The Sault loves to see its young people become professionals and entrepreneurs who choose to live and work in this community.
Alexandra Greco is a standout example.
Greco, a registered physiotherapist and owner of Aline Wellness, was presented with the Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce Young Professional of the Year Award, sponsored by EAZY Express, at the Chamber's Outstanding Business Achievement Awards held May 6.
The award recognizes the achievement of young professional(s) between 18 and 39 years of age who have made significant contributions to their profession and community.
Greco’s Aline Wellness focuses on physiotherapy, Pilates, yoga and nutrition to help clients reach a better level of physical, mental and emotional health.
“My grandfather was a pharmacist and I feel like he definitely inspired me to go into the health care field. I definitely tried to do the pharmacy route but it just wasn't for me. I wanted more of that hands-on approach like using exercise as medicine. I started shadowing some local physiotherapists in town and I decided on that field,” Greco told SooToday.
Greco earned a Bachelor of Science degree in exercise science and an associate degree in health and fitness at Lake Superior State University, followed by a Master’s degree in physical therapy from the University of Western Ontario.
She launched Aline Wellness, located on Queen Street East in the Sault’s downtown core, in 2022.
“We’ve come a long way. It was just me and two others when we first started and now we have 20 people working here, a mix of full-time and part-time employees. We've definitely grown and it does feel pretty good,” Greco said.
With a full roster of physiotherapy clients for herself, Greco also employs three part-time physiotherapists, two social workers, a psychotherapist, a holistic nutritionist, nutrition coach, three massage therapists, three administrative staff and several yoga and Pilates instructors.
“I like helping people move with ease and reconnect with their bodies and feel more like themselves. It's really nice to help people get there. I really enjoy helping women feel empowered and confident as they move through different phases of life, whether it's pregnancy, post-partum, menopause or beyond. It's a privilege to support them through these transitions,” Greco said.
She enjoys the variety in her work.
“One day I can have a full day of physio clients and then the next day I'm teaching Pilates and just having a lot of fun. Then I might be working on the business side of things, designing and customizing merchandise to share with the community. Wearing those different hats keeps things fresh and exciting.”
As for the Chamber honouring her as Young Professional of the Year?
“It’s an incredible honour being recognized by the Chamber and my hometown community. It reminded me how far this journey has come and how important it is to pause and celebrate," Greco said.
She hopes her success will inspire other young local business people to follow their dreams and set up shop in the Sault.
"It might influence other young entrepreneurs to do the same. Hopefully more people will stay in the Sault and feel proud of their accomplishments. I'm a proud Sault native. I don't see myself leaving," Greco said.