While still in high school, Heather took an Athletic First Aid and Taping and Strapping course through the Sport Medicine Council of Alberta and used her new skills to help her high school women’s’ rugby team. She was hooked. Heather has been a Certified Athletic Therapist (CAT(C)) since 2002 after completing a combined Bachelor of Physical Education/Advanced Certificate in Athletic Therapy degree program offered through the University of Alberta and Mount Royal College.
It was a dream come true to open Fernie’s 1st Athletic Therapy Clinic in the fall of 2006. Prior to moving to Fernie in 2005, Heather was working in Edmonton, AB as the Medical Coordinator for the 2005 World Masters Games and a clinical Athletic Therapist at NorMed Therapies in Sherwood Park, AB. Winter 2005 in Fernie she worked as a dispatcher at Fernie Alpine Resort and used her Advanced First Aid skills and Athletic Therapy knowledge to assess the carnage that rolled into the First Aid room.
Heather has advanced her education and knowledge with courses in Concussion (R2P Concussion Management), Kinesio Taping, Soft Tissue Release (similar to ART), Muscle Energy Techniques and Custom Foot Orthotics and Bracing.
Heather has spent many years “working on the sidelines/on the bench” and consulting for numerous teams, clubs and events. Examples include hockey, football, lacrosse, gymnastics, skiing and snowboarding, track and field, figure skating and rugby. Fernie Athletic Therapy has been the “Official Clinic of the Fernie Ghostriders” since 2006. More recently, Heather enjoys keeping the Elk Valley’s local athletes injury free as they train for their races, events and games such as Bloomsday, Wasa Triathlon, Elkford Triathlon, Transrockies, TR3, Singletrack 6 and the Elk Valley Bulls Rugby Football Club.
In her spare time, Heather likes to hike, mountain bike, ski and snowboard and plays women’s hockey. She and her husband Simon adore their two daughters, Penny and Rachel, and experiencing the outdoors with them!
Kayla Boger (Neufeld) BSc(Kin), BAHSc, CAT(C)
Growing up in Leduc, AB, Kayla has always had a passion for sports. She ran competitively with Leduc Track Club for 12 years and played high school volleyball and basketball. She attended the University of Alberta and graduated in 2006 with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology. It was during these 4 years that she discovered a passion for working with athletes and teams and became interested in sport injuries and rehabilitation. She then went on to pursue her Athletic Therapy degree at Sheridan College in Oakville, Ontario, graduating in 2009. Kayla successfully completed certification in July 2009, becoming a Certified Athletic Therapist (CAT(C)).
Kayla joined Fernie Athletic Therapy and the Fernie Ghostriders team in October of 2009 and has never looked back.
Kayla has advanced her education and knowledge with courses and training in Concussion/mild Traumatic Brain Injury, Kinesio Taping, Soft Tissue Release (similar to ART), Muscle Energy Techniques and Custom Foot Orthotics and Bracing.
Highlights of her career thus far include traveling to Nova Scotia with Team BC high school football in 2011, Jasper Downhill Sevens Rugby tournament and of course working with the Fernie Ghostriders.
Outside of Fernie Athletic Therapy, Kayla thoroughly enjoys everything this beautiful valley has to offer, in particular trail running, CrossFit, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, camping, hiking, biking, and most recently fishing.
Brandy Craveiro BAET, CAT(C)
Born and raised in Victoria, BC, Brandy developed a passion for sports early in life. Throughout high school she played competitive basketball and field hockey, which lead her to seek a career within the athletic community. A graduate of Camosun College's bachelors degree in Athletic and Exercise Therapy, Brandy has had the opportunity to gain experience working with a variety of sports teams and in clinical settings.
Most recently as a Certified Athletic Therapist, Brandy has worked with the Victoria HarbourCats summer-collegiate baseball team. Working with these athletes was both a challenge and rewarding experience for Brandy, with the team playing 35 home games in a 10 week period.
Brandy was the head therapist for the Westshore Wolves Jr Hockey Club during their 2016-17 season and has provided support at several training camps including Oceanside Generals Jr Hockey and the Team BC Female U18 Provincial camp. She brings with her a strong background in treating and training high performance athletes. Working closely with coaches and athletes has confirmed Brandy's passion to continue focusing on a career as an Athletic Therapist.
As someone who enjoys a variety of outdoor activities, Brandy is excited to have moved to such a beautiful community that has so much to offer. She is thrilled to be calling Fernie her new home, starting her career working clinically at Fernie Athletic Therapy and with both the Fernie Ghostriders and TFA Fury hockey teams.
