ABOUT US
Reach was created in 2021 out of our desire to bring specialized advanced skills in hand therapy and sports physiotherapy to a community-based clinic. We want to help Edmontonians be their best selves and get back to doing what they love.
OUR TREATMENT PHILOSOPHY
TEAM PLAYERS
Reach believes in an interdisciplinary and collaborative approach to treatment. Each therapist has a unique set of skills and experience and we will make sure to pair you with the therapist who is best equipped to meet your needs. As you progress through your journey and your needs change, your therapist may connect you with another Reach therapist to ensure you always have the best team around you.
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We also believe in the active involvement of our clients in their treatment. Your goals are our goals which is why we need you to be an active participant in your rehabilitation. We are here to give you the tools to succeed. Whether you are attending hand therapy or sports physiotherapy, be ready to get moving!
EDUCATION = EMPOWERMENT
At Reach, we believe that education is the key to success. Understanding your injury, what caused it and how we are going to fix it is the basis to your successful long-lasting outcome. We are also committed to pursuing our own education to always provide you with evidence-based practice and cutting-edge treatments.
NO ONE LIKE YOU
Our therapists are experts in their field and are well versed in the most recent research and protocols. Our years of experience allow us to customize each protocol and treatment technique to your specific needs. No two injuries are exactly the same and therefore no two clients should be treated exactly the same. Our comprehensive assessment will allow us to understand your injury and, by listening to you during valuable 1-on-1 sessions, we can develop your perfect customized treatment plan.
MEET THE TEAM
AUDREE FOSTER
MScOT, OTR, CHT
Occupational Therapist, Certified Hand Therapist, Owner
Audree is originally from Montreal where she graduated in 2011 with a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from the University of Montreal. Early on during her postgraduate studies, Audree knew that hand therapy was the branch of occupational therapy that was meant for her. Audree spent over 6 years as a part of the University of Alberta Hospital Outpatient Surgery Department working with hand therapy patients before creating Reach with Steven and Nicole. Audree is currently certified with the Alberta College of Occupational Therapists and the National Board for Certification of Occupational Therapists (USA) and is a member of the Canadian Society of Hand Therapists and the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists. Audree obtained her Certified Hand Therapist designation in 2020.
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You will often hear Audree describe hand therapy as the perfect mix between healthcare and arts and crafts. Despite not being a very crafty person outside of work, Audree uses her knowledge of the biomechanics of the hand and upper extremity to create inventive orthoses to meet her clients’ needs. Audree strives to help her clients regain maximal function by listening and understanding who they are and what matters to them.
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Audree believes that attitude is a strong factor in determining the outcome of any situation, especially following an injury. Audree is a very positive person who will do everything she can to bring joy, positivity and smiles to her clients throughout their often difficult journey.
Outside of the clinic, you can find Audree running with her dog Piper, enjoying a glass of wine or hopping on a flight to a far away country.
NICOLE NILSON
BScOT, BScKin, CHT
Occupational Therapist, Certified Hand Therapist, Owner
Nicole grew up in Edmonton where she attended the University of Alberta. Nicole’s interest in anatomy and physiology led her to obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology in 2006. Knowing she wanted to pursue a career in health care, Nicole continued her studies and obtained a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy in 2008. After graduating, Nicole immediately began working in the Outpatient Surgery Department at the University of Alberta Hospital specializing in hand therapy. Nicole spent 13 years at the University of Alberta Hospital working as a hand therapist prior to opening Reach with Steven and Audree. Nicole is currently certified with the Alberta College of Occupational therapists and is a member of the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists as well as of the Canadian Society of Hand Therapists. Nicole obtained her Certified Hand Therapist designation in 2021.
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Nicole’s approach to treatment is one of collaboration, from the initial assessment to the time of discharge. Nicole believes that if her clients have a clear understanding of their diagnosis and treatment plan, it will set them up for success. Nicole focuses on providing her clients with specific tools which include orthoses fabrication, manual therapy, and exercise programs to achieve goals meaningful to them. Nicole continues to seek out the latest evidence-based research to ensure her clients are being provided the most current information.
When Nicole is not in the clinic, she spends her time working out, running, biking, walking her dogs and enjoying several summer weekends camping with her family.
STEVEN CINDRIC
BScPT, COMT, MBA
Physiotherapist, Owner
After graduating in 2000 with a Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy from Curtin University of Technology in Western Australia, Steven started working for the public health sector and private practice both in Australia and in Canada. Steven has extensive knowledge and experience in treating sporting injuries and strives to provide his clients with relief from upper and lower limb injuries, headaches, as well as neck and back injuries. While living in Cairns, Australia, Steven had the privilege of working with some of the professional basketball players from the Cairns Taipans (National Basketball League), as well as working as the lead physiotherapist for the Australian National Inline Hockey team.
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In 2010, Steven completed his Certificate of Manual Therapy (COMT) from Curtin University of Technology in Western Australia. Steven has also taken courses specializing in manual therapy, neck and back pain, neuro dynamics, shoulder rehabilitation, medical acupuncture (TCM) and dry needling. Steven is currently certified with the Physiotherapy Alberta College and Association. Steven has worked at the University of Alberta hospital as the Professional Practice Lead for physiotherapy as well as in clinical roles in hand therapy and orthopedics. Steven also worked as the interim Physiotherapy Team Lead for the Stollery Children's Hospital Outpatient Pediatric Services. Steven completed his Master of Business Administration (MBA) at the University of Western Australia in 2021.
In his free time, Steven enjoys being an early riser, going to the gym, gardening, camping, and skiing. Most importantly, Steven enjoys going for a bike ride or to the park with his two young daughters and coaching their soccer and hockey teams.
NATHAN SCHMIDT
MScPT
Physiotherapist
Nathan completed his Masters in Physical Therapy at the University of Alberta in 2019. Previously, he completed a Bachelors of Science with a Psychology Major in 2016. Since his completion of the physiotherapy program, Nathan has enjoyed working with a variety of patient populations in his local community, including athletes, post-operative patients, chronic pain patients and vestibular patients.
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Nathan was drawn into the profession of Physical Therapy after suffering from a number of sports injuries in his youth. Physical Therapy helped him achieve full recovery, allowing him to get back to the activities he loves, and has kept him passionate about helping others do the same.
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Nathan’s treatment approach focuses intently on patient education, therapeutic exercise, manual therapy, and patient empowerment to help individuals get back to the things they love doing most in their lives. His goal is to give you the tools you need to live an active and healthy lifestyle. Nathan is fully certified and has received post graduate training in Dry Needling, Spinal Manipulation, Vestibular Rehabilitation, Concussion Rehabilitation and Chronic Pain Management.
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In his free time, Nathan likes to stay active at the gym with an emphasis on strength training and enjoys picking up casual soccer and hockey games with friends. He can often be found walking trails in the river valley with his dog Baxter.
CODY GARNER
MScPT, BScKin, CSEP - CEP
Physiotherapist, Clinical Exercise Physiologist
Cody completed his Master’s Degree in Physical Therapy at the University of Alberta in 2022. Previously, he completed a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology in 2018. Cody is a member of the Canadian Society of Exercise Physiology (CSEP) with a Clinical Exercise Physiologist Certification. While pursuing his studies, Cody worked in a hospital setting gaining experience with various clinical populations as well as in the community as a personal trainer.
Cody takes a multimodal approach to treatment with an emphasis on patient education, active rehabilitation, and manual therapy. Cody seeks to provide evidence-based care while meeting client preferences. Cody focuses on providing his clients with tools so they can self manage and improve their overall resiliency. Cody has a passion for strength and conditioning and enjoys applying these principles in the climbing population. He aspires to obtain his Certified Hand Therapist designation.
When Cody is not in the clinic, he spends way too much time in the climbing gym or out running in the mountains.
GABRIELLE MARTIN
MScPT, BScKin, Certified in Dry Needling
Physiotherapist
Gabrielle (Gabby) completed her Master of Science in Physical Therapy at the University of Alberta in 2020. Prior to that, she obtained her Bachelor of Science Honors with Specialization in Kinesiology in 2018 from the University of Western Ontario.
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After graduating from her Masters, Gabby worked in a private sport medicine and physiotherapy clinic in Calgary. Since moving to Edmonton in 2021, she has worked in a variety of settings including community clinic, in-patient hospital, and virtual rehab.
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Gabby gained an appreciation for the field of Hand Therapy while on a clinical rotation in physiotherapy school. Her preferred treatment method involves a mix of hands-on manual therapies and exercise therapy in order to optimize physical function. She is certified in dry needling which she uses in adjunct to other treatment methods. She enjoys providing patient education to help her patients understand their condition and path to recovery.
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In her spare time, Gabby enjoys cooking, learning how to make latte art, and staying active.
EMILY LYSENG
MScPT, BScPhEd
Physiotherapist
Emily completed her Master’s Degree in Physical Therapy at the University of Alberta in 2023. Prior, she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education in 2019 with distinction, during which time Emily was a student athlete, competing in Cross Country Running. Upon becoming a physical therapist, Emily accepted a role in the critical care and ICU.
Emily’s practice is influenced by her work in the hospital, where she sees patients who are profoundly ill, including those recovering from heart attacks, brain injury, stroke, and more. Seeing all of this reminds her just how precious our physical function truly is, and drew her to expand her practice into the community. Emily firmly believes that rehabilitation is a gateway for people to return to the activities and aspects of their lives they find meaningful, and this informs her approach to her practice.
Emily seeks to get to know you, what you value, and empower you in your rehab through education. Together, you’ll create a plan that works within your lifestyle, and work towards your goals. This includes a mix of active and hands-on therapies in a combo that best suits you.
Emily has a wide variety of interests, but is particularly passionate about building skills and fostering positive experiences with youth in sport. Outside of the clinic, Emily finds great joy in spending time teaching adaptive skiing, whitewater kayaking, and generally being outside. When not outside, she likes to curl up with a good book, cook, and try her hand at embroidery.
Interdisciplinary Therapy Assistant
SAM HOLSTIENE
Therapy Assistant
Sam completed a diploma in the Interdisciplinary Therapy Assistant program at NorQuest College. Previously Sam had an artistic career, which provided her with a variety of skills that she can now incorporate into therapy. Sam first discovered her interest in physiotherapy while practicing martial arts growing up. As an adult, she rediscovered her passion for fitness and adapting exercises to suit peoples needs. She has a special interest in anatomy, physiology, neuroscience and psychology.
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Throughout her education, Sam has become interested in Occupational Therapy, which allows her to use her jack of all trades nature to assist people in all aspects of their lives, think outside the box, and connect with a variety of people. No matter what the focus is, Sam strives to set clients up for success!
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Outside of work and school, Sam plays soccer, participates in obstacle course races, and enjoys game nights with friends.
CHARLENE HOLMSTROM
Administrative Assistant
Charlene completed her BSc. in Nutrition and Food Science with a minor in Physical Activity at the University of Alberta. Throughout her education, Charlene has become particularly interested in working with athletes, which has led her to pursue the Dietetics Specialization program in the Fall of 2023. She aspires to be a Sports Dietician in the near future. Growing up, her passion for sports and health inspired her to find a career where she could help others achieve their wellness and performance goals.
As an athlete who has sustained injuries, Charlene understands the importance of working with qualified health professionals to overcome such adversities. Physiotherapy has played a big role in her success in the gym and in everyday life. She is happy to help clients connect with the right therapist to meet their needs.
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Outside of work and school, Charlene enjoys hiking with her dogs, gardening, training in the gym, and finding new local coffee shops.