Our Therapists

Jo earned her Bachelor of Kinesiology with a minor in Nutritional Sciences from the University of British Columbia. She is passionate about sharing the joys and benefits of leading an active lifestyle and enjoys watching her clients grow and thrive as they discover what they are capable of. Her practice focuses on functional movements and corrective exercises to help clients improve their quality of life. She uses thorough assessment to identify the root cause of pain or injury such as muscle imbalances and postural instability. Through personalized exercise therapy programs she helps clients achieve their unique health-oriented goals, supporting them on their journey towards moving well and having confidence in themselves. Her extensive rehabilitation science education makes her well suited to work with a variety of populations, including pre- and post-natal clients and those with chronic conditions. She also has experience providing strength and conditioning training to high-performance athletes including mixed martial arts combatants, rugby players, and rock climbers. In her spare time, Jo enjoys staying active through hiking, snowboarding, and powerlifting.

Healing through massage is Lori’s lifework. In addition to having more than 20 years of experience as a massage therapist, she co-founded her first massage therapy studio in 1993 and opened Soma Studio on her own in 1999. Lori’s original focus was helping pregnant women, their partners and babies adjust to the changes that happen during the childbearing year. She has now expanded the practice to include clients who suffer from stress-induced pain and overuse conditions, or who are interested in preventative massage. Lori helps her clients to find ease in their bodies through deep tissue massage, therapeutic exercise, and yoga therapy. In addition to founding three successful massage therapy studios, she has continued her education into alternative techniques that will help her serve her clients. Besides practicing yoga, she loves cooking slow-food style, spending time outdoors and traveling. A movie buff – especially of foreign films – she has been a faithful Vancouver International Film Festival goer for years. Lori graduated from the West Coast College of Massage Therapy in 1989.

Lori works at Soma Studio Salt Spring Island.

After graduating from UBC in 2004 with a degree in classical piano, Carla's passion was healing through music. As she was introduced to massage, she realized just as music provided a medium for others to heal, massage too allowed her to use her intuitive nature to help others on their healing journey. Carla graduated from The Vancouver College of Massage Therapy in 2012. Through a variety of techniques including Swedish massage, myofascial release, trigger point therapy, joint mobilization, stretching and hydrotherapy, Carla treats a variety of conditions which include repetitive strain injuries, headaches, stress & anxiety related conditions and postural dysfunction. Carla's philosophy towards massage is dedicated towards providing a unique experience for each guest. By taking a full body approach, Carla's goal through her treatments is to guide her clients as active participants in their unique healing journey as well as provide an environment in which her clients can find comfort and safety. Note from therapist: Pressure is subjective and unique for everyone and the concept of what one may consider deep tissue massage varies from one person to another. With this in mind, I would like to make note that I don't consider my practice to be a deep tissue style. If you find you are looking for a more traditional deep tissue treatment, I will be happy to help find a good fit for your specific goals and needs with a better fitting therapist at Soma. Carla is available at the Soma West location for treatment.

Catalina Ip earned a degree in kinesiology at Simon Fraser University in 1999. She graduated from West Coast College of Massage Therapy in 2002. She worked with medical doctors in Edmonton for the first year of her practice, and focused on patients who were involved in Motor Vehicle Accidents. Upon her return to Vancouver, Catalina had the opportunity to work in the North Shore and Kerrisdale. Many of these clients have a very active lifestyle, so she was able apply her knowledge in kinesiology and massage to aid in their recovery. Joining the family at Soma Studio, she was able to learn and apply her skills with pre and postnatal women. Returning now after a year’s maternity leave, as a mother of a precious little boy, she has a better comprehension and appreciation of the human condition during pregnancy and post-pregnancy. Catalina predominantly uses Swedish massage techniques, Myofascial Release, Trigger Point Therapy, Joint Mobilization and Active Release -like techniques in her practice. She believes that as massage therapists, we can guide the body reach its full potential. Catalina enjoys working with other health care professionals and strongly believes that we can all work together to optimize the health of each individual.

Jean-Luc entered the field of massage therapy in 2007 when he graduated from the Spa Therapy program at the Vancouver School of Bodywork and Massage. It wasn’t long before his passion for massage and holistic wellness led him to complete his training as a Registered Massage Therapist. He is also trained in pregnancy massage, Shiatsu, and Cranial-Sacral therapy. Drawing on a variety of Swedish and deep-tissue techniques, including myofascial release, joint mobilizations, muscle energy and trigger-point therapy, his treatments are particularly effective for the relief of various postural and stress-related conditions, including tension headaches, low-back pain, Piriformis syndrome, plantar fasciitis and TMJ dysfunction. Whether you are recovering from surgery or an injury, coping with the physical changes of pregnancy, or simply looking for relief from the stress of your busy life, Jean-Luc is able to adapt his technique and depth of pressure in order to address your specific needs. His holistic approach balances strength with softness, and his thorough knowledge of human anatomy combined with his intuitive ability to understand your needs result in a deeply personalized experience. In his spare time, Jean-Luc enjoys practicing yoga, hiking and playing music. A native of France, Jean-Luc has travelled extensively and speaks English, French, Spanish and Dutch fluently.

Lesley brings 15 years of dedicated study and practice to support her clients towards greater wellness. Her work is inspired by the use of Acupuncture, Chinese Medicine and Yoga. The treatments she offers aim to address the complexity of each person’s health challenges so as to effect change at the root of physical, mental and emotional imbalances. In 2009, she completed a 5 year Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine Program in Victoria, BC, which included a 6 month hospital internship in Sichuan Province, China.  She has led Yoga classes and workshops for the past 13 years and was on the teaching staff of the Salt Spring Centre of Yoga’s Annual Yoga Teacher Training Program for a decade. In her practice, Lesley uses all of her skills to support the varied needs of her clients.  She welcomes individuals of all ages and addresses a wide range of issues including: pre and post natal health, gynecology, digestive imbalances, pain and injury, chronic conditions, depression, anxiety and psychosomatic related issues. Lesley’s empathic approach to care fosters trust from those with whom she works and cultivates a deep possibility for change. In her spare time she enjoys playing outdoors with her family, practicing Yoga and traveling. You can find more information about Lesley's work here. Lesley will be seeing clients on Tuesday afternoons and Friday mornings at SOMA East and Wednesday mornings at SOMA West. Book your appointment now!

Tess Halldorson is an RMT who graduated from the West Coast College of Massage Therapy, where she learned to effectively address a variety of conditions. Tess is proficient in several modalities, including Swedish massage, myofascial release, trigger point therapy, and joint mobilizations. Tess believes in keeping up to date on the latest treatment techniques, and obtaining measurable outcomes with thorough before and after treatment assessment. She is passionate about helping her patients reach their therapeutic goals, whether it be injury recovery, stress related, or maintaining general wellness. Tess looks forward to meeting you.

Tina is a graduate of the Vancouver College of Massage Therapy. She utilizes her compassion, knowledge, adaptability, intuition, and focused intent to provide treatments to suit each client’s goals. She uses many different modalities in her treatments but particularly enjoys incorporating deep tissue, myofascial release, neuromuscular therapy, trigger point release and active and passive modalities. She is very passionate about her clients’ health and places a strong emphasis on education about the body and self-care recommendations such as stretching, strengthening and postural awareness.

Stephanie draws from a range of massage techniques including Swedish Massage, Deep Tissue, Myofascial and Neuromuscular techniques to treat and assist in : - Headaches - Trigger Point Release - Chronic Pain - Injury rehab - Muscle tension - Postural support - Repetitive Strain Injuries - Stress Management and Breath Work - Pregnancy - General relaxation When not working as an RMT you will find Stephanie outside running, hiking, camping, cooking or searching for sunshine

Tanisha graduated from VCMT (Vancouver College of Massage Therapy). She is passionate about helping people and believes that everyone can benefit from massage therapy. Tanisha’s full body approach includes some of the following techniques: myofascial release, trigger point release, stretching, joint mobilization and hydrotherapy. Her goal is to treat the body as a whole to aid in maintaining balance. When not at work some of her hobbies include various types of exercise routines including HIIT, Strength training, mobility and yoga. She enjoys spending time outdoors, music, cooking, and spending time with family and friends. She is so grateful to be part of the Soma team!

Paige graduated from West Coast College of Massage Therapy in 2017. She grew up around the medical profession with both of her parents being chiropractors as well as her older brother. She naturally developed a passion for patient centred care as well as being apart of a healthcare team. She has a wide knowledge of orthopaedic conditions, having worked with the UBC varsity team, pre and postnatal mothers, and patients in GF strong- the largest rehab hospital in British Columbia. In her treatments, Paige uses a variety of techniques including Swedish massage, deep tissue, myofascial release, trigger point therapy, joint mobilization, stretching and hydrotherapy. Paige treats a variety of conditions some including pre and post pregnancy, whiplash, headaches, strains and jaw pain. Paige is passionate about treating patients with temporal mandibular dysfunctions (TMJD), also known as jaw pain. After she conducted a large case study centered around jaw re-alignment and pain, she continues to strive for more knowledge and solutions for patients. In her spare time, Paige enjoys being outdoors- hiking the local mountains, snowshoeing and camping. She has a huge passion for traveling and being with family. Paige is passionate about patient centered care and helping you achieve your rehab and therapeutic goals. She is excited to be apart of the soma team!

Nadine’s approach to massage therapy uses open conversation, critical thinking and a diverse range of treatment techniques to find the root cause of your complaint. She uses a variety of techniques for both acute and chronic conditions including myofascial release, muscle energy technique, Swedish relaxation massage and integrated breath-work. Incorporating stress reduction and decreasing sympathetic nervous system stimulation are also important to her and therefore common treatment integrations. As a clinician, she welcomes anyone into her treatment space and is excited by working with a wide range of patients but some more specific areas of interest include headaches, post-surgical scar tissue mobilization and patterns associated with chronic strain and postural imbalances. Nadine has a deep acknowledgement of the ancient practice of massage while also keeping up to date on modern therapeutic treatment practices and current clinical studies.

Koko's sensitive and empathetic nature led her to discover Reiki where she was able to personally experience healing on mental, physical and emotional levels. Now it is her pleasure to offer this experience of healing to others. Koko's gifts of empathy, compassion and intuition enable her to help others return to their most authentic expression of self by clearing away what is no longer needed in the body's energy systems. This can include but is not limited to the release of stress, anxiety, trauma and energy from others. Koko is a Level Two Reiki Practitioner initiated into the Usui Reiki Lineage. She continues to train with the Growing Whole Institute (www.growingwhole.ca) under the supervision of Reiki Master and Teacher Ashley Eden. In addition, Koko is a Registered Holistic Nutritionist and culinary school graduate. She believes that preventative healthcare through a balanced lifestyle and diet are key to great physical and mental health. To learn more about Koko please visit her website www.evokemagick.com

Sarah loves what she does. After completing the program at Vancouver College of Massage Therapy in 2010, Sarah has worked in a variety of clinical settings from Naturopathic Integrated Health Centres to luxury Five Star Spas. From trigger point therapy, muscle energy technique and myofascial release, Sarah seamlessly combines her clinical reasoning and technical skills with an intuitive, holistic and relaxing approach. Her curiosity to understand the root cause of pain and dysfunction in the body keeps her practice ever-evolving. Sarah looks at the body globally and combines her interest in eastern modalities with western evidence-based techniques for a therapeutic and relaxing experience. Sarah is passionate about working with chronic pain issues, empowering clients through education by bringing to light subconscious holding patterns in the body and how they are inherently interconnected.

Kirsten is passionate and highly enthusiastic about her work in the healing arts. Her career has been dedicated to service, she has been practicing and providing massage for over 20 years as a Licensed Aesthetician and Spa Therapist in Vancouver. Kirsten’s massage clients would often make comments about her calming energy and “magic” hands. The unwavering support over the years gave her confidence in her practical skills and fed her desire to return to school in order to pursue higher education in the field. She recently graduated from the 3000 hour program at Vancouver College of Massage Therapy (2020), then earned the milestone of RMT Certification. By connecting with the science of human anatomy and physiology she has been able to achieve a deeper understanding of her craft. She believes that the treatment room is a sanctuary for compassionate healing and wellbeing. Her treatment philosophy is that massage can feel great and still be therapeutic. Her particular interests are in the science of stress, calm and sleep and how massage therapy can help manage the fundamental functions of our nervous system.

Kirsten uses the the core principles of massage in addition to a wide range of traditional Swedish techniques to achieve results for her patients. She is an intuitive practitioner and a thoughtful communicator, who holds a high emotional intelligence. She is able to articulate how and why certain techniques are helpful, in this way, she contributes to an informed massage experience. Her own life experience, professionalism, care for others, knowledge and positive spirit are her most compelling traits as a therapist. She has a heart-felt happy energy and charisma about her that she shares freely and effortlessly with others, creating a light hearted but soothing atmosphere. She is a self-care advocate and a self-proclaimed massage connoisseur who views massage therapy as the most valuable tool in her own healing toolbox. She is very excited to be joining the team of amazing therapist’s at Soma Studio and she looks forward to treating you!

Natalie began her pursuit in healing through yoga in 2006. After discovering how the basic principles of movement and meditation brought her body back into balance, she became a Yoga Teacher by spring 2007, through the Original Hot Yoga Method (26+2). In 2009, she explored partner yoga coupled with Thai Massage, which peaked her interest in a more hands-on approach. By 2012, Natalie completed a 200-hour YTT through Semperviva Yoga and unravelled her passion for a more fluid yoga practice. As a recent graduate from the Vancouver College of Massage Therapy program, Natalie takes her fascination with the way the body moves and works, and incorporates it into how she treats her clients. Knowing that no two bodies have experienced the same path, her approach to treatment takes on the same understanding. Integrating both a holistic and intuitive approach, with orthopaedic techniques, she listens to the body and encourages communication to empower her clients. Her treatment approaches may include the following: diaphragmatic breathing, myofascial release, trigger point release, dynamic release, active and/or passive stretching infused with Swedish relaxation. Natalie believes that when we are able to connect to and understand our bodies, we feel more empowered. Through education and remedial exercises, she aspires to assist her clients to achieve their health goals and become the best version of themselves. Book a session with Natalie so you can start feeling and moving to your full potential.

Sophie’s goal is to empower you to stay curious, move confidently, and to live free from pain. You are encouraged to be yourself in this treatment space! Sophie’s treatments are often slow, strong and sporty. Her affinity for client involvement in active release techniques encourages you to uncover, question and challenge your functional limitations. Sophie integrates deep tissue and Swedish massage, myofascial release therapy, joint mobilizations, and stretching into a fundamentally relaxing session. She utilizes breathwork and body awareness cues to facilitate a deep sense of mindfulness and stress relief. Her approach to massage is positively client-centered. She strives to create a safe, collaborative treatment space where you can choose to reconnect deeply with yourself. Your massage will be tailored to your current mood and needs: ranging from dynamic movement with informative dialogue to a soothing, zen reset for your nervous system. Outside of the treatment room, Sophie likes to hike with friends, read neuroscience non-fiction, get eight hours of sleep, eat pastries from Livia and lift weights. She graduated from the 3000-hour massage therapy program at Vancouver College of Massage Therapy. Her academic distinction was recognized with the Dean’s list honours and she was awarded with the college’s Heart Award for her integrity, compassion, and dedication to the profession’s community.

Born and raised in Vancouver, Sadira has utilized her beautiful province as a space to learn about coexisting with nature through meditative practices as well as used her environment in her fitness routines, such as hiking, cycling and bouldering. Sadira found massage in 2013 by exploring career options and came across a weekend workshop at a massage school, which would be her first exposure to massage. She immediately felt that the time and space to focus on the body and breath provided by a massage treatment was unique and the act of giving massage felt natural to her hands. Sadira spent a summer in 2016 tree planting in interior British Columbia which was when she suffered a back injury which brought her into a deeply intimate place with her body. By the end of that Summer, she made the decision to start taking steps towards a career in wellness and pursued her yoga teacher training in 2016. She has spent many years volunteering at studios and clinics, and has practiced yoga for over a decade. Through recovering from her own injury, she gained belief and understanding that touch is a very natural and instinctual way of regenerating and connecting that has been somewhat lost.  Sadira graduated the 2200-hour program at Vancouver College of Massage Therapy in December 2019. She looks forward to meeting you and facilitating your health journey.

Originally from St. Johns Newfoundland, Phil graduated from the ICT Massage Therapy program in Halifax in 2006 and has spent his career in both Canada and Grand Cayman. Phil has a unique variety of professional experience including spas at the Ritz Carlton and multidisciplinary clinics. This diversity has influenced his treatment approach to combine the relaxing benefits of a spa with the therapeutics of clinical practice. Phil is known for deeper pressure but prefers to provide a blend of both deep-tissue and relaxation techniques encouraging the maximum benefits for both the mind and body. Some techniques Phil likes to incorporate into his services are:

• Deep tissue
• Myofascial release
• Trigger point therapy
• Swedish techniques
• Pregnancy Massage

When Phil is not massaging you can find him enjoying the best this beautiful city has to offer while riding his bike around Stanley Park or at a hot yoga studio.

Ashley's focus is on helping her patients reach their health-oriented goals and facilitating a mind-body connection through massage. She understands the importance of clear communication and works closely with her patients to create a comprehensive, empowering and effective treatment plan to help them achieve their goals. Whether her patients are looking for relaxation or rehabilitation, Ashley tailors each massage to her patient’s unique wants and needs by incorporating a mixture of Swedish massage, trigger point therapy, joint mobilization, myofascial release, and contract-relax stretching techniques to her treatments. She brings warm, calm and personalized care to her work and is eager to take on new challenges!

Hanna graduated from the Vancouver College of Massage Therapy with Dean’s List Honours. One of her favourite topics in school was pain science. Having acquired her own discogenic back injury during the most rigorous of semesters, she’s fully aware how stressful and debilitating this new and anxiety-inducing pain can be. Working through this situation with the support of a compassionate health care professional really made all the difference for her, and she strives to be this support for those who find themselves in similar situations. Hanna actively listens to each client’s particular goal and reason for treatment, and works with them to explore the best possible approach to achieve their desired outcome. She integrates several different techniques into her treatment style, using a multifaceted approach that fluidly adapts to the client’s specific needs and goals. She is a huge advocate of a hybrid of relaxation and orthopaedic style treatment, fully believing that when we allow the nervous system the opportunity to relax it facilitates the body’s ability to heal itself. Some of her favourite modalities include myofascial release, dynamic release, neuromuscular techniques, Swedish massage, trigger point release, and joint mobilizations. When she’s not in the clinic, you can find Hanna dreaming up her next big adventure and soaking up all of the natural beauty this province has to offer.

Kayla strives to help patients find comfort and ease in movement with every stage in life. She believes that massage can be an effective support to the body’s innate ability to find balance and healing, be that in the context of self-care, relaxation, recovery from activity or rehabilitation from injury. Her treatments are tailored to help patients reach their therapeutic goals. She treats the whole person, taking into considerations the nervous system response as well as soft tissue. Her style is fluid and balances deep flowing pressure with calming relaxation, guided breath, body awareness, and specific techniques to address areas of concern. She draws from a variety of Swedish and deep-tissue techniques, including myofascial release, joint mobilizations, muscle energy and trigger-point therapy. Kayla has always been amazed by the human body and everything that the body allows us to achieve in life. She was drawn to massage as a form of self-care and nervous system support through many years in a high-intensity corporate environment. In 2014 after being hit by a car, massage became the primary modality that supported her recovery. This experience reignited a long-standing interest in the human body and became the catalyst for pursuing a career as an RMT. She began studying anatomy and movement in 2017 when she entered her first yoga teacher training program and continuously built on this knowledge through additional yoga training in pain science, anatomy and physiology before completing her diploma in massage therapy at Vancouver College of Massage Therapy in 2021. When not at work Kayla keeps busy with yoga, kickboxing, and strength and mobility training. She enjoys travelling, music, cooking vegetarian food while singing, making up flowy yoga sequences to random playlists, and spending time with family and friends. Kayla is available at the Soma West location for treatment. Book your appointment today.

Prior to massage therapy Martina enjoyed an active lifestyle in the Sea to Sky corridor snowboarding, hiking, dirt biking, and pursuing a love of the outdoors. With these activities came injuries and thus began her own journey of therapy involving massage, physiotherapy, chiropractic, naturopathy, and the practice of yoga and pilates. Martina is grateful for these experiences and understands first hand how a joint effort between therapist and client, as well as an integrated approach to therapy, can achieve long lasting results.

After moving to Canada, Camila decided to change careers and graduated from Vancouver College of Massage Therapy. During her 3000-hour program, she was able to find herself professionally through the ability to help others. She likes to use diverse techniques to adjust to different needs, but some of her favourites are deep tissue massage, relaxation techniques, joint mobilizations, dynamic release, trigger point release and myofascial release. In her continued studies, Camila has now the chance to focus on women's health, one of her main areas of interest. Some of the courses she took include prenatal massage, post c-section massage and infant massage. Her ultimate goal with her treatments and prescribed home care is to improve quality of life by helping bodies to unlearn the pain-cycle that comes with persistent pain.

Valentina, born and raised in Russia, was originally exposed to alternative medicine through her grandmother and mother who practiced chiropractic, massage, and herbal therapies. After moving to Canada, she spent her teen and young adult years involved in sports, where her passion for health and wellbeing became more evident. She completed a personal fitness trainer diploma, which was a field that she stayed in for over 10 years. During this time, she met an acupuncturist who helped her resolve her own health issues, and open her eyes to the beautiful world of Traditional Chinese Medicine. This experience brought on a desire to expand her knowledge, and she enrolled at the Tzu Chi International College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, where she completed both the Acupuncturist and Herbalist programs. Valentina uses an empathetic and caring approach where she utilizes acupuncture, cupping, tuina, gua sha, moxibustion, as well as food and herbal therapy as a part of her well rounded practice. Conditions she treats include but are not limited to acute and chronic musculoskeletal, neurological, gastro-intestinal, mental-emotional, gynecological, and respiratory issues. In her free time, Valentina enjoys lifting weights, exploring foodie and coffee establishments, traveling with her family, and spending time by the ocean.

Melissa has an interest in people’s stories and how their life experiences have created the mind-body patterns that they live in today. She specializes in myofascial release and can’t get enough education in the effective technique. A Manitoba transplant, Melissa came to Vancouver to escape the snow.

Meagan graduated from the West Coast College of Massage Therapy in 2021. She comes from a family of Chiropractors and RMTs and has a deep passion for healing others through alternative health care. Meagan has experience working with pre and postnatal mothers, office workers with postural dysfunctions and patients with fibromyalgia, headaches, and overuse injuries. She also works with patients who have multiple sclerosis and other central nervous system disorders. In her treatments, Meagan uses a variety of techniques including Swedish massage, deep tissue, myofascial release, muscle stimulation, joint mobilization and active stretching to decrease muscle tension and encourage increased mobility and realignment of postural dysfunctions. Meagan has a passion for helping to correct postural dysfunctions caused by orthopaedic and musculoskeletal conditions and believes that combining massage therapy with patient education empowers patients to recover, rejuvenate, and restore balance to body and mind. When she is not working, Meagan enjoys camping and hiking and spending quality time with her family.

Ruth is a recent graduate from the Registered Massage Therapist program at Langara College. She is currently waiting to complete her board exams in Fall 2022. After seeing the life-changing impact that massage therapy had on her and those around her, Ruth realized this was the career for her. With a BA in Sociology, she understands the crucial role that a non-judgmental approach to health and wellness plays in our daily social lives and provides a compassionate, listening ear to her patients Ruth speaks English and Cantonese. As a bodyworker, Ruth is excited to provide relaxation massages to all—especially those who are totally exhausted and highly in need of stress relief! Outside of work, you can find her travelling, going on adventures with her family, dog and cat, camping, fishing, and ATV-ing.  

Serene is a student expanding her knowledge on treatment at Vancouver College of Massage Therapy. She is dedicated in providing welcoming, client-focused therapy and tailoring each treatment with her clients’ needs in mind. Whether clients are looking for relaxation massage or a therapeutic touch, Serene always looks forward to meeting each one of her clients, to listen to their care needs and to take part in empowering each unique health journey.