Our Team

Putting the Care Back Into Your Healthcare

Kella Glen, PT

Kella has over 24 years experience in the private practice area of physiotherapy. Her experience has taught her that the main goal of her job - through thorough education of a condition and giving clients all the tools she knows to not only manage that condition but to keep it from reoccurring - is to do herself out of a job. She likes to say, “You see me once or twice a week. You see you every day. You're the one who can make the most difference to your condition.”

Kella has a special interest in knees, core stability training for chronic low back pain clients, and functional strengthening programs. She works hard to see the big picture of an injury or dysfunction and enjoys the longer booking times at Strive to be able to comprehensively address conditions. She has strong soft tissue skills and utilizes techniques in addition to manual treatment such as acupuncture and cupping. She also makes good use of kinesiology or “K” tape to facilitate continued activity. Through all the above mentioned skills and philosophies, the friendly and relaxed atmosphere at Strive, and with a strong dose of humour, Kella will make your rehabilitation experience as enlightening, successful, and enjoyable as possible.

Tracy Trieu, PT

Tracy was born and raised in our very own Cowtown. She graduated from the University of Calgary with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology (with distinction) and then moved to Edmonton to complete her Master of Physical Therapy at the University of Alberta. As a dedicated Calgary Flames fan, she decided it was best to move back to her hometown to pursue her career.

Tracy is experienced in treating various musculoskeletal conditions, with a keen interest in the shoulder and hands. She provides one-on-one physiotherapy sessions tailored to patient’s goals. Her approach includes a biomechanical and functional assessment to develop a comprehensive exercise program and treatment plan. Tracy has training in Mulligan techniques and is experienced in various hands-on manual therapy techniques to help facilitate healing. Tracy has a passion for empowering people with education about their injury and providing strategies to help patients manage and prevent recurrent injuries.

Brenda McGahey, PT

Brenda combines her passion for physiotherapy with over 23 years of experience and advanced education to help her clients get results. Always focused on getting to the root of the problem; Brenda has advanced training in Manual and Manipulative Physiotherapy (Part B therapist), Gunn IMS/dry needling, Functional Dry Needling, Exercise Prescription, Women’s Pelvic Health and Sports Injuries. She has experience working with a variety of clientele including MVA, WCB, Sports Injuries, and Women’s Health.

While raising active kids and maintaining an active lifestyle herself, the number one goal is to be able to help clients achieve their highest level of function and activity so they can be their best self. Trust Brenda to steer you in the right direction for all of your rehab goals.

Amanda Fandrick, RMT

Amanda is a 2,200 hour graduate from CCMH Foothills College of Massage Therapy and a member of good standing with the Massage Therapy Association of Alberta (MTAA).

Experienced with MVA treatments, musculoskeletal conditions/imbalances, chronic pain and sports related injuries, Amanda is a firm believer in postural rehabilitation; training patients to be aware and correct imbalances to decrease risk of muscular discomfort or injury. Amanda enjoys working with women in each stage of pregnancy. Amanda strives to return patients to proper function, using techniques such as joint mobilization, fascial technique, passive muscle work, hydrotherapy, stretching and glass cupping therapy.

David Volpi, PT

David is an orthopaedic physiotherapist with over 17 years of experience in assessing and treating orthopaedic injuries of all types. He strives to help people achieve their potential through physical therapy.

David is certified in manual and spinal manipulation therapy, acupuncture and dry needling. David is also well versed in strengthening and stretching, biomechanical evaluation and exercise physiology, David is extremely knowledgeable and experienced in helping patients with injury from motor vehicle accidents, helping patients prepare for sports and other strenuous activities, and helping relieve pain and soreness from other conditions.

Phil Gillies, PT

Phil brings over 10 years of international physiotherapy experience to Strive Physiotherapy. He has practiced in the United Kingdom, Hong Kong and Canada; treating clients from elite-level Olympic athletes to weekend warriors.

Phil has a background playing and working in elite-level rugby and believes that every patient, no matter their background, deserves top-class personalized injury assessment, treatment and management. He is regularly updating and adding to his clinical skills: he is licensed to perform spinal manipulation and IMS/Dry Needling, and authorized to order diagnostic imaging.

Tamara Gogol, PT

Tamara graduated from the University of Alberta in 1999 with her B.Sc, in Physiotherapy. She has advanced training in manual therapy, exercise prescription and spinal stabilization techniques. She also holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration majoring in Finance from the Haskayne School of Business at the University of Calgary.

Tamara has practiced in a wide variety of clinical settings over the past 15 years and has worked extensively with injuries related to WCB, motor vehicle accidents and sports related injuries. She enjoys working with a variety of clientele. Tamara’s strength is her ability to listen to her clients and provide the education they need to reach successful outcomes. Her treatments usually involve manual therapy, pain relieving modalities and a comprehensive home program focused on pain management and return to function/activity.

Megan Violi, PT

Megan graduated with a Master of Science in Physical Therapy from the University of Alberta, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Health Physiology (minor in Adapted and Therapeutic Physical Activity) from the University of Calgary. Megan has worked with a variety of populations across all age groups and conditions. She has treated a number of orthopaedic conditions, taking a special interest in knee and shoulder injuries. With every case, Megan aims to assess clients holistically and provide education, advocacy, and self-management tools. Through a combination of manual therapy and therapeutic exercise prescription, Megan’s overarching goal is to get her clients back to their various activities while preventing reinjury and promoting longevity.

When not at the clinic, Megan can be found playing volleyball, hiking, or enjoying one of Calgary’s many coffee shops!

Joe Kristofferson, PT

Joe grew up in Williams Lake, a small city in the heart of the Cariboo Chilcotin Interior of British Columbia. There Joe had the opportunity to growup in the outdoors of the Wild West where most of his childhood was spent outside enjoying various activities such as hiking, camping, hunting, fishing, skiing, trail running and general exploration. These early activities helped Joe establish a real appreciation for physicality and what it takes to improve health and mobility in order to keep doing the things you love. In 2007 Joe graduated from the University of Alberta with a Masters of Science degree in Physical Therapy. Joe has been working as a physiotherapist in private practice since graduating treating a myriad of acute and chronic pain conditions, work related injuries, motor vehicle related injuries and sport related injuries.

Joe has also completed certification in acupuncture through the Canadian Acupuncture Foundation. As well Joe has completed certification in Dr. Chan Gunn Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS). When not singing and playing guitar in a cover band, Joe enjoys spending time with family and friends hiking, trail running, cross country skiing, snow boarding, mountain biking, rock climbing, camping and generally just exploring the outdoors. If you see Joe on the trails or in one of the Calgary Climbing Gyms say hello!

Samantha Playfair, PT

Samantha graduated from the University of Calgary with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology before earning her Master of Science in Physiotherapy from the University of Alberta in Edmonton.

With a passion for empowering patients, Samantha takes a holistic and personalized approach to treatment. She believes that a customized treatment plan tailored to each patient's unique goals is key to achieving long-term success. By making patients active participants in their rehabilitation, Samantha uses a blend of hands-on techniques, guided exercises, and thoughtful education to help them regain strength, mobility, and confidence. Samantha is committed to helping you feel your best and reach your full potential, whether you're recovering from an injury, managing a chronic condition, or simply striving to improve your physical health.

Giuseppe Izzo, PT

Giuseppe Izzo is a highly skilled and compassionate Physical Therapist whose foundational education was entirely completed in Italy. He holds a B.Sc. in Physical and Sport Activities and a B.Sc. in Physiotherapy, providing him with a comprehensive understanding of human movement and rehabilitation. Further enhancing his expertise, Giuseppe possesses advanced certifications in Dry Needling, Spinal and Peripheral Manipulations, PNF Stretching Techniques, Basic Swedish Massage Techniques, and Professional Sport Kinesio-Taping Application.

Giuseppe's approach to physiotherapy is built on the cornerstone of a strong, trusting partnership between therapist and patient. He firmly believes that optimal recovery is achieved when patients are fully informed about their condition and empowered to become active, engaged participants in their customized therapy plan.

His extensive experience caters to a diverse clientele, ranging from elite young and adult athletes striving for peak performance to "everyday warriors" dedicated to maintaining an active and fulfilling lifestyle, regardless of age. From the outset of his career, Giuseppe's exceptional ability to connect with and inspire his patients has been a defining strength, consistently motivating them to not just recover, but to truly thrive.

In his personal time, Giuseppe cherishes moments with his family and friends, frequently delighting them with his culinary skills in preparing authentic Italian dishes. An avid outdoors enthusiast, he enjoys a variety of sports including soccer, tennis, road cycling, mountain biking, fly fishing, and exploring the breathtaking landscapes of the Rocky Mountains.

Brian Kitzerow, PT, DPT, OCS, CMPT
MBA Candidate

Brian Kitzerow is an experienced physiotherapist with over 15 years of practice specializing in orthopedics, sports medicine, and high-level athlete rehabilitation. He earned his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree in the United States and holds advanced certifications including Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS) and Certified Manual Physical Therapist (CMPT).

Brian has extensive experience working with professional dancers, gymnasts, martial artists (including Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitors), NCAA Division I track and field and volleyball athletes, and players in A-league baseball. His approach combines advanced manual therapy with data-driven performance testing, strength and power profiling, and individualized recovery strategies to help athletes return to peak performance — and often perform better than before injury.

In addition to his sports work, Brian has over 10 years of experience supporting individuals with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), personal experience with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), and other connective tissue or autonomic conditions. He is skilled at helping these patients regain function, reduce pain, and restore confidence through carefully graded rehabilitation programs tailored to their unique physiology.

Brian is passionate about helping both athletes and complex patients unlock their potential, whether returning from surgery, managing chronic conditions, or optimizing performance under high training loads. He uses biomechanical analysis, targeted exercise programming, and technology-assisted metrics to track progress and guide decision-making.

Beyond the clinic, Brian is engaged in healthcare innovation and analytics, with training in coding, data science, and medical product development. He enjoys building systems that improve care quality and patient outcomes through better data and streamlined workflows.

When he’s not working with patients, Brian can often be found on the sidelines supporting local athletes, training himself, or exploring Calgary’s trails and river paths with his family. And he hopes to get back to rolling in Jiu-Jitsu as soon as he recovers further from his Maisonneuve ankle fractures.

Katie Henry, RMT, Manual Osteopath

Katie is a Manual Osteopath, Advanced Clinic Massage Therapist and Reflexologist.

Her goal with every appointment is to have you feeling the best and functioning better than when you came in; she can use her extensive skillset to help you achieve your goals of total body wellness.

In her spare time she enjoys being active: walking her dogs, being at the playground with her children and with kick-boxing.

Hanson Ranch Plaza

Centre Street

Our Team

Putting the Care Back Into Your Healthcare