About Us

Welcome to Healing Hands Integrative Medicine. Healing Hands started in 1996 as a massage therapy clinic. Since then we have grown to offer Naturopathic Medicine, Chiropractic, & Massage Therapy. We are passionate about helping people achieve their best health.

CALL FOR APPOINTMENT

403-782-4600

Dr. Joanne Day, ND

Dr. Joanne Day has been practicing Naturopathic Medicine since 2006, after graduating from the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine in Toronto. She has a passion for using both traditional medicine and cutting edge natural therapies to help her patients overcome their health challenges.

Dr. Day obtained her undergraduate degree in Engineering but after working as an engineer she realized that she was better suited to a job helping people. After leaving Engineering, Joanne spent a year in South America where she became interested in natural medicine after witnessing it being practiced together with conventional medicine.

Dr. Joanne Day began her journey treating pain with Regenerative Injection Therapies (Prolotherapy) after observing Dr. Trevor Hoffman. She witnessed first-hand the benefits his patients were experiencing from his treatments. Since that time, she has taken numerous courses in Prolotherapy, Lyftogt Perineural Injection Treatment, and Neural Therapy to learn as much as she can to help her patients.

Joanne lives in Lacombe, Alberta with her farmer husband and their three children. When not practicing or studying Naturopathic Medicine, Joanne enjoys skiing and camping with her family.

 
CAND logo
cnda logo

Dr. Chi Hung La, ND

In 2002 Dr. Chi Hung La received a bachelor of sciences degree in Biology and a minor in Psychology from McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario. Upon completion of his postsecondary Dr. Chi attended four years of intensive training in the field of naturopathic medicine at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM), Toronto, Ontario.

In 2006 Dr. Chi passed all required board aexams and started his first practice in Edmonton. After 1 year he settled in Red Deer. Since 2016 he has been practicing in Red Deer while maintaining his Edmonton clinic on the weekend.

Dr. Chi currently holds a multidisciplinary practice and has special interest in these areas of health concerns:

-Skin health disorders
-Neuro-endocrine/STRESS related concerns
-Gastrointestinal dysfunctions
-Muscle/Joint pain management and sport related injuries

He utilizes Applied Kinesiology (AK) testing method and different naturopathic modalities to support his patients back to balanced health. Common modalities used by Dr. Chi are: clinical nutrition, traditional Chinese medicine (herbal formulas and constitutional acupuncture), physiotherapy and acupuncture sport medicine, homeopathy, and botanical medicine.

What is Applied Kinesiology:
The science of AK is based on the study of the body’s vital energy (Chi) and biofield (electro-magnetic field) surrounding the body. AK is a form of muscle testing which allows the doctors to assess the functioning of the vital organs associated with various pathways & muscle groups. AK is also used in determining which foods, supplements and medicines will improve or impede a patient’s health. In this manner, they ensure that all supplements prescribed to patients are beneficial. AK is also a quick and non-invasive method (no needles) to discover allergies of all kinds, parasites, candida, viruses, heavy metal poisoning, chemical toxicity, etc.

 
CAND logo
cnda logo

Dr. Nicole Fox, DC

Dr. Nicole Fox has been a chiropractor in Central Alberta since 2005, graduating from Palmer West Chiropractic College in December 2004. Her passion for treating patients with a holistic, head to toe approach has brought many successes throughout her career. A member of the Pro Rodeo Sport Medicine Team since 2005, Dr. Nicole’s experiences treating at rodeos has given her unique and challenging cases.

Having been a massage therapist prior to going to chiropractic college, Dr. Nicole utilizes many soft tissue therapies including A.R.T. ®, Graston Technique®, myofascial cupping, Rockblade, Rock taping (kinesiology taping) and Erchonia cold laser therapy. Additional continuing education training over the past 15 years had included extremity adjusting, visceral manipulation, and Cranial Adjusting Turner Style. Nutritional advice and postural awareness round out the holistic approach.

Our Team

Natalia Shmakova

Natalia Shmakova

RMT

Natalia brings to Healing Hands 20 years of experience in health care. Before emigrating to Canada from her native Russia, Natalia was a Dentist & Orthodontist. Since joining our clinic in June 2012, people have been raving about Natalia’s massages.

Natalia’s services include: Therapeutic Massage, Deep Tissue Massage, Relaxation Massage, CranioSacral Therapy, Abdominal Visceral Massage, Hot Stone Massage and Cupping.

Alisa Harris

Alisa Harris

RMT

With over a decade of experience in massage therapy, Alisa has been helping clients improve their well-being since 2012. She is passionate about building meaningful connections with her clients and is deeply fascinated by the complexity of the human body. Her practice focuses on deep tissue massage, and fire cupping with a strong belief in the connection between mental and physical wellness.

In 2023, she pursued a new challenge by entering nursing school and graduated in early 2026 as a Licensed Practical Nurse, further expanding her ability to support clients’ health from both therapeutic and clinical perspectives.

Her credentials include: Advanced Massage Therapy Certification (2013), Fire Cupping, Orthopedic Massage of the Neck, Thai Yoga Massage Level 1, First Aid and Basic Life Saving Certifications, and a Diploma in Practical Nursing.

Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter, staying active at the gym, and continuously learning something new to keep her brain happy and sharp!

**At this time Alisa, is not accepting new patients.**

Hannah Pinard

Hannah Pinard

RMT

Since becoming an RMT in 2013, Hannah has been passionate about helping people move better, feel better and reconnect with their bodies. She especially loves treating neck, jaw, shoulder, low back and hip issues. Combining therapeutic massage with techniques such as fire cupping, rockblade therapy and interoral massage, she tailors appointments to each client’s needs.

Hannah loves helping people invest in themselves, whether that means reducing pain, improving mobility, or simply taking time to slow down and reset. Whether someone is dealing with chronic tension, injury recovery, headaches, discomfort, or everyday stress, her goal is to create a space where they feel listened to and cared for. She believes treatment works best when clients feel empowered with simple tools they can practice at home, such as stretches and habits. Being part of her clients’ wellness journies is the greatest part of the job.

Outside of work, Hannah enjoys spending time outdoors, reading, knitting, painting, and sewing. Creativity and balance are a big part of who she is, and she brings that same thoughtful care into every treatment.

Hannah lives by these words: "Feeling better starts with taking care of yourself consistently, not perfectly."

Nicole Wiseman

Nicole Wiseman

RMT

Nicole’s passion for massage therapy began with a genuine desire to help others. Although she always knew she wanted a career in healthcare, it was through experiencing the benefits of massage therapy firsthand that she discovered her true calling.

Nicole graduated from the 3000-hour program at West Coast College of Massage Therapy in British Columbia in 2001.
With 25 years of experience, Nicole has built her practice around personalized care, focusing not only on injury treatment, but also on prevention, maintenance, and stress reduction. Her treatments may incorporate techniques such as fire cupping, rock blading, and fascial work to help reduce tension, improve mobility, and support overall wellness.

Nicole is passionate about helping clients feel their best and believes that small, consistent care can make a meaningful difference in everyday life. She strives to create a welcoming, supportive environment where clients feel comfortable and cared for throughout their wellness journey.

Outside the clinic, Nicole enjoys hiking, baking, and spending time with her family.

Samantha Desrosiers

Samantha Desrosiers

RMT

Samantha has been part of the Healing Hands team for nearly three years and has worked in the massage therapy field since 2018. She is passionate about helping clients improve their mobility, recovery, and overall well-being through individualized therapeutic care. Samantha often incorporates stretching into her treatments while educating clients on supportive homecare techniques to help increase range of motion and encourage long-term results.

Her practice commonly focuses on clients experiencing lower back, hip, shoulder, and neck discomfort. Samantha is especially known for her deep tissue, therapeutic, and cupping treatments, and she has recently expanded her skill set to include Gua Sha techniques.

Family and health are at the core of Samantha’s values, and she believes that healing the body also involves supporting mental and emotional well-being. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family through baking, swimming, hiking, and playing sports.

Samantha lives by the quote, “Massage is not a luxury, it’s a necessity.”

Michelle Depencier

Michelle Depencier

RMT

Michelle became a massage therapist out of a genuine passion for helping others feel their best and improve their overall well-being. She believes healing begins when people feel supported, cared for, and truly listened to, and she strives to create that experience for every client who walks through the door. Whether clients are seeking relief from chronic tension, recovering from physical strain, managing stress, or simply taking time for self-care, Michelle is dedicated to supporting them on their wellness journey.

Michelle’s approach to massage therapy is client-centered, therapeutic, and personalized. She takes the time to understand each client’s goals, concerns, and lifestyle in order to create treatments tailored to individual needs. By combining relaxation and therapeutic techniques, Michelle works to reduce pain and tension, improve mobility, encourage recovery, and promote balance within the body.

Michelle especially enjoys helping clients experiencing stress, muscle tension, headaches, fatigue, and those looking to support their overall wellness and recovery. She believes massage therapy plays an important role in both physical and mental well-being and enjoys working with clients from all walks of life.

A 2023 graduate from the Alberta College of Massage Therapy, Michelle is committed to continuing education and ongoing professional development. In addition to her massage therapy training, she has completed courses in cupping therapy and lymphatic drainage therapy, allowing her to offer a broader range of treatment options tailored to client needs.

Michelles goal is to help every client leave feeling better, more balanced, and more connected to their body than when they arrived.

When she is not massaging Michelle spends her time watching her children play sports, walking her whoodles, and going to the lake.

Krystal Prins

Krystal Prins

RMT

Krystal is passionate about both receiving treatments and helping others feel their best. She takes a full-body approach to care by listening to the body and understanding each client’s unique needs. Every treatment is tailored to the individual, as she believes no two bodies — or healing journeys — are the same.

Krystal enjoys supporting a wide range of clients, including those experiencing chronic pain, swelling, or adjusting to dental appliances. Her goal is to better understand the body and support its natural healing process. When appropriate, she is also happy to refer clients to other trusted healthcare professionals for additional support and care.

Outside of work, Krystal enjoys spending time outdoors with her family and staying active through running, biking, skiing, walking her dog, and volunteering within the community.

Krystal is a Registered Massage Therapist (RMT) whose practice focuses on craniosacral therapy and lymphatic treatments. She also incorporates cupping therapy into sessions when beneficial for her clients’ care and recovery.

Tina Ross

Tina Ross

Reiki Practitioner

Tina Ross is a Karuna Holy Fire® III Reiki Master and Energetic Wellness Practitioner with over 13 years of experience helping individuals restore balance, vitality, and wholeness.

Her work bridges science and spirit—recognizing that many of the challenges we experience, both physical and emotional, stem from held or trapped energy within the body. Through skillful and compassionate facilitation, Tina helps clients release stored tension, emotional blocks, and energetic patterns, creating the space for deep relaxation, nervous system regulation, and renewed life force flow.

Drawing from a unique blend of Reiki, the Akashic Records, intuitive energy reading, and soul-centered coaching, Tina supports each person in reconnecting with their authentic self and innate wisdom.

Her sessions are particularly supportive for those experiencing:
- Emotional overwhelm, burnout, or chronic stress
- Feeling disconnected or “stuck” in life transitions
- Physical tension or energetic stagnation in the body
- Desire for deeper alignment, clarity, and inner peace

Through her Integrated Energy Sessions, Tina weaves together hands-on energy balancing, intuitive guidance, and ancestral clearing work. Each session is personalized to meet the client’s current state—creating a grounded and safe space for lasting transformation.

Clients often describe feeling lighter, more open, and deeply aligned after working with her—experiencing a renewed sense of vitality that radiates through all aspects of life.

Tina is deeply passionate about helping others awaken their innate healing capacity and collaborating with fellow practitioners to expand access to holistic, energy-based wellness and conscious living.

Bryn Pugh

Bryn Pugh

Registered Nurse

I was born and raised in Lacombe and now call Ponoka home. I attended MacEwan University in Edmonton, where I graduated with my Bachelor of Science in Nursing. I began working in health care in 2018. After graduating, I gained experience as a floor and charge nurse in a rural hospital. My experiences have included emergency, acute care, labour and delivery, and postpartum.

I am currently studying Holistic Nutrition through the Edison Institute of Nutrition and am very excited to further expand my knowledge in holistic health. I have always had a passion for natural medicine and all things wellness. When I was offered the opportunity to become a part of the Healing Hands team, my love for nursing and holistic health made it an obvious choice.

When I am not at Healing Hands, you can often find me in the kitchen cooking new recipes. I also have a love for running, staying active, and many different outdoor activities including camping, hiking, and fishing.

Joni Cherniak

Joni Cherniak

Registered Nurse

Joni Cherniak has been a Registered Nurse with Alberta Health Services for 35 years. Her extensive clinical background includes critical care nursing in the ICU, Emergency Department, and Operating Room. In recent years, she transitioned into Mental Health and Addiction, further expanding her compassionate, patient-centered approach to care.

Joni recently expanded her professional practice to include Naturopathic Medicine and IV Therapy at Healing Hands. She values the opportunity to work alongside Dr. Joanne Day, drawing on her years of experience and expertise in holistic medicine. Joni especially enjoys building meaningful relationships with her intravenous therapy and micro-needling clients and looks forward to supporting new clients on their wellness journeys.

Outside of the clinic, Joni enjoys gardening, golfing, cooking for her family, practicing yoga, cheering on her three children at their sporting events, and walking her dog, Tucker.

Robyn Orom

Robyn Orom

Office Manager

Robyn has been a dedicated part of Healing Hands since 2015, helping guide and support the clinic’s day-to-day operations with care and efficiency. In addition to managing the clinic behind the scenes, she is a trained Medical Laboratory Assistant and works closely alongside Dr. Joanne Day in supporting patient care.

Robyn is known for the personal connection she brings to every patient interaction and takes pride in creating a welcoming, supportive experience for clients at Healing Hands — she rarely forgets a face. She is passionate about helping people along their wellness journeys by offering a listening ear, compassionate support, and thoughtful care. Alongside her clinic management role, Robyn also assists Dr. Day in coordinating collaborative care for oncology patients with their primary naturopathic clinics.

Outside of work, Robyn enjoys traveling, getting lost in a good book, gardening, and camping with her husband and family.

Jacqui Rider

Jacqui Rider

Administrative Support

Jacqui is a busy wife and mom to 3 boys, as well as a daughter in-law joining the family. Together with her husband they have raised their family here in Lacombe. She has been involved with her children in their various sports from hockey, to baseball and lacrosse. She has been to almost every arena in Alberta. She has volunteered with various positions within Lacombe Minor Hockey, and finishing with office administration after 14 years.

When not working you can always find her racing to an arena to watch as many of her kids’ sports as she can. Along with the many sporting events, they also operate a grain/cattle farm with family in the Stettler area. Jacqui has always had a passion for health and wellness as well as helping people.

Aleya Lotzien

Aleya Lotzien

Administrative Support

I recently graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Alberta, Augustana, where I earned honors distinctions throughout my four years and graduated on the Dean’s List. This fall, I am excited to further my education by pursuing a Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University.

In the summer of 2023, I worked as a server at Cilantro and Chive in Lacombe, ensuring that all customers had an enjoyable dining experience. This fast-paced environment honed my skills in prioritization and efficiency. In the summers of 2022 and 2021, I served as a summer student at the Broom Tree Foundation, collaborating with the executive director and a social worker to support women facing homelessness, addiction, and domestic violence. I also established partnerships with local organizations and businesses to create a robust network of support.

Regardless of my role, I am passionate about creating welcoming and positive experiences for clients and customers. I value continuous learning from others and strive to foster a positive work environment.

Beki Dobroskay

Beki Dobroskay

Administrative Support

Since 2017, Beki has been providing the laughs behind the reception desk at Healing Hands. You’ll never leave the clinic without a chuckle when she’s around! Beki has a background as a medical laboratory assistant, making her ideal for answering questions and assisting patients when needed. Her family holds her heart- she’s a mother, and a grandmother. You’ll often find her cooking or baking with her loved ones in mind, or spending time having coffee with her best friend! An animal lover, Beki has a love for all things horses and feels at peace in the saddle.

Sierra Howard

Sierra Howard

Administrative Support

Sierra is a dedicated and compassionate Medical Office Assistant with formal training in medical administration, patient care coordination, and front-office healthcare operations. As a recent graduate entering the healthcare field, she is committed to creating a professional, organized, and welcoming experience for both patients and healthcare providers.

With strong skills in patient scheduling, medical records management, administrative support, and confidential patient communication, she thrives in fast-paced clinical environments where attention to detail and efficiency are essential. She is passionate about supporting smooth day-to-day clinic operations while helping patients feel comfortable, valued, and cared for throughout their healthcare experience.

Recognized for her positive attitude, strong work ethic, and commitment to quality patient care, she looks forward to continuing to grow within the medical field and contributing to a collaborative healthcare team dedicated to excellence in patient service.

Follow on FB