Meet Our Team of Athletic Therapists in Winnipeg
Melanie Talastas-Soriano BA-Kin, CAT(C)
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Bio
Melanie Talastas-Soriano is a Certified Athletic Therapist with 20 years of experience working with recreational, high school, university and national team athletes in a variety of sports as both a student and professional. She graduated from the University of Winnipeg in 2005 with a bachelor in Kinesiology & Applied Health and in 2009 she became a Certified Athletic Therapist after completing the national examination. She is passionate about helping people recover from their injuries and providing them with tools to help prevent further injuries. During her time as a University of Winnipeg Wesmen basketball player, Melanie learned the importance of taking care of yourself and discovered her passion for helping others with rehabilitation, stretching and to live an active lifestyle. Melanie is grateful for the opportunity to help her clients live pain free and healthier lives and is excited to continue the tradition of serving the community through fitness knowledge, injury prevention and rehabilitation. Athletic Achievements
2000 Juvenile Basketball Manitoba Provincial Team Member Bronze medalist: Nike Juvenile Basketball National Championships, B.C. 2001 High School Division 1 Athlete of the Year 2001 Senior Manitoba Provincial Basketball Team Member Canada Games, London, Ontario 2001-2006 Lady Wesmen Basketball Team Member, Point-guard. CIS Women's Basketball Great Plain Division Finalist 2002 Bronze Medalist CIS Women's National Basketball Championships, Hamilton, Ontario 2003 Silver Medalist CIS Women's National Basketball Championships, Hamilton Ontario 2004 Bronze Medalist CIS Women's National Basketball Championships, Winnipeg MB 2005 Silver Medalist CIS Women's National Basketball Championships, Winnipeg MB 2006 Basketball Duckworth Challenge: Athlete of the Game. CIS Women's Basketball Great Plain Division Finalist 2008 Senior Women's Basketball NABA Finalist, Winnipeg Manitoba |
Emilie Smale BSc. - Kin CAT(C)
Certified Athletic Therapist
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Bio
Emilie is a Certified Athletic Therapist originally from Brandon, Manitoba and a recent graduate from the University of Winnipeg. During her time as a student therapist at the UofW, Emilie worked with several sports teams such as the MCAC Wesmen Men’s Basketball Team, the USports Wesmen Women’s Volleyball team, and high school and seniors' league rugby. She is currently working as an Athletic Therapist with a AAA Bantam II Hockey team. In high school, Emilie enjoyed playing basketball and was the captain of her team. Currently, she continues to stay active by working out in the gym and trying out different fitness classes. Emilie loves working with a wide variety of patients from elite athletes all the way to the everyday athlete, i.e., the stay at home parent, trades worker, or the weekend warrior. Her practice involves hands-on manual therapy, sport/daily life specific exercises, and most importantly; education of the injury. Emilie is currently accepting new patients and is very excited to get to know you and help you with any performance or injury needs! |
Jessica Mendoza, RMT, BSc. - Kin
Registered Massage Therapist
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Bio
Jessica is a Registered Massage Therapist. She graduated from Evolve College of Massage Therapy in June of 2024 and completed her Bachelor of Science Degree (Kinesiology) in 2020 at the University of Winnipeg. After completing the Athletic Therapy Program she was drawn towards manual therapy and decided to solely focus on massage. With her combined knowledge in athletic and massage therapy she won the “Massage Addict Scholarship” for excellence in Massage Therapy. While being an athletic therapy student, Jessica gained the experience of working with athletes and the general public in both the clinic and field setting. She worked with a variety of sports teams throughout her degree: • Sisler High School’s Varsity and Junior Varsity Football • AA Bantam Hockey • U17 AAA Hockey (Provincial) • Senior Woman’s Rugby League Jessica has been with Insahyu Ltd since 2020. She has been working at the clinic as the main Admin and assisted with treatments while being an athletic therapy student. Jessica is now taking clients as a Registered Massage Therapist and works closely with the Athletic Therapists at Insahyu Ltd to help clients manage their conditions and recover from their injuries. She is excited to help the community through the art of massage and help educate the public on the human body. |
Samantha Ilas BSc. -Kin CAT(C)
Certified Athletic Therapist
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Bio
Samantha (Sam) enjoyed being active growing up, participating in sports and outdoor physical activities with friends and family. She also spent a lot of time watching sports on tv and currently, loves watching NBA basketball. Sam played two years on her high school volleyball team and presently, enjoys walking indoors and outdoors and working out at-home. In high school, she visited the UofW Athletic Therapy Centre and this piqued her interest as a potential career. Samantha is a Certified Athletic Therapist; graduated from the University of Winnipeg in 2020 with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology (Athletic Therapy) and she was on the Dean’s List, 2015, 2016, 2017. As a student therapist, she worked with various sports teams for field practicums such as: • MCAC RRC’s women’s and men’s basketball and soccer • Sisler High School’s varsity and junior varsity football • Senior Woman’s League rugby • U17 AAA hockey • MCAC CMU’s women’s and men’s basketball She completed her clinic practicums at the University of Winnipeg’s Athletic Therapy Centre and Insahyu Training and Therapy. Sam looks forward to working with patients to help them get back to being active! Active enough to do what they need to or want to do; “Active” may be different for everyone, because it could mean active for their job, daily, leisure or physical activities. |
Kristin CAT(c), RMT
Certified Athletic Therapist and Registered Massage Therapist
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Bio
Kristin is a Certified Athletic Therapist and Registered Massage Therapist dedicated to helping clients achieve their health and wellness goals. She graduated from The University of Winnipeg in 2022 and became a certified athletic therapist later that year. Kristin decided to take some time off to pursue additional certification in massage therapy at the Evolve College of Massage Therapy (2024). During her time as a student of athletic therapy she has experienced working with various sports teams such as: - RRC MCAC basketball, futsal, and volleyball teams - U15 AAA hockey - UW women's soccer - UW men's basketball With a blend of proficiency in injury prevention, rehabilitation, and therapeutic massage, Kristin offers personalized care tailored to each individual’s needs. Outside of work, she enjoys keeping up with all things art, music, and basketball, and discovering various ways to make exercising fun for everyone. |
Alyssa De Leon, Admin
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Bio
Alyssa is a first year Pre - Medicine student at the University of Winnipeg. She was heavily involved in basketball, and volleyball all throughout middle school, and high school. Having experienced the average injuries an athlete may come across, she found her interest in sports medicine, and the rehabilitation of the body. Alyssa has a passion for helping others, and being a role model to younger generations. She channels these values through coaching young children in the Attack Basketball Community Program, and the 2012 Girls Attack Academy club team. As our new admin, Alyssa looks forward to greeting you at the clinic! |