Meet the Elevation Health Team!
TJ Unger
CLINIC OWNER - Physiotherapist - Pelvic Health PhysiotherAPIST | Cold Lake + Meadow Lake
After graduating from the Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology program in 2010 and then the Masters of Physical Therapy Program in 2012 from the University of Saskatchewan, TJ accepted a position at the Cold Lake Healthcare Centre Rehabilitation Department and was quick to call Cold Lake home.
TJ has a diverse care experience including acute care, long term care, post surgical/fracture, neurological, cardiac care, chronic condition management, pre/post natal care, sporting injuries and treating muscle, joint and nerve conditions. TJ continued her educational pursuits completing courses in Kinesiotaping, Functional Dry Needling (Level 1 & 2), McKenzie Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy and Orthopedic Manual and Manipulative Therapies (Level 1 & 2 Lower).
TJ fell in love with the Physiotherapy profession and prevention based approaches to healthcare while studying at the University of Brisbane, Australia. While there she had the opportunity to work as a Sport Trainer along side an Adolescent Sport Physiotherapist. Rural health disparities has always been another area of interest after growing up in Northern Saskatchewan. She believes that people who live in rural areas should have access to the same opportunities for healthcare as their urban counterparts. There in lies the premise of Elevation Health. To offer a coordinated multi-disciplinary care innovative facility to Cold Lake and surrounding communities.
Continuing with her love of sport and physical activity she has been the Volunteer Coordinator for the Run for Ronald Macdonald House Charities Northern Alberta for the past two years and has had the opportunity to assist coaching in the Jr. and Sr. Female Volleyball Programs at Cold Lake High School the past several years. When TJ is not busy you will most likely find her doing some form of outdoor adventure activity, such as paddle boarding, white water canoeing, snowboarding or her new favorite past time, hiking mountains with her young family.
GILLES DUMONT
PHYSIOTHERAPIST | Cold Lake
I was born in Bonnyville and raised on a dairy farm near Moose Lake. At the University of Alberta, I completed a BSc in 1994 followed by a BScPT in 1998. I have worked in a number of clinical settings but enjoy orthopaedics the most. I have pursued further studies in manual therapy, functional exercise and dry needling. I enjoy staying active in the outdoors and spending time with my family.
BIANCA COETZEE
Physiotherapist | Cold Lake
Bianca Coetzee is a passionate Physiotherapist with a strong dedication to helping others achieve their best physical health. Originally from East London, South Africa, Bianca has always been active in sports and outdoor activities, fostering a deep appreciation for the human body's capabilities and its potential for recovery. This interest led her to pursue a career in Physiotherapy, and she is proud to support individuals in their journey towards better health and mobility.
Bianca completed her Bachelor of Science degree with honours in Physiotherapy in 2008. Bianca has gained extensive expertise in treating various musculoskeletal, neurological, and sports-related injuries. Bianca Coetzee has gained valuable experience working in both private and public healthcare settings, which has enriched her understanding of the diverse needs of her patients.
Bianca’s treatment philosophy focuses on a holistic approach, combining hands-on techniques such as manual therapy with evidence-based practices like exercise prescription, functional dry needling, and patient education. She is committed to continual learning and has pursued additional certifications in vestibular rehabilitation, shoulder injuries, soft tissue techniques and ethics.
Outside of her professional life, Bianca enjoys spending time with her family, boating, taking their dogs on long walks and relaxing on the beach. She looks forward to helping her clients overcome their challenges and live a life full of mobility, independence, and well-being.
Maddie Staff
Physiotherapist - Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist
Cold Lake
Maddie is an enthusiastic Physiotherapist who loves helping people rehabilitate from injuries and optimize their quality of life. Originally from Queensland, Australia, she grew up playing various sports such as field hockey and volleyball and became interested in physiotherapy because of her own injuries from sport. After graduating from the Australian Catholic University, she began work at the Mater Hospital in Brisbane in a rotating position through various areas of physiotherapy to gain a broader skill set. This experience includes working in musculoskeletal outpatients in both hospital and rural settings, orthopaedic inpatients, inpatient rehabilitation, women’s and pelvic health, respiratory inpatients, and ICU. She has a special interest in women’s and pelvic health and has completed additional training in this area in Australia. Maddie met her partner here in Cold Lake in 2014 while working as a ski instructor at Kinosoo Ridge. They recently moved back to Cold Lake to be closer to friends and family. Outside of work, she enjoys skiing, going to the gym, and spending time with her cat, Adelaide.
Samantha Loranger
REGISTERED MASSAGE THERAPIST | MEADOW LAKE
Hi, my name is Samantha Loranger! I'm originally from Meadow Lake and I'm so excited to be back. I have been a Registered Massage Therapist since 2017 and in my home practice I work primarily with office workers and athletes. That being said, I welcome anyone experiencing body pain - my goal is to help you feel your best! When I am not in office you'll likely see me around town spending time with my family. I'll be continuing to split my time between Meadow Lake and Regina and I look forward to connecting with both communities!
NIKKI FRONING
MANUAL OSTEOPATHIC THERAPIST | Cold Lake
Helping her clients fall in love with taking care of themselves has been the number one tenant of Nikki's Massage Therapy practice since it began in 2019. Inspired by her own wellness journey and strong belief in mind-body alignment, she combines a holistic approach with clinical techniques to cultivate a treatment experience focused on long-term results. Ever seeking to determine the root of her client's concerns, the progression into the field of Manual Osteopathy - the practice of identifying and reversing mechanical shifts and psychological interferences that occur in the body by recruiting the body's natural desire to be at homeostasis - has been a natural evolution.
Nikki likes to blend her modalities to her client's benefit. With training in Swedish Relaxation and Therapeutic Massage Techniques, Dynamic Cupping, Hydrotherapy, Manual Lymphatic Drainage for injuries, Joint Play, Trigger Point Release and Orofacial Massage, paired with yogic elements such as Guided Meditation, Breathwork and Asana Practice, she has curated a treatment centered on positively influencing the nervous system. Upon completion of her MOT Diploma, she will be adding Osteoarticular Manipulations, Myofascial Remodelling, Lymphatic Drainage, Osteocranial Manipulations and Visceral Manipulations to her ever-expanding list of modalities, allowing her to work with not only the musculoskeletal, but also the skeletal, nervous, cardiovascular, visceral, lymphatic and craniosacral systems as well.
When not in the treatment room with her clients or hitting the books in the wee hours of the night, Nikki enjoys ambling in nature, listening and singing to music, snuggling with her dog, reading fantasy novels, watching anime with her husband, playing with her kids, cooking and eating delicious foods, travelling to far away places and rolling her D20 with friends.
SHAWNA MACDONALD
Athletic Therapist - FAscial Stretch Therapist
| Cold Lake + Meadow lake
I grew up in a small military town, where an active lifestyle was part of everyday life. From the moment I could kick or throw a ball, I developed a lifelong passion for movement, sport, and the outdoors.
I began my post-secondary journey at Red Deer College, where I earned a diploma in Kinesiology and developed a strong foundation in human anatomy, physiology, and movement science. Eager to expand my knowledge and practical skills, I continued my education at the University of Winnipeg, where I pursued a Bachelor of Science in Athletic Therapy. My passion for sport and human movement naturally led me to both the sidelines and the clinic, where I had the privilege of working with the Red Deer Kings and Queens, as well as several other athletic teams across Red Deer.
These hands-on experiences allowed me to take on a variety of roles, providing pre-game taping and bracing, assisting with injury prevention strategies, conducting assessments and treatments, and delivering emergency care when necessary. Whether it was managing acute injuries during high-stakes games or supporting athletes through their rehabilitation process, I was able to see firsthand the impact that skilled, compassionate care can have on performance and recovery. These opportunities not only strengthened my clinical abilities but also deepened my dedication to helping athletes stay healthy, resilient, and ready to compete.
I believe that life is all about balance. While I’m passionate about my career and the world of sport and movement, I also value the importance of recharging and staying connected to the people who matter most. Outside of work, I love spending time with my friends and family, whether it's catching a game on the weekend, hitting the golf course for a few holes, gathering around the table for a meal and a good laugh, or simply enjoying some quiet downtime. These moments help me stay grounded, bring joy to my life, and ultimately make me better at what I do. Maintaining that sense of balance allows me to approach both my personal and professional life with energy, perspective, and purpose.
Jenna Cronin
Community MANAGER
Jenna was born and raised in London Ontario, but has called Cold Lake home for the past 12 years. She has an education studying various forms of art and has a passion for all things that require creativity. She brings 13 years of customer service experience to her position. She takes pride in ensuring that you experience the highest level of customer service and will work with you to ensure your experience with scheduling appointments and billing are as stress free as possible. Creating relationships with patients is very important to her and she loves seeing patients smiling faces from the good experience they receive when they enter the clinic.
Outside of Elevation you will find her spending time with her three young boys and husband, creating for her design business , paddleboarding or visiting family in Ontario.
GINA PATTERSON
CLIENT EXPERIENCE MANAGER
Just a girl from the east making her best life out west! My Alberta adventure started on a whim after moving from a small town in Northern Ontario, to continue my career as a Social Service Worker. It was a big move that paid off!
Shortly after relocating, I met my spouse of 14 years, changed careers completely, expanded my family and settled in for the long haul. I am a mom to 3 kids, and 2 fur babies who enjoys downhill skiing, curling, gardening/plants, CrossFit, traveling our beautiful country and spending time at home with my family!
A lot of change in those first few years of being in Cold Lake, but it was all for the better. Even though I graduated from Loyalist College in Belleville Ontario as a SSW, I kept getting drawn back to the Administrative side of things and have been able to gain a wealth of experience and skills over 21 years. I am excited to take on my role and look forward to growing my educational background in the future!