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About
This is why we do what we do
Let Us Introduce Ourselves
Hello! I'm Deana Tsiapalis
Head Pain Coach and Chief Curator
After the sudden passing of my mother at a young age due to stress combined with many underlying health issues, some of which went completely undetected, I knew that I needed to learn more. After watching my father's health rapidly decline, his overwhelm amplify and his eventual passing only deepened my resolve to help others on their wellness journey.
While teaching Remedial Pilates I worked many people with a similar story where the overwhelm of chronic pain left the person feeling misunderstood, stigmatized and left to their own devices. It was time to get to work to create a unique space that is exclusively for the chronic pain community to bridge the gap between physician and the pain warrior with coaching, community and pain education. Exactly the sort of model I wished I could find when my parents needed guidance.
Hello, I'm Barb Thornton
Cwtch community Ambassador & Co-creator
My journey with chronic pain began in 2003. In the early years, life centered around doctors, tests, medications, physio and surgeries. My world consisted of pain, waiting and uncertainty while raising a family and caring for an ill parent. The career I worked so hard for slipped through my fingers. Depression took hold.
To get me through, I focused with high hopes on the date of my next appointment with the next doctor who would have the answer, fix me and make the pain stop. It would build to a crescendo but before the grand finale that reveals the answers and the fix, the curtains fell and the lights went out every single time.
Sadly, my story is not unique to the chronic pain community.
What Our People Are Saying
Michelle Y.
Volunteer and Mentor
For years I have persevered through the ups and downs associated with pain. I have found my champions that help me through the healing and continue to seek out care that serves my needs the best. I carry on confidently navigating my way through the storms with many of the tools I have learned along the way. I now share this knowledge with others in this community which helps me to flourish too. For me it's a 'win-win'!
Ryan A.
Golfer Extraordinaire
I have been struggling with my back since 2012. I have been on a frustrating roller coaster with specialists, pain meds and different exercise plans. I just could not get a steady plan going. I was referred to Deana and she took her time to understand what my problem was. I started to attend her online classes and her mix of core, hips and pelvis exercises has been really good for me. I've now got a plan in place and I'm really happy to be back on the golf course with Deana's help.
Scott W.
Athlete and CEO
As a former high level hockey player, I have had my share of injuries, often being able to work through them on my own. With my latest injury I was really stuck as to what to do and really struggling to get better not only physically but emotionally as well. There is so much information out there, it can be really overwhelming! This community has really helped me to take it step by step and create a clear path forward so I can get back to hockey.
John C.
CEO
Working with Deana I feel like I have gained not only a deeper understanding of my pain, where it comes from but most importantly how to best control it. I have also learned how to move safely through the pain and as a result am more confident with movement. Deana is passionate and knowledgeable about the complexities of chronic pain.