Dr. Jaggi Rao is a double board certified dermatologist (Canada and USA) and a certified cosmetic surgeon. In, he received a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree with high distinction from the University of Toronto, followed by his Doctorate of Medicine (MD) from McMaster University in 1998. He then completed his 5-year specialty training in dermatology at the University of Alberta. This was followed by the completion of an accredited fellowship with the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery in Southern California. Dr. Rao is a full Professor of Medicine and served as the Program Director for the Dermatology Residency Training Program at the University of Alberta from 2009 to 2014.
Dr. Rao has won several accolades for writing, presentations, research and teaching, including the Canadian Dermatology Association’s Teacher of the Year Award. In 2011, he was the recipient of Avenue Magazine’s Top 40 under 40 Award. He has authored over 50 scientific papers and textbook chapters, and has been an invited speaker for over 500 lectures worldwide to physicians, other professionals, industry and the general public.
Clinically, Dr. Rao has been a practicing dermatologist for over 10 years, and is the founder of the Rao Dermatology Centre, a popular medical & cosmetic dermasurgery facility in the heart of Edmonton, Alberta. He has developed several innovative treatment protocols and techniques that have been adopted by other healthcare professionals. Dr. Rao is the creator and visionary behind ConsultDERM™, Canada’s largest teledermatology service, which uses modern technologies to allow healthcare providers gain timely access, regardless of distance or location, to dermatology assistance for patients with skin-related problems. Dr. Rao continues to volunteer with Doctors Without Borders (MSF) and the Canadian Physicians for Aid & Relief (CPAR).
With his talent and passion for dermatology, creative mind, and ever-helpful nature, Dr. Rao is always ready to provide education. expert advice and patient care to all who desire it.
Leila Power – Therapist
Leila graduated from the Grant MacEwan University 2200 hour massage therapy program in 2007 and has been active in her practice since then.
She started her career as a massage therapist in 2008 In the LeMarchand Mansion in Edmonton. During that time she was involved in a mixed discipline holistic health practice where she was exposed to the applications and benefits of many modalities.
Leila’s interest in physiology and massage began at an early age as a competitive Short Track Speed Skater. Her experience as an athlete informed her awareness of the body as a whole and her belief that no ailment or dysfunction stands alone. Sessions with Leila always reflect a balanced approach to the mind/body as well as the unique needs of each client.
Leila began practicing Manual Lymphatic Drainage(MLD) in 2009 after experiencing it for herself and seeing applications for it in her practice. She completed Basic and Therapy 1 levels of Dr. Vodder’s Manual Lymphatic Drainage in Victoria, BC. Since then she has applied her practice to post-operative edema, whiplash, and trauma related edema. Leila has since completed her certification in Combined Decongestive Therapy with the Dr. Vodder School International earlier this year and now treats both primary and secondary lymphedema clients. Beyond MLD Leila’s massage practice includes Hot Stone Massage, therapeutic treatment of acute and chronic musculoskeletal injuries, pre-natal massage and reflexology.
As a believer in lifelong learning Leila is always looking for opportunities to learn new techniques and skills whether they relate to massage, cooking or the outdoors. Outside of her work Leila enjoys the company of her family, friends and dogs, camping, snowboarding and cycling.
Linda Ching – Therapist
Linda graduated from MacEwan University in 2013 with a Diploma in Massage Therapy. The program consists of 2200 hours of training in a variety of techniques including trigger point therapy, manual lymphatic drainage, myofascial release, muscle energy techniques, joint mobilizations, sports and pregnancy massage. She incorporates these techniques in her treatment of sports, work-related and motor vehicle injuries.
Linda is a member of the Massage Therapist Association of Alberta (MTAA) and has been taking further continuing education courses to further expand her practice as a massage therapist. She has received training in kinesio taping and is trained in the Vodder method of manual lymphatic drainage (MLD).
Her hobbies include playing volleyball, the ukulele, and travelling.”
Dawn Hall- Therapist
Dawn graduated from the 3000hr Massage Therapy program at Makami College in 2012 and has been practicing
ever since. Her modalities include: deep tissue, realxation, sports, myofacial release and hot stone massage.
Over time Dawn discovered that some pain that patients were experiencing was caused by undiagnosed lymphedema, edema from existing injuries or overuse. After completeing the Vodders Manual Lymphatic Drainage and Combined Decongestive Therapy training in 2018, Dawn joined Salutaris Centre where she added to her modalities and now specifically treats Musculoskeletal and Lymphatic conditions such as: post-operative edema, injury edema, fibromyalgia and acute to chronic pain associated with MVA’s.
Apart from work Dawn enjoys spending time with her family and friends, hiking and running.
Ashley is an Exercise Physiologist, sanctioned by the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology, the most advanced health and fitness practioner designation recognized in Canada. She holds her Bachelor of Kinesiology degree and is finishing her Master of Science in Physical Therapy at the University of Alberta. Ashley is an Aquatic Therapist for Lymphodema and has founded Aquatic Therapy and fitness. She is also a certified Yoga and Pilates instructor.
With over 15 years of clinical experience, Ashley is an expert and leader in her field. Her passion is in the areas of chronic disease management, injury prevention, pain management, exercise reconditioning and peak performance training.
In her spare time, you will find Ashley volunteering, travelling, scuba diving, surfing, hiking and spending quality time with her friends and family.
Ian Soles – Therapist & President
In 2010 he co-founded Salutaris Centre for Lymphatic & Massage Therapy in Edmonton with Dr. Dianne Kipnes leading it to be recognized by Alberta Health Services (AHS) as a comprehensive lymphedema clinic serving cancer and non-cancer related adult and pediatric clients.
In 2014 Ian delivered a paper at the International Lymphedema Framework Conference in Glasgow, Scotland entitled Putting Lymphedema on the Map in Alberta. In addition he has presented numerous sessions on lymphatic therapy to healthcare professionals, industry and patient groups. He also initiated and presented two Patient Education Series on Chronic Edema & Lymphedema in conjunction with MacEwan University and 3M Canada.
Following his participation in the development of a lymphatic research initiative at the Synder Institute for Chronic Disease, University of Calgary Ian was asked to co-lead an Alberta Lymphedema Network research initiative between:
University of Calgary Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases,
University of Calgary Kipnes Lymphatic Imaging Suite,
University of Alberta National Institute of Nanotechnology and
University of Alberta Human Metabolomics Project
to create a collaborative, sustainable, province-wide lymphedema research project for presentation to Alberta Innovates-Health Solutions.
Ian currently serves on the:
Board of the North American Vodder Association of Lymphatic Therapy
Canadian Lymphedema Framework Education Working Group
Member of:
The National Lymphedema Network (USA)
International Society of Lymphology (ISL)
Massage Therapist Association of Alberta MTAA)
In 2014 Ian was presented with the inaugural award by the MTAA for Professional Practice.
Athena Pidborochynki- Reception and Administration
Your first contact with Salutaris Centre is likely to be Athena Pidborochynski. Athena handles our administration and reception and is present Monday – Friday between 8:30am – 3:00pm to assist us in seamlessly meeting your needs. Whether you have questions about therapist availability, massage therapy coverage, or some general questions concerning our massage therapy services Athena will be pleased to address your inquiries.
Athena has a wide range of customer service and administration experience in a variety of industries since 2000 and is fully familiar with Salutaris’ services.
Athena is a proud Mother to her daughter and enjoys flying back to NS to visit her parents any chance she can. Athena also enjoys crocheting, attending her daughters soccer games throughout the year and she and her husband are avid campers. She enjoys taking her 2 dogs to the park and is also a die hard Oilers fan.
I’ve been going to see Lee Saunders for several years for massage thèrepy and he is the best there is. Hands down (so to speak). Salutaris is a very comfortable, clean and welcoming environment. Prices are competitive. Salutaris (and Lee) are well worth visiting.
Julie Barnett
★★★★★
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The most impressive thing about Salutaris is that massage is not just a physical, one dimensional activity. At the clinic, massage is a molding and a healing, a bringing back together of body, mind and soul. I see the goal as wanting to return these three to perfect harmony. I have had a few other massage therapists who are very adept at massage therapy. I have never left feeling as whole as when I leave Salutaris.
Dr. Michael Taciuk
★★★★★
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I had hip resurfacing done – it’s called the Birmingham procedure – on my right hip. I went for Manual Lymph Drainage treatment to see if it would help my recovery. And it did. I was treated very professionally, but also very gently. I felt comfortable and confident that this was the right place for me to be. And the treatment worked. It made me feel better and certainly helped me recover from surgery more quickly.
Bob MacDonald
★★★★★
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I had surgery on my knees. The pain was so intense that people told me it hurt to watch me walk. I knew a little about lymphatic drainage, and thought it might help after surgery. It did. It was fantastic. I could literally see the swelling go down. The therapist drained the equivalent of a bottle of wine in a week. I healed much quicker. The surgeon was amazed I could return to my job, running up and down steel ladders. I’d been terrified I wouldn’t be able to work there again.
Myron Penner
★★★★★
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“When I first came to Salutaris, I was very skeptical of the MLD technique – but was desperate and willing to try anything. My hip and lower legs were agony from an inflamed disc. I tried other forms of massage and acupuncture but nothing was effective. Since I started MLD and massage therapy at Salutaris I’ve got consistently better. I’m now sleeping through the night and am almost completely off pain medication. As a sufferer of chronic low-back pain, I’ve found this has been the most effective treatment by far.”
Cruise Dleifsnam
★★★★★
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Highly recommend. Nice secretary and they served me well. Felt way better leaving. Her husband had a concussion like me but worse. We had a good talk for like 10 minutes over the phone. So nice of her to take that little extra time and have a great customer bond like that. They truly care about their clients. Give them Your business. Will be seeing you again one day.