Meet the team
Devon Karchut
MScPT, Physiotherapist, owner
Devon has been a physiotherapist for 15 years, with the majority of her career focused in pediatrics. Through her own personal outdoor pursuits and working with children outside, she has seen the incredible power nature can play in supporting healthy development. Devon is thrilled to be combining her loves of children, nature, and physiotherapy to offer outdoor therapy to Calgary children! Devon is a born and raised Calgarian who spends her free time hiking, skiing, and camping with her husband and 11 year old wild child.
Forest Play Team
Tasha Werner
Instructor
Tasha was lucky enough to have spent her childhood outdoors. Shoes were rarely worn, forts were often built and imaginary enemies were fought daily. A childhood spent in nature and a Bachelor Kinesiology (specializing in Mind Sciences) gave Tasha the desire to explore the mountains when she moved from Saskatchewan to Calgary in the early 2000’s. After receiving certifications in rock climbing and canoeing, Tasha began facilitating groups in the outdoors, sharing her passion for exploration, play and movement. Tasha is the mom to two adventurous children and believes we all learn best through play and being outside
Christina Pickles
Instructor
Christina Pickles has been working with people of all ages in forests, streets, badlands and streams for over 20 years as an environmental educator. For the past 10 years she has focused on outdoor play as she believes play is the best way children (and adults) connect to the land, themselves and each other. Christina is well known in the province (and beyond!) for providing amazing professional development to educators and inspiring us all to get out and play! She has been thrilled to be part of the Nature Play team. She is a mom of an active, outdoor play loving 11 year old and lives on the banks of the Bow River.
Therapy Team
Melanie Thomson
MSLP, Speech-language Pathologist
Melanie has worked with children as a Speech-Language Pathologist for over 25 years. She has worked with children in the classroom, in their homes, and in the community and is excited about supporting children’s communication development in the great outdoors! Melanie is always amazed how nature facilitates communication and social interaction in ways that can’t be created indoors. She believes nature provides invaluable opportunities for learning at any age! Melanie enjoys exploring the outdoors with her dogs and may often be spotted walking her dogs on local pathways and hiking trails.
Christy Macfarlane
MScOT, Occupational Therapist
Christy has been a pediatric occupational
Lisa McBride
BScOT, Occupational Therapist
Lisa received her BScOT from the University of Alberta in 2007 and has been working as a pediatric Occupational Therapist ever since. She’s been honoured to work with children in a variety of settings, including school- and home-based early intervention programs, private practice, and clinical settings. She enjoys cross-country skiing, running, and playing with her daughters outside. Lisa was instrumental in taking the idea of nature-based therapy and making it into a reality! She is beyond excited to combine her passion for the outdoors with her love of connecting with children and their families. Lisa lives in Cochrane, Alberta with her spouse and two daughters.
Leah Wetter
BScPT, Physiotherapist
Leah has been a pediatric physiotherapist for 20+ years (yikes!) including currently working at Calgary Youth Physiotherapy and previously working at the Alberta Children’s Hospital (where Devon was her student). Leah loves being outdoors and sharing this love with her family and the families she is honoured to work with. She has observed that kids thrive when they are wild and free playing, exploring and learning in nature. In her new role at Nature Play, Leah is excited to be using her experience as a PT in the outdoors with her clients and families. Leah and her husband Patrick love exploring the outdoors together with their 4 kids including hiking, camping, biking, paddling and skiing.