A whole team approach to your gut health.
Welcome to the AXIS GI Program: an evidence-based multi-disciplinary approach to supporting your digestive health. This program is designed specifically for those with Disorders of the Gut Brain Interaction (also sometimes known as "Functional GI Disorders". This group of GI disorders includes:
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IBS
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chronic constipation
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dyssynergic defecation
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dyspepsia
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Often, individuals who have these disorders fall through the cracks of our medical system. That's because, typically, there is no "pathology" that's found on testing that is causing symptoms. Those with functional gut disorders have BIG symptoms that cause BIG impact on their daily lives, but don't always get a lot of answers. With Disorders of the Gut Brain Interaction, it's not just one thing that contributes to your symptoms.
Research shows that the ideal treatment for Disorders of the Gut Brain Interaction includes a combination of education and treatment of all systems that are involved in digestion. If individuals are going to find healing and function, we need to support the body, investigate our food choices and relationship with food, and understand how our brain communicates with our gut and gut with our brain. For this we need a team.
The AXIS GI Program
The AXIS GI Program is a 12 week multi-disciplinary program that will include:
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a 1 hour initial intake assessment with one of our trained GI clinicians.
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1-2 appointments with each discipline in the first 6 weeks. At that time the team will meet to discuss your treatment plan and future appointments (You can expect to be seeing one of our team members most weeks).
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subsequent followups with any discipline that you or your clinician deem important.
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followup appointments may be in person or online depending on the nature of your care plan.
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our team will be meeting together for patient rounds 2-3 times throughout the 12 weeks to discuss your care and treatment plan.
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It is recommended that when you book your INITIAL INTAKE appointment, that you go ahead an book 1-2 appointments with each clinician to ensure we can maximize your care in our 12 week window.
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all appointments are eligible for coverage through your extended health benefit plan. We do not direct bill, however, you will be provided with a receipt (paper or emailed) that you can forward to your insurance provider for reimbursement.
Fee Schedule:
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Initial AXIS GI Program intake (60 minutes) $185
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GI Psychology appointment (60 minutes) $205
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Follow up Dietitian/Pelvic Health appointment (45 minutes)​ $150​​
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The AXIS team will be receiving intakes quarterly as follows:
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beginning of October 2025
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beginning of January 2026
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beginning of April 2026
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beginning of July 2026
Meet The AXIS GI Program Team
Victoria Christiansen
Registered Dietitian
Nutritionist
Victoria has been a passionate registered dietitian since 2001, with expertise in gut and
neuro nutrition. She works in GI and MS clinics, supporting clients with IBD, celiac
disease, IBS, liver health, fatigue management and neurogenic bowel. Passionate
about the gut microbiome and positive food relationships, Victoria loves helping people
find sustainable, nourishing, evidenced based solutions. She holds Multiple Sclerosis Certified Specialist (MSCS) international certification. She recently completed a 10 month
Executive D.I.E.T IBD Nutrition Therapy Program through Cedars-Sinai Hospital. She
was honored to be invited back to serve as faculty for the second session. Victoria is often in the kitchen cooking with her three teenage boys. You'll also find her running, hiking, golfing or walking her two dogs with her husband around Red Deer.
Heather Schultz
Registered Provisional Psychologist
Living with a chronic health condition can feel like a rollercoaster ride—full of ups, downs, and unexpected twists! Taking care of your mental health is just as important as managing your physical symptoms - in fact, research shows that psychological treatment can significantly improve quality of life for patients living with chronic GI conditions. A happier mind is an important part of a healthier gut!
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Heather is a Registered Provisional Psychologist in Alberta with a passion for supporting individuals in managing chronic health conditions. Her approach is compassionate, relational and creative. Heather strives to provide you with a personalized approach alongside evidence-based therapies, including Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT), and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR).
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In her personal life, She is a wife, a mom to 4 kiddos, and a lover of all things creative and crafty. As a part of the fabulous Axis team, she is glad to be part of your support network as they help you discover supports that will work best for your life.
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Nicole Schmitt
Pelvic Health Physiotherapist
Nicole has been practicing as a clinical physiotherapist since 2004 and moved into the area of pelvic health in 2013. Through her years of experience and continuing education, she has extended her scope of practice to include the assessment and treatment of persistent pelvic pain conditions, female sexual health concerns, the prescription and fitting of pessaries and the treatment of pediatric pelvic health dysfunction.
Throughout her years of treating pelvic health, she often heard many of her pelvic health clients describe significant digestive symptoms as well. There is a very high correlation between pelvic pain and GI dysfunction. This led her to expand her training to the area of bowel health.
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Her very favourite thing is walking alongside women and empowering them in their journey to wellness. Nicole brings a client-centered, whole-person approach to her care.
She is on the College of Physiotherapists of Alberta roster and certified to perform internal pelvic examination and treatment. She is a member of the Pelvic and Reproductive Health Division of the CPA. Nicole appreciates a team approach to the care of all her clients and believes we are better when we work together.
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When not in the clinic caring for clients, Nicole can be found taking a good long walk, reading among the trees at her home or cheering on one of her 4 kiddos in whatever sport happens to be in season.
Kelsey Moreau
Pelvic Health Physiotherapist
Kelsey has been serving the community of Central Alberta since 2010. She has completed extensive pelvic health training in urinary incontinence, pelvic pain conditions, colorectal disorders, prolapse, menopause and visceral mobilization. She has also pursued advanced orthopaedic manual therapy training (AIM level III) and holds a certificate in functional dry needling.
Kelsey is a busy mama of 2 little girls and loves hiking, and camping in her spare time. She is a keen learner and goes above and beyond to offer excellence in care.
Her passion is to empower female athletes to resume their sport and fitness activities. She also holds advanced education in the assessment and treatment of pelvic organ prolapse and pessary fitting.
Kelsey is a member of the Pelvic and Reproductive Health Division of the CPA.
Connect with Kelsey through email kelseymoreaupt@gmail.com
Contact
If you have any questions about the program or how to book, email us here.