Hey everyone, I’m Kendre Parke. I’m a Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Educator with a mission to flip the script on what it means to “eat healthy”! I have more than a decade of experience helping people in the community manage chronic disease, eat well and build a positive relationship with body and food. Nutrition counselling for eating disorders and disordered eating became a focus of mine during Covid when referrals skyrocketed and resources were stretched. I remain dedicated to supporting those living with an eating disorder as well as their loved ones.

I am from Saskatoon, SK and graduated from the U of S before moving to Lloydminster, AB. As it turned out, I met my husband there and stayed for the next 9 years providing one-on-one and group nutrition counselling. I have extensive experience with diabetes management, heart health, gastrointestinal conditions, failure to thrive, disordered eating, nutrition optimization, building healthy habits and more.

My husband and I, along with our two school-aged kids moved to Medicine Hat in 2022. Since then, we have loved taking in Tigers and Mavs games, bike riding, playing and coaching sports, enjoying our local ice cream shops and being in the river parks. I also love cooking, piping hot coffee, paddleboarding, a great glass of wine and trash TV.

I am incredibly excited to be joining the EmpowerMed team and can’t wait to get started!

Hey everyone, I’m Kendre Parke. I’m a Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Educator with a... Read More

Hi I’m Lauren, co-founder and Registered Dietitian with EmpowerMed. We are so excited to offer women’s health focused services, something we feel our community is missing.

I grew up in Medicine Hat, and as an athlete I learned from a young age what food can do for our bodies. In my teens I found enjoyment in cooking and baking and always knew I wanted to work in a helping profession. With the help of my mom, I found the profession of Dietetics, graduating from the University of Alberta with a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition in 2012. Shortly after graduating I returned to Medicine Hat and have spent the majority of my career since working in chronic disease management.

I want to support women in finding a way of eating that helps them feel their best while still finding enjoyment and pleasure from food. I focus on what you need to add to your diet instead of restriction and deprivation. What I enjoy most about my job is building relationships and problem solving with clients to find practical strategies that actually work for their lifestyle. While I definitely have a soft spot for pregnant and postpartum individuals, I strive to support all women throughout various life transitions.

Outside of work, I spend most of my time raising my two young daughters alongside my husband Michael. When I’m not focused on my family, I’m doing what I can to learn more about parenting, ways to manage my own health and wellbeing and becoming a better Dietitian. I continue to enjoy cooking and baking, often with a little helper or two.

In addition to my degree in Nutrition, I am currently working on my Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA) Level 1 Practitioner certification. In January 2024 I start Functional Medicine Practitioner training with the Wisdom Medicine Institute out of Portland Oregon, with completion date of June 2024.

If you would like to reach out to me specifically, feel free to send an email to lauren@empowermed.ca.

Hi I’m Lauren, co-founder and Registered Dietitian with EmpowerMed. We are so excited to offer wo... Read More

PLEASE READ: At present, Colleen is not accepting new patients due to maternity leave. If you would like to book an appointment for when she returns - please e-mail your request to empowermed2023@gmail.com

You will be sent an intake form to fill out in which Colleen will review and prioritize as best as possible. Thank you!

PLEASE DO NOT ADD YOURSELF TO THE WAITLIST AS THESE REQUESTS WILL NOT BE REVIEWED.

Hi! My name is Colleen Sherven, and I am the medical director and one of the co-founders of EmpowerMed. My role in the healthcare field started out as a Registered Nurse practicing in a variety of settings. In 2017, I obtained my master’s degree in nursing and became a Nurse Practitioner (NP). The functionality and responsibilities that are attached to the NP role have provided me with a greater perception to the many unmet needs of the female population. Often, these women do not feel their concerns are being heard or understood. It is my pleasure to collaborate with other female health care professionals, to provide such services that are unique and in demand.

In the last few years, I have worked diligently on broadening my knowledge by studying via the Institute for Functional Medicine (2018), Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Training Academy (2023), and many other integrative and holistic approaches to best support individuals. I have a special interest in getting to the root cause of symptoms, both female and male hormone health, and overall providing a comfortable and genuine environment for clients.

Outside of my career, I enjoy catching up with friends over a coffee, listening to podcasts, running, and memorizing NHL player names for when my son quizzes me. My husband, Scott, and I enjoy living just outside of Medicine Hat with our two young sons. We look forward to having them teach us new things about parenthood each day.

Currently, I am working towards completing my certificate as a Functional Medicine Practitioner with the Wisdom Medicine Institute out of Portland, Oregon, by February 2024. I am also in the process of completing certification through the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, with a target completion date of May 2024. I am absolutely honored for the opportunity to bring forward my knowledge and skills to the community of Medicine Hat – I look forward to meeting you very soon!

If you would like to reach out to me specifically, feel free to send an email to colleen@empowermed.ca

PLEASE READ: At present, Colleen is not accepting new patients due to maternity leave. If you wo... Read More

Hello. My name is Tanya Van Dam, and I am extremely excited to be joining the co-founders of EmpowerMed. I am honored that Empowermed has chosen me to be a part of their team.

I was born and raised in Medicine Hat. My post secondary education started at the Medicine Hat College and then took me to the University of Calgary, and University of Alberta. I started out on the career path to become a doctor and then I switched focus to physiotherapy. I graduated from the University of Alberta in 2005 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Therapy. I have worked in Medicine Hat my entire career.

In 2012 I started additional training to become a pelvic floor physical therapist. I now have my Level 1 Physical Therapy Approach to Female Urinary Incontinence, Level 2 Physical Therapy Approach to Dyspareunia and Male Urinary Incontinence, and Level 3 Physiotherapy for Ano-Rectal disorders and Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy in Paediatrics. I also have training in prolapse/pessary fitting, hypopressive breathing, acupuncture, and functional dry needling.

I still treat orthopedic conditions however my passion is in pelvic floor physiotherapy. I love helping pre and post partum moms. Men suffering with urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction after prostate surgery may also benefit from pelvic floor physiotherapy.

Outside of work I am a busy mom of 2 very active kids. You can often see me cheering on my kids at volleyball, basketball, badminton and track and field. My husband Jason and I travel the province with our children camping, mountain biking, skiing, hiking and racing BMX.

I look forward to working with this powerhouse of ladies to bring a unique women’s health experience to our amazing community.

If you would like to reach out to me specifically, feel free to send an email to tanya@empowermed.ca

Hello. My name is Tanya Van Dam, and I am extremely excited to be joining the co-founders of Empo... Read More