Editor’s Note
This piece explores the evolution of River Stone Health and Wellness in Edmonton, Alberta, under Tamara Hartson’s leadership. From its roots in holistic care to its expansion into medical aesthetics, the center exemplifies an integrated approach to well-being.
In the vibrant city of Edmonton, Alberta, Tamara Hartson stands at the helm of a truly unique and transformative enterprise: River Stone Health and Wellness. For over 11 years, the center has been a pillar of comprehensive well-being, evolving from a successful health and wellness hub into a pioneering force in medical aesthetics. This integrated approach offers clients a complete spectrum of care, marrying traditional wellness services with cutting-edge aesthetic treatments.
Tamara’s journey includes co-owners Jennifer Wankiewicz and Thalia Hartson, and they began with a vision to provide holistic care, starting with a robust wellness center offering chiropractic, physiotherapy, and massage services. Recognizing the growing demand for advanced skin and beauty solutions, River Stone Health and Wellness expanded its repertoire in 2019, officially launching a full suite of medical aesthetic services in January of this year. This expansion was driven by a philosophy centered on integrated health, ensuring that every treatment, whether for physical well-being or aesthetic enhancement, meets the highest standards of comfort, quality, and efficacy. Tamara and her team emphasize that all practitioners are fully certified specialists, a critical distinction in Alberta’s often unregulated aesthetics industry. This commitment to expertise underpins their mission to maximize care and deliver exceptional, trustworthy results.
The dedication to excellence at River Stone Health and Wellness is evident in their remarkable track record. Having been recognized as the fastest-growing wellness center in Edmonton over the past 11 years, their success is built on an outstanding client referral rate and a deep commitment to their community. Among their most impactful offerings is their innovative approach to hair restoration, which has yielded dramatic and life-changing results for many, particularly young men in their late 20s and early 30s who have regained their confidence alongside their hair. Utilizing microneedling with advanced exosome serums, such as those from the European brand Promoitalia, Tamara describes this treatment as:
Beyond hair restoration, services like microneedling offer significant rejuvenation and prejuvenation benefits, restoring youthful appearance and skin health.
A glowing testimonial from a client captures the essence of the River Stone experience, detailing laser hair removal as the:
The client praised the knowledgeable practitioners, the honest expectations provided, and the safe, comfortable environment. The clinic itself is described as:
elevating the overall experience. This testament highlights not just the effectiveness of their treatments, but the warm, welcoming atmosphere cultivated by the team, which is considered part of the family. Shandra, the HR coordinator, notes the unique advantage of full collaboration among all practitioners, ensuring clients benefit from a rich tapestry of expertise, even across the medical clinic and aesthetics team. This creates a:
Tamara’s commitment extends beyond clinic walls. River Stone Health & Wellness actively listens to its community and supports broader wellness initiatives, including efforts to help children in Ghana. This holistic approach, combining advanced medical aesthetics with a deep-seated commitment to overall health and community welfare, sets them apart. With a strong emphasis on continuous improvement and client satisfaction, River Stone Health & Wellness is also at the forefront of technological adoption, being one of the first in Canada to integrate RepeatMD. This advanced app features a rewards system, membership programs, and AI technology to create personalized treatment plans, further enhancing client engagement and outcomes.
The clinic’s guiding philosophy is simple:
With a comprehensive range of services from laser hair removal to injectables and specialized skin treatments, Tamara, Jennifer, Thalia and their team at River Stone Health and Wellness are truly redefining what it means to be a medical spa. Their dedication to integrated health, certified expertise, and an empowering client experience makes them a beacon of excellence in Edmonton’s wellness landscape.
