Meet our Team of Chiropractors, Massage Therapists, Physiotherapists and our lovely staff!
Dr. Mackenzie Thurston
Chiropractor/Owner
Dr. Mackenzie Thurston is a chiropractor and owner of Parkwood Chiropractic Centre. She graduated from New York Chiropractic College in 2017 and practiced In her hometown of Ottawa, Ontario at various multi-disciplinary clinics including sports medicine, hospital settings, and regular family practice prior to moving to the Muskoka region with her partner who has family roots in Huntsville.
Dr. Thurston has a wide variety of knowledge and experience in chiropractic, health and wellness. She completed her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science with a minor in Biology and Ice Hockey Coaching at Bemidji State University in Minnesota where she was fortunate to play NCAA Division I hockey for 4 years.
Since completing chiropractic college, Dr. Thurston has put in many hours advancing her education to best serve her patients. She has completed her Medical/Neuro Functional Acupuncture program at MacMaster University, Complete Concussion Management, Athletic Movement Assessment, Integrated Kinetic Neurology, Kinesiology Taping, Rock Tape FMT Movement certification, Active Release Technique, Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization, Custom Stabilizing Orthotics, Activator Method and First Aid, CPR, AED Care.
Her background and education has afforded her a valuable experience in examining, diagnosing and treating a diverse population.
In her spare time you can find Dr. Thurston playing sports, exercising, paddling, camping, snowboarding, and most certainly spending time with her dogs Ricki and Stryker.
Dr. Candace Wahl graduated from the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College in 2018 and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology from Laurentian University, where she was on the varsity cross-country ski team. She’s passionate about helping people feel their best and has taken courses in techniques like Activator, Thompson Technique, Smart Tools, and Motion Palpation to provide the most effective care for her patients.
As a mom of three, Dr. Candace has a special interest in supporting women through pregnancy and postpartum, helping them stay comfortable and active through some of life’s big changes. When she’s not working, you’ll find her coaching with Arrowhead Nordic, sharing her love of skiing, or spending time outdoors with her family.
Dr. Candace works part-time at the clinic, offering care that’s personalized to each individual. Whether you’re dealing with aches and pains or just want to feel better in your body, she’s here to help.
Dr. Candace Wahl
Chiropractor
Dr. Kelsey Pardy
Chiropractor / Medical Acupuncture Provider
Dr. Kelsey Pardy believes in an individualized approach to care with an emphasis on active rehabilitation. She is looking forward to work collaboratively with you to achieve your goals and get you back to doing what you love most.
Dr. Kelsey earned her undergraduate degree in Biology with a minor in Health Studies from Queen’s University, and then pursued her Doctor of Chiropractic degree from the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College. She has also obtained additional certification in Neurofunctional Acupuncture from McMaster University, concussion management from Complete Concussion Management Inc., as well as postpartum rehabilitation care through GrowCo. She enjoys working with patients of all ages, but has a special interest in working with athletes, concussions, and postpartum women.
With Dr. Kelsey, you can expect a tailored treatment plan that can consist of a combination of treatment techniques including soft tissue therapy, joint mobilizations, joint manipulations, neurofuncitonal acupuncture, individualized exercise plans, education, and other therapeutic devices to help achieve your goals.
When not at work, you can find Dr. Kelsey working alongside the Barrie Colts AAA organization as a team trainer. She loves participating in a variety of sports and physical activities, whether it be playing hockey, running, snowboarding (to name a few), or finding a new hike to enjoy with her husband Brad and her dog Gus.
Michelle recently returned to the Muskoka region to reconnect with her roots after several years living in Kingston. While there, she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Arts and Science from Queen’s University. However, her true calling emerged later—combining her curiosity about the human body with a decade of experience in the service industry, she discovered her passion for massage therapy.
In 2019, Michelle graduated with honours from Trillium College’s Massage Therapy program and has been practicing ever since. Her approach is rooted in the belief that massage therapy is not just about treating pain—it’s about understanding each individual’s needs and supporting their overall wellness.
Michelle takes a holistic, personalized approach to care. She’s particularly interested in how emotional and mental stress can show up physically, and she tailors every treatment to reflect this connection. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, deep tissue therapy, or recovery support, she adapts each session to what your body needs most.
Her clinical interests include youth and pediatric athletic massage, TMJ Dysfunction, thoracic outlet syndrome, injury rehab, post-concussion support, and pregnancy massage. Michelle focuses on addressing root causes, not just symptoms, to help clients feel their best in the long term.
Outside the clinic, Michelle enjoys hiking with her dog Prudence, swimming, spending time with loved ones, and relaxing around a campfire. These grounding moments inspire the calm, centred energy she brings into her treatments.
Michelle Dawney
Registered Massage Therapist
Ashley Duquette
Registered Massage Therapist
Ashley Duquette, RMT, CCMT, BSc has been registered with the CMTO since 2017. Her interest in massage therapy as a profession developed during her time at Brock university. As a competitive swimmer with chronic injury she was introduced to massage as a therapeutic recovery tool and also as a preventative measure. She graduated Brock university in 2015 with a Bsc in biological sciences and continued her education at Fleming College – Peterborough in the Massage Therapy Program.
Ashley’s treatments combine relaxation and therapeutic techniques including Crainal-sacral therapy and a client centered whole body approach to help her clients reach their goals. She believes in the physical, mental and spiritual benefits of Massage Therapy and loves to help her clients find the balance they are looking for. She most recently obtained her canine massage therapy certificate from Royal Canadian Collage of Massage Therapy and is excited to start her journey in canine care.
When not in the clinic you can find her around town walking her dogs, at the farmers market, doing yoga, hiking the beautiful trails of Muskoka or in/on the water.
Ashley is not currently accepting new clients.
Lauren Murray is a registered physiotherapist who graduated from McMaster University in 2022. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from Queen’s University where she competed on the Women’s Varsity Rugby Team for five seasons. Lauren also holds a Master of Science in Kinesiology from the University of Waterloo, where she completed an independent study in neurophysiology prior to beginning her Master’s in Physiotherapy at McMaster University.
Since beginning her career as a physiotherapist, Lauren has enjoyed working with individuals of all ages and abilities to help improve, restore, and maintain function. She believes in an individualized approach to physiotherapy intervention, and works alongside her clients to establish and understand their unique goals. Lauren has also completed continuing education in acupuncture. She is passionate about empowering individuals in her community to stay active through the lifespan in ways that are meaningful to them.
Born and raised in the Kawarthas, Lauren has enjoyed settling back into cottage country living since moving to the Muskoka Region. Outside of her work as a physiotherapist, she enjoys playing sports, exercising, cottaging, and spending time with her miniature dachshund Louie.
Lauren Murray
Physiotherapist
Dale Smith
Office Manager & Chiropractic Assistant
Dale Smith, Born and raised in Muskoka, Dale is a familiar and friendly face to many in the community—and an irreplaceable part of the Parkwood Chiropractic Centre team since 2011. As our Office Manager and Chiropractic Assistant, she brings a deep knowledge of patient care and clinic operations, with extensive training in therapeutic equipment and years of hands-on experience. Known for her problem-solving skills, warm personality, and dedication, she guides patients through everything from treatments to administrative needs with ease and compassion.
When she’s not at the clinic, Dale enjoys spending quality time with her lovely family and her dog, Hemi, or riding her Sea-Doo across the lakes of Muskoka. Always ready to lend a hand, Dale’s caring nature and positive energy make her a truly special part of our team—and a joy to be around.
Teresa Wheeler brings a wealth of experience and a warm, welcoming presence to Parkwood Chiropractic Centre. A long-time Bracebridge resident, she recently retired after 19 years as the Office Administrator at the South Muskoka Golf and Curling Club. With her strong administrative skills and friendly personality, Teresa ensures things run smoothly behind the scenes while making every patient feel at home. Outside the clinic, she enjoys spending time outdoors, crafting, and dancing. We’re thrilled to have her as part of our team!
Teresa Wheeler
Office Administrator
Why Choose Us
We Proudly Provide Quality Chiropractic Care to Muskoka and Surrounding Areas.
We perform a thorough examination in order to guide us through your individual treatment plan. Parkwood chiropractic uses a variety of tools such as acupuncture, soft tissue therapy, diversified adjustments, exercise/rehabilitation and much more.
Any problem by a sport, work accident etc.
We welcome the chance to serve you.