Hi, I'm Melanie Genest-Dardanou

I’m the owner and hands-on therapist behind Stretch Therapy & Wellness, a cozy fascia-focused clinic tucked into Toronto’s Little Portugal. I help people move better, feel better, and reconnect with their bodies—especially if they’re dealing with chronic pain, movement or posture concerns.

My approach combines Myofascial Release, Fascial Stretch Therapy, cupping, and therapeutic movement. Every session is personalized and rooted in one core belief: your body is capable of change—sometimes it just needs the right kind of support.

Founder of Stretch Therapy & Wellness
Fascia-Focused RMT | MENTOR | Athlete | Entrepreneur

 

About Stretch Therapy & Wellness

I founded Stretch in 2020 as a space where people could come not just to “fix” pain—but to feel supported, understood, and empowered to heal. Since then, it’s grown into a trusted, RMT-owned clinic offering fascia-based therapy, postural work, nervous system care, and deeply personalized sessions in a calm, cozy space.

My approach is both clinical and intuitive. Whether you're managing chronic pain, training hard, navigating burnout, or just want to feel more aligned in your body—I’ll meet you where you’re at and help you move forward with ease.

If you're ready to feel better in your body, I’d love to work with you. And if you’re a fellow therapist or movement pro looking to learn fascia-focused care—I’m always happy to connect.


My Mission

Healing is more than pain relief—it’s a return to your power.

At the heart of my work is a deep belief: that the body is wise, that healing is possible, and that every person deserves to feel strong, connected, and free in their own skin.

I created Stretch Therapy & Wellness not just as a clinic, but as a movement—one that helps people reconnect with themselves through fascia-focused therapy, mindful movement, and compassionate care. This work isn’t about quick fixes. It’s about creating space for transformation—physically, emotionally, and energetically.

My mission is to empower people with the tools, knowledge, and support to heal themselves. I work with those who’ve “tried everything,” who feel stuck in patterns of pain or burnout, and are finally ready to break free, rebuild trust in their body, and reclaim their well-being.

Whether I’m working hands-on with a client, mentoring a fellow therapist, or teaching a group about the intelligence of fascia, my purpose remains the same:
To remind people that they are not broken, that their body is capable of incredible change, and that healing is not a linear process—but a personal revolution.

This is the work I live for. And it’s my honour to share it.


Why I Do This Work

My path into therapeutic care started with a love for movement and a deep desire to help people feel more free in their bodies. I’ve lived through injury, burnout, and the pressure of pushing too hard—and I know how powerful the right kind of hands-on care can be.

Before becoming an RMT, I worked in fitness as an award-winning personal trainer, created a women’s martial arts fitness program called Tae-She, and competed in bodybuilding. Today, I hold a red belt in Taekwondo, and I still move and train—but now I do it with a lot more wisdom and compassion for my body.

With various diplomas and certifications in fascial manipulation, massage, skin therapy and movement achieved over the last 10 years, I bring a holistic approach to healing to my clinical work.


My Journey

My journey into the world of bodywork started in the fitness industry. I worked as a personal trainer and group coach, helping people build strength, confidence, and better movement patterns. But over time, I became more curious about why people were getting stuck, stiff, or injured—and how to help them beyond strength training alone.

That led me to Fascial Stretch Therapy, which completely changed the way I understood the body—and inspired me to open Stretch Therapy & Wellness in 2020. I started the clinic before I even became an RMT, working as a Fascial Stretch Therapist and mobility coach to help people move and feel better in sustainable, empowering ways.

Wanting to go deeper and offer more, I later pursued my Registered Massage Therapy designation, graduating with honours from Kikkawa College. Since then, I have continued to grow my practice and my knowledge, choosing to focus on the treatment of fascia as it relates to chronic pain, mobility and posture concerns.


Professional Recognition

In 2024, I proudly placed 3rd in the Freestyle Massage category at the Canadian & International Massage Championship in Laval, Quebec—a celebration of creativity, clinical skill, and therapeutic innovation.

In 2025, I became an ambassador for the Canadian Massage Therapy Championship & Summit, where I also placed Top 6 in the Western Freestyle Massage category, competing alongside some of the most talented therapists in the country.


Mentorship & Education

I’m passionate about sharing what I’ve learned. In 2025, I was a featured educator and presenter at the Canadian Massage Conferences hosted by Massage Therapy Media (March & June editions), where I spoke on fascia-focused therapy and functional treatment planning.

I mentor other RMTs, movement professionals, and bodyworkers who want to deepen their understanding of fascia, biomechanis, and results-based treatment strategies. My mission is to help elevate the standard of care in our industry while empowering others to bring more depth and clarity into their hands-on work.

Whether it’s through 1:1 mentorship, teaching workshops, or speaking at events, I love supporting other practitioners in building confidence, clarity, and longevity in their work.