Ashley completed her Masters Degree in Physical Therapy at the University of Saskatchewan in 2011. She has advanced training in Pelvic Health and Manual Therapy, and is a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Manipulative Physical Therapy.

Ashley will speak about chronic pelvic pain, urinary incontinence, and constipation.

Jessica completed both a Bachelors Degree in Physical Therapy, with distinction, and a Masters Degree in Applied Breathing Sciences. She is a winner of the Pinnacle Award of Excellence from Physiotherapy Alberta.

Jessica will speak about breathing physiotherapy, as well as the stress and relaxation responses.

Kim earned her degree in Occupational Therapy at the University of Alberta in 2001. From the beginning she has been a passionate advocate for disabilities, chronic conditions, inclusive workplaces, person-centered and trauma-informed therapy, strength-based and holistic interventions. Inspired by her husband who lives with fibromyalgia, Kim has committed to supporting those with chronic conditions for the past 10 years. Kim also works in Long Covid clinics across Canada.

Kim will speak about occupational therapy for fibromyalgia, work accommodations, and home aids to daily living.

Kristen received her Masters degree from the University of Alberta, and has a special interest in vestibular, concussion and orthopedic rehabilitation. She has completed Level II and III Upper for the Canadian Physiotherapy Association's Diploma of Advanced Orthopaedic Manual and Manipulation courses.

Kristen will speak about balance and falls, as well as physiotherapy approaches to chronic pain

Shannon holds a Bachelors of Science degree in Exercise Physiology from the University of Calgary. She is an experienced Clinical Exercise Physiologist who specializes in chronic pain, headache management, and clinical exercise prescription.

Shannon will speak about activity, pacing, recovery, and improving functional capacity.

Michelle obtained her PhD from Queens University, and has been practicing as a clinical psychologist in the field of chronic pain since 2009. She has co-authored research articles and book chapters on a wide range of topics in psychology, and uses therapy techniques grounded in science.

Michelle will speak about life transitions, mindfulness, and psychological approaches to living with pain.

John is the Medical Director of FibroFOCUS™. He served as the 20th President of the Canadian Pain Society, was a founding Co-Chair of the Alberta Pain Strategy, and Chair of the National Congress on Pain in Ottawa. He represented Western Canada on the committee who wrote our national guidelines for the treatment of fibromyalgia. He has visited over 80 pain clinics in the world to learn best practices.

John will speak about

• What is fibromyalgia

• What is chronic pain

• The first steps toward symptom improvement

• The four main drivers of pain and inflammation

• The effects of stress on pain and mitochondria

• Physical activity, recovery, and fibromyalgia

• Anti-inflammatory diet macronutrients: fats, fibers, protein and carbohydrates.

• Anti-inflammatory diet micronutrients: vitamins, minerals, and supplements

• Fibromyalgia and approaches to sleep

• Health Canada approved medications for fibromyalgia

• Unapproved, commonly used medications for chronic pain

• Fibromyalgia, fibrofog, and brain health

• The Stanford Empowered Relief ™ presentation for which Dr. Pereira is a licensed instructor

• Graduation and next steps