approach is to meet you in the immediacy of who you are and what you bring without judgement. She brings deep listening and reflection to both your immediate issues and to the deeper underlying layers of beliefs and
conditioning that manifest those issues. For Mei-Chi and her clients, the core of the therapy is in the relationship that is built between them. It creates a foundation for real, honest and loving enquiry. The sessions are often surprising and spontaneous. Whilst techniques are sometimes used – they always serve what is most relevant in the moment. The work can sometimes be painful and very often joyful but you will cherish the growth.
Mei-Chi trained for four years in the UK as a Core-Process Psychotherapist and graduated in 2005. To find out more information about Core-process, visit the website: http://www.karuna-institute.co.uk/core/index.html
Sheʼs worked in hospitals, private practice and more recently with refugees and new immigrants to Canada.
Mariano Torres Bio
Mariano is an Alberta-registered acupuncturist and a member of the Natural Health Practitioners of Canada. Mariano conducts Acupuncture and Integrated Acupuncture & Massage Therapy sessions at the Water Garden.
Mariano specializes in integrating healing therapies and finding new ways to address the health concerns of his patients.
But it wasn't always that way . . . Mariano was born and raised in Buenos Aires, Argentina. His earliest childhood dream was to become a Hollywood star, so he first pursued the thespian arts. When acting didn't turn out to be his forte, he switched the focus of his studies to marketing and advertising. His next aspiration, to design ad campaigns and travel the world, was closer to the mark. He spent several years flying high as the director of the communication department of an international production company, working in Sao Paolo, Buenos Aires and Los Angeles.
Ultimately, however, he realized that he had not yet found his calling, so he left the marketing world behind and went to India, where he discovered a deeper meaning, and was drawn to the study of massage. That was the first step on the road he has since travelled.
Mariano started his studies in the healing arts in 1997 with a prolonged trip to the east. He was trained in traditional Thai massage in Chiang Mai, Thailand, Zen Shiatsu in Dharamsala, India, and Ayurvedic Medicine in Kerala, India. He went on to further studies in massage at the Esalen Institute in Big Sur, California and in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and he worked in healing clinics and taught workshops in Germany, Scotland, Argentina and Spain. Feeling the need to deepen his understanding and add further treatment modalities, he then undertook the study of traditional Chinese Medicine and acupuncture in Edmonton.
He most recently studied advanced pain relief techniques with Kiiko Matsumoto, director of the Acupuncture Course for physicians at the Harvard Medical School. He is passionate in his pursuit of real knowledge and styles of work, and frequently attends workshops and seminars..
Dr. Eric Weiss Bio
DR. ERIC WEISS, O.M.D., R.Ac. Eric conducts sessions in Acupuncture, Traditional Chinese Medcine and Bio Flow Mapping.
Dr. Eric Weiss has a Diploma in Traditional Chinese Medicine and is a registered acupuncturist who has practiced medicine in Asia, the U.S and Canada for over 15 years. His teacher, Dr. Lamb Kong, comes from a lineage of ten generations.
As well as acupuncture and Chinese herbs Dr. Weiss employs cutting edge technologies to assist in diagnosis and treatment of conditions, including Bio-Flow Mapping.
Dr. Weiss uses laboratory tested herbs, free of heavy metals, pesticides and preservatives.
"Eric is a dedicated and gifted healer. He is very knowledgeable about his craft and has been a great support in helping me recover my health and wellbeing", Michael Wallace, Edmonton, AB.
"Oriental medicine is a totally integrated approach. It gives your health back to where it belongs - to yourself. And it works. Than you Eric", Erik Hochheimer, MD. Amsterdam, Holland.
