Our Fresh Start Health Retreat Team Members
Dr. Lise Maltais ND
Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine
Dr. Lise is a very experienced Naturopathic Doctor, Accredited Bowen Therapy Instructor and Homeopathic Physician.
Experience: 31 yrs
Learn more about Dr. Lise.
Dawn Summer Langerak, BN
Program Director
Dawn Summer deeply understands the mind-body connection and the role it plays in emotional and physical healing. She has thirteen years of experience as a Registered Nurse.
Experience: 14 yrs
Learn more about Dawn.
Ania Kastashchuk, BA, BS
Program Manager & Live Blood Analyst
Ania is a co-founder of Fresh Start. She is an experienced program facilitator, educator, and researcher. Ania deeply understands the healing process and specializes in program planning.
Experience: 19 yrs
Learn more about Ania.
Sandra Kelly, HHRT, CCht, CACCF
Intuitive Energy Healer & Bodyworker
Sandra brings a unique combination of 35+ yrs. science/ research background, and advanced training in energy healing and emotional wellness.
Experience: 14 yrs
Learn more about Sandra.
Dr. Jeremy Unwin, DTCM
Live Blood Analysis & Casual Therapist
Dr. Jeremy does the before and end-of-program Live Blood Analysis assessments. His past clients include the Royal Ballet (United Kingdom), Cirque du Soleil, Elton John and David Furnish.
Experience: over 22 yrs
Learn more about Dr. Jeremy.
Sandie Sparrow, Certified Colon Hydrotherapist
Colonics & Assistant Program Director
Sandie is a knowledgeable professional and a very compassionate person. She is a certified life coach, certified colon hydrotherapist and laser specialist, She is happy to assist you on your health journey.
Experience: 10 yrs
Learn more about Sandie.
Kristi Birnie, BAA
Intuitive Energy Healer
Kristi offers CranioSacral Therapy, Jikiden Reiki and a sweet and deep fusion of the two modalities woven together. She applies hands-on healing techniques.
Experience: 14 yrs
Learn more about Kristi.
Laurie Williams
Yoga Instructor & Bodyworker
Laurie teaches Fresh Start yoga classes and is a multidisciplinary bodyworker with incredibly strong hands who specializes in Thai Yoga and Deep Tissue massage.
Experience: over 20 yrs
Learn more about Laurie.
Shannon Flaherty
Somatic & Laser Therapist
Shannon brings a grounded, wholehearted atmosphere to sessions, and believes strongly in the power of judgment-free connection– with self.
Experience: over 8 yrs
Learn more about Shannon.
Chanci Dawn
Emotional Wellness Specialist
Chanci’s pleasure and passion is holistically supporting her clients in their own healing, so they can live their most radiant, whole and fulfilling lives.
Experience: 13 yrs
Learn more about Chanci.
Rebecca French DipEd, BSc
Intuitive Energy Healer & Life Coach
Rebecca French is an Intuitive Energy Healer and Life Coach. She specializes in Emotional, Spiritual and Wellness Coaching and is a natural born healer.
Experience: 26 yrs
Learn more about Rebecca.
Kate Richards, MA, CCC, RCC
Registered Clinical Counsellor
Kate is a Certified and a Registered Clinical Counsellor, brings a wealth of experience in trauma-informed, person-centred care.
Experience: 5 yrs
Learn more about Kate.
Steven Thomas R.Ac.
Registered Acupuncturist
Steven is a Registered Acupuncturist. His Acupuncture style is very gentle, pain free for those sensitive to the feel of acupuncture, and also a deeper sports acupuncture approach for those ready.
Experience: 19 yrs
Learn more about Steven.
Janine Calder
Zumba Instructor, Walk Guide
Exercise is for everyone and should be fun. Janine infuses it with her love of music and dance, which may include drumming or Zumba.
Experience: 44 yrs
Learn more about Janine.
Madeleine Ramsey
Fitness Instructor
Madeleine is a national-level athlete in synchronized swimming and kayaking. She is a certified personal trainer and yoga instructor.
Experience: 47 yrs
Learn more about Madeleine.
Vasili Kastashchuk
Senior Program Consultant, IT, Operations Support
Vasili has been called a clairvoyant, because he often sees what is in the very depth of one’s heart. His words are empowering.
Experience: 19 yrs
Learn more about Vasili.
Allison Barlow
Program Consultant
Allison is an experienced and compassionate soul with genuine interest in helping others in their pursuit of quality of life.
Experience: 26 yrs
Learn more about Allison.
Amanda Brown
Program Consultant
Amanda is a highly experienced Natural Health Consultant with a profound dedication to holistic healing and wellness.
Experience: 34 yrs
Learn more about Amanda.
Melissa Wescombe
Chef
Mel is a graduate of the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition and is passionate about vegan nutrition.
Experience: 10 yrs
Learn more about Melissa.
Sheri Benson
Head Chef
Sheri graduated from the Camosun College Professional Cooking Program & began cooking professionally for 20+ years
Experience: 27 yrs
Learn more about Sheri.
Andre LaFrance
Chef
Working as a culinary chef for more than 30 years, Andre has the experience and passion for food at Fresh Start.
Experience: 32 yrs
Learn more about Andre.
Tina Knowles
Cook/Kitchen Assistant
Tina emanates love, compassion and light. She believes we all have the capacity in us to be bringers of light.
Experience: 9 yrs
Learn more about Tina.
Breanne Harder
Cook/Kitchen Assistant
Breanne has worked in natural food industry since 2020 and has experimented with with vegan and vegetarian diets.
Experience: 8 yrs
Learn more about Breanne.
Ashley Vader
Cook/Chef Assistant
Ashley is a passionate enthusiast of cooking healthy and alternative foods with years of holistic experience.
Experience: 6 yrs
Learn more about Ashley.
Disclaimer: Not all practitioners above are present for each program session. This is subject to their availability, as they run busy personal practices and travel for training. We cannot guarantee that any of the team members listed above will be available when you come or that you will be booked with him or her. Additionally, we have a minimal number of registered therapists who may be covered by insurance and cannot guarantee that you’ll be working with them. We hand-pick practitioners based on their skills, healing personality and alignment with our company. Many of our guests keep returning because they are impressed with the quality of service the Fresh Start team offers.