Melissa Smith graduated from the University of Manitoba with a Masters in Physical Therapy Program in 2015. Melissa has a keen interest in orthopaedics, sports injuries, and rehabilitation through exercise. Prior to completing her masters degree, she completed a Bachelor of Kinesiology at the University of Manitoba in 2011.

Melissa grew up on a mixed cattle and grain farm in Western Manitoba. From there she went on to complete a Kinesiology Degree from the University of Manitoba. After school she managed Anytime Fitness in Winnipeg for two years. There she became a Certified Personal Trainer and worked with a variety of clients to help them reach their goals. After working for 2 years Melissa decided to further her education and completed her Masters of Physiotherapy at the University of Manitoba in 2015.

Melissa also worked part time for 7 years at World 3 on 3 Hockey Federation teaching one on one hockey skills from ages 3-13. Hockey has always been a passion for Melissa and she continues to play in the Beausejour Commercial League. In the summer time you can find her on the ball diamond or running around town.

Melissa has completed several continuing education courses since graduation. Through the Orthopaedic Division of Canada she has completed her Level 1, and Level 2 Upper and Lower courses. She has also completed course including Soft Tissue Mobilizations, The Mulligan’s Concept, and Foot Injuries.

Melissa looks forward to meeting you and helping you regain the movement you need to reach your goals.

Jennifer Penman graduated from the University of Manitoba’s Faculty of Medical Rehabilitation with a degree in Physical Therapy in 2004. She has focused in orthopaedic physiotherapy issues since 2004. She has been apart of the Oakbank community since 2011.

Jennifer is a fitness and health enthusiast. In University she competed in Cross Country and Track & Field with the University of Manitoba Bisons. She continues to enjoy an active lifestyle including running, hiking, paddling, and cross-country skiing. She is passionate about motivating others to be active.

Jennifer strongly believes in continuous lifelong learning. She is certified in acupuncture from the Acupuncture Foundation of Canada Institute. She has completed numerous continuing education courses, including the Orthopaedic Division of Canada Level 1 and Level 2.

Jennifer looks forward to helping you achieve a healthy and active lifestyle.

Lauren Nicholson graduated from the University of Manitoba with a Masters of Physical Therapy in 2018 and a Bachelors of Science in 2015. Lauren has a passion for musculoskeletal and neurological rehabilitation, with a particular interest in Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinsons disease. Lauren's infectious optimism helps her maintain an emphasis on ability compared to disability. Her goals are to work together with clients to optimize injury recovery time, foster physical growth, and improve their general functioning.

Lauren was born and raised in Winnipeg, but frequently visits Oakbank to see family. Lauren was involved in multiple dance classes throughout her youth, later focusing on competitive volleyball. She continues to be involved in sports such as ballet, softball, ultimate frisbee, and co-ed volleyball.

Outside of work Lauren enjoys crafting, playing recreational sports, as well as spending time with family at the lake. Lauren looks forward to meeting new clients and helping them improve their quality of life.

Mallory Black certified as an Athletic Therapist in 2016 after graduating from the University of Winnipeg with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology. Throughout her studies Mallory worked with several high level sports teams and individual athletes. Mallory Black has since enjoyed developing her clinical practice with the general public. Mallory loves working with acute injuries, functional movement and clients looking to reduce pain and better their wellness goals.

On the side Mallory enjoys staying active, gardening, curling, and being a first time cat-Mom in her new home with her partner in Beausejour.

Tamara Rogocki graduated from Wellington College of Remedial Massage Therapies in 1998. She practiced at a busy physiotherapy clinic in Winnipeg, MB for 10 years and moved to Oakbank with her family in 2008.

To say she is passionate about Massage Therapy and it’s benefits is an understatement. Since graduating she has taken many courses to complement her practice such as myofascial release, sports massage, pregnancy massage and trigger point therapy just to name a few.

Tamara’s goal is too provide her clients with a great massage, whether it to be increase range of motion, decrease pain through therapeutic treatment or reduce stress through a general relaxation massage.

She is humbled to be apart of a clients health journey and is determined in giving her clients the best care needed.

Carly Humen graduated from Wellington College of Remedial Massage Therapies in June 2018. Prior to entering the field of massage therapy Carly worked as a bookkeeper for a non-profit organization for 10 years. She has always had a strong desire to help people and decided to follow her dream of becoming a massage therapist due to her strong belief in the countless emotional, mental and physical benefits of Massage Therapy.

While completing her training at Wellington College, Carly developed a strong passion for the wellness and overall health of her clients. By providing assessment-based treatments that are tailored to the specific needs of each individual client, she strives to provide the best therapeutic outcome with each appointment.

Carly strongly believes that a career in massage therapy involves lifelong learning and is excited to work with such an amazing team.

Lisa Taylor-Moore graduated from Wellington College Remedial Massage Therapy in June 2020. While training at Wellington she completed courses in Reflexology, Hot Stone and Spa Practice. Lisa has developed a passion for the care of her clients and tailors each appointment to her client’s needs.

Her outgoing personality, smile and passion shows you the care she has for her clients. Her future plans are to take courses for pre and post-natal massage, cupping, myofascial release and lymphatic drainage.

When not at work you’ll find her spending time with her husband and kids, camping, gardening and playing with her dogs. She also enjoys volunteering with her favorite animal rescue, Manitoba Mutts Dog Rescue.

Candace was raised just outside of Oakbank while attending school in town from K-12. Candace now resides in the Cooks Creek area. Gaining experience during the last 9 years working locally as an office administrator, Candace has developed a passion of being a part of the team to help people help themselves.

While not at work Candace enjoys spending time with her family, husband, and their two pugs Riley & Charlie. In her free time she enjoys gardening, cooking, reading and camping.

Candace is looking forward to greeting you when you come in! See you soon!

Debbie recently moved to the Brokenhead area and joined the Pine Ridge Physical Therapy team. Debbie is originally from Springfield area where she and her husband raised their family. She has worked in the health care field for her entire career.

When not at work, Debbie spends her free time crafting, gardening, hiking with her dog, and spending time at the cabin with family and friends. Debbie is very excited for the arrival of her first grandchild and her daughter’s upcoming wedding. She looks forward to greeting you at your next visit.

Alicia is currently in high school attending Springfield Collegiate. Alicia has been an athlete since day one. Alicia has participated in dance, soccer, volleyball, rugby, and many more. Being the athlete, she is there is obviously ups and downs. For the down times when she was interrupted by an injury, Pine Ridge Physical Therapy has always had her back supporting her in recovery.

Alicia is very ambitious and following graduation she is determined to become a surgeon graduating from the university of Manitoba. For Alicia this is more than a part time job and is thankful to get the opportunity to have an insight into the field of physiotherapy.

Sydney has been dancing since she was 3 years old and has always had a passion for the body and how it moves. After Sydney started teaching dance she was determined to join the world of physiotherapy and sports injuries. Sydney has been an athlete her whole life and suffered many injuries along the way. Being an athlete Sydney has an appreciation for the work being done at Pine Ridge Physical Therapy.

Sydney wants to learn more about physical therapy by having this experience to work with Melissa and see how things are done. Sydney recently graduated from Springfield Collegiate Institute in Oakbank and is excited to go back to school. Sydney is planning to pursue a degree in physical therapy. Sydney wants to continue her travels around the world and experience many new cultures while making many new memories. Sydney has already travelled overseas but can’t wait to go back and experience it all again.

Julia Millan Bio Coming Soon!