meet the team
Chiropractor
Greg Driedger D.C.
Who am I, what is my origin story?
So…twenty odd years ago, I’m driving with my parents through the Fraser Valley in BC, trying desperately to figure out what to do with my life. My wife and I had split up, which was good for both of us.
We were in trouble before she was diagnosed with breast cancer but were able to stay together through her chemo and subsequent 2-year recovery, both of us had tried very hard but it was not to be. Her cancer had about a 75% chance of recurrence, and in my early 30’s I had recently finished my commerce degree but was not in a position financially to look after my family…the love of my life, my daughter Zoey.
Something had to give. I needed a career change, something that would provide for my family and whatever that change was going to be, I was only going to get one shot at it if the cancer came back. It had to be the perfect choice. I had done a lot of work with career change books. There were a few career themes that were always present: I had to be of service, it had to be mentally stimulating, it would help if it was physical (get my hands on people to be of assistance), and a few others, but a common theme.
Over the course of my life, I had been a waiter, bartender, golf professional, always being of service, but lately I was utilizing my commerce degree working as a business analyst crunching numbers, so boring! Just not fulfilling. All career analysis had shown me, ironically given the career choices so far, that I had 4 options: waiter, bartender, teacher, or medical profession.
In my head I thought that everything was pointing to becoming a physiotherapist. However, at that time, I had never met a physio who was really fulfilled – although I have since. It was not an option to go back to school for at least another 2+ years to ultimately become a dissatisfied therapist.
As I told my parents this, driving through the Fraser Valley on a gorgeous sunny day, my dad turned to me and said, “Why don’t you be a CHIROPRACTOR?”. And the world literally stopped.
Everything. Stopped. I can remember the trees in the background, the outline of the mountains, the carpet in the vehicle. I got covered in an ice-cold electric syrup and a voice in my soul said to me, in language I could hear, “THIS IS WHAT YOU WERE BORN TO DO.”
And here we are 16 years later. Once I was aware of my life’s purpose in this way, nothing was going to stop me. Nothing was too big or too small to get here. I was a man possessed, and the rest is history.
Through the years the chiropractic approach has evolved. Everything now revolves around a very basic tenant: you have a design; the body has a design. Our DNA hasn’t changed in over 20000 years (.01%), and people who live congruently with the design have astronomically better health outcomes than those of us who don’t.
In a profound way, the musculoskeletal aspect of the body’s design/structure is what everything else depends on. My greatest passion in life, is assisting this structure back to its original design, helping you out of your pain, off any meds if possible and getting you back to the highest quality of life. The entire team works around this principle: assist the structure back to its original design, help resolve the years of accumulated soft tissue and life stresses, utilize our unique approach, and get you back doing everything you love to do in life.
I look forward to meeting you and seeing what we can accomplish for your health, for your family, for your quality of life, for your love of life, for everything you are here to achieve, as pain-free as all of us can help you get back to. Welcome to our office!
Yours Truly,
Dr. Greg Driedger
Acupuncturist
Kathryn Kurash
Dr. Kathryn is our incredible acupuncturist who finds the integrated functions of the human body fascinating and beautiful. After earning her bachelor’s degree in Molecular Biology from the University of Alberta, she explored various paths in health sciences through research, family medicine, and public health, before discovering her true calling in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
Dr Kathryn's journey into TCM began through yoga to manage anxiety, which led her to an acupuncturist who addressed specific symptoms. She appreciates how TCM acknowledges the mind-body-spirit connection and focuses on treating root causes rather than just symptoms.
With over a decade of practice, she believes in a holistic, integrative approach to wellness, which she shares with her two beautiful daughters and patients alike. Dr Kathryn enjoys working in a multidisciplinary clinic, as she strongly believes multiple pathways can lead to the same health destination. Her favorite areas to treat include mental health, pediatrics, pre- and post-natal care, pain, migraines, and fertility. In Her spare time, she loves spending time with her kids and visiting the dog park.
Chirodontics
Peter, RMT
If The Punisher tattoo on his forearm wasn’t the first clue… Peter is amazing! 20+ years of rehab therapy. A lifetime of martial arts. A lifetime of bodybuilding, strongman competitions, powerlifting. The biggest heart you are ever going to find and just wants to help.
Peter is continually learning, has MVA and stroke rehab therapy and his latest and greatest CHIRODONTICS! (Chirodontics = migraine/headache relief, TMJ issues, dental issues, face and skull reshaping & pain syndromes, whiplash/concussion symptoms, and more.)
Peter is a graduate of the Mount Royal University massage program and has been involved in rehabilitation in many forms for the last 20 plus years from athletics. His hobbies include bodybuilding, strong man competitions, powerlifting and martial arts training. Through his years of hard work and determination, massage therapy was a key support system he used to maintain his physical wellbeing. Practicing massage has been a natural transition from the rehab and Personal Training role he’s been fulfilling for many years. Both modalities are very beneficial and add to his capabilities as a massage therapist.
Peter’s main style is Deep Tissue (if you hadn’t guessed) but has been known to give great facial, scalp, hand and foot massages. His continuing focus will be on headaches, concussions, and TMJD treatments through Chirodontics as above, and later, deep myofascial release.
And just so you know, there will be no spa music, classic rock will be played and that’s that.
Massage Therapst & Office Manager
Zoey, RMT
Zoey started massaging at the age of 8, where she ran around the camping ground trading toonies for shoulder rubs. She has since gone through professional training at Mount Royal University and is now a Registered Massage Therapist.
She is also the office manager at Mckenzie Lake Chiropractic so you may encounter her on rare occasions at the front of the clinic instead of hiding in the massage room.
Although she likes to think of herself as a relaxation massage therapist, this is delusional. Zoey is first and foremost a “let’s go get it” massage therapist and does not shy away from pressure to get results. If you prefer a specific deep tissue massage, she’s your gal. She has also been certified in dynamic cupping. This form of cupping is different than most as it focuses on movement with the cup and/or with the joints to reduce muscle tension, increase range of motion, decrease fascial restrictions, assist in scar tissue healing and other benefits! Be aware this treatment has a risk of marking. If you’ve seen an athlete who looks like they’ve been attacked by octopus’s you know what to expect.
But like a coin Zoey has two sides to her treatment. Although she is a deep tissue therapist, Zoey has a soft spot for relaxation massages. She loves pampering her clients with warmth, care and a place to escape from the stresses of being alive. She has her training in Gua Sha and Fascial cupping which is a blissful finish to any treatment. Top that off with ear reflexology and walk out feeling like a new person.
Ear reflexology! What’s that? Did you know that there are 60 acupressure points in the ear that connect to your whole body? During a reflexology treatment you receive a neck, scalp, and ear massage, afterwards Zoey would treat your ear and apply seeds directly to your individual specific pressure points! This treatment can be stand-alone or added to a regular massage for no extra charge.
Massage Therapist & Hot Stone
Teagan, RMT
Teagan has worked as a Registered Massage Therapist for nigh unto 4 years now after graduating from Makami College 3000 hours massage program. When you first meet Teagan, they may look sweet and innocent, but their hands have been described as “terrifying little daggers” on more than one occasion.
Teagan would describe their massage style as therapeutic relaxation that can go deep when you need it. What we as staff hear is “WOW!” and “Whew!” and “Yay!” and “How soon can I come back??!!”.
They are trained in relaxation, deep tissue, hot stone, lymphatic drainage, and cupping massage. You may also recognize Teagan from our up-front reception staff, which they have been a part of since 2019.
Teagan is continuing their education and training in Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, but what the heck is Thoracic Outlet Syndrome? So glad you asked! Thoracic Outlet Syndrome is a compression injury that affects neurovascular system from the neck into the arm. “Thoracic Outlet Syndrome is a group of conditions in which there's pressure on blood vessels or nerves in the area between the neck and shoulder. This space is known as the thoracic outlet. Compression of the blood vessels and nerves can cause shoulder and neck pain. It also can cause numbness in the fingers.”
RMT Student
Hot Stone & Chiropractic Assistant
Aislynn
Aislynn is our student massage therapist that is currently working on her second practicum. She has been working as a Chiropractor Assistant for the last 3 years, getting her hands on people, and making a HUGE difference for our patients on a daily basis. She is now going to massage school to refine her abilities and is absolutely LOVING it!
Aislynn has learned the incredible healing power of touch and would describe her massage style as therapeutic with a pressure of medium to deep. She also is very grounded, can access emotional and or physical distress, and wants to help.
Aislynn has been certified to work with tools and different therapies such as hot stone, hot oil for scalp, and (very soon) cups (or cupping therapy). She has been trained to work on all different body types, different ages, conditions and has a particular passion for working with children, infants, and expecting mothers.
Athletic Therapist
Lauren
Lauren Walker is a Certified Athletic Therapist who graduated from Mount Royal University with a Bachelor of Health and Physical Education, majoring in Athletic Therapy. She earned her certification through the Canadian Athletic Therapy Association (CATA).
Currently, Lauren works in both field and clinical settings, providing specialized care to athletes across various sports, including, but not limited to basketball, football, soccer, as well as individuals from all walks and stages of life. Lauren grew up around sports and was a competitive dancer for 15 years.
From her own experience with injury management and prevention, she offers personalized athletic therapy services that are tailored to meet the individual goals of her patients. Whether on the field or in the clinic, she is dedicated to helping patients achieve optimal performance, whatever that may look like, through hands-on treatment and functional rehabilitation programs.
Administrative Assistant
Taylor
Having worked primarily in the arts, Taylor is excited to be taking this journey as Office Administrator with McKenzie Lake Chiropractic. Taylor is the primary contact for patients coming into the office and is happy to meet everyone!
Taylor’s most recent experience includes working for a traveling circus as their Box Office Manager – she is excited to be taking a break and staying in one place while filling in at the clinic. When not at work Taylor enjoys cozy video games, live theatre and music, and getting out into nature.
Chiropractic Assistant
Amy
Clinical Director
Heather Hall
Heather is our dedicated Clinical Director with a background focused in medical sciences and a passion for running a well structured clinic that feels like home.
Heather completed her Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science and Nutraceutical Sciences at the University of Guelph before moving out west to pursue her Masters of Medical Science at the University of Calgary.
She is not only knowledgeable in the medical field but has organized management systems that allow the clinic to feel like a place of healing and care. Heather is approachable and makes time for each patient during regular appointments or dynamic situations. As clinical director, she is the main point of contact for any situation outside of routine care. She works alongside the insurance providers and legal teams to best provide the extended care required in cases involving motor vehicle accidents, workplace injuries and others.
Heather balances her time between clinic work and remote hours, making it possible to stay deeply involved in the lives of her children - whether it's cheering them on at sporting events or cherishing the last "firsts" of her adorable baby. Her schedule lets her fully embrace the joys and challenges of raising a busy, active family while building a meaningful career.
Monday
Closed
Tuesday
3:00pm - 6:45pm
Wednesday
8:00am - 11:00am
3:00pm - 6:00pm
Thursday
3:00pm - 6:45pm
Friday
8:00am - 11:00am
3:00pm - 6:45pm
Saturday
8:00am - 11:45am
Sunday
Closed
Monday
8:00am - 9:15pm
Tuesday
8:00am - 9:15pm
Wednesday
8:00am - 9:15pm
Thursday
8:00am - 9:15pm
Friday
8:00am - 9:15pm
Saturday
9:00am - 9:15pm
Sunday
9:00am - 7:00pm
Mckenzie Lake Chiropractic
16764 McKenzie Lake Blvd SE
SE Calgary, AB T2Z 1W3