Our Fresh Start Health Retreat Team Members
Dr. Lise Maltais, ND
Naturopathic Medicine
Dr. Lise is a Naturopathic Doctor, Accredited Bowen Therapy Instructor and Homeopathic Physician. She is a Founding member of the Quebec Association of Naturopathic Medicine and has trained the first Bowen Therapists in Quebec, Alberta, and Alaska.
Experience: 33 yrs
Learn more about Dr. Lise.
Laura Hosein, Herbalist
Program Director
Laura is a Medical Herbalist and a Registered Holistic Nutritionist. She was an instructor at the Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine for 5 years, as well as taught at the Canadian Schools of Natural Nutrition in Vancouver and Victoria.
Experience: 9 yrs
Learn more about Laura.
Ania Kastashchuk, BS
Program Manager
Ania is a co-founder of Fresh Start. She is an experienced program facilitator, educator, researcher and Live Blood Analyst. Ania deeply understands the healing process and specializes in individual program planning, and Program Directors’ training and support.
Experience: 20 yrs
Learn more about Ania.
Sandra Kelly, HHRT
Bodyworker
Sandra brings a unique combination of 35+ years with a research background, and advanced training in energy healing and emotional wellness. Sandra is a Holistic Health Practitioner and does Live Blood Analysis, aromatherapy & other therapies.
Experience: 15 yrs
Learn more about Sandra.
Dr. Jeremy Unwin, DTCM
Live Blood Analysis
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. Dr. Jeremy has been treating and lecturing around the world.
Experience: 20 yrs
Learn more about Dr. Jeremy.
Sandie Sparrow
Colonics
Sandie is a knowledgeable professional and a very compassionate person. She is a certified colon hydrotherapist and Fresh Start Program Director. Sandie is a life coach. She studied psychology at the University of Waterloo, and Somatic Experiencing™ with P. Levine.
Experience: 11 yrs
Learn more about Sandie.
Laurie Williams
Bodyworker
Laurie teaches Fresh Start yoga classes and is a multidisciplinary bodyworker with incredibly strong hands who specializes in Thai Yoga, Deep Tissue massage and Reflexology. She has extensively travelled throughout Asia when getting her advanced training in Thai.
Experience: 21 yrs
Learn more about Laurie.
Steven Thomas R.Ac.
Registered Acupuncturist
Steven’s acupuncture style is very gentle and pain-free for those sensitive to the feel of acupuncture. He offers deeper sports acupuncture for those who are ready. Steven incorporates other techniques such as Gua Sha, Tui Na and cupping.
Experience: 20 yrs
Learn more about Steven.
Shannon Flaherty
Somatic Therapist
Shannon brings a grounded, wholehearted atmosphere to her sessions, and believes strongly in the power of judgment-free connection– with self. Naturally curious, she continues to develop her understanding and practice through books and workshops.
Experience: 11 yrs
Learn more about Shannon.
Caroline Miskenack, BSN
Emotional Wellness
Caroline is a Certified Nurse Psychotherapist, experienced in a broad range of concerns, including depression, anxiety, trauma, substance use addiction, grief and loss, burnout, relationship difficulties, and life transitions.
Experience: 14 yrs
Learn more about Caroline.
Kristi Birnie, BAA
Intuitive Energy Healer
Kristi teaches Meditation at Fresh Start. She also offers CranioSacral Therapy, Jikiden Reiki and a sweet and deep fusion of the two modalities woven together. Kristi enjoys dancing, as well as growing her own herbs and flowers.
Experience: 15 yrs
Learn more about Kristi.
Glenda Bennett, CHPC™
Emotional Wellness
Glenda is a highly experienced Trauma-Informed & Body-Oriented Life Coach & a High-Performance Coach with over 7 years of expertise. She draws from Somatic, Hakomi, Gestalt, Polyvagal, Organic Intelligence® & other methods.
Experience: 8 yrs
Learn more about Glenda.
Melissa Wescombe
Chef
Mel is a graduate of the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition and is passionate about vegan nutrition. She has completed a Pharmaceutical Compounding Certification. Born in Australia, Mel loves nature, cats, camping and being by the water.
Experience: 11 yrs
Learn more about Melissa.
Erin Malin, BFA
Chef
Erin began her work life as an actor and writer in Toronto, but her passion for food and the drive to create something new every day led her to switch careers. Erin was a Chef for the National Ballet of Canada and a Food Stylist for Pamela Anderson’s Netflix Cooking show.
Experience: 18 yrs
Learn more about Erin.
Andre LaFrance
Chef
Working as a culinary chef for more than 30 years, Andre has the experience and passion for food at Fresh Start. Andre graduated from the Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts in Vancouver, BC, and has international culinary expertise. He makes every meal with creativity and heart.
Experience: 33 yrs
Learn more about Andre.
Tina Knowles
Chef/Kitchen Assistant
Tina believes we all have the capacity in us to be bringers of light. Tina has attended spiritual, paranormal and UFO festivals and has had many experiences with unexplained phenomena. She has DCS / DEC in Practical Herbalism with Wild Rose College.
Experience: 10 yrs
Learn more about Tina.
Breanne Harder
Cook/Kitchen Assistant
Growing up, Breanne helped her parents at their family Bed and Breakfast. Before school, she would get eggs and make food with her mom, who was a very good cook and a vegetarian all her life. Breanne loves creating new recipes and buys local organic produce whenever possible.
Experience: 9 yrs
Learn more about Breanne.
Ashley Vader
Cook/Kitchen Assistant
Ashely worked with herbs at Harmonic Arts Botanic Dispensary, where she prepared/ cooked herbal decoctions, extractions and syrups. She also prepared a hand-made yogurt at a local organic brand Tree Island, and worked at an organic farm.
Experience: 7 yrs
Learn more about Ashley.
Jay Maybin
Assistant Manager
Jay is a skilled business leader with over 30 years of experience. He opened a local Home Hardware store, started a large store with 100+ employees and helped develop a sustainable recycling program. Jay is a life coach, and enjoys playing the piano.
Experience: 34 yrs
Learn more about Jay.
Janine Calder
Walks & Activities
Janine is an experienced walk guide and a person of various interests, from snorkelling to gardening. With her, you’ll learn a lot of interesting facts about the local area and nature. Janine works as a Youth Counsellor with Princess Cruise Lines.
Experience: 45 yrs
Learn more about Janine.
Madeleine Ramsey
Fitness Instructor
Madeleine has been in the fitness industry for over 40 years as an athlete and a coach of Synchronized swimming. Her passion for athleticism throughout her life shows in her contribution to supporting others in their journey towards their fitness goals.
Experience: 42 yrs
Learn more about Madeleine.
Vasili Kastashchuk
Sen. Program Consultant & IT
Vasili is a co-founder of Fresh Start, a visionary, and the one who inspires the entire team behind the scenes. Vasili has been called a clairvoyant because he often sees what is in the very depth of one’s heart. His words changed many destinies.
Experience: 20 yrs
Learn more about Vasili.
Allison Barlow, B Com
Program Consultant
Allison is an experienced and compassionate soul with a genuine interest in helping others in their pursuit of quality of life. She is a certified Health Coach with knowledge of Regenerative Detoxification and a solid understanding of the effect of stress on physical health.
Experience: 27 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. Her experience as a Holistic Dental Hygienist has deepened her understanding of Holistic Health and the power of natural healing abilities.
Experience: 35 yrs
Learn more about Amanda.
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 or work with him or her. Additionally, we have a minimal number of registered therapists (sometimes none) 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.
Also please note that the website updates cannot always catch up with the team changes.