Our Team
At ZerOne Athleticare, our strength lies in the expertise and dedication of our multidisciplinary team of medical and allied health professionals. United by a passion for enhancing athletic performance and well-being, our specialists collaborate closely to provide exceptional, personalized care. From seasoned physicians and skilled physical therapists to expert diagnosticians and rehabilitation specialists, each member of our team is committed to helping you achieve your health goals. Together, we ensure that you receive the highest standard of care, every step of the way.
Athleticare Leadership Team
Dr. Stephanie Liu,
Co-Medical Director
Dr. Stephanie Liu is a family physician and Assistant Clinical Professor at the University of Alberta. Dr. Liu is the co-medical director at ZerOne Athleticare. She graduated from Columbia University with a Masters of Science in Clinical Nutrition and completed her Doctor of Medicine at the University of Alberta. Dr. Liu is the creator of the evidence based parenting blog “Life of Dr Mom.” Dr. Liu, aka Dr Mom, is known as a relatable and medically credible source of information about topics ranging from child nutrition to mental health. She is a health expert for multiple news outlets including CTV News, Global News and provides her advice for outlets including Today Show, National Post and Popsugar. Her goal is to provide families with accessible and credible medical information. She is also the founder of by Dr Mom, an infant skincare line designed to treat dry, itchy and eczema skin and Pomme MD, an electrolyte beverage.
Dr. Alexis Katzell,
Co-Medical Director
Dr. Alexis Katzell is a family physician born and raised in Edmonton. She completed her Bachelor of Neuroscience (Hons) at the University of Alberta and then went on to complete medical school and her residency in Family Medicine while serving as Chief Resident at the University of Calgary. She worked in rural Alberta prior to moving back to Edmonton to work full time as a hospitalist physician at the Grey Nuns and Royal Alexandra Hospital as well as providing care at a comprehensive family medicine clinic. She is a clinical lecturer at the University of Alberta and the University of Calgary. She previously competed at an elite level in figure skating, was a soccer referee up to the Alberta Major Soccer League, and has been involved with organizing youth soccer tournaments for many years in Edmonton. In her spare time she enjoys skiing, skating and disc golf, and she is a lifelong Edmonton Oilers fan.
Dr. Felix Soibelman,
Chief Medical Officer
Dr. Felix Soibelman is an Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine at the University of Alberta and is the medical site lead in Emergency Medicine and the Hyperbaric Oxygen Unit at the Misericordia Hospital in Edmonton Alberta. He is a University of Alberta Alumnus and completed both his B.Sc in pharmacology and MD degrees there. He completed his residency at Queens University and is a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada in Emergency Medicine. He has a special interest in sports and performance medicine. He enjoys spending as much time as he can with his family on the golf course, nordic skiing, running and cycling through Edmonton’s river valley.
Tony Yong,
CEO, Athleticare
Anthony Yong is a Manual Physical Therapist and Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Manipulative Therapy. As an adjunct to manual therapy techniques and treatments, Anthony is certified in Biomedical Dry Needling and Advanced Biomedical Dry Needling techniques. He has a special interest in the rehabilitation of spinal (neck and back) injuries, providing manual therapy and active exercise programs to assist his patients’ optimal recovery. Throughout his career he has worked closely with elite and professional athletic organizations, including the Edmonton Elks (formerly Eskimos), the Edmonton Rush, and the Spruce Grove/St. Albert Saints Jr. A Hockey Club. He also speaks Cantonese for those who may require a Cantonese-speaking Physical Therapist. When he’s not at the clinic, Anthony keeps quite active and you can find him out and about, exploring Edmonton’s great food scene.
Allied Health Team
(listed alphabetically)
Nicole Dupont,
Registered Massage Therapist
Nicole Dupont is a 3000h Advanced Registered Massage Therapist providing all the massage modalities including cupping. She is also a RAPID Neurofascial Reset Specialist inclusive of a specialty in brain injury, concussions, trauma including PTSD.
Her experiences include working with the Alberta Ballet, Canadian Physique Alliance, Canadian Strong Man/Woman Athletes, CrossFit Athletes, Powerlifters, NHL Athletes, The Elks Cheer Team, & Olympic athletes of varying sports.
She has a special interest in treating acute sport injury, as well as chronic injuries and preventative care. She is a two time Figure Pro, and Regional CrossFit athlete.
When not in the clinic she enjoys spending time with family, running, the gym, and everything health and fitness.
Madeline Herbers,
Registered Dietitian
Madeline is a seasoned professional in the world of nutrition and sports, blending her personal athletic experience with a dedicated passion for nutrition. Madeline’s career in sports started in the studio at a young age as a competitive Irish dancer, securing major titles and competing internationally by the age of 11, transitioning into a professional role by age 20. Her journey in sport deeply informs her work today as a Dietitian, as she applies her firsthand experience to relate to athletes.
Building on her passion for performance and nutrition, Madeline graduated with a BSc in Nutrition and Food Science, specializing in Dietetics, from the University of Alberta in 2023. Throughout her career, Madeline has worked closely with esteemed teams including the Pandas Women’s Hockey Team and the Edmonton Oil Kings. Her approach to nutrition and sport is rooted in interdisciplinary care, empowering athletes through evidence-based nutritional strategies, fostering peak performance and overall wellbeing. Outside of the clinic, Madeline is a dedicated foodie, always on the hunt to discover new and exciting restaurants!
Emily Mardell,
Registered Dietitian
Emily Mardell is a uniquely skilled Dietitian specializing in both sports and family nutrition. With a solid foundation in biochemistry from Memorial University and dietetic internship, Emily completed advanced training in pediatrics and performance. Over the past 15 years, Emily has become a respected expert, working with athletes at all levels including soccer, hockey and football. As a consulting Dietitian, Emily partners with organizations like the Junior Prospects Hockey League and Canadian Premier League providing performance nutrition services for coaches, individuals and teams.
Her personal mantra, “Athletes fuel and train, they don’t diet and exercise” is the foundation of Emily’s nutrition practice. Guided by evidence, rooted in personalized programming and enriched by solution-focused counselling, her goal is to empower positive eating habits and food relationships.
Emily’s dedication extends beyond her clients to community building and food security initiatives, such as the “Face-Off Against Community Hunger” campaign. Outside of her professional life, Emily is a proud Alberta foodie and an avid powerlifter. She enjoys reading, cooking, and exploring nature with her children…like every busy parent, just trying to keep up!
Kristin Milligan,
Manual Physical Therapist
Kristin Milligan is a manual Physical Therapist who completed her Bachelor of Science degree and her Masters of Science in Physical Therapy degree (2007) from the University of Alberta. She is certified in Biomedical Dry Needling techniques, and has completed her Level 3 upper and lower extremities from the Orthopaedic Division of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association. Kristin has post graduate training in spinal manipulation, temporomandibular joint dysfunction, Mulligan Technique and advanced level Active Shoulder Orthopaedics. With years of experience, she creates active and individualized rehabilitation programs for her patients. Kristin has a special area of interest in dance. She danced and taught dance for more than 20 years, competing and performing around the world. Her passion for treating the artistic athlete is what has been the driving force behind her career choice. In her spare time Kristin loves to practice yoga, walk her dogs and has recently taken up golf.
Tennessa Wild,
Physical Therapist
Tennessa holds a Masters degree in Physiotherapy from the University of Alberta, where she honed her skills and knowledge in the latest therapeutic techniques. Her academic journey has equipped her with a solid foundation in anatomy, biomechanics, and evidence-based practice.
Tennessa’s approach to physiotherapy is rooted in a holistic perspective, focusing not only on treating symptoms, but addressing the underlying causes to promote long-term health. She believes in personalized care, tailoring treatment plans to suit each individual’s needs and goals.
Tennessa also holds a degree in Journalism from the University of Regina. This unique experience has given Tennessa the investigative skills and curiosity she carries into her practice. A clear diagnosis is critical to developing a successful treatment plan. Her hands-on experience has allowed her to work with diverse patient populations, from orthopedic to neurological conditions, refining her skills and adapting to various healthcare settings. Tennessa is also a certified personal trainer servicing fitness industry clients for over 15 years.
Empathy and communication are at the core of Tennessa’s practice. She strives to create a supportive and collaborative environment where patients feel heard and actively participate in their healing journey. Together, they’ll work towards restoring function, reducing pain, and enhancing overall well-being.
Committed to staying at the forefront of physiotherapy, Tennessa is dedicated to ongoing professional development. She avidly pursues new knowledge, attends workshops, and engages in continuous learning to bring the latest evidence-based practices to her patients. She is currently working towards her pilates instructor certification.
Beyond the clinic, Tennessa is passionate about charity work and volunteering. You can see her attending local community walk/run events as she’s grown up devoted to track sports and has covered many kilometers running, including two half marathons.
Tennessa believes in the power of connection. Feel free to reach out with any inquiries or book in and get started with her today.
Medical Doctors
(listed alphabetically)
Dr. Ravi Bhargava,
Radiologist
Dr Ravi Bhargava is a pediatric radiologist. He obtained his medical degree at the University of Ottawa. He did postgraduate training at the University of Western Ontario, University of Ottawa, and the University of Tennessee. He holds dual FRCPC’s in Diagnostic Radiology and Pediatric Radiology. He is American board certified in Diagnostic Radiology. He started interpreting brain and spine MRI at the University Hospital in 1995. He is the former chief of radiology at the Stollery Children’s Hospital and the Associate Chair of Radiology & Diagnostic Imaging at the University of Alberta. He looks forward to providing comprehensive imaging services. Dr Bhargava enjoys mixing mocktails and spending time outdoors walking his dog and playing golf.
Dr. Michael Lai,
Emergency Medicine Physician
Dr. Michael Lai is a family physician who was born in Calgary. He received his medical degree and completed his family medicine residency at the University of Alberta, and did a fellowship in emergency medicine at the University of Manitoba. Currently, he is also working as an emergency physician at the Grey Nuns Community Hospital, and does teaching through the UofA for medical students and residents. In his free time, he plays ice hockey, volleyball and enjoys working on his golf swing.
Dr. Erika Persson,
Pediatric Sport Medicine Physician
Dr. Persson is a Pediatric Sports Medicine Physician, the only one in Northern Alberta and one of few in Canada. She completed her medical degree and Pediatric Residency at the University of Alberta, followed by a Pediatric Sport Medicine Fellowship at the University of Manitoba. A past president of the Canadian Academy of Sport and Exercise Medicine, she is passionate about youth sports, including performing arts and aesthetic sports.
Dr. Persson has served as a team physician at numerous multisport events, including the 2023 Commonwealth Youth Games and the 2018 Winter Olympics, and is a National team physician for Skate Canada. She practices in Edmonton and St. Albert and is an Associate Clinical Professor at the University of Alberta, where she teaches medical students and residents. She also chairs CPD at CASEM and is a member of the U of A Faculty of Medicine Clinical Promotions Committee. In her free time, she enjoys outdoor activities with her family, traveling, and exploring new cultures and cuisines.