Presenter Bios

Alexsandra (Sandy) Koropas is a Certified Diabetes Nurse Educator with over 20 years of healthcare experience, specializing in chronic disease management, diabetes education, and patient-centred care. She is widely respected for her ability to translate complex medical information into practical, compassionate guidance that empowers individuals to manage their health with confidence.

Sandy has worked across hospitals, rural settings, and Indigenous health programs, collaborating closely with physicians and interdisciplinary teams to improve access to diabetes education and close gaps in care. Her work focuses on supporting individuals and families living with diabetes, insulin dependence, metabolic disease, and weight management, with an emphasis on long-term outcomes and quality of life.

A dedicated educator and advocate, Sandy brings both professional expertise and lived experience to her work. Her approach is grounded in equity, trust, and a deep understanding of how healthcare systems impact individuals and families. Known for her clarity, warmth, and unwavering commitment to those she serves, Sandy is a trusted clinician, mentor, and advocate in chronic disease care.

Justin Monton is an occupational therapist with experience across acute care, long-term care, dementia care, and mental health settings. Justin currently works in a personal care home, a rural hospital, and operates a private practice, Bayanihan Therapy, which focuses on mental health counselling, dementia care partnering and education, supporting older adults to maintain independence in the community, and anti-racism and anti-oppressive practice.

As a first-generation immigrant and trans non-binary practitioner, Justin brings a deeply relational, systems-informed lens to their work. They approach each client through a multi-systems, multi-level, inter-professional, and inter-stakeholder framework, recognizing the complex social, cultural, and structural factors that shape health and wellbeing.

Outside of practice, Justin enjoys dancing, strength training, travel, good food, and time with family and close friends — and considers sleep their favourite occupation.

Jillian has been a Registered Dietitian for 30 years. She has been a Certified Diabetes Educator for 27 years and was previously a Certified Bariatric Educator for 5 years. She spent 15 years in the Section of Endocrine at St. Boniface Hospital and then spent 5 years at the Victoria Hospital where she helped to start and build the Centre for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. She moved into the community working as a Chronic Disease Management Clinician in both the Fort Garry and St. James Assiniboia areas.  She has always had an interest in Indigenous health and spent a few years working as an educator for Spirit Healthcare Group, an Indigenous owned company in Manitoba.

Jillian presently works at Medigroup Health Centre, privately seeing clients for diabetes and weight management as well as those undergoing revisional weight loss surgeries.  She is passionate about helping people on their health journey and does not take a one size fits all approach.  We are all individuals and each one of us needs something different, which sometimes means thinking outside the box.

In her spare time, Jillian loves to cook and spend time with family.

Dr. Jennifer Anderson is a Métis family physician who graduated from the University of Manitoba’s Urban Family Medicine Program in 2014. She began her career in rural Manitoba, practising comprehensive family medicine in Steinbach, including obstetrics, emergency medicine, and hospital-based care. She has since worked extensively in emergency departments and hospitals across the region, including Steinbach, St. Boniface Hospital, Concordia Hospital, and Selkirk Regional Health Centre.

In 2016, Dr. Anderson’s clinical path took a deeply personal turn when her four-year-old son, who lives with cerebral palsy related to twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome, developed severe, treatment-resistant epilepsy. After exhausting all conventional medical options and spending the majority of his time hospitalized, Dr. Anderson advocated for a trial of medical cannabis—an uncommon and largely unexplored option in pediatrics at the time. Following the first dose, his seizures were reduced by half. Over the following year, seizure frequency decreased from multiple episodes per hour to only a few per month. Today, he is a healthy and vibrant nine-year-old who enjoys life alongside his twin brother, with his last hospital admission nearly three years ago.

This experience catalyzed Dr. Anderson’s clinical focus on cannabinoid medicine. Since 2017, she has supported both pediatric and adult patients with complex, treatment-resistant conditions who have not responded to traditional therapies. She now operates a consult-only practice, working collaboratively with physicians to safely and appropriately integrate medical cannabis into patient care when clinically indicated.

Dr. Anderson is deeply committed to advocacy, education, and standards of excellence in cannabinoid medicine. She works closely with physicians, educators, and government partners to improve understanding, policy, and clinical integration of cannabis-based therapies. Through national and international collaboration, she supports healthcare providers in navigating this evolving field with rigor, safety, and compassion.

Her work is grounded in patient-centred care, clinical integrity, and a strong belief in thoughtful innovation within medicine. Dr. Anderson brings both professional expertise and lived experience to her work, with a continued focus on improving outcomes for patients and supporting clinicians across Manitoba and beyond.

Dr. Carolyn R. Weiss is a chiropractor serving the Interlake and Greater Winnipeg region, with a strong commitment to community-based, evidence-informed care. Born and raised in St. Andrews, just south of Selkirk, Dr. Weiss brings both local roots and extensive academic and clinical training to her practice.

She holds a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Biology and Biochemistry from the University of Winnipeg and a Master of Science in Medicine (Immunology) from the University of Manitoba. Dr. Weiss completed her Doctor of Chiropractic at Northwestern Health Sciences University in Minneapolis, graduating cum laude in 2016. Her clinical training includes specialized education in techniques such as Graston Technique, Myofascial Release Therapy, RockTape, Torque Release Technique, and focused care in pregnancy, pediatrics, and geriatrics.

Dr. Weiss has a long history of leadership and community service. She has served as President of the Friends of Lower Fort Garry since 2013 and is a Member at Large with Manitoba Underground Opera. During her academic career, she held leadership roles including President of the Health Sciences Graduate Students’ Association at the University of Manitoba and Vice President of Chiropractic at Northwestern Health Sciences University, where she was awarded the Student Leadership Scholarship and inducted into the Student Leadership Hall of Fame.

Her clinical training has included placements with the Downtown Minneapolis Salvation Army Free Clinic and La Clinica in Saint Paul, reflecting a strong commitment to accessible and community-oriented healthcare.

Outside of practice, Dr. Weiss enjoys singing in her church choir, swimming, attending the opera, and reconnecting with her roots in the Interlake community.

Graham Todd is the President of Reliable Mobility, the Prairies’ leading home healthcare, home modification, and complex rehabilitation company serving Manitoba and the Kenora region. Since founding the company in 2012, Graham has focused on creating practical solutions that promote independence, safety, and quality of life, enabling people to live the lives they want to live in their own homes and communities.

In addition to his business leadership, Graham is a nationally recognized advocate within the disability and brain injury sectors. He currently serves as Chair of the Board of Directors for Brain Injury Canada, Vice Chair of the Board for March of Dimes Canada, and serves on the Nominating and Public Relations Committee for the Long Term & Continuing Care Association of Manitoba.

Graham’s advocacy is informed by both professional expertise and lived experience. His background in competitive sports, including rugby and equestrian activities, led to multiple concussions and injuries, shaping his lifelong commitment to brain injury prevention, recovery, and support. Through his governance roles, he works closely with public, private, and government partners to strengthen systems of care, improve access to services, and advance policy and awareness for people living with disabilities and acquired brain injuries.

Graham brings a pragmatic, solutions-focused perspective to healthcare conversations, grounded in collaboration, innovation, and a deep respect for the lived experiences of individuals, families, and communities.

Nicole Koropas is an educator and varsity coach with a strong background in physical education, fitness, and high-performance sport. She holds a Bachelor of Science with a double major in Physical Education and Corporate Fitness, earned in the United States.

A graduate of Lord Selkirk Regional Comprehensive Secondary School, Nicole was a member of the Varsity Girls Volleyball team that won the provincial championship in her Grade 12 year, launching Selkirk’s four-peat. She went on to compete in post-secondary athletics at Lakeland College before transferring to Minot State University in North Dakota, where she earned scholarships in volleyball, softball, and academics, graduating in 2011.

Nicole began her teaching career in Sagkeeng First Nation and Brokenhead First Nation, teaching physical and health education and working closely with students and communities. She now teaches within the Lord Selkirk School Division and has come full circle, teaching at her former high school. She currently serves as Head Coach of the AAAA Varsity Girls Volleyball team and will be assisting with the high school baseball team this season. She is in the process of completing her NCCP certification.

A mother of two multi-sport athletes, Nicole values balance, resilience, and positive role modelling in youth sport. She remains actively engaged in athletics herself, continuing to play volleyball, participate in slo-pitch, and maintain a strong personal fitness routine.

Annabelle Reimer, RN(NP) graduated as a Registered Nurse in 1994 and completed her Master of Nursing: Nurse Practitioner (NP) in 2010. She is licensed to practice in Manitoba.

Annabelle continued to pursue additional education and advanced training in comprehensive hormone evaluations, hormone replacement therapy/menopause hormone therapy, weight management and obesity programs, aesthetics (including medical grade skin care, neuromodulators, counseling and functional medicine. She has followed her passion and in February 2022 received her certification in Advanced Hormone Therapy (ABHRT) with Worldlink Medical and in October 2024 became the first nurse practitioner in Manitoba to obtain her certification with The Menopause Society.

Annabelle partners with women to improve their symptoms associated with hormonal imbalances, suboptimal thyroid, weight conditions, autoimmune, and chronic conditions, and skin concerns. Her goal is to empower women to thrive and live their best lives as they enter perimenopause and menopause.

Melina holds a Master of Science in Community Health and has devoted most of her career to helping older adults live a healthy and vibrant lifestyle. In her role as research coordinator, she saw firsthand how important it was for her clients to know and understand their unique body composition. Melina is a certified obesity counselor with The World Obesity Association. She has personally lost 100 pounds and is passionate about helping others reach their healthy weight.

Melina feels strongly that as women enter perimenopause and menopause, they can maintain a healthy body composition with the right guidance and a clear understanding of their individual needs. With personalized support, women can make informed choices to support their bone health, metabolism, and overall well-being during this natural life transition.

Steven Piotrowski is a Family Medicine Physician Assistant whose career bridges clinical care, education, and research. After earning his Bachelor of Science from the University of Manitoba in 2005, he went on to complete a Master of Human Anatomy and Cell Science in 2014 and a Master of Physician Assistant Studies in 2016.

Steven began his clinical career in Beausejour, Manitoba, where he worked in both the family medicine clinic and the emergency department for four years. He continues to stay connected to patient care through his ongoing work at the Access Fort Garry Primary Care Clinic in Winnipeg.

Now immersed in academia, Steven serves as the Academic Lead and Wellness Lead for the first year of the Master of Physician Assistant Studies program at the University of Manitoba. His passion for advancing the profession has led him to pursue a PhD focused on understanding the impact physician assistants have had in primary care across Manitoba — work that aims to inform future models of team-based healthcare delivery.

Stéphane Gray is a Mental Health Clinician with the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority and a Primary and Community Care Facilitator with the Manitoba College of Family Physicians. He brings extensive experience working across community, healthcare, and social service systems, supporting individuals with complex mental health needs.

Throughout his career, Stéphane has worked with at-risk youth, individuals experiencing homelessness, people living with severe and persistent mental illness, and those involved in the criminal justice system. His work spans frontline clinical care through to senior leadership, including crisis intervention, supportive counselling, case management, program development, and system navigation.

Stéphane has led and supervised multidisciplinary teams, chaired labour, health and safety, and inter-agency committees, and collaborated closely with unions, non-profit organizations, and all levels of government. He is bilingual in English and French and is a veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces, where he served as an Army Officer.

Known for his calm leadership in high-complexity environments, Stéphane brings a trauma-informed, collaborative, and practical approach to mental health care, primary care integration, and community-based support.

Shelle Hagen has been in the Massage Therapy Industry since 2002 after graduating from The Professional Institute of Massage Therapy, Fargo ND 1,100-hour program. She is the Owner/Founder of Elite Therapeutic Massage and Owner of Elite Massage Academy. Shelle is also an honors graduate of Concordia College, MN with a BA in Exercise Science.

In April of 2022, she and her husband Scot purchased the Corestone company from the original founder, Dale Grust, of New Paltz, NY. It is their goal to continue the legacy of Corestone, bringing quality tools to secure the longevity of Massage Therapists hands and wrists while delivering an unparalleled style of massage!

Tori Webber is the founder of 1st Choice First Aid and CPR, established in 2004 after her career as a paramedic. Through firsthand experience responding to emergencies, she recognized the critical role trained and confident bystanders can play before professional help arrives. Tori’s teaching approach focuses on practical skills, real-world scenarios, and building confidence so participants feel prepared and willing to act when it matters most.

Monty has been a Registered Massage Therapist since 1996, CSMTA (SF) since 2018, a High- Performance Practitioner with Sport Scientist Canada (HPC) and is the CSMTA Liaison for the High-Performance Advisory Council and Own the Podium.   He is proud to be a member of both the MTAS (Massage Therapists Association of Saskatchewan) and the CSMTA (Canadian Sport Massage Therapists Association).  Currently he practices in Saskatoon SK.

Monty has served on the Education and Exam committees, as well as being a current Provincial Board examiner with MTAS.  He has also served as the CSMTA National Secretary from 2011-2015, as Vice President, Ethics and Mentorship Chair from 2016-2022 and currently advises on the Membership committee.

He is an Instructor of the CSMTA Advanced Sport Massage Course since 2018, the “Self Massage and the Athlete” workshops on behalf of the Sport Medicine and Science Council of Saskatchewan, and the Myofascial Cupping Technique.  Monty helps support all levels of athletes and over the years has had the privilege to work with the CFL’s Saskatchewan Roughriders (1999-2002) as well as organizing and implementing massage therapy at Rider training camps (2013-2018), the University of Saskatchewan Women’s Volleyball team (2006-2008), the U of S Women’s Basketball team (2009-2022), and U of S Women’s Hockey 2024.

He is a member of the Integrated Support Team (IST) for the Canadian National Paralympic Swim Team (2015-2022).

This has seen him work many performance preparation camps and World Championships across North America, Europe, and the U.K.

2022 saw him selected to the Core Medical Team for the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, England, the 2023 Pan Am Games in Santiago, Chile, and the FISU Summer Games in Rhine-Ruhr Germany.

He has worked the Grand Slam of Curling Championships in 2019, the 2021 Olympic Curling Trials, and the 2023 Saskatchewan Winter Games.

Monty regularly incorporates, IASTM, Myofascial Cupping, Neuromuscular therapy, sport massage, Active Isolated Stretching and PNF stretching in his practice.

Caleb graduated from the Professional Institute of Massage Therapy in 2009. Early in his career, Caleb began to see an increased demand for a more in-depth, thorough assessment-based practice.

After almost retiring from massage therapy after only 3 years, he decided to shift his focus to a more in-depth assessment, treatment focused practice for one more year. Fast forward now, Caleb’s practice is heavily sought after, with a heavy client load and cancellation list. He’s also has had several referrals from neurologists, dentists, doctors, chiropractors, physiotherapists and team coaches.

Early with Power of Assessment, Caleb mentored several local RMT’s, helping them find confidence and develop thoroughness with assessment and apply a specific therapeutic treatment.

Now, Caleb has developed 4 seminars, writing 5 articles that have been published and is an award winner through his association.