Physical Therapist / Founder, MScPT
 

Zianna is a physical therapist with a passion for supporting individuals living with complex neurological and medical conditions. She began her career in pediatrics, working with children and teens with musculoskeletal and neurological challenges, which shaped her appreciation for how complex conditions affect daily life and identity.

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She later expanded her work to individuals of all ages with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) and other multifaceted conditions. To advance her practice, she has completed FND courses in Toronto and Los Angeles and is a member of the Functional Neurological Disorder Society.

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Her ongoing learning includes areas that commonly overlap with complex conditions, such as sensory processing, nervous system regulation, chronic pain, lifestyle management, and dysautonomia/POTS. Zianna blends evidence-based practice with personalized care to meet each person’s unique needs.

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She founded Tessera Therapy to create a space where people with complex and often misunderstood conditions feel seen, supported, and empowered with meaningful strategies for change.

Occupational Therapist and Expert in Sexual Health Rehab, PhD 
 

Shaniff Esmail is an Occupational Therapist with over 30 years of clinical and academic experience. A Professor in the Department of Occupational Therapy at the University of Alberta, he has educated generations of healthcare professionals and contributed to advancing rehabilitation practice worldwide.

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He is internationally recognized for his leadership in sexuality and disability, including the impact of illness and injury on intimacy, sexual health, and relationships. Shaniff has designed Canada’s first post-graduate certificate in sexual health, published extensively in the field, and is regularly called upon as an expert witness in cases involving sexuality, disability, and rehabilitation.

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At Tessera, Shaniff serves as an expert consultant on both rehabilitation and sexual health cases. His ability to integrate physical, neurological, and relational perspectives reflects Tessera’s mosaic model of care, helping clients and clinicians understand the whole picture of recovery and well-being.

Physical Therapist, MScPT

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Danielle completed her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and Master of Science in Physiotherapy at the University of Alberta. Since then, she has worked across a variety of clinical settings, including acute and sub-acute neurology, geriatric care, and musculoskeletal outpatient physiotherapy.

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Danielle has a strong passion for neurorehabilitation and continues to pursue advanced training in this area. She holds a certificate in Vestibular Rehabilitation through Bernard Tonks and has completed additional coursework in Neurodevelopmental Treatment (NDT) as well as concussion management.

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She is committed to providing individualized, evidence-based care and enjoys helping her clients achieve meaningful improvements in their function and quality of life.

Registered Provisional Psychologist, MC

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Troy earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology from Athabasca University and completed his Master of Counselling (MSC) at City University of Seattle, Edmonton campus.  It is Troy’s belief, that regardless of the reason the individual has come to therapy - ultimately – everyone is searching for someone who can meet them where they are at, who can truly listen to them, and who can guide them in discovering their internal strength. Troy approaches therapy with the understanding that each person has the capacity to heal, to grow, and for self-guidance. Accessing a client-centered and trauma informed approach, Troy uses techniques centered in Narrative Therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Troy’s focus has been in helping clients address challenges such as trauma recovery, coping with chronic pain, addiction, self-worth concerns, mobility difficulties, and overcoming internalized shame.

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Troy, having experienced Guillain-Barre Syndrome, is dedicated to helping people with neurological and medical conditions. He recognizes the challenges these diagnoses bring and focuses on delivering evidence-based care tailored to each client's needs.

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Additionally, with 15 years of experience as a first responder prior to becoming a psychologist, Troy believes that his unique combination of practical experience and psychological experience enables him to effectively support and empower clients as they address the challenges they encounter.

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