At LiveWell Lancaster, our mission is to provide our patients with therapy, services, and treatment plans that encourage a thriving, healthy, and happy life. As we welcome all types of patients with all types of health and wellness goals, we want every appointment to be one that brings you closer to your goals. Thank you for choosing the LiveWell Lancaster team to be a part of your health journey, our patients are what drives us day in and day out. With that, we are proud to introduce our LiveWell Lancaster team!
1) Physiotherapists
Mike McLeod
Mike is one of the physiotherapists, as well as the Clinic Director at LiveWell Lancaster. He graduated from UW Kinesiology in 2012 and McMaster Physiotherapy in 2014, and he has been a part of the LiveWell family ever since!
Mike aims to give his patients the tools they need to perform effective home exercise programs while ensuring they receive a balance of exercise management and manual therapy techniques. He believes that continued education is essential to providing effective physiotherapy care, and through his desire to make a positive impact in the Lancaster area, he has become an integral part of the LiveWell team.
What makes LiveWell so special?
“LiveWell is a special place because of the underlying philosophy of treating all clients, practitioners, and staff as a family and community. We can’t do it all alone and LiveWell is always here to help! I am a strong believer in the idea that you are who you surround yourself with and LiveWell has created a strong team across all the LiveWell locations, which only further strengthens the team as a whole.” – Mike
Samantha Hiller
Samantha has been working as a physiotherapist at LiveWell Lancaster since 2020. Her approach to physiotherapy treatment is patient-specific as she emphasizes patient education, exercise prescription, and various manual therapy techniques.
Why do you love your role at LiveWell?
“I love being a physiotherapist as I enjoy assisting patients in reaching their functional and movement-based goals, whether that be returning to work, sport, or daily movement. I also enjoy working at LiveWell because
- I work with a great team of practitioners and support staff who create a positive and welcoming environment.
- The team emphasizes personalizing assessments and treatments based on the patient.
- I get the opportunity to work with a wide range of patients with various orthopaedic injuries including workplace, motor vehicle accidents, and athletic injuries.” – Samantha
Karen Murphy
Karen is both a physiotherapist and an acupuncture provider here at LiveWell Lancaster. She joined our team when the clinic first opened in 2018, and she has been a physiotherapist for over 30 years, primarily working in out-patient orthopaedic physiotherapy.
Karen treats a wide variety of ages and injuries including chronic conditions, sports injuries, motor vehicle accidents, and work injuries. She enjoys the bright open space of the clinic, as well as the access to clinicians from multiple disciplines.
What makes your treatment effective?
“Every person is unique in the way they carry the bone structure. They have a unique signature that reflects the obstacles they have overcome. Sometimes this adaptation can mean they live with persistent discomforts. Implementing a physiotherapy approach known as ConnectTherapyTM and working in a team with my patients allows me to thrive on the challenge of unravelling those adaptations that can be redirected into more comfortable movement.” – Karen
2) Chiropractors
Dr. Josh Dlugokecki
Dr. Josh has been working at LiveWell Lancaster since 2021 and he is one of the two chiropractors at the clinic.
His practice style includes spinal & extremity manipulation and mobilization therapy, soft tissue therapy, rehabilitation exercises, and education. He has also completed training for Physiotherapy Exercise and Physical Activity for Knee osteoarthritis which he strives to include in his practice.
Why did you choose to specialize in chiropractic care?
“Growing up, I had a strong interest in hockey, golf, football and baseball. I was introduced to the world of chiropractic through various sports-related injuries which sparked my interest and passion for the profession. I am happy to be a part of the LiveWell team and I look forward to building my practice at the clinic.” – Dr. Josh
Dr. Kathryn Telford
Dr. Kathryn has been a chiropractor on the Lancaster team since August of 2019. She has a strong interest in geriatric care, sports, and work-related injuries.
Dr. Kathryn’s practice style includes spinal & extremity manipulation and mobilization therapy, acupuncture, soft tissue therapy, rehabilitation exercises, and education. She believes therapy is a team effort between the doctor and patient, and she always strives to provide the proper tools needed in order for her patients to reach their full recovery. Dr. Kathryn has been an integral member of our team and has taken on the Health to Work program through the region of Waterloo.
Why chiropractic care?
“Growing up, I was highly involved in dance, gymnastics, swimming, soccer, and downhill skiing. With most activities come injuries, and I was no exception. Through my own injuries, I was introduced to the world of rehabilitation therapy. I strive to provide the most for my patients and I am passionate about helping others return to their daily routines.” – Dr. Kathryn
3) Registered Massage Therapist
Michael Carlson
Michael started working as a registered massage therapist at LiveWell Lancaster 1 month after it opened in December 2017. He is committed to helping people of all sorts get back to doing what they love without pain, stiffness, and loss of mobility and independence. He has worked with a wide range of patients including athletes, patients with special needs, motor vehicle accidents, rehabilitation, and musicians/performers.
Two quotes that Michael loves and lives by:
- “If you always do what you’ve always done you will always get what you’ve always got”
- “If you fail to plan you plan to fail”
Why do you love massage therapy?
“I love being a massage therapist because I get to help people every day! Patients tend to leave feeling better than when they walked in, and I enjoy being a part of their wellness journey. I also enjoy working with the Lancaster team as we are more than simple colleagues. My professional interactions are fantastic and the support I have received in both my professional and personal life has been wonderful. LiveWell is a very supportive environment to be part of.” – Michael
4) Pedorthist
Danielle Molnar
Danielle has been working at our Lancaster location since we opened in 2016 and our Baden location since 2020. She has been a pedorthist for over 25 years, and she takes pride in helping individuals walk and run more comfortably.
Danielle specializes in hand-crafted, custom-made orthotics and orthopaedic footwear including footwear modifications and compression stockings. She absolutely loves what she does!
What is your motivation?
“Live with Passion!” is a quote by Tony Robbins that has been my motivation throughout most of my life. Working at LiveWell with a great team of colleagues fulfills my goal of enjoying where I work and whom I work with. Everyone’s experience and expertise, along with working as a team collectively to help a patient reach their health goals creates an amazing workplace environment.” – Danielle
5) Pelvic Health Physiotherapist
Soodeh Amjadi
Soodeh has been working at LiveWell Lancaster as a pelvic health physiotherapist for nearly 4 years. Her extensive orthopedic and pelvic health training in combination with her vast clinical experience offers a unique approach for individuals dealing with pelvic dysfunctions, including incontinency, prolapse, and pregnancy issues. She believes in implementing highly individualized treatment plans and relies heavily on manual therapy, exercise prescription, and patient education.
What makes the LiveWell team so special?
“I really enjoy working at LiveWell because our colleagues are so kind and caring. We feel like one big family!” – Soodeh
6) Office Administrators
Janet Szydlowski
Janet joined the LiveWell team working as our part-time administrator in May 2019. She radiates positivity and her quick wit is unmatched. Janet thoroughly enjoys working at LiveWell and we are happy to have her as a part of our team.
Amanda Campbell
Amanda has been part of the LiveWell team since December 2021. She loves working with people and ensuring they leave with the most amazing experience possible. Her focus is to make sure patients receive a smooth and worry-free visit.
Amanda makes the office feel warm with her charm and positive demeanor. She looks at each day as an opportunity to learn something new and exciting in the office.
What’s your favourite thing about working at LiveWell?
“My favourite thing about working at LiveWell Lancaster is how great everyone works together as a team.” – Amanda
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And that’s the LiveWell Lancaster team! We hope you enjoyed learning about our highly motivated and dedicated team members. If you would like to book an appointment with any of our practitioners, please do not hesitate to contact us or to schedule an appointment through our Online Booking System. We look forward to being a part of your health and wellness journey!