the experience of a jedi – he might just be leading edge’s yoda
training
- Physiotherapist
- Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology, University of Calgary – 1999
- Masters in Physical Therapy, University of Alberta – 2006
- GLA:D (masters) Instructor and Trainer
- Trauma-Informed Leadership Training (AHS)
- Progressive Goal Attainment Program
- Healthchange Methodology (AHS)
- Canadian Physiotherapy Association Orthopedic Division CPA Levels 1 & 2 (upper & lower quadrants)
- McKenzie Part A
- A trier of many many sports… master of fixing the real athletes who competes
personality
Jason’s path to physiotherapy started with a love for sport that far outpaced his actual skill—so instead of chasing athletic glory, he found his niche behind the scenes, supporting volleyball and basketball teams as a student trainer. That early exposure to sports medicine sparked a lifelong passion for helping others move better and feel stronger. With a clinical focus on orthopedics and osteoarthritis, Jason brings deep empathy and a strong educational approach to every session, ensuring his clients feel heard, informed, and empowered. Outside the clinic, Jason is a pop-culture aficionado with a soft spot for comic books (especially Superman, Nightwing, and Batman), a record collection that rivals his bookshelf, and a tiki cocktail game that’s as artistic as it is delicious. Whether he’s hiking in the mountains with his sons or volunteering with Special Olympics Alberta, Jason is driven by imagination, community, and the belief that healing should be personal, purposeful, and never rushed.
- Favorite books – The World in Six Songs: How the Musical Brain Created Human Nature, by Daniel Levitin
- Favorite Music – Americana Rock (think Wilco, Neil Young, KIngs of Leon)
- Movies he/she loves – Lost in Translation, Star Wars, The Guardians of the Galaxy movies. The third one has made him teary every time he’s watched it.
- Favorite sports/activities – While he loves basketball and golf, he will admit that he is not particularly good at either. He tries to make up for it by training at the gym every day.
- Physio nickname – JD -this was a nickname from physio school. Physios are smart, but not necessarily the most creative
- What his physio assistants say about him – “Steady, genuine, and dependable. Always looking out for others. Picky enough to keep the rest of us on our toes. He cares enough to want the best for everyone.”
- Clinical Pet Peeve – Tying knots in theraband. He claims that he has likely tied thousands of knots in theraband, but hates it. Especially when it fails to hold or if he has misjudged his measurement and then have to grapple with untying said knot.
- Something you may not know about him/her – he loves to play Magic: The Gathering
- Superhuman Talent– his Degrassi Jr High knowledge (he’s probably a cross between Snake and Wheels, but definitely not a Joey)
- Community connections – Special Olympics Alberta
edge
Jason was born in Ontario and moved several times growing up, living in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and BC, before landing in Calgary where he completed high school, an undergraduate degree in Kinesiology, and married his high school sweetheart. He completed his Bachelor of Science in Exercise & Health Physiology in 1999. Jason spent several years working as a Kinesiologist in a Physiotherapy Clinic in Calgary. Having completed certifications with AFLCA (Alberta Fitness Leadership Certification Association), CSEP (Canadian Society of Exercise Physiology), and the NSCA (National Strength & Conditioning Association), Jason also worked as Strength & Conditioning Specialist with the YMCA of Calgary and did some personal training. After earning his Kinesiology degree, Jason worked as Kinesiologist at a busy sports Physiotherapy clinic where he had the opportunity to work with a wide range of clients, including professional athletes with the Calgary Flames, Stampeders, Roughnecks, as well as Olympic athletes. This experience led Jason to then pursue his Physical Therapy education at the University of Alberta and completed his Masters of Science in Physical Therapy at the University of Alberta, in 2005.
Jason’s Physical Therapy career started in private practice with a focus in orthopedics. Feeling the urge to try something new and unfamiliar, Jason and his wife decided to move to rural Alberta. In a small rural community, Jason provided Physical Therapy services in the local hospital, outpatient department, and in 3 continuing care facilities. This challenged Jason, but also drove him to develop his skills and knowledge across a range of practice areas such as orthopedics, pediatrics, neuro rehabilitation, cardiac rehabilitation, geriatrics, cardiorespiratory therapy, palliative care, wound care, etc. As a sole charge practitioner and hospital department head, Jason developed his leadership skills and eventually moved into a leadership position as the Physiotherapy Professional Practice Lead for Northern Alberta. In this position, Jason provided clinic support for Physical Therapists, Physical Therapy Assistants, and Allied Health managers. Jason was also involved in the development of health care policy, leading new clinical initiatives, and completing clinical research. In this capacity, Jason participated in many committees and working groups such as the Provincial Professional Practice Committee, the Alberta Clinician Council, the Alberta Pain Strategy, and the Bone & Joint Health Strategic Clinical Network.
In 2015, Jason completed certification as a GLA:D program provider and trainer. Over the next 4 years, Jason collaborated with Physiotherapists in rural Northern Alberta to implement GLA:D programs in communities where Physiotherapy options were limited. In 2019, Jason joined the Leading Edge team to run the GLA:D program at the St. Albert clinic, which he continues to do. Jason also continues to assist with training courses to certify new GLA:D practitioners across Canada.
Throughout his career, Jason has been committed to community involvement. Jason volunteered with the Lions foundation of Canada during his time in rural Alberta, helped his local Agricultural Society with fundraising and supporting local projects, coached community basketball, and has served as Clinical Director with Special Olympics Alberta since 2015.
Ready for change in 2024, Jason joined the Leading Edge team full time, based out of the Heritage location, but continuing to run the GLA:D program in St. Albert. With Leading Edge, Jason has found a home that aligns with his values and beliefs. He has also found a home surrounded by fun and amazing people.
