Our Treatment Team
Meet Your Chiropractors
Dr. Melanie Brandt - BSc, DC, 200 hr YTT | Clinic Director
Where did you go to School: UBC Vancouver for Undergrad, UWS in Portland for Chiro
When did you Join ALC: 2008!
What's your favorite thing about ALC? The incredible team
What's your favorite thing to do outside of the clinic? Anything outdoors with the family. Snowboarding, Swimming, Traveling
What's your favorite way to be Active? Snowboarding at Big White
What's your favorite condition to treat? Addressing how stress plays a role in our physical symptoms
What is something most people would be surprised to know about you? I love to nerd out on quantum physics
Have any Pets? Kids? Two Girls, Sadie and Ellie. Two dogs, Billie and Easy. Two cats, Stubbie and Harley Quinn, and now 6 laying hens :)
Dr. Kyle McLeod - BSc, DC
Where did you go to School: Did my undergraduate degree at UBC in Vancouver and my Doctor or Chiropractic at the University of Western States in Portland Oregon.
When did you Join ALC: I started an internship with Dr. Brandt in July of 2011 and I have been here ever since!
What's your favorite thing about ALC? Love the team atmosphere. It feels like you are working with friends not just co-workers!
What's your favorite thing to do outside of the clinic? Hanging out with my two young boys, it's never a dull moment and always fun!
What's your favorite way to be Active? Trail running on any of the excellent trails around Kelowna.
What's your favorite condition to treat? What do you love about treating it? Any form of sports injury. It's extremely rewarding and great to see when a patient returns to the sport or activity they love.
What is something most people would be surprised to know about you? I love a good fantasy or sci-fi book/TV show or movie!
Have any Pets? Kids? Amazing people in your life you want others to know about? I have 2 young boys who are the most fun, sweet and energetic little dudes! I also cannot forget my lovely wife Andrea, she makes every day better and keeps our family going!
Hobbies? Getting out skiing and golfing when I can, life can be busy with a young family so I really enjoy when I can get out and hit the slopes or links!
Dr. Chris Carter – BSc, DC, MSc (PainMgt)
Where did you go to School: Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College (2006 graduate).
When did you Join ALC: 2016.
What's your favorite thing about ALC? There is a reason most of the staff stays here for many years; it is full of selfless, kind and fun people.
What's your favorite thing to do outside of the clinic? Coaching local youth hockey and baseball teams.
What's your favorite way to be Active? Hiking and trail running. Rose Valley Regional Park in West Kelowna is my favorite.
What's your favorite condition to treat? Tough decision as there are many, however I will go with neck pain and headaches.
What is something most people would be surprised to know about you? I am fortunate to have dual citizenship (Canada and Australia).
Have any Pets? Kids? I have a step-son (10) and son (2). They are best buddies and make everyday so much fun.
Dr. David Urness – BSc, DC
Where did you go to School: University of Victoria – undergraduate marine sciences, 1992
Northwestern Health Sciences University – Dr. of Chiropractic. Minneapolis Minnesota 1996
When did you Join ALC: April 2023
What's your favorite thing about ALC? Super friendly people
What's your favorite thing to do outside of the clinic? Spending time with my wife Alison and family, cheering and supporting their individual pursuits. Personally, engaging the Okanagan outdoors by bike, rock climbing, trail running, downhill skiing and my favorite, Nordic (cross-country) skiing.
What's your favorite way to be Active? Winter: on Nordic (cross-country) skis, Summer: rock climbing and exploring the mountains of BC.
What's your favorite condition to treat? Foot and ankle disorders. It’s amazing what occurs from the ground up. A close second is shoulder disorders, their complexity has caused me to grow the most as a practitioner.
What is something most people would be surprised to know about you? My first stab at a career was marine biology, even though swimming is my least favorite activity! Then I married a triathlete. She still beckons me to join the masters swim club.
Have any Pets? Kids? My daughter Kaelin and Son Erik. Suzie the cat.
Dr. Megan Hanna – DC, Sports and Rehabilitation Emphasis
Where did you go to school? I completed my undergrad at the University of Calgary and my Doctor of Chiropractic at Northwestern Health Sciences University in Bloomington, Minnesota.
When did you join ALC? End of 2023
What’s your favorite thing about ALC? The amazing team that I get to work with!
What’s your favorite thing to do outside of the clinic? Hiking, paddleboarding, golfing, hockey, snowboarding, checking out local wineries and breweries
What’s your favorite way to be active? Besides going to the gym and hiking, I have gotten more into golf in the last couple years.
What’s your favorite condition to treat? I was an athlete growing up and have a background in rehab so I find it rewarding working with sport specific injuries.
What is something most people would be surprised to know about you? I am a true crime junkie.
Have any Pets? Kids? I have a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel named Sophie that I consider my child. I hope to have 10 more dogs in the near future!
Meet Your Registered Massage Therapists
Chris Carlson, RMT
Where did you go to School: Vancouver
When did you Join ALC: Long, long ago
What's your favorite thing about ALC? Air circulation
What's your favorite thing to do outside of the clinic? Be in the sunshine
What's your favorite way to be Active? With my kids
What's your favorite condition to treat? What do you love about treating it? Plantar fasciitis, moving the bones around
What is something most people would be surprised to know about you? My age
Have any Pets? Kids? Poodle, yes to kids, my kids
Hobbies? Making music, playing bass guitar
Lance Booi, RMT
Where did you go to School: OVCMT in Vernon
When did you Join ALC: October 2020
What's your favorite thing about ALC? The team and environment
What's your favorite thing to do outside of the clinic? Exploring the outdoors with my wife and two boys.
What's your favorite way to be Active? I just love getting out and moving, I love playing the sports I’ve always played, like hockey, and I also love getting out and trying new ones… might get into skiing this season with the fam.
What's your favorite condition to treat? What do you love about treating it? Frozen shoulder. It’s easy to measure progress and recovery, making it awesome to celebrate all the little wins along the way as the active range of motion comes back.
What is something most people would be surprised to know about you? In the 80’s I came in 3rd place in a Super Mario 3 Nintendo challenge. (If you’re not familiar with Nintendo competitions please treat yourself to the film The Wizard)
Have any Pets? Kids? We have less pets these days 1 fish and a snail…and more kids. My wife Heather and I have 2 boys, Brooks and Holden.
Hobbies: Hockey, golf, fishing, hiking, biking, paddle boarding, snowboarding, music to name a few
Steph Fairfield, RMT
Where did you go to School: Okanagan Valley College of Massage Therapy
When did you Join ALC: October 5, 2021
What's your favorite thing about ALC? Authenticity and community feel!
What's your favorite thing to do outside of the clinic? Spend time with family/friends, exercise, travel!
What's your favorite way to be Active? Spin Class or HIIT
What's your favorite condition to treat? Headaches, TMJ
What do you love about treating it? I love it because it’s effective, and rewarding!
What is something most people would be surprised to know about you? I’m a total animal nerd, and know a lot of random facts about them!
Have any Pets? Kids? My husband Steve and I have a dog named Zoe is an Australian shepherd! She’s 3.5 years old, high maintenance and a little thicker than she should be! We just can’t say no to those baby blue eyes, and she knows it!
Hobbies? Hiking, Spin classes, and baking/cookie decorating!
Amy Carson, RMT, BSc.HMKN, 200Hr YTT
Where did you go to School: OVCMT in Vernon, I also took Human Kinetics at UBCO
When did you Join ALC: I joined in June 2023; however, I did work here as a receptionist back in 2018. I always thought it was a great environment to work in & an awesome team! I’m happy to be back. 😊
What's your favorite thing about ALC? The bright, welcoming environment and community feel
What's your favorite thing to do outside of the clinic? I love camping & getting into the backcountry when I can! I also enjoy spending time on the beach, reading a book, or soaking in quality time with friends.
What's your favorite way to be Active? Yoga or any type of physical activity in nature! I love hiking, backpacking, climbing, biking, & snowboarding.
What's your favorite condition to treat? What do you love about treating it? Hmm tricky question! I’ll have to go with low back pain, it is interesting to see the role of the pelvis in low back pain / discomfort
What is something most people would be surprised to know about you? Before I was an RMT, I was a lifeguard and swimming instructor for 8 years.
Have any Pets? Kids? No pets or kids of my own, but I strategically try to find roommates with a dog 😊
Hobbies? In the summer I love camping, paddle boarding, hiking, climbing & swimming. In the winter you can find me snowboarding, curled up with a book, or making bracelets / doing some arts & crafts.
Christopher Boivin, RMT, BHKin
Where did you go to School: Bachelor of Human Kinetics at UBC-Okanagan and Registered Massage Therapy Diploma at Okanagan Valley College of Massage Therapy
When did you Join ALC: May 2024
What's your favorite thing about ALC? The vibrant, friendly, team-oriented environment
What's your favorite thing to do outside of the clinic? I enjoy spending time in nature and with friends, exercising of all types, and watching sports (especially the Philadelphia Eagles!)
What's your favorite way to be Active? Lifting weights, distance running, cycling, swimming, hiking, yoga, surfing, playing basketball
What's your favorite condition to treat? Hip pathologies
What do you love about treating it? I am deeply fascinated by their complexities and how they impact pain, biomechanics, and mobility up and down the kinetic chain.
What is something most people would be surprised to know about you? I studied abroad in Australia for a year (where I also discovered an immense passion for surfing and being around the ocean).
Have any Pets? Kids? Not yet, but adopting a dog is on the near horizon!
Hobbies? Reading non-fiction books, travelling, being physically active, camping, listening to music and health podcasts
Meet Your Registered Acupuncturist
Alyson Engelsjord, RAc
Where did you go to School: I completed the Acupuncture program at Pacific Rim College in Victoria, BC and before that I attended Okanagan College in Kelowna, BC and received a Diploma in Business Administration.
When did you Join ALC: I began my Acupuncture practice in 2024 but I have worked reception at Active Living on and off since 2019! It has been so special for me to come back to ALC, definitely a full-circle moment.
What's your favorite thing about ALC? Mel has been an amazing mentor to me over the years and I am very grateful to have this community be apart of my life.
What's your favorite thing to do outside of the clinic?I love being outside doing all the activities that the Okanagan has to offer. Whether it’s snow or sunshine, the Okanagan is truly a beautiful place to call home.
What's your favorite way to be Active? I love trying new ways to keep active, but I think my favorites are running, weightlifting, skiing, golfing, yoga, and dance!
What's your favorite condition to treat? What do you love about treating it? One of my favorite things about Acupuncture is its versatility! Acupuncture stimulates the nervous system and helps bring the body out of ‘fight or flight’ and into the ‘rest and digest‘ parasympathetic mode of the nervous system. Because of this Acupuncture can address a wide range of health concerns bringing a holistic approach to overall well-being.
What is something most people would be surprised to know about you? When I was 19 years old, I spent a year working as a cook on a wooden Tall Ship in Victoria, BC.
Have any Pets? Kids? None of my own for now.
Hobbies? I love learning new instruments. My main instrument is the bass guitar, but I am working at learning the violin as well.
Meet Your Massage Specialists
Ben Granger – BSc (Sports Therapy), COTT, Massage Specialist
Where did you go to School: University of Kent (in the UK)
When did you Join ALC: May 2021
What's your favorite thing about ALC? Working with other amazing therapists who are passionate about their trade
What's your favorite thing to do outside of the clinic? Spending time with my family in nature
What's your favorite way to be Active? Hiking
What's your favorite condition to treat? What do you love about treating it? I like to treat shoulders and lower back pain because I have experienced first hand the discomfort they can cause. Helping a patient reduce pain and increase their freedom of movement is very satisfying to me
What is something most people would be surprised to know about you? I am an identical twin
Have any Pets? Kids? I have 1 year old son who is full of energy and a great sense of humour. I also have a 13 year old princess/cat named Tinka
Hobbies? Playing guitar, paddleboarding, rewatching Friends
Jillian Underwood, Massage Specialist, RMT Student
Where did you go to School: University of Plymouth - undergraduate in Accounting and Finance 2013. First College - Registered Massage Therapy - graduating Aug 2024
When did you Join ALC: Jan 2024
What's your favorite thing about ALC? The people!
What's your favorite thing to do outside of the clinic? Exploring Kelowna, trivia, teaching pole fitness/dance, dance, badminton and kayaking
What's your favorite way to be Active? Training in Aerial hoop, dance and teaching pole dance
What's your favorite condition to treat? What do you love about treating it? Headaches and Sports Injuries
What is something most people would be surprised to know about you? I used to train as an amateur boxer
Have any Pets? Kids? No pets or kids of my own, but I strategically try to find roommates with a dog 😊
Hobbies? Cooking, Dance and Painting
Your Support Team
Brie Turcotte – Magic Manager
Where did you go to School: Kelowna
When did you Join ALC: 2012
What's your favorite thing about ALC? The people
What's your favorite thing to do outside of the clinic? Wine
What's your favorite way to be Active? Beach fun
What is something most people would be surprised to know about you? Nothing - I am an open book!
Have any Pets? Kids? Gayle and Barry (cats) and an amazing family
Hobbies? Anything with sunshine
Andrea Litz - Office Oracle
Where did you go to School: UBC Okanagan
When did you Join ALC: On and off for 4 years (maybe?!)
What's your favorite thing about ALC? Not getting fired when you forget to fill out questionnaires
What's your favorite thing to do outside of the clinic? Be with my family, paint and reorganize anything I can get my hands on! 😂
What's your favorite way to be Active? Just started cycling recently! 🚴🏻♀️
What is something most people would be surprised to know about you? I once was Donald Trump Jrs chauffeur.
Have any Pets? One kitten named Minnie!
Kids? 3 kids! Ethan, Myla, and Matteo
Hobbies? Volleyball and annoying my husband.
Megan Walker – Admin Angel
Where did you go to School: UBC Sauder School of Business
When did you Join ALC: August 2023
What's your favorite thing about ALC? 100% the people!
What's your favorite thing to do outside of the clinic? Spending time with family & friends
What's your favorite way to be Active? Pilates
What is something most people would be surprised to know about you? I am a little bit of a tea enthusiast.
Have any Pets? JJ (frenchton puppy) & Gunnar (cat)
Kids? 2 - almost adults!
Hobbies? Who has time for those with teenagers?! lol
Brandy Trudeau - Reception Rockstar
Where did you go to School?: St.Norbert French Immersion in Winnipeg, MB
When did you join ALC?:May 2024
What's your favorite thing about ALC?: When my back hurts I get to go to work and get it fixed
What's your favorite thing to do outside of the clinic?: Watch and coach my kids play sports
What's your favorite way to be active?: Basketball, hockey, baseball and just started pickleball it’s fun!
What is something most people would be surprised to know about you?: I love sarcasm and chocolate
Have any Pets? Kids?: 2 little dogs Willow & Bailey
Kids? 2 beautiful girls Madi & Bella
Hobbies?:Scheduling my life around my kids school and sports 😉
