Massage Therapists and Staffs
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
Dawn Hall- Therapist
ever since. Her modalities include: deep tissue, realxation, sports, myofacial release and hot stone massage.
Ashley Harden- Exercise Physiologist MSc. PT (Candidate), BKin, CEP
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.
