At Victara, our patients are at the center of everything we do. Behind every treatment, consultation, and innovation is a team of dedicated professionals committed to helping you achieve optimal pelvic health, wellness, and vitality. Take a moment to meet our skilled team of providers:
Dr Kevin Carlson
Founder–
I’ve spent my career exploring one central question: how can we help people live stronger, healthier, and more confident lives?
My path began with medical training at the University of British Columbia, followed by urology residency at Dalhousie University and fellowship training in functional urology and pelvic reconstructive surgery at New York University. Today I serve as Clinical Professor of Urology and Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Calgary, where I have spent many years caring for patients, teaching future surgeons, and advancing research in pelvic health and bladder function.
But medicine alone does not fully explain my approach to health.
Outside the hospital, I’ve always been drawn to endurance and challenge. I’ve completed multiple Ironman triathlons, more than a dozen marathons, and long-distance open-water swims. Those experiences have reinforced something I see every day in medicine: when people feel stronger in their bodies, it transforms how they live their lives.
Throughout my career I have helped develop national clinical guidelines, founded professional societies, and built innovative care programs. Yet I increasingly felt that modern healthcare often focuses on treating disease rather than unlocking human potential.
Victara was created to change that.
At Victara, I envisioned helping people move beyond simply “being healthy”. The goal is vitality, confidence, resilience and performance across every stage of their life.
Shelby Sheppard
Hormone Nurse Practitioner-
Hi, I’m Shelby Sheppard, a Nurse Practitioner and the founder of Pause Health! My healthcare journey began with a Bachelor of Nursing from Memorial University of Newfoundland in 2015. I started my career as a Registered Nurse in labour and delivery at the Health Sciences Centre in St. John’s, NL, before moving to Calgary in 2018, where I continued supporting patients through pregnancy and birth at Rockyview General Hospital. In 2021, I completed my Master of Nursing – Nurse Practitioner (Primary Care) at the University of Saskatchewan.
Over time, my practice evolved toward hormone and sexual health after recognizing the significant gaps in care many patients experience and the impact this has on their quality of life. This led me to pursue advanced training in hormone therapy and sexual medicine through WorldLink Medical, along with ongoing continuing education. At Pause Health, I care for patients navigating hormonal changes and sexual health concerns across the lifespan—from perimenopause and menopause, PCOS, and PMS, to low testosterone, erectile dysfunction, and fertility considerations after testosterone therapy. My approach emphasizes evidence-informed, individualized care, rooted in the belief that “normal” lab values don’t always mean patients feel their best. I aim to help people better understand their bodies, make informed decisions about their health, and feel like themselves again.
Outside of work, life is busy in the best way. I’m a mom to my toddler daughter, Sloane, and two golden retrievers, Olaf and Sven. I love starting the day with a good cup of coffee, staying active in some way each day, spending time with my family, and catching a Bengals game during football season.
Leah Milne
Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist-
Hi, I’m Leah Milne!
I am a Physiotherapist with over a decade of experience and a strong passion for Women’s Health. After graduating with distinction from the University of Alberta (BScKin 2010, MScPT 2012), my clinical focus shifted toward the perinatal population. This led me to further specialize in pelvic health, including training at the Women’s Health Training Institute in Sydney, Australia.
My clinical expertise includes treating dyspareunia (pain with intercourse), anorectal disorders, and pelvic floor dysfunction in women and all people with vaginas. I also treat Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) and provide specialized pessary fitting and care. With a strong background in Pilates, I emphasize movement quality, breathwork, and posture, helping patients build strength and restore function through education, manual therapy, and individualized exercise prescription.
Outside the clinic, I try to practice what I preach by staying active through running and other fitness pursuits. As a mother of two children (ages 4 and 7), I understand the realities of balancing family life while maintaining a body that feels strong and capable. When I’m not working, you’ll likely find me outdoors, out for a run, or spending time with my family.
Jaime McCool
Functional Wellness Provider-
Hi, I’m Jaime McCool, a Functional Wellness Consultant with Victara. I have worked in healthcare for many years, most recently I have spent the past 3 years serving adult urology patients with Dr. Kevin Carlson at the SAIU here in Calgary. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Kinesiology from the University of Calgary and a passion for everything health and wellness: from nutrition and personal training to disease prevention and naturopathic care. I have worked in a variety of industries over the years but always come back to healthcare and helping people become the best version of themselves. I have 2 school aged children, Sayler and Jones, who keep me busy with all their various sporting activities. I love long dog walks with my Golden Doodle and in any spare time I have, I love to fill my creative cup with oil painting and home design.
Kim Carlson
Functional Wellness Provider-
I’ve always had a deep passion for health, fitness, and personal growth, and I feel incredibly grateful to bring that passion into my work every day. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology from the University of Calgary and a Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology from City University, which have allowed me to combine both physical and emotional approaches to wellness. I began my career as a certified personal trainer through the National Strength and Conditioning Association, running my own training business from home. During that time, I had the privilege of working closely with clients to help them build strength, confidence, and sustainable habits. Earlier in my career, I also worked as an adoption counsellor and as a support worker for individuals affected by domestic violence. Those experiences shaped my compassionate, client-centered approach and continue to influence how I support people today.
Movement and challenge have always been a big part of my life. I’ve explored everything from gymnastics and boxing to power walking, bodybuilding, and fitness modeling. I’ve had the opportunity to compete as a fitness model at the national level, and I continue to prioritize staying active and pushing myself in new ways. Outside of fitness, I love spending time outdoors; surfing, hiking, and walking with our dog are some of my favorite ways to recharge.
As a mother of three busy daughters, I understand how challenging it can be to balance health, family, and life’s demands. That perspective allows me to connect with clients in a real and meaningful way.
I’m incredibly excited to be part of the Victara team, where I can bring together my background in fitness, counselling, and life experience to support patients in a truly holistic way. My goal is to help each person feel stronger, more confident, and supported throughout their health journey
Why Our Team Matters
What truly sets Victara apart is the people behind the care. Each team member brings a unique combination of expertise, experience, and passion for patient-centered healthcare. Together, we bridge traditional medicine, innovative therapies, and private-pay services to create a seamless, collaborative care experience.
At Victara, you’re not just receiving treatment, you’re joining a community that prioritizes your health, confidence, and vitality at every step of your journey. Our team is here to support, guide, and empower you, so you can achieve the best possible outcomes today and for years to come.