Our RMT Team
A Natural Alternative has a great team of dedicated RMTs. We believe we can play an important role in helping our patient's lead healthy, active lives. We promote well-being by easing discomfort, encouraging relaxation and endorsing vitality.
The RMTs at A Natural Alternative are health professionals with extensive experience and credentials. Registered Massage Therapists in Ontario are regulated health professionals requiring 2-3 years of training and over 2,200 hours to acquire certification from a recognized school. In addition, many of our RMTs have special certifications, so your custom treatment plan may include various types of massage and alternative therapies.
Read more about our Team below.
Ann Starr - ann@anaturalalternative.ca
Ann is a dedicated and accomplished Registered Massage Therapist (RMT) with additional certification as a myofascial instructor and practitioner. With her extensive hands-on experience, she has developed a deep understanding of the human body and how to help improve unique patient issues through various massage techniques.
One of Ann's specialties is myofascial release, which she incorporates into her practice to help realign her clients' posture. Myofascial release is a technique that focuses on releasing tension and movement restrictions in the fascia – the connective tissue surrounding muscles, bones, and organs. By addressing fascial imbalances, Ann can help her patients improve their posture and alleviate pain, allowing them to engage in activities they enjoy.
As well as her massage practice, Ann is the owner and operator of A Natural Alternative. Founded in 1995, Ann’s ability to creatively solve problems and commitment to providing quality care have been constant elements in both her professional and personal lives.
Outside of work Ann leads an active lifestyle. She is a mother of three very tall young men, and together with her husband, they all enjoy camping, cycling, and hiking. Overall well-being is important and helps her understand the benefits and challenges of the active lifestyle that she encourages for her clients.
Kathryn Schneider - kschneider@anaturalalternative.ca
Kathryn Schneider is a highly experienced RMT with over 25 years of practice working with a broad range of people from infants or elderly to those with a chronic illness and elite athletes. With a passion for learning, she enjoys working with patients that have struggled with complex issues, such as chronic disorders and movement dysfunction.
Kathryn has a particular interest in how muscle tissue works with skeletal and other systems in the body. She is a graduate of the Canadian College of Osteopathy, where she completed her thesis on manual osteopathic treatment and pelvic floor dysfunction in women.
Kathryn’s passion for learning and solving complex issues is part of her personal life as well. She is a dedicated mom of two kids and a pup so along with her husband, she fills various roles at home, including an educator, a problem solver, coach, and cheerleader.
Instagram: @stillmovingkw
Kristin Mills - kmills@anaturalalternative.ca
Kristin graduated from Brock University in 2008 obtaining an Honours Bachelor of Kinesiology Degree; with her passion and focus during this time being in Biomechanics and Sports Injury. Immediately following graduation, she enrolled in the Canadian College of Massage and Hydrotherapy to which she graduated as a Registered Massage Therapist in mid-2010. Through her education, she has been exposed to extensive clinical experience working with athletes and individuals with repetitive stress injuries.
"I find great satisfaction in working with patients to strive towards a healthy and active lifestyle," says Kristin. "I concentrate on back and shoulder massage, but gain fulfilment through any treatment that can improve my client's quality of life."
In her spare time, Kristin enjoys numerous outdoor activities, travelling and keeping in touch with friends.
Hannah - hannah@anaturalalternative.ca A dedicated massage therapist, Hannah graduated from Fanshawe College in 2023 with a strong foundation in various therapeutic techniques, and continues to pursue excellence in the field.
Hannah specializes in RAPID Neurofascial Reset (RAPID NFR) – an evidence based manual therapy technique to quickly and effectively eliminate pain. She believes that addressing muscles at their attachments yields the most effective results. She is also an expert in trigger point therapy, cupping, Swedish massage and Indian head massage.
In practice, Hannah adopts a holistic approach, blending relaxation and treatment to effectively address client concerns and deliver personalized care. By targeting the source of pain while incorporating soothing elements, Hannah aims to stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system and promote overall well-being.
Outside of the therapy room, Hannah is a passionate foodie who explores culinary delights and enjoys hiking and travelling to warm destinations. She balances her work life by spending quality time with friends, family, and her 2 dogs.
Jo Martin - jmartin@anaturalalternative.ca Having almost two decades of experience as a personal support worker (PSW) and labour support doula, Jo has found great fulfillment helping families through many stages of life. Her journey in these roles have shaped her understanding of compassion, care, and the incredible power of touch.
As a massage therapist, she still uses the touch for healing, and has also discovered a deep passion for working with the head, neck and shoulder areas, where the tension of our daily lives often resides. Drawing on her skills of active listening and genuine empathy, Jo will create a massage therapy treatment plan specifically for your needs. Whether you are seeking relief from stress, pain management or simply a moment of self-care, your treatment is tailored to you.
Away from Jo’s role as a health care provider, she finds solace in the great outdoors. Running and hiking are her ways to reconnect with nature and rejuvenate before returning to her patients.
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