Our Fresh Start Health Retreat Team Members
Dr. Lise Maltais, ND
Naturopathic Medicine and Organ Screen Assessments
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: 34 yrs
Learn more about Dr. Lise.
Sandie Sparrow
Colonics and Program Director
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: 12 yrs
Learn more about Sandie.
Ania Kastashchuk, M. Ed., M.Sc.
Program Manager, Program Director and Live Blood Analyst
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: 21 yrs
Learn more about Ania.
Sandra Kelly, HHRT
Bodyworker and Live Blood Analyst
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: 16 yrs
Learn more about Sandra.
Stacey Campbell, RCC
Registered Clinical Counsellor
Stacey specializes in navigating with her clients through depression, anxiety, trauma, abuse, grief, relationship conflicts, life transitions and spiritual growth. She uses CBT, DBT, IFS, mindfulness and is working on completion of EMDR. Stacey holds a Master’s degree in Transpersonal Counselling Psychology.
Experience: 14 yrs
Learn more about Stacey.
Caroline Miskenack, BSN
Nurse Psychotherapist
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: 15 yrs
Learn more about Caroline.
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: 22 yrs
Learn more about Laurie.
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: 12 yrs
Learn more about Shannon.
Melanie Requet
Bodyworker
As a trauma survivor herself, Melanie understands the importance of feeling truly safe for healing to occur. Her work is rooted in safety, presence, and deep listening. People often describe Melanie’s therapies as deeply relaxing and nurturing.
Experience: 19 yrs
Learn more about Melanie.
Kristi Birnie, BAA
Craniosacral Therapy and Reiki
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: 16 yrs
Learn more about Kristi.
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: 19 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: 34 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: 11 yrs
Learn more about Tina.
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: 8 yrs
Learn more about Ashley.
Paula Charon, BComm
Program Assistant
Paula is passionate about helping people reach their full physical and mental potential. She is very open-minded and empathetic, and enjoys seeing the Fresh Start guests through physical and emotional transformation. Paula has a lot of experiences to share.
Experience: 11 yrs
Learn more about Paula.
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: 46 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: 43 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: 21 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: 28 yrs
Learn more about Allison.
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.